Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for U.S. airlines, recently praised the introduction of legislation in the House of Representatives to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The measure seeks to both prioritize the modernization of the country’s air traffic control (ATC) system, and dismisses what A4A calls unnecessary travel tax hikes.
“We applaud the committee’s continued leadership in putting travelers and shippers first, while working to deliver the 21st century solutions that will make flying better for all Americans,” A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio said. “This proposal recognizes that the status quo is not working and that we must take bold, innovative action to modernize our nation’s ATC infrastructure to meet the growing demand for air travel now and in the future. As the legislative process moves forward, A4A remains committed to working with members of both parties to achieve the world-class ATC system that airline customers deserve.”
A4A has had long-standing opposition to increasing the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) of more than 2.2 million travelers who fly daily. Calio said that airports have enough money to fund capital improvement projects without taxing passengers. In 2015, airport PFC collections reached an all-time high of $3 billion and airline rents and fees hit a record of $10.7 billion, while airports have almost $12.7 billion in unrestricted cash and investments as well as an uncommitted balance of $6 billion in the Airport and Airways Trust Fund — which is funded through passenger taxes.