Release #14.81
September 29, 2014
NextGen Improves Air Travel Now; Promises
Greater Future Benefit
Government-Industry-Labor Partnership Key to Maximizing Efficiency and Safety
Gains
WASHINGTON—Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement to affirm the union’s support for advancing NextGen and for the collaborative process in place to realize full benefits of modernization.
“The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) fully advocates for the advancement of NextGen and is working with the FAA and other industry stakeholders to ensure progress continues on this important initiative. The U.S. airline industry has already realized some of the benefits of this operational enhancement, and its completion is vital to future capacity improvements as well as the continued safety and efficiency of our national airspace system.
“Full implementation of features like Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) will require significant commitment and investment and there may be occasional setbacks. However, this infrastructural enhancement will more than pay for itself in the reduced cost to the federal government to maintain and operate the national’s air traffic control system. ADS-B will allow the government to shift to a satellite-based network, eliminating the expense of maintaining antiquated ground-based radar systems. ADS-B will also offer measurable benefits for system users, including fuel savings and other operational efficiencies.
“ALPA strongly believes that industry and government must continue to work together in full partnership to make NextGen a reality and to ensure that the United States remains a global leader in aviation safety and technological advancement.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 51,000 pilots at 31 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440 or Media@alpa.org
