Washington, DC, Aril 29, 2025 – NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) expressed its strong support of a proposal to fund critical upgrades of the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system. The $15 billion initiative under consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is endorsed by the 56-member Modern Skies Coalition—a broad range of stakeholders from across all segments of the aviation ecosystem.
“For decades, aviation stakeholders have raised concerns about outdated infrastructure, aging technology, and persistent staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and technicians,” the coalition stated.
The proposed funding targets several priority areas, including tower and TRACON renovations, replacement of antiquated radar and communication systems, and bolstered recruitment and training efforts for air traffic personnel.
In an associated letter to House Transportation Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna conveyed the Association’s strong endorsement of the final passage of this timely investment in ATC safety, efficiency, and modernization:
“NATA’s 3,700 member companies operate at nearly 4,500 airports in thousands of communities across the nation, providing air transportation services, driving economic growth, and supporting critical disaster relief, law enforcement, and medical services. Every day, our members experience firsthand the negative impacts of aging ATC infrastructure, insufficient technology at general aviation airports, and inadequate controller staffing in busy airspaces. We believe the proposal will positively affect these areas, while providing necessary Congressional oversight to ensure funds are used in a strategic, timely, and transparent manner,” said Castagna.