On Thursday, February 27, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy made a significant announcement about streamlining hiring and increasing salaries for certified professional controllers. His announcement was a critical first step in mitigating the years-long controller shortage in the U.S. and ensuring the continued safety and security of our National Airspace System (NAS). Airlines for America and our passenger carriers applauded the leadership of the Trump Administration.

Airlines for America

We applaud Secretary Duffy for acting with urgency to address the longstanding shortage of air traffic controllers by rolling out the first step to deliver on President Trump’s agenda to prioritize safety and modernize systems.

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, and we are grateful for bold leadership that provides effective, workable solutions.

We appreciate all efforts by President Trump and Secretary Duffy for working to increase efficiency of the NAS and to ensure that aviation remains the safest mode of transportation in the U.S. and around the world.

Alaska Airlines

“Thank you to President Trump and Secretary Duffy for quick action to address the air traffic controller shortage and ensure a strong pipeline for the ATC system.”

— Alaska Air CEO Ben Minnicucci

American Airlines

I commend President Trump, Secretary Duffy, and the FAA for understanding the urgency of the air traffic control shortage and taking decisive action to address it. This is a critical initial step to making our aviation system even safer.

— American Airlines CEO Robert Isom

Delta Air Lines

While solving the long-standing air traffic controller shortage will take time, DOT Secretary Duffy’s newly announced plan to boost and streamline the hiring process, while also increasing controller salaries is an excellent first step. Delta appreciates President Trump and Secretary Duffy’s leadership on this issue and for working  to increase efficiencies across the national airspace system.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue issued the following statement regarding U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s plans to “supercharge” air traffic controller hiring:

We commend Secretary Duffy for taking much-needed action to address the nation’s air traffic controller shortage by streamlining hiring and increasing candidate starting salaries. JetBlue has long advocated for improvements to air traffic control to reduce delays and enhance competition, especially in congested airspace like New York. Air traffic controllers work tirelessly to keep travelers safe, and the system needs adequate staffing and modern technology to operate most efficiently.

We appreciate President Trump and Secretary Duffy for acting swiftly with practical solutions. Today’s announcement is a crucial first step and renews our optimism that the federal government can tackle longstanding air traffic control challenges.

Southwest Airlines

“The U.S. economy depends on a safe, efficient, and reliable air transportation system. We appreciate the swift actions by President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy to hire urgently needed air traffic controllers and embracing the monumental task of modernizing the FAA’s infrastructure.”

— Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan

United Airlines

Addressing the critical shortage of air traffic controllers is the most impactful action the government can take to improve safety, reliability and efficiency for air travelers. We thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their leadership and these decisive steps toward increasing ATC staffing to ensure our air traffic control system’s standard of excellence.

— United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby