In a unified effort, a diverse coalition of aviation industry stakeholders has urged U.S. congressional aviation leaders and the administration to bolster support for the modernisation and enhancement of the U.S. Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. The call to action emphasises the critical need for a safe, efficient, and resilient ATC infrastructure to sustain and advance the nation’s airspace capabilities.
Advocating for Modernisation
The coalition, comprising various influential organisations in the aviation sector, has highlighted the necessity for Congress to re-evaluate its administration of the Aviation and Airways Trust Fund. The proposed changes aim to maintain the important oversight roles of appropriators and authorisers while enabling the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to effectively utilise the Trust Fund balance for essential facility upgrades and system modernisation.
“To ensure the FAA has a plan and the necessary resources to grow the National Airspace System safely and efficiently, it is imperative that congressional authorisers and appropriators collaborate with the FAA and all stakeholders,” the coalition stated in a letter.
Broad Industry Support
The letter was signed by a wide array of stakeholders, including:
- Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA)
- Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
- Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA)
- Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA)
- Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA)
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
- Airlines for America (A4A)
- Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA)
- Cargo Airline Association (CAA)
- Experimental Aircraft Association Inc. (EAA)
- General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- International Council of Air Shows (ICAS)
- National Air Carrier Association (NACA)
- National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
- National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
- National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASEO)
- National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
- NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots
- Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS)
- Regional Airline Association (RAA)
- Travellers United
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Vertical Aviation International (VAI)
- Vertical Flight Society (VFS)
The Role of NBAA
Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is a key player in this initiative. Representing over 10,000 company and professional members, NBAA is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency, productivity, and success of businesses that rely on general aviation aircraft. The association provides a range of products and services, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show.
NBAA President and CEO, Ed Bolen, underscored the importance of this collaborative effort: “Modernising our nation’s ATC system is vital for the continued growth and safety of our airspace. We urge Congress to prioritise these investments to ensure our aviation infrastructure meets the demands of the future.”
Moving Forward
The coalition’s appeal to Congress marks a significant step towards ensuring the U.S. maintains a leading position in global aviation. By investing in modern facilities and equipment, the industry aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and resilience, benefitting all stakeholders involved.
For more information about NBAA and to subscribe to their press releases, visit [nbaa.org](https://nbaa.org).
