Alaska Air CEO: Thank you Trump administration for 'quick action to address the air traffic controller shortage'

Airlines for America (A4A) President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio testified before the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee, urging immediate action on air traffic control staffing, infrastructure, and funding. He emphasized the need for an emergency funding package to tackle staffing shortages, modernize outdated technology, and improve NAS efficiency. Calio warned that without prompt investments, flight delays, cancellations, and safety risks could rise. He stressed supporting aviation system improvements to meet increasing passenger demand. A4A remains committed to collaborating with policymakers to ensure a more reliable air transportation network.

On February 27, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a plan to accelerate air traffic controller hiring at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy in Oklahoma City. The initiative aims to address staffing shortages by expanding recruitment efforts and streamlining hiring processes. Duffy highlighted the critical need to bolster the controller workforce for safer and more efficient air travel. This announcement responds to growing concerns about air traffic management capacity and modernization needs within NAS.

According to Reuters on March 21, Secretary Duffy outlined a comprehensive proposal to overhaul the U.S. air traffic control system. The plan seeks "tens of billions of dollars" from Congress for modernizing FAA infrastructure with new radar systems, ATC terminals, and runway safety technology. The initiative intends to replace outdated technologies with advanced systems like fiber optics, wireless, and satellite communications.

Ben Minicucci serves as CEO and president of Alaska Air Group, overseeing Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air. The company employs 33,000 people and operates nearly 1,500 daily flights across over 140 destinations under his leadership.