Modernization
A4A President & CEO Nick Calio Emphasizes Collaboration, Additional Funding at AAAE ATC Modernization Summit Panel
July 15, 2025
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2025 – Airlines for America (A4A) President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio participated in the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) 2025 Air Traffic Control Modernization Summit on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. Calio joined a distinguished panel discussion, “The Case for ATC Modernization: A Discussion with Industry Leaders,” to address the current challenges and future opportunities of the U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system.
The panel brought together diverse voices from across the aviation ecosystem—airlines, air traffic controllers, general aviation, manufacturers and airport operators. Panelists included Darren Pleasance, President and CEO, AOPA; James Viola, President and CEO, GAMA; Dean Iacopelli, Chief of Staff, NATCA; Edward Bolen, President and CEO, NBAA; Sarah McKeon, Director of Aviation, PANYNJ; and Nicholas E. Calio, President and CEO, A4A.
Moderated by Todd Hauptli, President and CEO of AAAE, the discussion focused on the safety, efficiency and scalability of the National Airspace System (NAS) and the role modernization must play in ensuring future growth. Calio emphasized the importance of collaboration across the aviation industry saying, “We have to maintain the sense of urgency that had been developed on January 29, and we have to now move it forward.”
When asked about the benefits of having a modern NAS, Calio replied, “It’s simple. More flights. Better on-time flights. Greater efficiency in the system.” Calio added, “That will get people and packages where we want them to go much quicker and much more efficiently.”
Looking ahead, Calio outlined the need for sustained collaboration to further support ATC staffing, new technologies and physical infrastructure improvements. “We all need to stay together and seize this moment,” Calio said, adding the $12.5 billion funding from President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is “going to go a long way” but is a down payment in revamping the infrastructure in our skies.
The first panel of this summit underscored the shared commitment of industry stakeholders to deliver a modern, safe and efficient ATC system that can meet the demands of record air travel and a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.