Congress Should Fund Crucial Innovations for our Air Traffic Control System
Bold leadership and quick action is needed to modernize America’s air traffic control system. The U.S. is almost 3,000 controllers short at a time when we are seeing record air travel volumes and increased reliance on air cargo shipments.
We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make historically meaningful change and address ATC staffing needs, technology upgrades and funding reform that allows certainty for strategic planning of vital capital projects—we welcome any and all viable ideas that will help achieve those goals.
Airlines for America has long encouraged stakeholders to seek consensus on building a modern air traffic system. In 2025, A4A applauded the passage of a $12.5 billion down payment on an improved air traffic control system, but more action is necessary.
Testifying before Congress in 2025, A4A President and CEO Chris Sununu asked Congress to complete the project. “Modernization is absolutely key. But you can’t just put in one piece of the puzzle. The whole thing has to be there,” Sununu said.
Air Traffic Control Modernization Improvements Expand Across the U.S.
Thank You, President Trump and Sec. Duffy For Your Leadership to Modernize our ATC System
“We’re all going to…do a great computerized system for our control towers, brand-new, not pieced together, obsolete,”
— President Donald J. Trump
“I think our country, those who use the airspace, they deserve this moment in time to actually deliver an air traffic control system that’s going to keep them safe.”
— U.S. Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy
A4A Has Advocated For Years Front and Center Urging Action on ATC Innovation
A4A Testimony
November 19, 2025
A4A President and CEO Chris Sununu testifies before the Senate Commerce Committee regarding the impacts of the longest government shutdown, which caused ATC shortages nationwide.
A4A Statement
July 4, 2025
The White House approves $12.5 billion to “to overhaul the system with new modern technology that will make air travel safer and more efficient.”
A4A Letter
April 29, 2025
A4A President and CEO Nick Calio expresses strong support for ATC modernization proposals before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
A4A Testimony
March 4, 2025
A4A President and CEO Nick Calio testifies before a House subcommittee to urge immediate action on air traffic control staffing, infrastructure and funding.
A4A Letter
February 19, 2025
A4A joins industry coalition to Capitol Hill transportation committees urging investments in a safe, resilient and modernized air traffic control (ATC) system.
A4A White Paper
February 19, 2025
A4A releases its National Airspace Safety Initiative, recommending meaningful steps to ensure a safe and efficient airspace.
A4A Speech
January 17, 2024
A4A’s Nick Calio appears at the AeroClub Luncheon to stress urgency and government accountability in addressing systemic FAA issues.
A4A Testimony
March 23, 2023
A4A’s Sharon Pinkerton appears before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee and raised ATC staffing and system issues.
A4A Testimony
February 3, 2023
A4A’s Sharon Pinkerton appears before the Senate Commerce Committee to stress the need for adequate funding for ATC staffing and modernization.
A4A Testimony
September 24, 2019
A4A’s Sharon Pinkerton appears before the Senate Commerce Committee to speak to improving the safety, capacity and efficiency of our ATC system.
A4A Testimony
February 13, 2019
A4A’s Nick Calio testifies before a House subcommittee about the impact of a government shutdown on air traffic controllers.
A4A Letter
May 23, 2017
A4A sends a letter to the Senate Commerce Committee regarding progress on the FAA’s NextGen implementation.
A4A Statement
February 10, 2016
A4A offers a statement before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure regarding its review of air traffic control reform proposals.
Remember These? We Need to Move On From Antiquated Technology
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