In ‘News from .aero’ issue 10, we discussed the work that was being done to provide greater security for domain access through the security protocol DNS Security Extensions – otherwise known as DNSSec. Eight months on, progress may be tentative, but the landscape is changing.

DNSSec is one of those abbreviations that insiders understand, but which all too easily causes confusion and concern for others. However, it is a subject that all those involved in domain management and Internet operations need to understand.

The first in a series introducing readers to the close-knit members of the .aero team – those responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the domain on behalf of the air transport community. In this issue, we meet Elena Vladkova, .aero customer liaison Specialist.

My job title is ".aero customer liaison Specialist", but as always, it doesn't easily describe what I do from day to day. I have three specific responsibilities: operate the .aero office, supervise the registry operation; and handle administrative requirements.

SITA SC has signed an agreement with Afilias to provide registry services for .aero. The agreement was signed following a rigorous selection process conducted by SITA, and with the full involvement of the Dot Aero Council (DAC).

Under the terms of the agreement, Afilias will manage registry operations (including ensuring high availability and diverse DNS service) and will provide technical and administrative support.

As a sponsored domain, .aero unlike most other TLDS has implemented a number of name registration restrictions designed to safeguard the integrity of the domain. One of these restrictions has been the policy to reserve a certain domain names.

Reserved domain names can be individual domain names reserved for registration or domain names with specific registration criteria attached such as:

1. Airline codes (i.e. code. aero or code.airline.aero)