NATA and NBAA Join Modern Skies Coalition in Support of DOT’s ATC-Modernization Plan
/NBAA, NATA and more than 50 other industry groups have joined together in support of Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy’s proposal for a comprehensive upgrade of the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system, which serves approximately 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers every day.
A central focus of Secretary Duffy’s plan to modernize the ATC system focuses on implementing needed technological upgrades, enhancing connectivity and ensuring U.S. infrastructure can adapt to evolving technologies and increasing air traffic. Additionally, Secretary Duffy’s focus on accelerating the recruitment and training of air traffic controllers, which is part of his supercharge program announced in February, is a crucial step in addressing a longstanding workforce shortage.
The Modern Skies Coalition (modernskies.com), a new group of more than 50 industry organizations, supports the Administration’s plans to upgrade aviation safety and maintain America’s position as the global leader.
“We are deeply appreciative that Secretary Duffy has made our nation’s air traffic control system a priority and look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to bring this vision to fruition,” the coalition said.
The coalition applauded the Administration’s budget request of $4 billion for FAA’s technology and Facilities and Equipment (F&E), which is higher than ever before. The coalition also expressed appreciation for the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sam Graves (R-6-MO), for taking a first step and moving $12.5 billion of ATC modernization funding through his committee.
At the same time, the group called for continued sufficient budget requests and an immediate robust infusion of resources to address soaring operational demands and enhance safety measures. “We believe a minimum of $18.5 billion in additional emergency funding should be appropriated over the next three years above the FAA’s annual F&E budget,” the coalition said in its statement.