Air Transport Association Comments on DOT Stakeholder Forum on Aviation
Financial Health, Formation of Federal Advisory Committee to Discuss Industry
Future
Carriers Call for Accelerated ATC Modernization, No New Taxes and Fees
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Transport Association
of America (ATA), the industry trade association for the leading U.S.
airlines, today commented on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and
Secretary LaHood's initiative in bringing aviation stakeholders together to
discuss the financial health of commercial aviation - an economic engine that
drives 8 percent of global gross domestic product.
Airline executives participating in the forum called for:
-- No new taxes and fees, which would burden an already overtaxed
industry
and travelers/shippers
-- Fully funded and accelerated modernization of the nation's air traffic
control (ATC) system
-- Enhanced oversight of energy markets to excessive speculation and the
resulting volatility of oil prices
-- Elimination of arcane restrictions on airlines' ability to operate
efficiently in the global marketplace
-- A global sectoral approach to climate change for aviation developed
through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
"We appreciate that Secretary LaHood is taking this step to address the future
health and competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry," said ATA President
and CEO James C. May. "The formation of a federal advisory committee of
government and industry stakeholders, who will seek solutions to the
challenges facing U.S. aviation in order to restore jobs and the financial
health of our industry, is essential. Ultimately, a healthy airline industry
will help drive the nation's economic recovery."
Annually, commercial aviation helps drive $1.1 trillion in U.S. economic
activity and more than 10 million U.S. jobs. However, the U.S. airline
industry has lost nearly $60 billion since 2001.
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.
SOURCE Air Transport Association of America
Elizabeth Merida, +1-202-626-4205, or Victoria Day, +1-202-626-4141, both of
the Air Transport Association
