WASHINGTON, June 22, 2017 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today applauded the introduction of legislation in the House of Representatives to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which both prioritizes the modernization of our nation’s air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure and rejects unnecessary tax hikes on travel.

“We applaud the Committee’s continued leadership in putting travelers and shippers first, while working to deliver the 21st century solutions that will make flying better for all Americans,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “This proposal recognizes that the status quo is not working and that we must take bold, innovative action to modernize our nation’s ATC infrastructure to meet the growing demand for air travel now and in the future. As the legislative process moves forward, A4A remains committed to working with members of both parties to achieve the world-class ATC system that airline customers deserve.”

Calio noted that the proposal rightly rejects calls from the airport community to saddle travelers with untold billions of dollars in unnecessary airport tax hikes, and urged members of both parties to continue holding the line. A4A has consistently opposed increasing the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) on the backs of the 2.2 million travelers who fly every day, noting that airports are flush with cash and have plenty of money to fund capital improvement projects without taxing passengers. Specifically in 2015, airport PFC collections reached an all-time high of $3 billion and airline rents and fees hit a record $10.7 billion. In addition, airports have almost $12.7 billion in unrestricted cash and investments and an uncommitted balance of $6 billion in the Airport and Airways Trust Fund – which is funded through passenger taxes.