United States aviation groups are calling on Congress to provide emergency funding for air traffic control improvements as concerns grow over staffing shortages and outdated technology. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is short by 3,500 air traffic controllers, and its infrastructure needs urgent upgrades.
Airlines for America, the Aerospace Industries Association, and the International Air Transport Association joined several unions in a letter urging immediate action. The letter, which included support from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Boeing, Airbus, and others, emphasized the need for improvements.
The letter stated, “We must support air traffic controller workforce hiring and training, modernize and deploy state-of-the-art air traffic control facilities and equipment.” It also made clear that industry leaders “do not support pursuing privatization of U.S. air traffic control services and believe it would be a distraction from these needed investments and reforms.”
Concerns about outdated technology and staffing issues have only increased after a series of crashes. The FAA’s communication systems have become obsolete, making it difficult to secure spare parts. These challenges continue to impact the efficiency and safety of air travel.
Impact of Aging Facilities on Air Traffic Operations
A 2023 report found that a quarter of FAA facilities are over 50 years old. Some air traffic control centers have leaking roofs, failing heating and air conditioning systems, and outdated radar equipment that will require billions of dollars to replace.
In March, then-President Joe Biden proposed an $8 billion plan to upgrade more than 20 air traffic control facilities and 377 radar systems over the next five years. However, aviation leaders stress that these efforts must move forward without delays.
In January 2023, a failure in the FAA’s pilot alerting system led to the first nationwide U.S. ground stop since 2001, causing disruptions to more than 11,000 flights. Earlier this month, the same system experienced another outage, though this time with fewer impacts.
Concerns over delays and safety risks remain a top priority for the industry. Aviation leaders continue to push for federal investment to support safe and efficient air traffic control operations.
Source: Reuters
