What must a foreign airline obtain to provide service under a bilateral air service agreement with the U.S.?

To operate under a bilateral air service agreement with the U.S., a foreign airline must obtain a Foreign Air Carrier Permit from the Department of Transportation (DOT). This permit is crucial because it grants the airline the legal authority to engage in air transportation services to and from the United States, thereby allowing it to comply with the terms of the bilateral agreement that governs such transportation. The permit process also ensures that the foreign airline meets safety, security, and operational standards set by U.S. authorities.

While other options may pertain to aspects of aviation operations, they do not provide the specific legal authorization needed for a foreign airline to operate under a bilateral air service agreement with the U.S. For instance, an Airline Operating Certificate is typically required for domestic carriers and does not apply to foreign carriers under a bilateral agreement. Route Authorization is generally a requirement during the certificate process but is not sufficient on its own to establish the legal right to operate in the U.S. Lastly, FAA Special Authorization is more relevant for specific regulatory exemptions or operations rather than the primary authorization needed for international service under a bilateral framework.