Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning is calling on Congress to swiftly pass legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This call to action is intended to improve regulatory and safety processes, strengthen the workforce pipeline, restore global leadership at the FAA, and bolster the impact of aviation on the U.S. economy.
In a letter sent to U.S. House and Senate leaders on November 29, Fanning praised both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for their efforts in developing bipartisan FAA reauthorization legislation as per an AIA press release.
"Reauthorization of the FAA is Congress’ critical tool for setting civil aviation on a long-term course to success. Improved regulatory and safety processes, a stronger workforce pipeline, and restored global leadership at the FAA — all key tenets of this year’s reauthorization legislation — should not be held up any longer," Fanning stated in his letter.
In his correspondence, Fanning highlighted that in 2022, the aviation industry contributed $418 billion to the U.S. economy which accounted for 1.6% of total GDP.
Fanning attributed American leadership in aviation safety and innovation partly due to American industriousness but also ascribed it to effectively tailored policies provided through FAA reauthorization bills: "Throughout the history of flight, the United States has led the way in aviation safety and innovation thanks in part due to the ingenuity of American industry but also due partly to appropriately tailored policies and regulations provided via FAA reauthorization bill."
The AIA President referenced a report released by the FAA’s National Airspace Safety Review Team on November 15, 2023 indicating that inconsistent funding from Congress hinders implementation programs aimed at upgrading aviation technology hence reducing safety measures.
In addition, he urged Congress to extend its Workforce Development Grant Program into aviation manufacturing emphasizing such initiatives importance in recruiting skilled labor.
He also disclosed that both the House and Senate introduced FAA reauthorization bills in 2023.
Fanning concluded his letter stating, "Now that the FAA has a confirmed Administrator in place, we believe it is vitally important to give him these new tools and authorities without further delay, to make our aviation system safer and more competitive."
