Notwithstanding any other provision of law (except subsection (b)), the Commission may contract with Panamanian carriers registered under the laws of the Republic of Panama to provide air transportation to officials and employees of the Commission who are citizens of the Republic of Panama.

An official or employee of the Commission who is a citizen of the Republic of Panama may elect, for security or other reasons, to travel by an air carrier holding a certificate under section 41102 of title 49.