Airlines for America has called for the modernization of the U.S. air traffic control system amid record air travel and a growing reliance on air cargo shipments. The announcement was made in a post on X.
According to Airlines for America, the organization emphasized the urgent need to modernize the U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system, pointing to historic highs in both passenger travel and air cargo shipments. The association thanked President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Sean Duffy for their continued leadership and determination in addressing this national infrastructure challenge. Airlines for America framed modernization as essential to sustaining the efficiency, safety, and reliability of U.S. aviation in the face of growing demand.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that U.S. commercial aviation hit record passenger volumes in 2024, with over 2.9 million travelers passing through airports daily, as well as a notable increase in air cargo shipments since the pandemic. These growing volumes have led to increased congestion and delays, underscoring the urgent need for system-wide upgrades. According to the FAA, investments in new air traffic management technology are critical to supporting future growth and mitigating bottlenecks in the national airspace.