Says The House Bill Is Lacking From An Airline Perspective

The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) said Thursday that the U.S. House of Representatives vote on the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act is a "step in the wrong direction."

ATA President and CEO James C. May said the Senate FAA Reauthorizaion bill provides a better course for the nation's air traffic system and other issues.

According to May, the nation needs legislation that:

• Provides leadership and direction to accelerate the deployment of our nation's NextGen air traffic management system -- including creative solutions that synchronize benefits with financing options to help get the infrastructure installed.
• Encourages, rather than impedes, the expansion of international air service.
• Deals responsibly with any reasonable concerns about cross-border aircraft maintenance while taking advantage of the extensive existing oversight by our bilateral partners.
• Halts the excessive growth of the tax-and-fee burden by rejecting the House's $2 billion Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) increase.

May added, "We sincerely hope that the House decides to take a more constructive and forward-thinking approach to FAA reauthorization as this legislation moves forward."

FMI: www.airlines.org