NBAA Comments On Sequester’s Potential Impact for Aviation

Contact: Dan Hubbard, (202) 783-9360, dhubbard@nbaa.org

Washington, DC, February 22, 2013 – National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen today issued the following statement, regarding comments made by Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, indicating that government inaction to prevent a looming “sequester” – which would require across-the-board budget cuts at all federal agencies – will likely lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce air traffic control (ATC) services. According to LaHood, the move could lead to reductions in the ATC workforce, ATC tower closures at some airports and increased delays in the aviation system.

“We understand from Secretary LaHood’s comments today that, if the sequester takes effect, government officials will choose to curtail or close aviation services, including air traffic control, in some number of locations. While it’s disappointing that such safety-of-life services might be reduced in some instances, NBAA will work with the FAA and all other aviation stakeholders in a collaborative way, to help ensure that the aviation system functions at an optimal level, even under such a unique and challenging scenario.”

LaHood’s comments today were reflected in a Feb. 22 letter he and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta sent to NBAA and other aviation associations.

Review the letter in its entirety.

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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 9,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.

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