RAA Expresses “Deep Concerns” Over Reauthorization Plan

Regional Airlines Association (RAA) expressed deep concerns over several elements of the rauthorization proposal, especially the fact that FAA has yet to outline the manpower and equipment requirements needed to operate the new system as well as to quantify and justify the costs necessary to obtain and maintain a new system. “Most importantly,” said fledgling RAA President Roger Cohen, testifying last week before the House Aviation Subcommittee, “we urge Congress to quantify the air traffic benefits of the new system, particularly those related to safety, as well as the new system’s efficiency improvements.”
Also high on the RAA agenda is eliminating any market-based mechanism to reduce congestion at airports. “In response to substantial regional airline growth, some industry stakeholders have sought to blame current and anticipated congestion problems on regional airlines and regional aircraft,” said Cohen, alluding to recent attempts to reduce regional aircraft at O’Hare and LaGuardia airports. Related Story  For a complete analysis see the March 26 issue of Regional Aviation News.