Statements Of Support Released By NBAA, A4A, ACI-NA, NATA

Several aviation advocacy groups are welcoming the nomination of Elaine Chao as Secretary of Transportation.

Chao has extensive experience in policy leadership, including previous service at the DOT as deputy secretary in the administration of President George H.W. Bush, from 1989-1991. She was the first Asian-American woman to serve in a cabinet position, as labor secretary under President George W. Bush from 2001-2009. Chao also served as deputy administrator of the Maritime Administration, then chairwoman of the Federal Maritime Commission.

“We know that investment in infrastructure, including for aviation, is a priority for the incoming Trump administration, and the DOT secretary will be key in making this priority a reality," said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. "We congratulate Elaine Chao on her nomination to the position, and we look forward to working with her to continue promoting general aviation, and building on the progress being made toward a Next Generation aviation system that serves and protects all stakeholders and communities.”

“Elaine Chao is an outstanding pick to be the next Secretary of Transportation. She is a distinguished public servant and leader whose experience in transportation and labor issues, among others, as well as her political skills and the known ability to manage a large organization, will serve the Trump Administration well,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio.

“Having served alongside Elaine in two previous administrations, I believe her wealth of experience will benefit the millions of Americans who depend on safe, affordable and abundant air travel options every day. We look forward to working with her, and the DOT under her leadership, to usher in a new era of innovation, smarter regulation, and transformational reforms to modernize our nation’s antiquated ATC system that will ensure our infrastructure in the sky is ready to meet the demand on the ground.”

The Airports Council International-North America issued Also welcomed the appointment. “We look forward to working with Secretary Chao to modernize airport infrastructure and maintain U.S. leadership in global air transportation. Supporting more than 10 million U.S. jobs, America’s airports are a powerful driver of economic growth and job creation for local communities," the organization said in a statement. "It’s essential that we address the more than $75 billion in airport infrastructure needs to meet the growing demand of passengers and keep our industry from falling behind.” 

“NATA congratulates Secretary Elaine Chao on her selection by President-elect Trump as our next Secretary of Transportation. Secretary Chao is a serious, substantive choice to head a department that is critical to the economic success of our nation," said NATA President Martin H. Hiller. "In the coming days, we will all be looking to the Department of Transportation to lead the discussions about the best way to invest in our nation’s infrastructure, including our airports and modernizing our air traffic control system. Secretary Chao’s familiarity with the Department – and the bigger picture that drives debates about transportation policy – will be critical to moving our nation forward. Aviation businesses are excited to work with Secretary Chao and her team and we thank President-elect Trump for his excellent choice.”

(Source: News releases. Image from file)

FMI: www.airlines.org, www.aci-na.org, www.nbaa.org, www.nata.aero