52.247-63 — Preference for U.S.-Flag Air Carriers.
Researched by the BidStride Research Team
What This Clause Requires
FAR 52.247-63 — Preference for U.S.-Flag Air Carriers.. This clause is part of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and may be included in government contracts as a solicitation provision or contract clause.
Official Regulation Text
52.247-63 Preference for U.S.-Flag Air Carriers. As prescribed in 47.405(a), insert the following clause: Preference for U.S.-Flag Air Carriers (JAN 2025) (a) Definitions. As used in this clause— International air transportation means transportation by air between a place in the United States and a place outside the United States or between two places both of which are outside the United States. United States means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and outlying areas. U.S.-flag air carrier means an entity granted authority to provide air transportation in the form of a certificate of public convenience and necessity under 49 U.S.C. 41102. (b) U.S. Government-financed international air transportation. 49 U.S.C. 40118, Government-financed air transportation (commonly referred to as the Fly America Act), requires that all Federal agencies and Government contractors and subcontractors use U.S.-flag air carriers for U.S. Government-financed international air transportation of personnel (and their personal effects) or property, to the extent that service by those carriers is available. It requires the General Services Administration to issue regulations that, in the absence of satisfactory proof of the necessity for foreign-flag air transportation, disallow expenditures from funds, appropriated or otherwise established for the account of the United States, for international air transportation secured aboard a foreign-flag air carrier if a U.S.-flag air carrier is available to provide such services. (c) Use of U.S.-flag carriers for international air transportation. If available, the Contractor, in performing work under this contract, shall use U.S.-flag carriers for international air transportation of personnel (and their personal effects) or property. (d) Statement of unavailability of U.S.-flag air carriers. In the event that the Contractor selects a carrier other than a U.S.-flag air carrier for international air transportation, the Contractor shall include a st
Compliance Checklist
- 40118, Government-financed air transportation (commonly referred to as the Fly America Act), requires that all Federal agencies and Government contractors and subcontractors use U.S.-flag air carriers for U.S.
- It requires the General Services Administration to issue regulations that, in the absence of satisfactory proof of the necessity for foreign-flag air transportation, disallow expenditures from funds, appropriated or otherwise established for the account of the United States, for international air transportation secured aboard a foreign-flag air carrier if a U.S.-flag air carrier is available to provide such services.
- If available, the Contractor, in performing work under this contract, shall use U.S.-flag carriers for international air transportation of personnel (and their personal effects) or property.
- In the event that the Contractor selects a carrier other than a U.S.-flag air carrier for international air transportation, the Contractor shall include a statement on vouchers involving such transportation essentially as follows: Statement of Unavailability of U.S.-Flag Air Carriers International air transportation of persons (and their personal effects) or property by U.S.-flag air carrier was not available or it was necessary to use foreign-flag air carrier service for the following reasons (see section 47.403 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation): [ State reasons ]: (End of statement) (e) Subcontracts.
- The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (e), in each subcontract or purchase under this contract that may involve international air transportation.
Flow-Down to Subcontractors
Flow-down required
This clause must be included in subcontracts with no subcontractors where the subcontractor will perform work covered by this clause. Typically appears in contract Section Section I.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAR 52.247-63 (Preference for U.S.-Flag Air Carriers.) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the transportation category.
FAR 52.247-63 is typically required when the contracting officer determines it's applicable to the specific procurement. Check the solicitation's Section I for included clauses.
Whether FAR 52.247-63 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.
This summary is for informational purposes only and reflects the BidStride Research Team's plain-English interpretation of the regulation. It is not legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Always consult the official Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) text and qualified legal counsel for compliance decisions.