our priorities

A4A works to accelerate the modernization of technologies and procedures to advance the aviation system, including air traffic control capabilities, airport infrastructure and policies addressing commercial spaceflight and unmanned aircraft. We aggressively advocate for the stable and predictable funding of the FAA’s Facilities & Equipment (F&E) budget, the overhaul of air traffic control technologies and physical infrastructure and air traffic controller hiring.

• Air Traffic Control Modernization
• Modern Skies Coalition
• White Paper: National Airspace Safety Initiative
• Featured Testimony: Air Traffic Control System Infrastructure and Staffing
• Letter: FAA Modernization Request to Capitol Hill
• Featured Testimony: Strengthening Airline Operations and Consumer Protection
• Featured Testimony: FAA Reauthorization: Navigating the Comprehensive Passenger Experience

A4A advocates on behalf of its members to shape policies that ensure safe and secure skies. Our carriers work closely with our government partners to remain vigilant and ahead of threats to aviation security. This includes policy approaches that reflect the operational realities of modern supply chains and an ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. Risks must be mitigated in an economic and operationally feasible manner that continues to facilitate the movement of people and commerce.

Safety of our passengers and crew members is the top priority for A4A and our member carriers—and that applies to our youngest passengers, especially those under the age of two. A4A and our passenger carriers support the recommendation of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), that strongly urges travelers to secure children under two in an approved child restraint system (CRS) for the entirety of a flight. For additional information, travelers are encouraged to read their individual carrier’s policies and recommendations in addition to the FAA’s guidance on child safety.

• REAL ID Ready
• A4A Applauds TSA for Screening a Record Number of Travelers
• A4A Speaks on Workforce at FAA’s Aviation Safety InfoShare

Many foreign governments treat their airlines as strategic assets to their citizens and economy and have adapted accordingly. These airlines do not face the same tax, regulatory and infrastructure burdens as U.S. airlines do. For our members, access to the fastest-growing global markets is critical to U.S. economic growth and domestic service. Unlike foreign carriers, U.S. airlines serve small, rural and other non-hub communities throughout the country. More profitable international operations enable domestic carriers to provide service to less-profitable small and rural markets.

The government needs to play its role in ensuring U.S. commercial aviation is operating on a level playing field with foreign competitors, enabling carriers to respond with maximum effectiveness to global competition.

• We Connect the World
• The Power of Choice
• The Airline Industry Supports Over 10 Million Jobs
• Airlines Fly Cargo

Even though the U.S. airline industry was deregulated in 1978, it is still one of the most regulated industries in the country and government regulations have grown rapidly over the past two decades.

Certain regulations are critical to enhancing airline operations and providing the safest mode of transportation. However, many regulations are unnecessary and costly, negatively impacting the industry’s ability to create jobs and facilitate economic growth. There are several pending and proposed regulations that will not improve safety, security or the passenger experience.​

More thoughtful, consistent and streamlined U.S. airline regulations would save billions of dollars, spurring more investment in newer planes, expanding routes and preserving air service in smaller markets. The government needs to adopt regulations that are based on science and facts, can be justified on a cost-benefit basis and eliminate inefficient rules. ​

• Protect Our Points
• Airlines’ Commitment to Accessibility
• Stop Air Tax Now

A4A works to shape and advance productive and practical federal, state, local and international environmental measures, including policies to address carbon emissions, noise impact and more. We advocate for the U.S. airline industry as a model of environmental responsibly and aggressively promote its record of sustainability, especially our members’ ongoing efforts with America’s agriculture community to produce and scale up sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

With fuel being one of the highest and most volatile cost centers for airlines, the U.S. airlines’ environmental and economic interests and saving fuel and reducing associated emissions align. Our members are committed to development and deployment of alternative fuels and have already invested billions of dollars in new aircraft and technologies that decrease emissions.

• Airlines Fly Green
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel