STATEMENT
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2008 – The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization representing the leading U.S. airlines, today released the following statement regarding the safety of the U.S. air transportation system:
“Nothing is more important to the aviation industry than its firm commitment to the safety of all air travelers. The ATA member airlines are justifiably proud of their safety record, one that has not seen a fatal accident of a U.S. mainline carrier since November 2001. Today’s House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing sent a very clear message – as good as the airline industry’s safety record is, the safety oversight system that supports that record can always be improved.
“ATA is pleased that the FAA has announced a series of initiatives designed to enhance safety and that it is moving forward with the recommendations of the Department of Transportation Inspector General.
“That said, as we proceed, it is critically important that corrective measures avoid a rush to change the vast majority of processes that have enabled us to provide the world’s safest mode of transportation.”
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.
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