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President Trump Highlights ATC Modernization in OBBB
June 27, 2025
Today, President Trump recorded a video message in the Oval Office talking about the importance of modernizing our nation’s air traffic control system. “After many years of decline in our air traffic control system, the One Big Beautiful Bill will modernize this decrepit relic and give America the best, most advanced air traffic control system on Earth, the best by far,” he said.
The President continued: “It contains a historic program to update antiquated communications and radar systems, deteriorating hardware and ancient software. This is really old stuff. It’s ancient. With the latest 21st century tools and equipment, it will improve runway safety and build new air traffic control centers for the first time in more than 50 years and keep America flying safely and efficiently for decades to come many.”
A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio applauded the President’s message and leadership, issuing the following statement:
“President Trump is a builder and understands why investing in our nation’s air traffic control infrastructure is critical to the safety and efficiency of air travel and commerce. For far too long, America’s ATC system has been running on outdated technology like copper wiring, floppy disks and paper strips—much to the detriment of consumers. This is unacceptable when air travel is booming! Americans deserve a brand new, state-of-the-art system, and the Trump Administration is working to deliver.
“Under the President’s leadership, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy has proposed a plan that would completely overhaul the system and give America the air traffic control infrastructure it deserves. The One Big Beautiful Bill is critical to providing initial funding for ATC modernization and materializing President Trump’s vision of a safe, modern and efficient airspace.”
President Trump ended his video message saying, “It’s time to pass the One Big, Beautiful Bill into law. We’re going to get it done. We’re going to take care of air traffic control.” We agree. Let’s get this done!
Learn more about the need to modernize ATC at airlines.org and at Modern Skies.