Aviation Coalition Underscores Commitment to Safety

On February 5, ATEC joined a coalition of aviation industry stakeholders in issuing a statement reaffirming their collective commitment to safety in the wake of recent tragic aviation accidents. The coalition, representing a broad spectrum of the aviation community—including airlines, airports, general aviation, air traffic controllers, and aerospace manufacturers—expressed their shared grief over the loss of passengers and crews aboard Flight 5342, PAT 25, and Med Jets Flight 056.

 “We never take safety for granted, and we never will,” the statement reads. “Aviation remains the safest mode of transportation in the world, with nearly 50,000 flights taking off and landing safely each day in the U.S. Our National Airspace System remains the gold standard of safety.”

 The coalition emphasized confidence in the NTSB, working alongside the FAA, Department of Transportation, Department of Defense, and other partners, to investigate the incidents, determine root causes, and issue recommendations for future safety improvements.

 Key priorities outlined in the statement include:

• Ensuring Robust Investigations: Supporting the NTSB’s efforts to analyze accidents and provide actionable safety recommendations.
• Strengthening Safety Protocols: Implementing lessons learned to enhance operational safety standards.
• Investing in Workforce Development: Expanding training and recruitment efforts to maintain a highly skilled aviation workforce.
• Modernizing Infrastructure & Technology: Advancing air traffic control systems and other critical safety technologies.
• Ensuring Regulatory Stability: Advocating for consistent, long-term funding and policies that support aviation safety initiatives.

“The work of Chair Homendy, NTSB Board Member Todd Inman, and the entire NTSB staff is critical in ensuring the aviation system remains as safe as possible,” the statement continues. “Through tragedy, we draw knowledge to improve safety for us all.”

The coalition urged policymakers to ensure that the NTSB and FAA have the necessary staffing and resources to uphold and advance aviation safety standards.

“We will find out what caused these terrible tragedies. We will learn from them. We will undoubtedly make changes,” the statement concludes. “And by making an incredibly safe system even safer, we will honor the passengers, crew members, and U.S. servicemembers who have been lost.”