The recent cancellations of hundreds of flights for safety inspection audits by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has caused significant frustration for tens of thousands of travelers, has cost American businesses untold dollars in lost productivity and lost business, and has further rattled confidence in the U.S. aviation system.

"Our economy relies on freedom of movement and a high level of confidence in the ability to fly from one city to another safely, with relative ease, in a reasonable time. In order to maintain that confidence, the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) calls for the FAA and the airlines to renew their commitment to a system of maintenance and inspections that maintains a high standard of safety, while also ensuring that airplanes are available for scheduled flights," said the association.

"The public deserves to understand why the breakdown occurred and what will be done to prevent similar mass cancellations in the future. To that end, NBTA requests the Department of Transportation Inspector General quickly complete a thorough investigation into the cause of the recent breakdowns in the inspection audit process that led to the cancellations of so many flights."

In addition, NBTA encourages Congress to continue its oversight role. There are multiple hearings scheduled on aircraft inspections, which will surely shed light on the root of the problems. "Congress should review whether passengers whose plans are disrupted by safety inspections who cannot be reasonably accommodated deserve compensation for their significant inconvenience. Further, NBTA asks Congress to review whether current voluntary mechanisms between air carriers to assist affected passengers with alternative flights are sufficiently effective."