Aug. 8, 2025
NBAA joined dozens of leading aviation groups in signing a unified letter to House transportation leaders outlining a list of policy priorities for enhancing the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) and ensure America’s aviation leadership in the decades to come.
The letter, signed by NBAA and 50 other aviation stakeholders in the Modern Skies coalition, was sent to Reps. Troy Nehls (R-22-TX) and Rick Larsen (D-2-WA), the chair and ranking member, respectively, of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee.
The letter focuses on four key areas of focus in addressing the national imperative to achieve aviation system transformation:
- Develop a Comprehensive Plan: Require the DOT and FAA to deliver detailed plans for the administration’s proposed investment for developing a new air traffic control system. The first plan, due within 30 days of enactment, should identify how the $12.5 billion will be prioritized to maximize funding of transformational and integrated technologies, as well as decommissioning of outdated systems.
- Ensure Strong Transparency/Oversight: The administration sould deliver monthly reports on its performance against the plan’s schedule, budget and delivery on key benefits and establish regular engagement meetings.
- Streamline Acquisitions and Foster Performance-Driven Partnerships: Direct the DOT and the FAA to fully utilize its Acquisition Management System authority to meet the ambitious timeline for air traffic control system transformation. Moreover, the FAA in coordination with the DOT should implement all available methods to engage innovative vendors, facilitate the use of performance-based service contracts to authorize and fund technology renewal and replacement and develop a process for rapid decision-making.
- Ensure Robust Funding and Continuity of Operations: This should include provisions to secure continuity of funding and work for the agency to implement the plan for the $12.5 billion and budget reforms that enable multi-year system transformation efforts.
The submission also includes a coalition letter provided earlier this year to the Senate Commerce Committee with additional views on modernizing aviation technology infrastructure and making the transformative leap in capabilities that DOT Secretary Sean Duffy and the administration have outlined for the air traffic control system.
“Our submission builds upon the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, as well as the $12.5 billion down payment that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee championed, and was recently signed into law,” the coalition wrote. “We thank you for your leadership and ongoing efforts and look forward to working with you on the next phase of this critical effort.”
The Modern Skies Coalition includes NBAA and industry stakeholders including international aviation associations, trade unions, manufacturers and others.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.