STATEMENT
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2007 – The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization representing leading U.S. airlines, today commented on the plan unveiled by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) to dramatically cut flight delays:
“We applaud Senator Schumer for working with the industry and government to help reduce the growing number of flight delays and improve the customer travel experience,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “Like the senator, we support the appointment of a 'czar' to lead a multi-faceted congestion initiative in the Northeast corridor. To ensure utmost accountability, someone in this new leadership role must be empowered to make substantive adjustments to the management of our nation’s airports and airspace.
“ATA member airlines are fully committed to working closely with all stakeholders to address the challenges associated with the growing demand for travel in and out of the New York area,” May said. “Improved capacity and efficiency in that region would go far to reduce much of the delays in the area and throughout the country.”
May added that these are but a few of a suite of solutions that are required to improve the efficiency of air traffic operations.
“Long-term, the most practical solution is to transition to satellite-based, GPS technology.”
ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information about the industry, visit www.airlines.org. For more information on next-generation air traffic control, visit www.smartskies.org.
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