Air Transport Association Comments on House Ways & Means Member Recognition of Need for FAA Reauthorization Funding Reform

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization representing leading U.S. airlines commented on the action and discussion taken today by the House Ways & Means Committee on the FAA reauthorization bill.

"ATA and our members appreciate the House Ways & Means Committee recognition that the FAA reauthorization bill ultimately needs to include real funding reform so that users of the system fairly pay for the costs that they impose," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "While we are pleased that the Committee leadership and several Members expressed their support for cost- based funding reform, it is unfortunate that the Committee couldn't take the necessary time to fully develop a more far-reaching proposal to ensure an equitable funding stream to finance needed modernization. The minimal increases in corporate plane fuel taxes represent a 'business as usual' approach that simply does not do enough to solve the fundamental problem of a broken and inequitably funded air traffic control system.

"We look forward to working with the Committee to follow up with members who expressed their support for accomplishing cost-based funding reform before the bill moves toward completion."

ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.