2007 has been a year for the record books. On the positive side, record traffic and load factors helped achieve an estimated 2007 net profit of $5 billion. Given the many obstacles, like unprecedented high fuel prices and record levels of delays, this level of profitability is all the more remarkable. ATA continued to work closely with government and stakeholders to push for rapid modernization of our increasingly out-of-date air traffic control (ATC) system. ATC modernization (NextGen) is the key to both reduced delays and emissions, as well as improved economic efficiency. Last year, I wrote of the expected passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill. Sadly, this critical piece of legislation – the key to NextGen ATC modernization – has yet to be acted upon. Structured properly, this legislation would fairly impose costs on all system users and fund NextGen – ultimately reducing delays and per-flight fuel consumption/emissions by 10-15 percent. ATA will continue to call on Congress to enact a meaningful reauthorization bill.
We also continue to spread the word about how seriously airlines take their environmental responsibilities. Airlines made 103 percent fuel-efficiency gains from 1978-2006 and ATA members made a further commitment to an additional 30 percent fuel-efficiency improvement from 2005-2025. We are proud of our impressive record and plan to further build on it in 2008 and beyond.
ATA will continue to work hard to represent the interests of airlines and their customers, striving for safe, affordable and efficient air travel.
Happy holidays,
James C. May
President and CEO