AIA president Marion Blakey calls upon Congress to pass FAA reauthorisation bill
The failure to do so is having a wide effect on the US economy
The ongoing FAA shutdown is having a broad and deep negative impact on aviation and our economy according to Marion Blakey, president and chief executive officer of the Aerospace Industries Assocation (AIA). As a result of Congress’ failure to pass an authorisation extension, the FAA has been forced to issue stop work orders on contracts reportedly worth more than $7 billion.
Reports from many AIA member companies reflect contract employee layoffs as well as disruptions to other suppliers. It’s also unclear whether the FAA will be able to make significant payments to contractors in the next couple of weeks.
Most small businesses lack the flexibility to absorb delayed payments, lack of cash flow could force these contractors to furlough or lay off additional employees.
In addition, while there is no immediate impact to air traffic control operations, many of the FAA furloughs have occurred in Next Generation Air Transportation System and air traffic control program upgrades. Delays in these programs would undermine the economic and environmental benefits they are expected to provide.
It is long past time for Congress to pass a full FAA re-authorisation bill. The AIA strongly urge Congress to pass an immediate extension of authorities while working to resolve their differences over a full authorisation. Allowing the authorisation to lapse has resulted in unconscionable and completely avoidable negative impacts to aviation and our economy. The longer Congress waits, the worse those impacts will be.
