NEWS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2003 — Air Transport Association of America, Inc. (ATA) today joined key Congressional leaders, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aviation groups, in urging Congress to pass the pending FAA reauthorization bill.
“This bill provides almost $60 billion for critical safety, security and other important aviation programs; will result in the creation of thousands of new jobs over the duration of the bill; and will ensure that air travelers continue to have access to a safe and secure aviation system,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May.
Among the initiatives that depend on the passage of this bill are funding to be used to build important safety and capacity projects at airports around the nation; funding to support service at small and medium-sized airports; and $500 million annually for security improvement projects.
In addition to the critical infrastructure funding in the bill, the conference report includes provisions that will assist carriers as they work toward achieving economic stability. These provisions include an authorization for reimbursement of security screening costs that are still borne by airlines. In addition, the bill directs the TSA to establish a voluntary advanced self-defense program for flight attendants and provides for an increase in AIP funding for all-cargo facilities.
“This conference report is the result of hard work and compromise by all the parties involved and we urge Congress to move it to final passage prior to their adjournment,” said May.
The Air Transport Association is the trade association for the leading U.S. airlines. ATA member airlines transport 95 percent of all passenger and cargo traffic in the United States.
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