The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) said it supported recommendations by the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee (FAAC), a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory group, that will improve the U.S. aviation industry and infrastructure. The recommendations, submitted to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, embrace a number of NBTA priorities that the NBTA says are critical to the growth of the U.S. economy and the business travel industry.
“The FAAC has undertaken a rigorous review and presented DOT with a series of recommendations that will have a positive effect on business travel," said Mike McCormick, executive director and COO of the NBTA. "In particular, these include a necessary charge to help companies and travel professionals gain transparency in ancillary fees, and a fast-tracked overhaul of the national airspace system, reducing the amount of flight delays and increasing safety. Since the U.S. aviation system is becoming increasingly complex, we strongly urge the Secretary to place great value on this guidance as plans and policies are put into action in 2011 and beyond.”
NBTA urged the DOT and the FAA to pursue the committee’s recommendation on the issues that will have the greatest impact on the business travel community. Of the committee’s recommendations, NBTA called special attention to:
Aviation Safety and Support of NextGen Air Transportation System – DOT must accelerate elements of NextGen which will have significant near term benefits and increase the likelihood of successful deployment.
Jet Fuel Price Volatility – DOT must work with the Community Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to address the economic stress imposed on the business travel industry by fuel price volatility and support responsible regulatory intervention to reduce the volatility attributable to speculative activities.
Global Competitiveness – DOT should foster conditions that enable global airline alliances which will enhance the viability and global competitiveness of U.S. airlines.
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