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New FAA Reform Legislation to Transform Air Travel
WASHINGTON — The Bush Administration sent legislation to Congress that will reduce aviation congestion, improve passenger airline travel, and cut down on noise for communities near major airports, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Marion Blakey announced- today.
The proposed legislation, called the Next Generation Air Transportation System Financing Reform Act of 2007, would replace the decades-old system of collecting ticket taxes with a cost-based, stable and reliable funding program that relies on a combination of user-fees, taxes and a federal government contribution to support the development of a new, satellite-based, air traffic control system, called NextGen.
“This new proposal will make flying more convenient for millions of travelers,” said Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters. “Anyone who has experienced the frustration and inconvenience of a delayed flight should take a very close look at what we’re proposing.”
The new, more precise, air traffic control system will take full advantage of the latest satellite-based technologies, allowing the FAA to handle more aircraft, maintain high levels of safety, reduce flight delays, and cut noise near airports, Administrator Blakey noted. The new system is essential if the agency is to keep pace with growing demand for passenger and cargo flights that will lead to between 2 and 3 times more air traffic by 2025, she added.
The bill will eliminate the domestic passenger ticket tax and reduce the international arrival and departure tax by 50 percent, reducing the overall burden to both the airlines and the traveling public. It will generate revenues based on the costs that users impose on the air traffic system, whether they are commercial, business or general aviation users.
“Our proposal will make it easier for airports, airlines and controllers to keep pace with the skyrocketing demand for air travel this nation is going to experience over the coming decades,” said Administrator Blakey. “With over a billion passengers expected in the air by 2015, we have to act now or risk gridlock in our skies and on our taxiways.”
Contact an Aviation Attorney near you to find out more about your legal rights.
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