Today, NATA joined more than 55 national aviation stakeholders in calling on Congress to immediately end the harmful government shutdown.
In an open letter published in The Washington Post, the Modern Skies Coalition urged Congress to restore stability and ensure federal aviation professionals can return to work with pay. “The job of keeping aviation safe and secure is tough every day, but forcing federal employees to do it without pay is unacceptable,” the coalition wrote.
The letter highlighted the strain the shutdown has placed on air traffic control operations, slowing progress on FAA modernization efforts and disrupting all sectors of aviation. “Congress recently made a significant down payment on modernizing the FAA’s antiquated air traffic control system… but those initiatives are challenged as the shutdown continues,” the coalition said.
“The aviation system depends on the seamless partnership between industry and government to keep our skies safe and our economy moving. Each day the shutdown continues, critical coordination between government and industry is disrupted, slowing progress toward an even safer, more efficient air traffic system. NATA joins our industry partners in urging Congress to act immediately to restore stability and allow FAA professionals to resume their critical work,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna, C.M. Read the full letter here.