New legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) would update America’s aviation infrastructure including air traffic control, airport towers, airport terminals and other airport infrastructure.
The “Modern Skies Act” would invest $30 billion in aviation infrastructure modernization by adding to the $12.5 billion Congress approved through the Working Families Tax Cuts for a new air traffic control system. The additional $10 billion for Phase 2 of the modernization efforts would go beyond replacing aging infrastructure and start delivering the technology needed for more integrated management of aircraft, routes, trajectories and airspace. The legislation would also invest in airports and airport infrastructure, the Senator said.
“Air travel is more accessible than ever, but for too many Americans, getting where they need to go still feels like a gamble. Travelers face long lines, aging airports, constant delays, and an air traffic control system in desperate need of attention. That is a far cry from the golden age of American aviation that St. Louis’ own Charles Lindbergh helped usher in. The Modern Skies Act will launch a new era of American aviation by building a world-class system that works better for air traffic controllers, airlines, and, most importantly, passengers,” Schmitt said.
The legislation would spend $10 billion on modernizing or rebuilding major terminals at up to three medium hub airports, $10.1 billion for Air Traffic Control Modernization, allow the Federal Aviation Administration the flexibility to transfer previously appropriated funding of the Air Traffic Control System as implementation progresses, while maintaining congressional reporting, and invest $10 billion in Terminal, Tower, and Airport Improvements – $2 billion to construct and modernize air traffic control towers and facilities, including digital tower technology; $3 billion for discretionary Airport Improvement Program projects; and $5 billion for airport terminal modernization
“But to finally fix air travel for the American people, we need to pass the Modern Skies Act. This bill will give us the funding we need to modernize the digital architecture powering air traffic control, replace crumbling aviation infrastructure, and build world-class airports across the country,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.
FAA expects commercial flights to increase by more than 40 percent by 2046, alongside continued growth in drones, commercial space launches, and new types of aircraft.
The legislation has support from several aviation related organizations, like Airlines for America.
“In the past year, DOT has proven their ability to use taxpayer dollars wisely, tackling numerous navigation and telecom projects at record speed. This progress demonstrates what is possible when our leaders prioritize sustained investment in the National Airspace System (NAS), but the work is not done,” Airlines for America President and CEO Chris Sununu said. “We urge Congress to provide the additional $30 billion needed to sustain this momentum and deliver a modern ATC system equipped to meet the demand of today and tomorrow. This effort is essential to bolstering safety and efficiency, supporting the needs of the traveling and shipping public and maintaining the United States’ position as the world’s aviation leader.”