Contingency Plan for Lengthy Tarmac Delays

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For Air China flights arriving at or departing from any airport in the USA.

1. Air China will not permit its aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than four (4) hours before allowing passengers to deplane, unless:
   
   1.1 The pilot in command determines that there is a safety-related or security-related reason why the aircraft cannot leave its position on the tarmac to deplane passengers; or
   
   1.2 Air Traffic Control (ATC) advises the pilot in command that returning to the gate or another designated deplaning position would significantly disrupt airport operations.
   
   
2. Air China will provide adequate food and potable water no later than two hours after the aircraft leaves the gate for departure or lands, if the aircraft remains on the tarmac, unless the pilot in command determines that safety or security considerations preclude such service.
   
   
3. Air China will have adequate operable lavatory facilities and adequate medical attention, if needed, while the aircraft remains on the tarmac.
   
   
4. Air China will advise the passengers of the status of the delay every thirty  minutes while the aircraft is delayed on the tarmac and of the reasons for the delay, if known to Air China.
   
   
5. Air China will notify passengers, beginning thirty minutes after the original or revised scheduled departure time and every thirty  minutes thereafter, that they have the opportunity to deplane from the aircraft still at the gate or another designated area with the door open, provided that the opportunity to deplane actually exists.
   
   
6. Air China has sufficient resources to implement this Plan.
   
   
7. Air China has coordinated this Plan with (1) airport authorities and Terminal Operators, (2) USA Customs and Border Protection and (3) the Transportation Security Administration, at all airports in the USA to/from which Air China operates passenger services, including designated alternate airports.