GBTA Writes Letter Opposing The Move To FAA Administrator Huerta

In a letter addressed to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, the Global Business Travel Association expressed  significant concerns over the potential for delays to business travelers caused by the scheduled furloughs. The association has requested a meeting to discuss options to mitigate the impacts on the business travel industry.

"Our nation's economy and businesses will pay a very steep price that significantly outstrips savings produced by furloughs," said Michael W. McCormick Executive Director and COO of the association, who wrote the letter. "GBTA represents nearly 6,000 business travel buyers and sellers who spend $270 billion annually on air travel. Face-to-face meetings facilitated by a safe, efficient air transportation system mean U.S. businesses will remain top competitors in the global marketplace, growing the economy and creating jobs."

McCormick said that very month, businesses send employees on forty million business trips within the U.S. and around the world, with most of these trips involving air travel. Likewise, businesses depend on their customers and partners from around world having access to and ease of travel within the United States.

"GBTA and its members fully support your commitment to prioritize safety," the letter continues. "Furthermore, GBTA clearly understands the requirements of sequestration. But we are very much alarmed by the list of airports and the expected delays. With Hartsfield-Jackson expected to see maximum delays of 210 minutes and Chicago O'Hare close behind, the impacted airports is a veritable hit list on the business travel industry. This policy will produce missed connections and widespread flight cancellations. If these disruptions unfold as predicted, business travelers will stay home, severely impacting not only the travel industry but the economy overall. It is just that simple.

GBTA has requested an "immediate" briefing on the approach the FAA has adopted and the most heavily impacted airports and communities. "In addition, we request a discussion on any and all options available to mitigate impacts and provide business travelers with real-time information about likely travel disruptions," the letter concludes.

FMI: www.gbta.org