Reliability
Ben Franklin once said, “Time is money,” and no industry knows that better than commercial aviation. Whether it involves getting a business person to Los Angeles for an important meeting, reuniting a family, or sending packages overnight, the airlines of the United States realize that our customers' time is very important.
As we strive to move people and cargo as fast and safely as possible, we encounter many challenges. Some of those challenges - like an inefficient ATC system - can be overcome, and some - like hazardous weather - cannot.
By modernizing the nation's air traffic control system, airlines will be better able to deliver our customers the reliability they expect, getting them to their destinations on time. All too often, flights are delayed because of congestion in the skies. While completely eliminating congestion is unrealistic, there are many steps we can take now that will enhance the performance of the ATC system.
Economic Growth
ATC modernization will facilitate future airline industry growth, further cementing the U.S. as an economic leader worldwide. According to a 2006 study by the Campbell-Hill Aviation Group, the civil aviation sector (including air transportation, related manufacturing and air based travel and tourism) was collectively responsible for $1.37 trillion of national output in 2004, supporting 12.3 million U.S. employees and $418 billion in personal earnings. Commercial aviation accounts for the majority of this impact with $1.2 trillion in output, $380 billion in earnings and 11.4 million jobs.
Learn more about the economic impact of aviation on your state or congressional district by clicking on the image of the map above.
Safety
The United States has the safest aviation system in the world, and a modernized ATC system will maintain high safety standards in the face of continued rises in demand.
Many of the ATC technologies in use today rely on outdated science and technology. Radar, for instance, is a World War Two era technology that has been refined to meet the needs of today. The reality is that radar is an imprecise way to track airplanes. Relying on satellites would enable controllers to more precisely know the location of each flight. By upgrading the nation's aviation infrastructures, we can provide our air traffic controllers with the resources they need to do their jobs. History of aviation is replete with safety improvements, and this trend can enable airlines to better serve its customers by enhancing safety and operational speed and efficiency.
Emissions
One of the byproducts of an inefficient ATC system is that airplanes frequently fly indirect routes. ATC modernization will have a positive environmental impact as carriers will burn less fuel and subsequently reduce emissions as a result of improved and more direct aircraft routings.
Additionally, more precise traffic routings will reduce the noise footprint near airports, improving the quality of life and value of property in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The benefits of modernizing the nation's aviation infrastructure are wide ranging. They include less wasted time and money for airlines and their customers, reduced environmental emissions and a return to our position as a worldwide leader in air traffic control technology and management.