U.S. Chamber of Commerce - February 15 - Chamber Calls for Modernization of Air Traffic Control System Welcomes Debate on Administration Proposal

Chamber Calls for Modernization of Air Traffic Control System Welcomes Debate on Administration Proposal

WASHINGTON, DC-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced that its members anticipate a full review by Congress of the funding plan introduced this week by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Chamber is calling on Congress to transform and strengthen America's aviation control system, which includes specific modernization initiatives and the funding needed to support them, as well as time frames for the FAA and other aviation stakeholders.

"The nation's economy demands a safe, secure, and efficient aviation system," said Janet Kavinoky, director of transportation infrastructure at the Chamber." The FAA proposal is a starting point for discussion on how to accelerate the modernization of America's air traffic control system, and the Chamber looks forward to advancing the debate."

More than one in five commercial flights on major airlines last year were delayed due, in part, to an overburdened and outdated aviation system.

Although aviation stakeholders are divided on how to finance a next generation aviation system, they agree that the Airport and Airway Trust Fund should be better managed, that dedicated aviation funds should be used only for authorized aviation purposes, and that the federal review and approval processes for new projects should be streamlined.

"We need to create a vision of a 21st century aviation system and define our needs before we begin the debate over how to pay for it," added Kavinoky.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than
3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.