The Business Travel Coalition (BTC) strongly endorsed S. 1300, the Aviation Investment and Modernization Act of 2007, introduced by Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman, Aviation Subcommittee and Senator Trent Lott (R-MS), Ranking Member, Aviation Subcommittee. The bill represents a significant advancement of the interests of customers of the commercial air transportation system in terms of safety, affordable business airfares and reduced delays.

Modernization of the air traffic control system is a critical national priority and S. 1300 will breathe life into a vision for the future that will make the U.S. aviation system once again the global Gold Standard, according to the Coalition. Importantly, the financing mechanism is simple and elegant with a $25 per plane departure modernization fee for all turbine-powered aircraft. This approach recognizes the need for equity among current users of the system; anticipates the coming explosion in the use of very light jets; and wisely exempts piston and turboprop aircraft operating under visual flight rules which often act as a catalyst for economic development in rural areas.

Modernization comprises some 18 projects with a combined cost of $17 billion dollars. When fully implemented these investments will reduce the risk of runway accidents, help improve airline on-time performance results and support growth in commercial aviation to 1 billion passengers by 2015, up from 700 million today. In addition, when combined with the envisioned elimination of the 4.3 cent fuel tax on commercial flights, S. 1300 should lead to lower airfares for business travelers who for years have shouldered a disproportionate burden of paying for ATC costs related to private business jet users.

BTC Chairman Kevin Mitchell stated, “Chairman Rockefeller and Ranking Member Lott should be applauded for this Solomon-like solution. S. 1300 is a good bill that adequately and fairly funds the urgently needed air traffic control modernization through new and explicit bonding authority. What’s more, the bill ensures stakeholder oversight via the FAA’s Modernization Oversight Board. BTC looks forward to supporting the FAA as it moves toward implementing its vision.”