Release #11.32
October 5, 2011

NextGen Holds Key to Future of U.S. Air Transportation
Obama Administration and Congress Must Fully Support Modernization

WASHINGTON – Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement today after testifying before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Aviation hearing titled “A Comprehensive Review of FAA’s NextGen Program: Costs, Benefits, Progress, and Management.”

“Today’s national airspace system simply cannot meet the demand for air transportation today much less what we expect to see in the future. As airline pilots, every day we experience an outmoded infrastructure and antiquated facilities and procedures. We grow increasingly frustrated that we have technology in the cockpits of our aircraft that we cannot use to its full advantage.

“NextGen technology is desperately needed because a truly modern air transportation system will ensure that the United States continues to set the world standard for safe and efficient air transportation and will foster a robust airline industry that strengthens our economy and provides jobs. Moreover, a modern air transportation system is necessary to position the United States to compete economically in the global air transportation arena.

“Our government needs to step up and assume leadership, make the required decisions to provide direction to industry, provide the resources necessary, and finally advocate globally on behalf of our industry. The safety, efficiency, and viability of our industry are just too important to our country.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 53,000 pilots at 39 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440 or media@alpa.org