Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

1) A certificate issued to an air carrier under Section 401 of the Federal Aviation Act by Department of Transportation (DOT) authorizing the carrier to engage in air transportation. 2) The grant of operating authority (issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission, ICC; and the Federal Maritime Commission, (FMC) that is given to common carriers. A carrier must prove that a public need exists and that the carrier is fit, willing and able to provide the needed service. The certificate may specify the commodities to be hauled, the area to be served, and the routes to be used. (FAA4) (FAA11) (FAA15)