Sun, Nov 15, 2009
Big Players Want Accelerated ATC Modernization, No New Taxes Or
Fees
The Air Transport Association of
America (ATA), the industry trade association for the leading U.S.
airlines, released a written statement Thursday following the
aviation forum called by the U.S. DOT. Secretary Ray LaHood
organized the closed-door meeting at the request the AFL-CIO
Transportation Trades Department. The stated purpose of the
meeting was to bring together aviation stakeholders together to
discuss the financial health of commercial aviation - an economic
engine that drives 8 percent of global gross domestic product.
Airline executives participating in the forum called for:
- No new taxes and fees, which would burden an already overtaxed
industry and travelers/shippers.
- Fully funded and accelerated modernization of the nation's air
traffic control (ATC) system.
- Enhanced oversight of energy markets to excessive speculation
and the resulting volatility of oil prices.
- Elimination of arcane restrictions on airlines' ability to
operate efficiently in the global marketplace.
- A global sectoral approach to climate change for aviation
developed through the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO).
"We appreciate that Secretary LaHood is taking this step to
address the future health and competitiveness of the U.S. aviation
industry," said ATA President and CEO James C. May (pictured,
below). "The formation of a federal advisory committee of
government and industry stakeholders, who will seek solutions to
the challenges facing U.S. aviation in order to restore jobs and
the financial health of our industry, is essential. Ultimately, a
healthy airline industry will help drive the nation's economic
recovery."
Annually, commercial aviation helps drive $1.1 trillion in U.S.
economic activity and more than 10 million U.S. jobs. However, the
U.S. airline industry has lost nearly $60 billion since 2001.
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