Addressing Problems That Are Starting To Age

The National Air Transportation Association's Airline Service Council (ASC) wrapped up a two-day meeting in Washington (DC) this week, discussing issues of urgent concern to the industry and offering member-company representatives an opportunity to meet with key policy makers.

Issues reviewed at the meeting included:

• The unavailability of war-risk insurance for airline service companies
• The improvements required in the employee background-check process
• Changes in cargo-security rules and their impact on service businesses
• The impact of increased visa requirements on airline travel and their implications for airline service companies.

The ASC met with Congressman Harold Rogers (R-KY), Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.  Chairman Rogers noted support for efforts to develop a streamlined process for employee background checks and reviewed developments in the TSA budget and its policy implications.

Chris Bertram, Counsel to the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, provided insights on the FAA reauthorization legislation currently under consideration by Congress.  He noted the difficult policy environment faced by aviation as security issues have become paramount for the last several years.

"Many challenges face the businesses providing services to US airlines in the aftermath of September 11," said ASC chair Tinamarie "TM" Legouffe, senior vice president for corporate development for WSA Group.  "One of the ASC's roles is to ensure that this critical, growing segment of the aviation industry is fully recognized by government and others during this period of recovery."

The NATA Airline Services Council consists of companies that provide services to scheduled air carriers as their primary business.  These companies provide aircraft fueling, baggage service, catering, terminal services, cargo services, aircraft handling, deicing, maintenance, security services and aircraft cleaning and are an integral component of the national air transportation system.

The ASC was formed to further the interests of member companies within the public policy arena.  By providing a voice to airline service companies, the ASC assists the industry in addressing issues that impact their viability and profitability.

The following companies are members of the ASC:

• Airport Group International
• Airport Terminal Services
• Aramark Aviation Services
• ASIG
• DALGlobal Services
• Facility Services & Systems
• GAT Airline Ground Support
• Gategourmet
• Gate Safe
• GlobeGround North America
• Hallmark Aviation Services
• ITS Aviation
• LSG Sky Chefs
• Menzies Aviation Group
• SCIS Air Security
• Swissport Fueling
• World Wide Flight Services
• WSA Group

FMI: www.nata-online.org