Availability of slots

Notwithstanding sections 49104(a)(5) and 49111(e) of this title, or any provision of this section, the Secretary may, only under circumstances determined by the Secretary to be exceptional, grant by order to an air carrier currently holding or operating a slot at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport an exemption from requirements under subparts K and S of part 93 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (pertaining to slots at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport), to enable that carrier to provide air transportation with Stage 3 aircraft at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; except that such exemption shall not— The Secretary shall continue the Secretary’s current examination of slot regulations and shall ensure that the examination includes consideration of— the effects of the elimination of limitations or an increase in the number of operations allowed on each of the following: In this section and sections 41715–41718 and 41734(h), the following definitions apply: The term “limited incumbent air carrier” has the meaning given that term in subpart S of part 93 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; except that— for purposes of such sections, the term “slot” shall not include— Any slot exemption request filed with the Secretary under this section or section 41716 or 41717 (other than subsection (c)) shall include— Within 60 days after a slot exemption request under this section or section 41716 or 41717 (other than subsection (c)) is received by the Secretary, the Secretary shall—