“The FAAC has undertaken a rigorous review and presented DOT with a series of recommendations that will have a positive effect on business travel. In particular, these include a necessary charge to help companies and travel professionals gain transparency in ancillary fees, and a fast-tracked overhaul of the national airspace system, reducing the amount of flight delays and increasing safety,” said Mike McCormick, Executive Director and COO, National Business Travel Association. “Since the U.S. aviation system is becoming increasingly complex, we strongly urge the Secretary to place great value on this guidance as plans and policies are put into action in 2011 and beyond.”

NBTA urges the Department of Transportation and the FAA to pursue the committee’s recommendation on the issues that will have the greatest impact on the business travel community. Of the committee’s recommendations, NBTA calls attention to:

Airline Competition and Passenger Protections - DOT should ensure transparency in airline pricing, particularly ancillary fees.
Aviation Safety and Support of NextGen Air Transportation System - DOT must accelerate elements of NextGen which will have significant near term benefits and increase the likelihood of successful deployment.

Jet Fuel Price Volatility - DOT must work with the Community Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to address the economic stress imposed on the business travel industry by fuel price volatility and support responsible regulatory intervention to reduce the volatility attributable to speculative activities.

Global Competitiveness -DOT should foster conditions that enable global airline alliances which will enhance the viability and global competitiveness of U.S. airlines.