Battle Over ATC Privatization, User Fees Expected in 2017, Says Bolen

A new administration takes over in Washington, DC this month, but NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said business aviation leaders are expecting another push for ATC privatization funded by user fees, and are preparing to once again fight against it. “What really is at stake here is a fundamental question about who’s going to control the public’s air space,” Bolen said. “Is it going to be the public’s elected representatives or are we going to turn our air traffic control monopoly over to a private board dominated by airlines who may not have business aviation’s best interest at heart?” Other NBAA priorities for 2017 include support of certification reform and a push to move forward with NextGen implementation.