ATEC Joins Industry Coalition in Urging Congressional Action on Air Traffic Control Modernization

ATEC joined a broad coalition of aviation industry stakeholders in signing a letter to congressional leadership, urging action to enhance the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS). Addressed to key members of the Senate and House committees overseeing aviation policy and appropriations, the letter underscores the industry's shared commitment to ensuring a world-class air traffic control (ATC) system.

The coalition, representing a diverse cross-section of the aviation sector—including labor organizations, general aviation, commercial airlines, manufacturers, airports, and advanced air mobility—acknowledges Congress’s leadership in the recently enacted FAA reauthorization bill. However, the letter calls for continued investment and policy improvements to build on those foundational efforts.

The letter outlines several key priorities:

• Funding for ATC Infrastructure & Workforce: Ensuring robust investment in controller hiring, training, and advanced air traffic control technologies.
• Modernization & Procurement Reform: Directing the FAA to divest from legacy systems while accelerating the deployment of next-generation technologies.
• Facility Realignment & Optimization: Implementing efficiencies in ATC facility operations to improve service delivery and safety.
• Sustainable Funding Mechanisms: Enhancing the use of Airport & Airway Trust Fund (AATF) balances and establishing multi-year budgeting to prevent disruptions.
• FAA Exemption from Government Shutdowns: Protecting the FAA from funding lapses that could hinder safety and workforce continuity.

The coalition remains aligned in opposing any efforts to privatize U.S. air traffic control services, emphasizing that such discussions would detract from the critical modernization and safety initiatives currently needed.

“The aviation maintenance community plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity of our nation’s aviation system,” said ATEC Executive Director Crystal Maguire. “We are proud to stand with our industry partners in advocating for policies that strengthen safety, enhance operational efficiency, and support the future aviation workforce.”

ATEC and its coalition partners included a comprehensive white paper detailing challenges and opportunities in ATC modernization, aiming to provide lawmakers with actionable solutions.