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  • Commercial aviation helps drive more than 10M American jobs and 5 cents of every dollar of U.S. GDP

  • Commercial aviation drives more than $1 trillion per year in economic activity

  • U.S. airlines move 50,000 tons of cargo per day

  • U.S. exports by air are 130 times the value of exports transported by sea

  • For every 100 airline jobs, some 360 are supported outside of the airline industry

  • Federal taxes constitute $61 – or 20% – of the price of a typical $300 domestic round-trip ticket

  • As of early 2011, FAA projecting 1 billion passengers to be enplaned in FY 2021

  • From 2000-2010, U.S. airlines carried 15% more traffic while using 2.1 billion fewer gallons of fuel

  • NextGen could reduce annual fuel consumption by 1.6 billion gallons

  • Domestically, airlines drive 5% of economic activity but account for 2% of man-made GHG emissions

  • From 2000-2010, reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 10% while transporting 15% more passengers and cargo

  • From 1975-2010, the number of U.S. residents exposed to significant noise levels fell 95%

  • Commercial air travel is the safest form of intercity transportation in the United States

  • In the most recent decade, scheduled air service on U.S. airlines was 7 times safer than in the 1970s

  • From 2000-2010, U.S. airlines improved the on-time arrival rate from 72.6% to 79.8%

  • From 2000-2010, U.S. airlines halved the flight cancellation rate from 3.30% to 1.76%

  • Airfares are a bargain: From 2000-2010, U.S. CPI rose 27%, while average domestic fare (excl. taxes) rose just 1%

  • Adjusted for inflation, the average roundtrip domestic fare in 2010 fell 21% (from $398 to $316) compared to 2000

  • 2007 domestic flight delays cost the United States approximately $31 billion

A4A Public Policy Position Papers

Public Policy section: picture of the Capitol dome

PubZone1
A4A advocates on behalf of the airline industry primarily to the U.S. Congress and the agencies within the administration. Our stated priorities include maintaining airline safety; creating an international framework for reducing industry emissions; accelerating modernization of the air traffic control system; and reducing government taxes on airlines. A4A also has been very involved in promoting fuel efficiency and alternative-fuel development. This section includes policy position papers on issues important to the airline industry.


Safety (12/1/2011)
Safety is the number-one priority of America’s airlines, and air travel continues to be the world’s safest mode of transportation.
Taxes and Fees (12/1/2011)
A vibrant U.S. airline industry is critical to U.S. economic growth and global competitiveness. Over the years, the government has imposed a growing burden of taxes and fees on aviation, travelers and shippers.
Environment (12/1/2011)
Airlines for America (A4A) member airlines have a strong record of environmental protection and are committed to continual environmental improvement in all areas.
The Case for a National Airline Policy (12/1/2011)
Airline for America (A4A) supports the adoption of a strong national airline policy, to restore and enhance U.S. airline industry viability, and enable airlines to increase air service.

PubZone2
A4A advocates measures to support aviation safety, security and well-being.

What the Experts Say:
“After five years and twenty three short-term extensions, I am pleased that this long-term reauthorization of the FAA is finally law. As a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and the Aviation Subcommittee, I understand the vital role that aviation plays in our nation’s economy. This long-term reauthorization provides a multi-year blueprint to create jobs and boost our economy by reforming FAA programs, modernizing our air traffic control systems…This is a victory for taxpayers, air travelers, general aviation, and others; I’m pleased that this commonsense legislation is finally law.”
Rep. Hultgren (R-IL), member of the transportation & infrastructure committee, and the aviation subcommittee, House of Representatives

​Chicago Now

02/16/2012
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