AIA President Praises FY12 Budget for NextGen initiative.
Press Release Summary:
AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey commended administration's "continued commitment to improving efficiency and safety and reducing the environmental impact of the National Aerospace System through the fiscal year 2012 President's Budget Request." In particular, Blakey mentioned $1.24 billion in funding for NextGen initiative. She went on to express appreciation for recognition of aerospace manufacturers' important role in innovation and contributing to national trade balance.
Original Press Release:
NextGen Cleared for Takeoff in FY12 President's Budget
Statement by AIA President & CEO Marion C. Blakey
Arlington, Va. - We are pleased to see the administration's continued commitment to improving efficiency and safety and reducing the environmental impact of the National Aerospace System through the fiscal year 2012 President's Budget Request.
In particular, the budget request proposes to fund the NextGen initiative at $1.24 billion, $200 million of which will come directly from the administration's Infrastructure Initiative. Including NextGen avionics equipment in the administration's $30 billion National Infrastructure Bank proposal could accelerate the benefits of NextGen. This will help address one of the larger challenges facing the full implementation of NextGen-establishing a sound business case for equipping airlines with upgraded avionics systems. Without the cockpit infrastructure component, there is no NextGen.
Furthermore, AIA appreciates the administration's recognition of the important role aerospace manufacturers play in driving innovation and contributing positively to our nation's trade balance. Funding for an additional 100 certification personnel will help avoid delays that could hamper international competitiveness and speed the deployment of new products meant to improve safety and make air travel safer and more efficient.
-AIA-
Founded in 1919 shortly after the birth of flight, the Aerospace Industries Association is the most authoritative and influential trade association representing the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, homeland and cybersecurity systems, materiel and related components, equipment services and information technology.
Daniel N. Stohr
Communications Coordinator & Manager of Publications
Aerospace Industries Association
1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1700
Arlington, Virginia 22209 USA
T: 703-358-1078 F: 703-358-1012
dan.stohr@aia-aerospace.org
