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A4A urges passing of AIRR Act
Tuesday, 11 Feb, 2016
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Industry trade organization Airlines for America (A4A) has urged the House Transportation Committee to authorize the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act, which it calls the only way forward for a safe, efficient and reliable air transportation system.
In testimony in front of the Committee, Nicholas E. Calio, president and CEO of A4A described it as a ‘historic step toward making our air traffic control system the best it can be.’
"For decades, while the US has talked about the need for ATC reform, 60 other countries around the world have acted, and now our nation must do the same if we want to reclaim our role as a global leader," said Calio.
"We can no longer afford to embrace a status quo that has not worked, is not working and is not capable of supporting such a critical driver of our economy in the future."
A4A has called for a not-for-profit, self-funded, independent system that includes major airlines, airport stakeholders and federal government but has not been universally welcomed, and opposition is growing.
"Spinning off the air traffic organization while leaving the rest of the FAA’s critical safety programs to the perils of the General Fund, shutdowns, and sequestration is irresponsible," said Rep. Peter DeFazio.
"Let me be clear: I am certainly not in denial that the FAA suffers from ailments that must be fixed," he said.
"The agency, not just the air traffic control system – must have stable, predictable funding and procurement and personnel processes that work."
There has been a suspicion from some quarters that any change will give too much power to airlines.
"It would take control of the nation’s air traffic system away from the public’s elected representatives and turn it over to the big airlines," National Business Aviation Association president Ed Bolen said.
"The public airspace belongs to the public and it should be run for the benefit of the public,"
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