I am writing to share information about yesterday's landmark announcement by DOT Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Acting Administrator, Chris Rocheleau, of a bold plan to modernize our nation's air traffic control system.
To meet critical safety needs the plan will replace core air traffic control infrastructure including radar, software, hardware and telecommunications networks, rebuild aging facilities, and increase the hiring and retention of air traffic controllers and technicians.
NBAA President and CEO, Ed Bolen is playing a leadership role on the steering committee of a newly-formed Modern Skies Coalition, a group of more than 50 aviation stakeholder organizations, which will help the Administration and Congress advance this plan into action.
Please share this email which includes 1) the press release below, which has more information about the announcement and the Modern Skies Coalition; 2) the attached fact sheets from the DOT about the Brand New ATC System Plan, and 3) the link to Ed's remarks at yesterday's event.
It will take an immense amount of collaboration and work to fund and deploy this modernization plan, but as Ed said yesterday, our industry has never been more galvanized and motivated to meet the urgent needs of our national airspace system.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Regards,
Kristie
Kristie Greco Johnson
Senior Vice President for Government Affairs
NBAA Joins Modern Skies Coalition in Support of DOT’s ATC-Modernization Plan
Washington, DC, May 8, 2025 – Today, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) joined more than 50 other industry groups to express strong support for Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy’s proposal for a comprehensive upgrade of the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system, which serves approximately 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers every day.
“Secretary Duffy’s plan cements America as a global leader in aviation, investing in both technology and the air traffic control workforce to enhance U.S. aviation safety and reliability,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said in remarks delivered at an event held in Washington, DC, to unveil the DOT plan. “The swift implementation of these updates is not just important, it’s imperative. We commend the Secretary for his focus on speed, efficiency, and safety and we fully support his call for Congress to provide the necessary funding.”
Importantly, a central focus of Secretary Duffy’s plan to modernize the ATC system focuses on implementing needed technological upgrades, enhancing connectivity and ensuring U.S. infrastructure can adapt to evolving technologies and increasing air traffic. Additionally, Secretary Duffy’s focus on accelerating the recruitment and training of air traffic controllers, which is part of his supercharge program announced in February, is a crucial step in addressing a longstanding workforce shortage.
In supporting Secretary Duffy’s plan, NBAA has joined the Modern Skies Coalition, (modernskies.com), a new group comprised of more than 50 industry organizations supporting the Administration’s plans to upgrade aviation safety and maintain America’s position as the global leader.
“We are deeply appreciative that Secretary Duffy has made our nation’s air traffic control system a priority and look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to bring this vision to fruition,” the coalition said.
The coalition applauded the Administration’s budget request of $4 billion for FAA’s technology and Facilities and Equipment (F&E), which is higher than ever before. The coalition also expressed appreciation for the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sam Graves (R-6-MO), for taking a first step and moving $12.5 billion of ATC modernization funding through his committee.
At the same time, the group called for continued sufficient budget requests and an immediate robust infusion of resources to address soaring operational demands and enhance safety measures. “We believe a minimum of $18.5 billion in additional emergency funding should be appropriated over the next three years above the FAA’s annual F&E budget,” the coalition said in its statement.
Read the full Modern Skies Coalition statement here.
“The future of air travel in the U.S. depends on a robust and resilient air traffic control system,” Bolen concluded. “NBAA recognizes that maintaining safety and improving efficiency requires collaboration and investment from all stakeholders involved, and we stand ready to assist Secretary Duffy and the Administration in driving these essential changes.”
View a video of Ed Bolen's remarks from the event introducing the DOT's plan.
Review the full version of Ed Bolen’s prepared remarks for the event introducing the DOT’s plan.
Preview YouTube video NBAA Joins DOT to Unveil Agency's ATC-Modernization Plan
