The bill from Senator Eric Schmitt would build on last year’s $12.5 billion air traffic control investment with further funding for ATC modernisation, terminals and control towers, and draws support from major airline, pilot and controller groups.
US Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) has introduced the Modern Skies Act, which would invest 30 billion dollars in air traffic control, airport towers, terminals and related infrastructure, unveiled alongside Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “The Modern Skies Act will launch a new era of American aviation by building a world-class system that works better for air traffic controllers, airlines, and, most importantly, passengers,” said Senator Schmitt. Duffy said the bill was needed to build on progress already made: “Under President Trump, we have made historic progress revitalising our airspace. But to finally fix air travel for the American people, we need to pass the Modern Skies Act.” The legislation builds on the 12.5 billion dollars Congress previously provided through the Working Families Tax Cuts for air traffic control telecommunications, radar, facilities, controller training and runway safety upgrades.
WHAT THE BILL WOULD FUND
The bill would provide 10 billion dollars for an Aging Terminal Pilot Program to modernise or rebuild terminals at up to three medium hub airports; 10.1 billion dollars for the next phase of FAA air traffic control modernisation, including facility consolidation, a common automation platform and controller workstation, and modern flow-management technology; flexibility for the FAA to transfer previously appropriated ATC funding between components as work progresses; and a further 10 billion dollars split between 2 billion for control tower construction and modernisation, 3 billion for discretionary Airport Improvement Program projects, and 5 billion for airport terminal modernisation. The FAA projects commercial flights will grow more than 40 per cent by 2046.
INDUSTRY REACTION
The bill has drawn support from across the industry. Airlines for America president and chief executive Chris Sununu said his organisation urged “Congress to provide the additional $30 billion needed to sustain this momentum and deliver a modern ATC system equipped to meet the demand of today and tomorrow.” Air Line Pilots Association president Captain Jason Ambrosi said ALPA supported the request, while the American Association of Airport Executives, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association also issued statements backing the bill, through their respective presidents Todd Hauptli, Nick Daniels and James Viola.
Source and Images: Office of Senator Eric Schmitt
