Says It Is The Single Largest Problem Facing The Industry

Participating in a joint session with TSA Administrator John Pistole at the Global Business Travel Association convention in Denver last week, United Continental Holdings president and CEO Jeffery Smisek said that the lack of a comprehensive federal aviation policy is the most pressing issue facing the aviation industry today. He said the federal government should look to Dubai as a model of how it should be done.

Smisek's criticisms ranged from taxes, saying commercial aviation is as heavily taxed as tobacco and alcohol, to an air traffic control system that is far out of date. He said a more "rational" air traffic control system could result in a 10% fuel savings on the part of airlines. "We have to invest in the FAA," he said. "This is a technology that is available today. It's a shame it's not being used.

The online service travelmarketreport.com reports that Smisek held up Dubai as a "good example of a airline with a government that has a good aviation policy."  He said the Dubai government does not stand in the way of progress in aviation, doesn't over tax it, and doesn't "beat it down at every opportunity." He said those things are the hallmark of the U.S. government.

The joint session was focused on hardware and technology.

FMI: www.gbta.org