“There is a lot of talk about aviation system
modernization and how to get it done – but for it to be fully
funded and implemented, government and industry leaders must
continue promoting its benefits and value.”
Such was the perspective offered by National Business Aviation
Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen, in comments he
offered at an aviation industry forum earlier last week. Bolen
reiterated the support from the general aviation community for
aviation system modernization, and pointed out the benefits of
continued system transformation.
Bolen offered his remarks as part of a panel discussion held by
the Air Traffic Control Association. Also participating were Jim
May, president, Air Transport Association; Phil Boyer, president,
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; and Kevin Brown, vice
president, air traffic management, Boeing.
Bolen highlighted several points of emphasis regarding the value
of a fully modernized air traffic control (ATC) system, including
the capacity, safety and efficiency enhancements that would
result.
Bolen noted that the capacity gains produced by a
satellite-based ATC system would bring tremendous benefit to
operators in the general aviation community, because they are the
first to be pushed out of airports that become congested over time.
He also pointed to gains that would be made in fuel efficiency,
citing a recent Government Accountability Office report that
showing that “the full implementation of NextGen could reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft by up to 12 percent by
2025.”
Bolen concluded by telling his fellow panelists that perhaps the
most important reason for supporting system modernization is that
it would ensure that the U.S. continues to have the largest, safest
and most efficient system in the world.
“We look forward to continuing our efforts with government
and industry stakeholders on this important issue,” Bolen
said. “We need to build upon the good work already done to
transform the nation’s aviation system, given its importance
to our nation’s economy and citizens’ quality of
life.”
Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National
Business Aviation Association, Inc. (NBAA) is the leading
organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft
to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and
successful. The Association represents more than 8,000 companies
and provides more than 100 products and services to the business
aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting &
Convention, the world's largest civil aviation trade show.