Airlines for America (A4A) released the statement below attributable to A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio following President Donald J. Trump signing the One Big Beautiful Bill into law:

“Promises made, promises kept. President Trump pledged to the American people he would address our country’s aging air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure. Today, he followed through on his promise by signing $12.5 billion of ATC investment into law. This initial funding will allow Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to begin implementing the administration’s plan to overhaul the system with new, modern technology that will make air travel safer and more efficient.

“Few people have had the gumption to take on the vast undertaking of modernizing our nation’s complex ATC system, but President Trump and Secretary Duffy addressed the dire need quickly and are acting with urgency.

“The federal government’s primary responsibility is the safety and security of its citizens, and during this time of record air travel and increased reliance on air cargo shipments, the time to act is NOW! With U.S. carriers transporting 2.7 million passengers and 61,000 tons of air cargo every day, our airspace is long overdue for important, 21^st century updates.

“We appreciate the dedication and determination of House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz who ensured this critical down payment stayed in the One Big Beautiful Bill legislation throughout the process and helped get the provisions across the finish line.

“We look forward to working with the administration as we continue to advocate for additional funding for staffing and technology to make President Trump’s vision of a new golden age of air travel a reality.”