NSDD 280 National Airlift Policy

UNCLASSIFIED 4. The commercial air carrier industry will be relied upon to provide the airlift capability required beyond that available in the organic military airlift fleet. It is therefore the policy of the United States to recognize the interdependence of military and civilian airlift capabilities in meeting wartime airlift requirements, and to protect those national security interests contained within the commercial air carrier industry. 5. During peacetime, Department of Defense requirements for passenger and/or cargo airlift augmentation shall be satisfied by the procurement of airlift from commercial air carriers participating in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet program, to the extent that the Department of Defense determines that such airlift is suitable and responsive to the military requirement. Consistent with the requirement to maintain the proficiency and operational readiness of organic military airlift, the Department of Defense shall establish appropriate levels for peacetime cargo airlift augmentation in order to promote the effectiveness of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet and provide training within the military airlift system. 6. Short-term airlift capability required to meet contingency requirements which might be considered minor surges shall be provided by increased utilization of aircraft in the organic sector, as well as by the increased utilization of the commercial air carriers regularly providing service to the Department of Defense. 7. United States Government policies should provide a framework for dialogue and cooperation with our national aviation industry. It is of particular importance that the aviation industry be apprised by the Department of Defense of long-term requirements for airlift in support of national defense. The Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation shall jointly develop policies and programs to increase participation in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet and promote the incorporation of national defense features in commercial aircraft. Government policies should also support research programs which promote the development of technologically advanced transport aircraft and related equipment. UNCLASSIFIED