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The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) was a U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating the airline industry and overseeing civil aviation safety and economics. Here’s a summary of its history and functions:

Overview

  • Full Name: Civil Aeronautics Board
  • Established: 1938
  • Disbanded: 1985

Key Roles and Functions

  1. Regulation of Airlines:
  • The CAB was responsible for regulating the economic aspects of the airline industry, including route assignments and fare controls.
  • It ensured that airlines provided safe, reliable, and fair services to the public.
  1. Economic Oversight:
  • The Board set and enforced fare rates and route structures to prevent monopolistic practices and ensure competition within the industry.
  • It also managed the allocation of routes to different airlines, a process that was crucial for maintaining service coverage across the country.
  1. Safety Regulation:
  • Although the CAB’s primary focus was on economic regulation, it also had a role in safety oversight, including the enforcement of safety standards and regulations for airlines.
  1. Licensing:
  • The CAB issued operating certificates to airlines, ensuring they met the required safety and operational standards before commencing service.
  1. Consumer Protection:
  • The Board worked to protect the interests of airline passengers by regulating airfares, ensuring fair practices, and addressing complaints.

Historical Context

  • Establishment: The CAB was created by the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, which aimed to promote safety in civil aviation and regulate air transportation.
  • Deregulation: In 1978, the Airline Deregulation Act was passed, leading to the gradual removal of CAB’s regulatory functions. The act aimed to increase competition in the airline industry and reduce government intervention.

Transition

  • Disbandment: The CAB’s functions were gradually phased out as part of the deregulation process. Its remaining functions and responsibilities were transferred to the newly formed Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Legacy

The CAB’s regulatory framework played a significant role in shaping the U.S. airline industry during its operation. Its transition to a deregulated environment marked a shift towards greater competition and market-driven practices in the airline industry.

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