U.S. Travel Welcomes Immediate Fix for Air Travel Process; Warns Potential Funding Source Could Jeopardize Airport Infrastructure

Washington, D.C., 2013-04-26— /travelprnews.com/ — The U.S. Travel Association today applauded the swift action and passage of bipartisan Senate legislation to end sequester-induced Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) furloughs that are causing flight delays nationwide, but noted its concern in regards to the potential funding source which would direct funds from needed airport infrastructure projects:

“The Senate-passed legislation that eliminates air traffic employee furloughs through the end of September is welcomed news for the travel community, especially ahead of a season when air travel ramps up and millions of flyers depend on an efficient system. There is simply too much at stake to let this problem go unaddressed: a potential $9 billion in economic output and 83,000 U.S. jobs.

“We urge the House to follow by passing this fix that keeps America moving.

“While this legislation averts the short-term crisis, we are concerned with provisions in the bill that allow airport infrastructure funds to be transferred to air traffic control services.

“U.S. airport infrastructure is approaching a dire state. Before the FAA furloughs, 20 percent of flights within the U.S. were delayed or cancelled. According to FAA projections, U.S. airports will be unable to meet future demands of a globalized economy without increased investment beyond what is available today. At a time when we should be modernizing our infrastructure to improve efficiency, capacity and U.S. global competitiveness, sequestration-related issues should not be solved on the backs of airports. We urge the Department of Transportation to do everything in its power to find appropriate savings to fund air traffic controllers and avoid transferring funds away from critical airport infrastructure.”

Contact:
Cathy Keefe (202) 408-2183

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $2.0 trillion in economic output and supports 14.6 million jobs. U.S. Travel’s mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.
Visit www.ustravel.org.