American Airlines CEO: Trump, Sec. Duffy’s decisive action on ATC shortage ‘a critical initial step to making our aviation system even safer'

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Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines | https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/about-us/leadership-bios/robert-isom.jsp

By Sky Industry News

Mar 25, 2025

Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, expressed his support for President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for their efforts in addressing the air traffic control shortage. "I commend President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the FAA for understanding the urgency of the air traffic control shortage and taking decisive action to address it," Isom said in a press release issued on February 28.

"I commend President Trump, Secretary Duffy, and the FAA for understanding the urgency of the air traffic control shortage and taking decisive action to address it," said Isom. "This is a critical initial step to making our aviation system even safer."

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced plans to streamline hiring processes and increase salaries for certified air traffic controllers as part of an initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). According to a press release from Airlines for America (A4A), its member carriers have praised the Trump Administration's swift response to this issue. The announcement by Duffy represents a significant step toward strengthening the aviation industry and ensuring smoother air travel operations.

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Nicholas E. Calio, President and CEO of A4A, testified before the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address staffing shortages in air traffic control, infrastructure needs, and funding shortfalls. He called for an emergency funding package to modernize outdated technology within the NAS. Calio warned that without immediate investments, flight delays, cancellations, and safety risks could increase. He urged lawmakers to prioritize improvements in the aviation system to meet growing passenger demand.

On February 27, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a plan to accelerate hiring at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. This initiative aims to address staffing shortages by expanding recruitment efforts and streamlining hiring processes. Duffy highlighted that increasing the controller workforce is crucial for safer and more efficient air travel.

According to a March 21 report by Reuters, Secretary Duffy has presented a comprehensive proposal seeking "tens of billions of dollars" from Congress to modernize FAA infrastructure. The plan includes upgrading radar systems, air traffic control terminals, and runway safety technology with modern solutions such as fiber optics, wireless communication, and satellite systems.

Robert Isom serves as CEO of American Airlines Group and American Airlines since March 2022 after previously holding the position of President from 2016 to 2022.