Airline CEOs Call for Permanent FAA Leadership and Increased Air Traffic Controllers

Several airline CEOs have raised concerns about the absence of permanent leadership at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the pressing need to bolster air traffic control staffing. These issues, they assert, are negatively impacting the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry. The CEOs discussed these matters at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Aerospace Summit in Washington, D.C., highlighting the current challenges and opportunities within the aviation sector.

The FAA has been led by an acting administrator, Steve Dickson, since January 2021. President Joe Biden has yet to nominate a permanent replacement. The airline CEOs stressed that having a permanent FAA leader is crucial for ensuring policy stability and continuity, particularly in areas like safety, innovation, and sustainability.

The shortage of air traffic controllers has led to delays, cancellations, and disruptions for airlines and passengers, especially during peak travel times and adverse weather conditions. The CEOs emphasized that this staffing shortage also poses a safety risk to the air traffic system.

The FAA’s June 2021 report indicated that it had around 13,000 air traffic controllers, below its target range of 14,000 to 15,000 controllers. The agency expected to lose approximately 1,600 controllers due to retirements and attrition by September 2022.

The airline CEOs called on the Biden administration and Congress to promptly nominate and confirm a permanent FAA administrator. They also urged increased funding and resources for the FAA to recruit and train additional air traffic controllers. Collaboration and communication between the FAA and the aviation industry were stressed to enhance the efficiency and performance of the air traffic system.

Nicholas Calio, President and CEO of Airlines for America (A4A), emphasized the critical need for more air traffic controllers to meet the growing demand for air travel in the U.S. and globally. He noted that it would take several years to reach staffing levels necessary to alleviate disruptions, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, faa.gov, oig.dot.gov