Release Date: Apr 03, 2008Contact: 888-249-NEWS


Chamber Summit Highlights Four Key Issues Impacting the Aviation Industry


WASHINGTON, D.C.-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's National Chamber Foundation (NCF) today held its seventh annual aviation summit entitled "Aviation's New Flight Plan: Innovation, Adaptation, and Consolidation" to highlight the pertinent and pressing issues facing the industry now and over the next several decades. Top airline executives including Glenn F. Tilton, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of UAL Corporation and Dave Barger, Chief Executive Officer of JetBlue and representatives from the commercial, cargo, and business aviation sectors discussed issues ranging from airline mergers, the rising cost of fuel, environmental policies, and technology innovation.

"Whether you consider commercial travel, air cargo, military aviation, business and private travel or general aviation, - the aviation industry is an essential component of our domestic economy and everyday lives," said Carol Hallett, Counsel at the Chamber. "There are challenges and changes that lie on aviation's horizon which must be understood and resolved to ensure this vital industry continues to grow and succeed."

Today's aviation summit is another example of the Chamber's effort to shed light on the important challenges facing America's infrastructure system, as is the Chamber's "Let's Rebuild America" initiative, a multimillion-dollar sustained long- term campaign to rebuild the economic platform of our nation.

"Infrastructure projects require foresight and years of careful planning," added Hallett. "The aviation industry faces many challenges and changes, but continued innovation and exciting developments are on the horizon."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

###

08-110