Aviation industry coalition united to modernize FAA’s ATC system

The letter, signed by 26 organizations representing commercial aviation, general aviation, manufacturing, emerging technologies, and more, is a collective request for more action and funding to sustain and modernize the ATC system.

The coalition proposed administration of funds from the Airport & Airway Trust Fund (AATF)—a budget expected to have surpluses in the next few years—be adjusted to give the FAA the ability to utilize these funds for facility upgrades and equipment modernization.

“We respectfully request authorizers and appropriators work with the FAA and all stakeholders to support the system through direction and predictable appropriations, derived primarily from the AATF to help ensure the FAA has an updated plan in order to effectively use the resources necessary to continue to grow the [national airspace system] NAS safely and efficiently,” the letter stated.

AOPA President Mark Baker said, “It’s encouraging to see virtually every sector of the aviation industry, from the airlines to general aviation, unite to support needed reforms and investment in the FAA’s modernization effort. Ensuring the FAA has the tools it needs is the best way to guarantee the U.S. maintains the safest and most robust air traffic system in the world.”

The coalition commended the work already being done to “keep our national airspace system safe and competitive,” praising the ATC workforce and reporting provisions included in the 2024 FAA reauthorization bill, but simultaneously acknowledged more must be done to grow the system safely and sustainably. Necessary maintenance of systems is being neglected and the effects of underinvestment are unmistakable.

The letter drafted by the coalition addressed ongoing concerns with the delayed deployment and lack of funding for the FAA’s NextGen initiative to modernize the NAS. Additionally, air traffic facilities are in disrepair. More than 25 percent of all FAA facilities are at least 50 years old and outdated. A review of facility needs is warranted.

“Ensuring that the FAA is able to leverage the Trust Fund to guarantee that they have the resources needed for a safe and modernized system is a top priority of the entire aviation industry,” said Nick Calio, President and CEO of Airlines for America. “A4A will continue to advocate with all stakeholders to ensure the U.S. is the safest, most-efficient airspace in the world.”

The future of ATC has been divisive in the past, with some sectors of the industry calling for privatization of the U.S. system. This joint coalition letter is a promising acknowledgment that the FAA is the right entity to oversee this national system.

The coalition letter was signed by: