Several aviation industry groups have written to President-Elect Donald Trump, urging him to consider reforming how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is funded.
“Upgrade and modernize FAA’s facilities and air traffic control equipment.”
A coalition of 30 aviation organizations has asked Trump to rethink the FAA’s funding model to ensure the agency has the resources needed to upgrade and modernize its infrastructure. The group specifically advocates for using the Airport and Airways Trust Fund to finance improvements to FAA facilities and air traffic control equipment. This request stems from growing concerns that funds previously collected for aviation purposes have been redirected toward non-aviation needs.
By changing the funding structure, the group believes it would help eliminate inefficiencies in the current procurement system, allowing for better deployment of new technologies and equipment. This shift could include multi-year budgeting and new strategies to manage the FAA’s air traffic control assets more effectively.
The system must be protected as a vital infrastructure asset
The letter emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the air traffic control (ATC) system as a critical piece of national infrastructure. The aviation sector representatives argue that to maintain a safe and resilient air traffic system, it is essential to protect and invest in ATC resources.
They recommend that the incoming administration collaborate with the FAA to address inefficiencies and offer support for improving procurement practices and updating air traffic control equipment. The group also highlighted the need to address staffing shortages and protect the 10 million jobs in the aviation sector. An excerpt from the letter states:
“We encourage the Trump administration to work with industry, exclusive representatives of the FAA’s workforce, and Congress to support these needed improvements and efforts. This would ensure the FAA can more effectively utilize the fees and taxes contributed by users of the system to upgrade and modernize its facilities and air traffic control equipment.”
The consortium is made up of:
The incoming administration has plans to slash federal regulations
As reported by Simple Flying, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, a U.S.-based international law firm, analyzed the incoming administration’s policy direction. The firm noted that Trump had expressed a strong intention to reduce federal regulations.
The changes could extend to competition policy, with fewer regulations potentially paving the way for airline consolidation. Pillsbury speculated that although the Department of Transportation (DOT) had initiated an investigation into airline competition in the U.S., the Trump administration might consider it irrelevant to its objectives. Additionally, Trump has indicated a willingness to restructure air traffic control, with privatization being a possible outcome.