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5d ago

Airline CEOs Urge Congress to Fund $31 Billion Overhaul of 'Failing' Air Traffic Control System

Leaders from major airlines call for swift action as the House considers a $12 billion initial investment to modernize outdated FAA infrastructure and address safety concerns.

An American Airlines commercial aircraft flies over Washington as it approaches to land at Dulles International Airport, as seen from Washington, U.S., August 5, 2024. REUTERS/ Umit Bektas/File Photo
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Overview

  • Airline executives from top U.S. carriers sent a joint letter to Congress describing the current air traffic control system as 'wildly out of date' and reliant on obsolete technology like floppy disks and paper strips.
  • The letter supports Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s $31 billion modernization plan, which aims to replace aging infrastructure and improve safety and efficiency.
  • Recent communication outages and staffing shortages at facilities in Newark, Colorado, and Atlanta have led to delays, cancellations, and heightened scrutiny of the FAA’s capabilities.
  • The House Budget Committee’s reconciliation bill includes a proposed $12 billion for FAA technology upgrades, which airlines view as a critical 'down payment' for the full overhaul.
  • Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau acknowledged the system’s challenges and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to maintain safety and reliability in air travel.