Replacing Aging Radars, Towers, and TRACON Facilities, Workforce Expansion

The National Business Aviation Association welcomed the passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of a budget reconciliation bill that included funding for multiple aviation priorities supporting safety, growth, and sustainability of the industry and its infrastructure.

The budget bill includes $12.5 billion to fund airport and air traffic control projects such as replacing aging radar systems, control towers, and TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach CONtrol) facilities over the next four years. There is also funding for expansion of controller recruiting and training.

The ATC funding has widespread industry support from trade unions, manufacturers, international associations, and others unified in the Modern Skies coalition.

Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA said, “We commend the House for recognizing the importance of improving ATC infrastructure and strengthening the controller workforce to enhance safety and efficiency in the National Airspace System.

“Business aviation’s ability to serve citizens, companies and communities is only possible because the U.S. leads the world in aviation. The strategic priorities identified in this provision will be key to preserving our global leadership in the years to come.

“Immediate expensing for purchases of capital equipment, including business aircraft, has been included in bipartisan congressional tax policy for decades, reflecting a longstanding consensus among leading economists that it helps American companies upgrade assets they rely on to be competitive in a global marketplace.

Bolen concluded, “As the House reconciliation bill moves to the Senate for consideration, we look forward to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to advance these forward-looking provisions that bolster an essential industry, support countless workers and promote American competitiveness.”

FMI:  nbaa.org/ , modernskies.com/