Chamber Warns of Looming Aviation Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue laid out a scenario of increased delays, canceled flights and government-rationed air travel if America's aviation system isn't modernized to meet rising demand.

"After years of being on autopilot, our aviation system has reached a breaking point, and only a top-to-bottom transformation of the industry will set it right," Donohue said in a speech to The Wings Club in New York City. "There is no doubt that the aviation sector is critical to America's just-in-time economy and economic survival, so why isn't more being done to address the fact that the system has reached its limits?"

Donohue noted that improving aviation would not be a simple task accomplished by a single piece of legislation. Instead, he called for a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to address aviation challenges, saying that reform will necessitate industry and government action.

Donohue also detailed the Chamber's aviation priorities, including dedicated funding to improve air traffic control technology and operations so the system can handle greater capacity with shorter flight times. He also pointed out that the government can aid the airline industry by allowing mergers and consolidation, and said that while airlines must pay their fair share, national security costs should not be borne solely by them.

"Policymakers must recognize that aviation is critical to the American way of life," Donohue said. "Incremental change at the fringes or policies that seek to restrict service or control demand will not solve our problems. Total transformation of the aviation industry is necessary if it is to remain vibrant and competitive."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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A full copy of Donohue's speech is available online.
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