Aviation Industry Leaders and Senator Urge Congress to Approve $30B for US Air Traffic Control Modernization
Why It MattersContinued federal investment in ATC infrastructure would directly affect airport capacity, system reliability and safety margins across the national airspace used by commercial and business aviation alike.
Aviation industry leaders joined Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) at Reagan National Airport on September 28 to call on Congress to approve a second round of $30 billion in funding to complete modernization of America's air traffic control system. The money would come through the Modern Skies Act, split into $10 billion for the Common Automation Platform software, $10 billion to upgrade aging airport and ATC tower infrastructure, and $10 billion to build medium-sized airports nationwide.
Airlines for America President and CEO Chris Sununu called the project "exciting" and said the remaining $30 billion is "absolutely" needed, pointing to progress from the first funding tranche — including numerous telecom and navigation projects completed at record speed — as evidence the FAA has earned further congressional support. He noted the rarity of a multibillion-dollar public infrastructure project delivered under budget, on time and transparently.
Proponents say replacing aging technology and modernizing air traffic control facilities is essential to keeping the world's busiest airspace safe and efficient for travelers, cargo shipments and communities nationwide.
