Air Transport Association Responds to Senate Reauthorization Proposal

WASHINGTON, April 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, issued the following statement in response to today's Senate proposal on financing mechanisms to fund the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):

"We are deeply appreciative of the leadership of both the Senate Commerce and Finance committees, in particular Chairman Rockefeller, in crafting a bill that recognizes the importance of not adding new taxes on airline passengers during a time of skyrocketing fuel costs. The modest increase in what corporate jets would pay is a step in the right direction, but we note that it still falls short of the costs they impose on the system," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "We will remain engaged with these committees as the remainder of the package is developed."

ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information about the industry, visit www.airlines.org .