NextGen – Air Traffic Control Modernization

The Issue: The nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system, based on 1940’s era radar, is inefficient and inadequate to meet growing demand. In the next few years, more passengers and aircraft will tax further an already overloaded system. With approximately 720 million passengers in 2011, FAA projects a billion passengers-per-year will be flying by 2021, increasing chokepoints and flight delays in already heavily congested airspace. Without continuing modernization, the increasingly inefficient ATC system will suffer gridlock in severe weather and business travelers will pay a steep price.

NextGen is comprehensive ATC modernization using a Global Positioning System (GPS) built on reliable satellite-based navigation. GPS and other sophisticated technologies/flight procedures will reduce flight delays, flight times and aircraft fuel burn/emissions. NextGen will help business travelers get to their destinations on time and avoid lost opportunities. FAA projects that by 2018, NextGen will reduce flight delays by 35% and provide $23 billion in delay reduction benefits. In a 2011 business case study, Deloitte estimates $29 billion in net benefits in the U.S. each year of full system deployment, beginning in 2026.
 
GBTA Position:  GBTA supports initiatives to accelerate ATC modernization as a modern, safe air infrastructure is essential to the business travel industry. Accelerating NextGen means business travelers will see fewer flight delays in the next few years, rather than ten years from now. Congress must approve the Administration’s proposed 11 percent increase in NextGen funding in the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Request and the FAA must remain focused on achieving measureable benefits. In addition, strong agency leadership is essential to strengthen the management, oversight and implementation programs.    
  
Relevant Links:

FAA Gate to Gate (Youtube)