Aviation Coalition Calls for Emergency FAA Funding, NAS Efficiency

Industry stakeholders have asked that the agency be exempt from government shutdowns.

Caleb Revill

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 11:01 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA). [Shutterstock/TJ Brown]

Key Takeaways:

The Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) and 45 aviation organizations sent a letter to U.S. Senators advocating for improved safety and operational efficiency within the National Airspace System (NAS).
The coalition called for robust emergency funding for air traffic control (ATC) technology and infrastructure, as well as enhanced workforce staffing and training.
Key legislative suggestions included modernizing ATC facilities, reviewing funding structures for long-term tech upgrades, and exempting the FAA from government shutdowns to ensure continuous operations and prevent exacerbating controller shortages.

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The Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), along with 45 other members of the aviation coalition, have signed a letter to U.S. senators calling for improved safety standards and operational efficiency within the National Airspace System (NAS).

The letter, published online by ATCA on Tuesday, addresses Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) on both the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation.