Washington, DC

NBAA applauds House legislation accelerating ATC modernization

The National Business Aviation Association has welcomed legislation introduced by Rep. Tracey Mann (R-01-KS) that would significantly boost funding to continue vital air traffic control (ATC) modernization work begun last year.

The bill, which calls for an additional $30bn in funds, is a companion to legislation introduced last month by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO). Mann, who announced the bill at Kansas City Downtown Airport (MKC), is a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Aviation.

Both bills follow Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s recent formal request for additional funding to supplement the $12.5bn Congress approved last year as a down payment on ATC modernization, including upgrades to telecom infrastructure, airports and control towers.

“Modernizing our ATC system is a national imperative. While last year’s downpayment has allowed the Federal Aviation Administration to make significant progress, more funding is needed to finish the job,” said NBAA Interim COO Dan Hubbard. “NBAA stands with the broader aviation industry in backing Rep. Mann’s legislation.”

NBAA and nearly 60 other aviation stakeholders formed the Modern Skies Coalition last year to support the administration’s plans to upgrade aviation safety and maintain America’s position as the global aerospace leader. Shortly after the coalition’s formation, Congress approved the first $12.5bn infusion for system upgrades.

NBAA was among the signatories to a Modern Skies Coalition statement supporting the call for additional ATC-modernization funds.

“The coalition urges Congress to provide additional resources needed to sustain this momentum and ensure the nation’s air traffic control system has the staffing, technology and infrastructure needed to meet future demands,” the statement reads.

The nation’s ATC system serves approximately 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers every day. ATC modernization requires updates at more than 4,600 FAA sites across the country.