Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Washington, DC, May 8, 2025 – Today, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) joined more than 50 other industry groups to express strong support for Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy’s proposal for a comprehensive upgrade of the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system, which serves approximately 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers every day.
“Secretary Duffy’s plan cements America as a global leader in aviation, investing in both technology and the air traffic control workforce to enhance U.S. aviation safety and reliability,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said in remarks delivered at an event held in Washington, DC, to unveil the DOT plan. “The swift implementation of these updates is not just important, it’s imperative. We commend the Secretary for his focus on speed, efficiency, and safety and we fully support his call for Congress to provide the necessary funding.”
Importantly, a central focus of Secretary Duffy’s plan to modernize the ATC system focuses on implementing needed technological upgrades, enhancing connectivity and ensuring U.S. infrastructure can adapt to evolving technologies and increasing air traffic. Additionally, Secretary Duffy’s focus on accelerating the recruitment and training of air traffic controllers, which is part of his supercharge program announced in February, is a crucial step in addressing a longstanding workforce shortage.
In supporting Secretary Duffy’s plan, NBAA has joined the Modern Skies Coalition, (modernskies.com), a new group comprised of more than 50 industry organizations supporting the Administration’s plans to upgrade aviation safety and maintain America’s position as the global leader.
“We are deeply appreciative that Secretary Duffy has made our nation’s air traffic control system a priority and look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to bring this vision to fruition,” the coalition said.
The coalition applauded the Administration’s budget request of $4 billion for FAA’s technology and Facilities and Equipment (F&E), which is higher than ever before. The coalition also expressed appreciation for the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sam Graves (R-6-MO), for taking a first step and moving $12.5 billion of ATC modernization funding through his committee.
At the same time, the group called for continued sufficient budget requests and an immediate robust infusion of resources to address soaring operational demands and enhance safety measures. “We believe a minimum of $18.5 billion in additional emergency funding should be appropriated over the next three years above the FAA’s annual F&E budget,” the coalition said in its statement.
Read the full Modern Skies Coalition statement here.
“The future of air travel in the U.S. depends on a robust and resilient air traffic control system,” Bolen concluded. “NBAA recognizes that maintaining safety and improving efficiency requires collaboration and investment from all stakeholders involved, and we stand ready to assist Secretary Duffy and the Administration in driving these essential changes.”
Below is the full version of Bolen’s prepared remarks for the event introducing the DOT’s plan.
Remarks by NBAA President and CEO, Ed Bolen
U.S. Department of Transportation
Air Traffic Control Modernization Plan Announcement
May 8,2025
As Prepared for Delivery
Today, the entire aviation industry stands together in common purpose.
We have not been this united, focused and determined to invest in the future of our nation’s air transportation system since the creation of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund in 1970.
Our mission is clear. The United States needs to invest in the people, facilities and equipment to usher in a new era of air transportation.
One that will safely, securely, efficiently and sustainably accommodate the growing demand for travel and the amazing diversity of aircraft and operations that are coming to the marketplace.
Advanced Air Mobility and blended-wing technology are just some of the innovations that will shape this new era. And as the Administration makes clear, the United States intends to lead, not follow, in the field of aviation.
The families of the victims of the tragic event at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are here today. We have a unique moment in time to honor their legacy. We need to respond with American ingenuity, innovation and action. We agree that we should not be distracted by over-hyped and under-performing foreign air traffic models that suffer from air traffic controller shortages, massive delays, technology breakdowns, and repeated calls for transparency and leadership.
With today’s announcement by Secretary Duffy, it is clear America will continue to be the global leader, just as we have been since the day the Wright Brothers flew at Kitty Hawk and changed the world.
The plan that is being rolled out today is different from any we have seen in the past in its specificity and accountability.
The plan makes clear that we will invest in not only having the best air traffic controllers in the world, but having them in sufficient numbers to meet future demands and challenges.
The plan makes clear that we are investing in technologies that will increase bandwidth and connectivity; enhance situational awareness, and leverage advances in state-of-the-art radar. And it will all be done in a few short years.
We will be investing in new facilities designed to accommodate the people and equipment we need to be the safest, largest, most efficient and most dynamic air transportation system in the world not just today but for decades to come.
A system that embraces a diverse mix of aircraft and operations should be a national priority.
Thanks to the plan put forward today, it is.
The business aviation community, all of the general aviation industry – in fact, the entirety of our nation’s aviation industry – is galvanized in its support for this plan. We are fully committed to working in concert with each other to make it a reality.
Today is a great day for America’s air transportation system and the future of our country.
Thank you.
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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.
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