In the last issue of this newsletter we reported that Dot Aero Council (DAC) would review the option of permitting registration of a domain name matching a three character assigned FAA location code on the same conditions as IATA-assigned three letter location codes. At a meeting of DAC at the end of 2005, this option was accepted and all codes immediately reserved.The revsied Domain Policy details the use of FAA industry codes alongside IATA and ICAO codes.

This new policy has now been published in the revised Domain Management Policy, effective from 16 February 2006.

Names are available for registration from this date. It means that any airport using three character codes assigned by IATA or the FAA can request approval to register the assigned code as a domain name from SITA (as operators of the .aero TLD it is our responsibility to ensure conformity with the policy). This request process will result in SITA assigning a domain authorization ID, which is a prerequisite for registration of a reserved domain name. With this ID in hand, the airport can then register their domain name through the normal channel – via an authorized .aero registrar.

Full details can be found on the .aero reserved domain name registration page. Click here.

The new Domain Management Policy has this to say about the use of FAA industry codes alongside IATA and ICAO codes:

• From the section concerning airline ICAO/IATA identifiers:

In the event of an overlap between the ICAO 3-letter designator and the IATA or FAA 3-letter location designator, the first-come first-served rule applies. However, the registrant is required to place a link on its web site leading to the web site of the airline which operates under the corresponding IATA 3-letter airline designator.

• From the section concerning location identifiers:

Format: IATA3letterlocationdesignator.aero or FAA3characterlocationidentifier.aero (xxx.aero)

Eligibility : The Registrant must be an operator of an airport with a location code assigned to it by IATA or FAA.

Revocation : The domain name will be revoked if the registrant ceases to be the operator of the airport or the corresponding 3-letter airport designator is revoked by IATA or FAA.

Other requirements:

a) In the event of an overlap between the ICAO 3-letter airline designator and the IATA or FAA 3-letter location designator, the first-come first-served rule applies. However, the registrant is required to place a link on its web site leading to the web site of the airline which operates under the corresponding ICAO 3-letter airline designator;

b) The Sponsor may register this domain name to improve predictability of the name space. The domain will be transferred to the eligible Registrant when requested by the relevant Registrar.

Further information can be found by visiting our .aero domain policy page here.