Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Washington, DC, Feb. 27, 2025 – Today, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed a new Senate bill that aims to increase the number of certified air traffic controllers and improve aviation safety.
The Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025, introduced by Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), would authorize funding for training that will expand the ATC workforce and incentivize retention, give the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) additional resources for training technology, and have the agency take additional steps to provide more mental health support for air traffic controllers.
“Our air traffic control system is the safest and most efficient in the world, but ensuring it is ready to meet the needs of all stakeholders in the future will require a workforce that is empowered and prepared,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “This bill is an investment in aviation safety. We applaud Sens. Hoeven, Moran and Shaheen for their leadership, and we urge Congress to pass this bill promptly.”
The Senate bill would:
- Provide $20 million per year in grants for the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) to give universities more funding for curriculum, simulators and faculty
- Require the FAA to develop ATC recruitment and retention incentive programs
- Allow the agency to purchase Tower Simulator Systems to help certify ATC trainees
- Increase mental health specialists and support available to the ATC workforce
Earlier this month, NBAA joined with 33 other groups on a letter urging Congress to fund improvements in the air traffic controller hiring and system modernization to enhance the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. Read the full letter.
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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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