“There is a lot of talk about aviation system modernization and how to get it done – but for it to be fully funded and implemented, government and industry leaders must continue promoting its benefits and value.”

Such was the perspective offered by National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen, in comments he offered at an aviation industry forum earlier last week. Bolen reiterated the support from the general aviation community for aviation system modernization, and pointed out the benefits of continued system transformation.

Bolen offered his remarks as part of a panel discussion held by the Air Traffic Control Association. Also participating were Jim May, president, Air Transport Association; Phil Boyer, president, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; and Kevin Brown, vice president, air traffic management, Boeing.

Bolen highlighted several points of emphasis regarding the value of a fully modernized air traffic control (ATC) system, including the capacity, safety and efficiency enhancements that would result. 

Bolen noted that the capacity gains produced by a satellite-based ATC system would bring tremendous benefit to operators in the general aviation community, because they are the first to be pushed out of airports that become congested over time. He also pointed to gains that would be made in fuel efficiency, citing a recent Government Accountability Office report that showing that “the full implementation of NextGen could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft by up to 12 percent by 2025.”

Bolen concluded by telling his fellow panelists that perhaps the most important reason for supporting system modernization is that it would ensure that the U.S. continues to have the largest, safest and most efficient system in the world.

“We look forward to continuing our efforts with government and industry stakeholders on this important issue,” Bolen said. “We need to build upon the good work already done to transform the nation’s aviation system, given its importance to our nation’s economy and citizens’ quality of life.”

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association, Inc. (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 8,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world's largest civil aviation trade show.

FMI: www.nbaa.org