A4A commends FAA for reform act
February 15, 2012, 11:43 am
Airlines for America recently commended Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration for passing the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. The comprehensive bill was in negotiations for more than four years, and it aims to make air travel safer and more efficient passengers and carriers, while reducing taxes on the industry and customers.
A4A President and CEO Nicholas Calio said the bill will help keep the United States competitive in the global market and boost job growth and productivity.
"Holding the line on federal aviation taxes and fees paid by airlines and their customers enables carriers to work toward being sustainably profitable, so they can maintain jobs and service to communities and invest in their product," Calio said. "This bill also recognizes that safety is our highest priority and includes several provisions that help us build on our strong safety record."
Another tool that can keep the skies safer is investment in pilot insurance to protect against the unexpected.
To promote safety, the bill is encouraging data sharing between airlines and the FAA to establish risk-based inspection systems for aircraft repair stations all over the world. The bill also aims to expedite the development and implementation of a next generation air traffic management system throughout the country. The system will improve on-time performance and reduce fuel burn and emissions, while decreasing airport noise.
In the past 20 years, taxes on passengers, shippers and airline carriers has doubled, accounting for $61 out of every $300 round-trip ticket. The bill holds the line on these taxes, not allowing them to increase again. All future regulations governing the aviation industry with regards to lithium batteries will remain consistent with international standards under the new bill as well.
The bill also increases funding toward FAA research and development programs for alternative fuel sources and the use of advanced materials in planes. These programs aim to reduce emissions and aircraft fuel burn to make air travel more efficient and environmentally sound.
In a similar effort to encourage innovation in the aviation industry, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport will be hosting the 2012 Boyd Group International Aviation Forecast Summit this September. The event expects to attract more than 500 airline and airport executives, as well as vendors, suppliers, financial organizations, power plant manufacturers and global aircraft companies. The goal of the event is to create dialogue between aviation professionals and expert speakers, providing insight into the future of the industry and what advancements should be made.
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