PAYMENT OF NAVIGATION AND OTHER FEES FOR U.S.

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 067468

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/24/2018
TAGS: EAIR MARR MCAP MOPS PREL TX US
SUBJECT: PAYMENT OF NAVIGATION AND OTHER FEES FOR U.S.
MILITARY AIRCRAFT IN TURKMENISTAN

REF: A. ASHGABAT 0552

B. STATE 02 76779

Classified By: SCA/DAS for Central Asia George Krol


1. (C) SUMMARY: This cable responds to post's request for
guidance on the offer by the Turkmenistan National Civil
Aviation Service (THY) to cease charging AIR navigation fees
for U.S. aircraft that land at Ashgabat Airport (Ref A),and
communicates the May 27, 2008 determination of the Aviation
Fees Interagency Working Group (IWG),based on information
provided in Ref A, that Ashgabat Airport (UTAA) is a
non-governmental airport.


2. (C) BACKGROUND: (For U.S. Embassy) The Government of
Turkmenistan (GOTX) facilitates support for U.S. and
coalition operations in Afghanistan by providing essential
overflight clearances for U.S. military flights carrying
humanitarian cargo, permitting gas-and-go operations at
Ashgabat Airport and providing emergency divert clearance for
Mary Airbase. U.S. state aircraft, including military
aircraft, overfly Turkmen territory approximately 1500 times
per year; approximately 20% of those flights actually land at
Ashgabat Airport and are assisted by the on-site U.S. AIR
Force's gas-and-go team. Loss or even brief cessation of
these overflights would have an adverse effect on the
movement of critical supplies to U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
Preserving this overflight arrangement with the GOTX remains
a top priority for the USG.


3. (C) STATUS OF ASHGABAT AIRPORT: In May 2008, Ashgabat
Airport was determined by the Aviation Fees IWG to be a
non-governmental airport, a determination that makes it
possible for the U.S. to pay for certain standard services,
such as parking and landing, if requested to do so by the
airport.


4. (U) Washington understands that the THY intends to
charge the U.S. Government (USG) in the future for use of
airport facilities and services (Ref A). Embassy Ashgabat is
authorized to inform the GOTX of U.S. policy (Ref B) with
respect to flights of U.S. state aircraft, including military
aircraft, operated in or through the airspace of another
state, or landing at governmental and non-governmental
airports. Embassy Ashgabat is authorized to inform the GOTX
of U.S. policy by diplomatic note if it so chooses. The text
of such a diplomatic note should include the following points:


5. Begin text of diplomatic note:

(Complimentary opening)

It is U.S. policy that with respect to flights of U.S. state
aircraft, including military aircraft, operated in or through
the airspace of another state, or landing at governmental and
non-governmental airports, the U.S. Government will:

-- not be required to pay AIR navigation, overflight or
terminal navigation fees;

-- not pay parking and landing fees at foreign government
airports;

-- pay reasonable charges for services requested and received
at governmental and non-governmental airports.

-- such services may include but are not limited to parking
and landing services at non-governmental airports; access to
and use of airport facilities, such as hangars, by U.S.
aircraft/crews; and ground handling services. The
aforementioned fees must be reasonable in light of the
services requested and received and may be paid by U.S. AIR
crews using the AIR Card payment.

End Text of Diplomatic Note:


5. (U) DOD/OSD/APSA/CEN and Joint Staff/J5/CASA have
cleared this message.


6. (U) Please direct all questions to Mr. Richard Snelsire,
Turkmenistan Desk Officer, SCA/CEN, tel. 202-647-9031.
RICE