Over Two Dozen Aerospace Associations Urge Congress to Boost Funding for Neglected Aviation Facilities

Twenty-six aerospace associations have jointly called on Congress to increase funding for America’s aging aviation facilities, warning that neglect could endanger the entire U.S. aviation industry.

In a letter co-signed by organizations including the Air Traffic Control Association, Airlines for America, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, concerns were raised about the deteriorating state of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities. Many of these facilities, including Air Route Traffic Control Centers, are over 50 years old and in need of critical maintenance.

The letter, addressed to congressional transportation committees, emphasized that only three out of 23 evaluated FAA facilities were deemed to be in “good” condition in a 2017 assessment. It stressed that further investment is essential to ensure a safe, resilient, and modernized air traffic control system for American passengers.

Highlighting the consequences of underinvestment, the letter cited an incident in January 2023 when the FAA’s Notice to Air Missions system experienced a complete outage, leading to a nationwide flight grounding for over an hour — the first such incident since 9/11.

According to the associations, every Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and more than a quarter of all FAA facilities are at least half a century old and urgently require replacement. Despite the critical need, current FAA budgets are insufficient to support necessary upgrades.

The letter proposed reforms to the Airport & Airway Trust Fund (AATF), which finances aviation activities, urging Congress to enable more effective utilization of its balance for facility upgrades and modernization.

While acknowledging broader fiscal pressures, the associations argued that robust government investment in the aviation sector is vital for safety and U.S. global competitiveness. They noted projections indicating an uncommitted balance of approximately $5.8 billion in the AATF by year-end, suggesting a stable funding source for addressing national airspace system needs.

The associations praised recent legislative efforts, including the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, which allocated $105 billion over five years for FAA operations, workforce development, and passenger compensation standards.

However, they called on Congress to build upon these measures to ensure the continued safety and strength of the nation’s airspace system.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, newsweek.com