Airlines for America announced that it led a coalition of over 30 aviation stakeholders in supporting Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s call for a more modern air traffic control system. The announcement was made on X on March 29.
Airlines for America (A4A), a trade organization representing major U.S. airlines, has been actively advocating for the modernization of the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system. In a news update on February 19, 2025, A4A announced that it led a coalition urging Congress to allocate additional funding for improving air traffic controller staffing and accelerating the modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS). The coalition emphasized that upgrading ATC infrastructure is crucial to maintaining the United States’ leadership in aviation safety and efficiency.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) manages an extensive and complex airspace system. According to the FAA Fact Book, the agency oversees more than 45,000 flights and serves approximately 2.9 million airline passengers daily across over 29 million square miles of airspace. This vast operational scope underscores the critical need for modernized ATC systems to handle the growing demands of air travel safely and efficiently.
In a related development, personnel from Elon Musk’s DOGE team planned a visit to the FAA’s Air Traffic Control command center in Virginia on February 17, 2025. According to a Reuters report, the visit aimed to assess the current system and propose improvements, aligning with the Trump administration’s plans to reform air traffic control. Secretary Duffy emphasized the importance of modernizing and improving the system, highlighting the administration’s commitment to enhancing ATC infrastructure.
Airlines for America represents major U.S. passenger and cargo carriers, advocating for policies that promote safety, security, and a healthy airline industry. According to A4A’s official website, the organization collaborates with airlines, labor groups, Congress, the Administration, and other stakeholders to improve aviation for the traveling and shipping public. A4A’s efforts include advocating for ATC modernization to enhance operational efficiency and maintain global competitiveness.
