Bolen: Look at Alternatives to U.S. ATC Privatization

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen is suggesting that lawmakers consider protecting the aviation trust fund or take other steps to make FAA funding more predictable. He still opposes a privatized ATC system funded by user fees. Bolen made the suggestions during the Air Traffic Controllers Association’s 60th Annual Conference and Exposition yesterday in Washington Harbor, Md.

A privatized system funded by user fees, which has the backing of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), has long been sought by certain airline groups, Bolen maintained. "It has long been clear that the end game of those airlines has been control of the system for their exclusive benefit,” he said. "It is the public's elected representatives who should continue to ensure that our airspace is managed in the best interest of all Americans.”

Bolen, however, agrees that maintaining the status quo is not acceptable and suggested alternatives such as exempting aviation trust fund revenues from the sequestration process.