Founded by a group of 14 airlines meeting in Chicago in 1936, it was the first, and today remains, the only trade organization for the principal U.S. airlines. In that capacity it has played a major role in all the major government decisions regarding aviation since its founding, including the creation of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the creation of the air traffic control system, and airline deregulation.
The purpose of the ATA is to support and assist its members by promoting the air transport industry and the safety, cost effectiveness, and technological advancement of its operations; advocating common industry positions before state and local governments; conducting designated industry-wide programs; and assuring governmental and public understanding of all aspects of air transport.
During its history, ATA has seen the airline industry and its members evolve from the small, pioneering companies of the 1930s into key players in the global transportation market. The industry continues to evolve with the addition of new carriers, which are playing a major role in shaping the future of air transportation.
As airlines continue to look for ways to reduce costs and maximize efficiencies while maintaining the safest transportation system in the world, ATA offers carriers that very opportunity. ATA is respected by Congress, state legislatures, the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the press and the public for its professional and accomplished representation of the industry. As its members chart their futures in this changing market, ATA provides invaluable expertise, guidance and assistance.
ATA's structure is similar to most airlines and provides an interface between the carriers and various government and private sector organizations. Key departments within the association deal with operations and safety, engineering, maintenance and materiel, airport operations, air traffic management, cargo, e-business, facilitation, federal and state government affairs, international affairs, legal affairs, passenger service, public relations, and security. Working with these established functions are a variety of ATA councils, committees, subcommittees and task forces, composed of experts from member airlines, formed to address industry issues.
Today, the ATA continues to represent the industry on major aviation issues before Congress, federal agencies, state legislatures, and other governmental bodies. It continues to promote safety by coordinating industry and government safety programs, and it serves as a focal point for industry efforts to standardize practices and enhance the efficiency of the air transport system.
ATA Members
Sharon Pinkerton
626-4178
spinkerton@airlines.org
Clint Fisher
626-4118
cfisher@airlines.org
Ryan Stroschein
626-4122
rstroschein@airlines.org
ATA Government Affairs
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20004
August 2008