NextGen Acceleration Needed Now

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The FAA should adopt the recommendations in RTCA's Task Force Report and immediately integrate them into FAA's NextGen Implementation Plan, said Neil Planzer, vice president of Strategy for Air Traffic Management at the Boeing Company. Planzer testified on behalf of AIA before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee October 28.

"There is wide consensus from all stakeholders on the value of NextGen to our aviation system, security, economy and environment," said Planzer. "That's good news, and sets the stage for moving forward to accelerate implementation, end the delays and realize NextGen's benefits now."

In the environmental area, benefits include more direct routes and fewer delays, which will help achieve a 2 percent annual reduction of emissions, a goal established by the International Civil Aviation Organization earlier this month in Montreal.

Planzer highlighted the five priorities AIA has identified to integrate the RTCA recommendations into the NextGen Implementation plan, including:

• Clear performance metrics to establish accountability;
• Specific milestones to identify benefits for users;
• Policy and procedure alignment with technology improvements;
• Incentives for operators to equip aircraft, and,
• Accommodations for future developments, such as the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system.
  

The U.S. economy is fueled by a robust and reliable air transportation system. Commercial aviation contributes $1.2 trillion to our national economy, $380 billion in earnings and 11.4 million jobs.

The testimony is available on AIA's Web site at aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/speeches_testimony/

Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information technology.