Release #12.48
November 15, 2012

ALPA to Senate: Fast-Track Huerta Confirmation as FAA Administrator

WASHINGTON – As President Barack Obama begins to organize his second-term administration, the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) today called on the Senate to accelerate a vote to confirm Michael Huerta as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Huerta has faithfully served as acting administrator since Dec. 5, 2011, and the Association and other airline industry stakeholders have greatly benefited from his leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication to U.S. air transportation.

In a November 14 letter to Senate leaders Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Capt. Lee Moak, ALPA’s president, requested swift action. “Steady, long-term leadership is critical as the agency navigates the growing demands on the largest aviation system in the world. Michael Huerta is the right person for the job, and we urge the Senate to confirm him expeditiously,” said Moak.

Following passage of FAA reauthorization legislation last March, ALPA previously called for Huerta’s confirmation. At that time, Moak credited the acting administrator for his ability “to provide stability and direction as we undertake a massive upgrade to our nation’s air traffic control system.” Moak was referencing the bill’s approval for the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen, which is modernizing the nation’s aviation infrastructure.

Huerta has been an active ALPA ally and a strong advocate for industry collaboration to advance aviation safety initiatives. Last August, he served as keynote speaker at the Association’s 58th Air Safety Forum.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 51,000 pilots at 35 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