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Nicholas E. Calio, CEO of Airlines for America (A4A), said that U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has made significant efforts in two months to focus the Department of Transportation (DOT). However, he noted that the National Airspace System (NAS) has reached a critical point, necessitating urgent action from Congress. Calio's remarks were made during a Congressional hearing on March 4.
"For over 14 years now, I've been saying we are at an inflection point with the NAS, and we all need to act with urgency… we are past the inflection point now," said E. Calio, President and CEO. "Fourteen years later, I hope this Congress and this Administration will agree that it's not acceptable to just continue to tolerate a chronically understaffed system. Just like it's not acceptable for controllers and technicians to have to work with paper strips and floppy disks to operate NAS in the United States. We are encouraged by the dedication of President Trump and Secretary Duffy to take on these difficult challenges. Secretary Duffy has done an awful lot in two months to focus the DOT on these matters that matter most to our safety system. It is critical that we put the debates of the past and the inherent political inertia behind us to try to actually all join together to get something done… We want action not political debate."
According to Calio, who testified before the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Aviation Subcommittee, immediate action is required to address air traffic control staffing, infrastructure, and funding issues. He called for an emergency funding package to tackle staffing shortages, modernize outdated technology, and enhance the efficiency of the NAS. Calio warned that without prompt investments, there could be an increase in flight delays, cancellations, and safety risks. He emphasized the importance of lawmakers prioritizing improvements in the aviation system to accommodate growing passenger demand. A4A remains committed to collaborating with policymakers to ensure a more reliable and resilient air transportation network.
