ATA Comments on aviation financial health.
Press Release Summary:
Comments were made concerning US DoT and Secretary LaHood's initiative in discussing financial health of commercial aviation. Participating airline executives called for no new taxes and fees, fully funded and accelerated modernization of air traffic control system, and oversight of energy markets. Also desired was elimination of arcane restrictions on airlines' ability to operate efficiently in global marketplace as well as global sectoral approach to climate change for aviation.
Original Press Release:
Air Transport Association Comments on DOT Stakeholder Forum on Aviation Financial Health, Formation of Federal Advisory Committee to Discuss Industry Future
Carriers Call for Accelerated ATC Modernization, No New Taxes and Fees
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2009 - The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade association for the leading U.S. airlines, today commented on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Secretary LaHood's initiative in bringing aviation stakeholders together to discuss the financial health of commercial aviation - an economic engine that drives 8 percent of global gross domestic product.
Airline executives participating in the forum called for:
(ATC) system
"We appreciate that Secretary LaHood is taking this step to address the future health and competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "The formation of a federal advisory committee of government and industry stakeholders, who will seek solutions to the challenges facing U.S. aviation in order to restore jobs and the financial health of our industry, is essential. Ultimately, a healthy airline industry will help drive the nation's economic recovery."
Annually, commercial aviation helps drive $1.1 trillion in U.S. economic activity and more than 10 million U.S. jobs. However, the U.S. airline industry has lost nearly $60 billion since 2001.
ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information about the industry, visit www.airlines.org.
