Message Sent To Congress On Anniversary Of FAA Shutdown

One year after the unprecedented two-week shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 65 members of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) sent a letter to Senate and House leadership urging them to consider the important role that airports play in local communities throughout the country.

“As we reflect on this anniversary, we are calling on you to familiarize yourself with the vital economic role airports play in your district, your state and the country – a role that makes us deserving of a more constructive and productive approach to future policy debates,” airports urged. Airports are a source of employment for 1.3 million Americans, support a total of 10.5 million jobs and provide an economic output of $1.2 trillion.

The letter continued, “Despite the fact that Congress reached agreement this February on a 3-year FAA reauthorization, many challenges remain.  Airports and their communities still lack the control, flexibility and options to help raise non-taxpayer funds for airport improvements. Our major tenants, the airlines, continue to face financial difficulty and consolidation and are flying fewer planes, and cutting service, in an effort to increase their profitability.”

“Our request is simple: Ultimately, we want the stability, and flexibility, to do our best for our communities, and to fulfill our duties as an integral part of the national aviation system and economy. We urge you to consider the important role that airports play in our communities, and our country, at every opportunity.”

FMI: Senate Leadership Letter, House Leadership Letter, www.aci-na.org