Authorization of transitional activities to improve airlift operations

(a) In general The Secretary of the Air Force may carry out activities, prior to fielding the next generation airlift aircraft, to improve the readiness, reliability, capacity, and capabilities of the Air Force with respect to airlift operations. (b) Activities The activities carried out under subsection (a) may include— (1) entering into partnerships with commercial entities— (A) to provide the Air Force with access to commercially developed aircraft capable of handling outsized airlift payloads; and (B) to modify such aircraft, as necessary, to meet military requirements; (2) carrying out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using commercial providers to test, certify, and operate select C–5 aircraft in support of the Air Force; and (3) such other activities as the Secretary of the Air Force determines appropriate. (c) Funding This section shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the Air Force and no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section.