Nicholas E. Calio, president and CEO, Airlines for America (A4A) testified today before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security. He addressed the role airlines play in economic growth and job creation across the U.S. and globally.
Aviation drives more than 10 million U.S. jobs and more than $1 trillion in U.S. economic activity. Calio urged members of the committee to address tax, regulatory and infrastructure challenges, which he said negatively impact the U.S. airline industry’s long-term viability and global competitiveness.
In his testimony before the panel, Calio noted that commercial air travel remains one of the best consumer bargains in America, especially given its superior speed and price versus other means of travel. And while it's an economic generator for the U.S., he said the government's policies exhibit indifference and often outright hostility to the industry, employees, customers and the communities served.
“Airlines continue to demonstrate that customers, employees and the U.S. economy all are vastly better off with a financially strong U.S. airline industry that can continue to reinvest in its product and service improvements and create more good paying jobs,” said Calio.
Calio further stressed that the global airline industry of 2014 is very different from 1978, and urged members of the committee to make certain government plays its appropriate role in ensuring U.S. commercial aviation is operating on a level playing field with foreign competitors whose governments have adapted accordingly.
“U.S. airlines are indispensable to our nation and its economy, and we want to contribute even more to the prosperity of America,” said Calio. “We continue to urge Congress and the Administration to implement a coherent National Airline Policy, enabling carriers to respond with maximum effectiveness to global competition.”
For information on A4A, visit www.airlines.org.