AIA Appeals To Lawmakers To Preserve NextGen Funding

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is urging U.S. lawmakers to make sure they protect NextGen funding when considering sweeping changes to the nation’s air traffic control system. In a letter to the chairs of the House Transportation Infrastructure Committee, whichis drafting a proposal to create an independent organization to run ATC, AIA acknowledged that such changes might promise long-term benefits. But the association added, “AIA believes that significant structural reform will pose both complex challenges and a prolonged transition period with a potential to negatively impact NextGen programs just as they are starting to deliver real results.”

In 2016, NextGen programs will account for about 30 percent of the agency’s facilities and equipment funds, AIA said, adding the programs represent greater risk but larger payoffs. “Inevitable delays associated with any organizational transition and uncertainty in the ongoing commitment to invest in system modernization create risks that will extend well beyond our aviation system,” the association noted.

AIA urged continued NextGen funding over the next several years at least at current levels.