Said To Be 'Extraordinarily Positive' About The Concept

At a meeting last Thursday with the executives of many of the country's major airlines, President Donald Trump was "extraordinarily positive" about the concept of spinning off Air Traffic Control to a private, non-profit corporation.

That was the assessment of A4A president and CEO Nick Calio, who attended the meeting. The corporation would likely have strong representation from the airlines, according to a report appearing on Fortune online.

Calio said that in his view, Trump is "on track to do that" in reference to backing a bill that would separate ATC from the FAA.

Legislation for a spin off was introduced last year in the U.S. House Transportation Committee, but it could not gain traction in the Senate, and was strongly opposed by business aviation interests, which are concerned that the corporation's board would be dominated by airline interests.

The meeting was attended by the President, Calio, and the CEOs of Delta, United and Jetblue along with cargo companies and representatives of several airports.

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker did not attend the meeting, a move which was denounced by the carrier's pilots' association.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.whitehouse.gov