U.S. Travel Association Celebrates Landmark FAA Reauthorization Act

The U.S. Travel Association has praised the final Congressional passage of the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024, marking a significant step forward in improving the nation's aviation infrastructure and travel experience.

In a statement, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman highlighted the importance of this legislative milestone: “Travelers had a clear demand for Congress to fix an aviation system challenged by years of federal underinvestment. This FAA renewal is a big step toward vastly improving the travel experience.”

The Reauthorization Act addresses critical issues affecting air travel, including delays, cancellations, and other inconveniences. Key measures in the bill aim to modernize air traffic control technology, increase the air traffic control workforce, and invest in significant improvements to airports and the overall air travel system.

Freeman expressed gratitude to the key legislators involved in the bill's passage: “We thank Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) for their efforts to finalize reauthorization of the FAA, which will benefit flyers and help innovate the aviation system well into the future.”

The U.S. Travel Association has long advocated for a comprehensive FAA renewal bill that includes:

• Increasing Air Traffic Control staffing and modernizing ATC technology.
• Expanding workforce development grants for pilot training and certification.
• Boosting funding and providing greater flexibility for airport improvement grants.

The association also strongly opposed an amendment to the FAA bill that would have restricted the Transportation Security Administration's use of automated facial recognition technology at airport checkpoints. This amendment, proposed by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Kennedy (R-LA), did not advance.

The successful passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 represents a significant victory for the U.S. travel industry, promising to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the country's aviation system. This legislative achievement sets the stage for future innovations and improvements, ensuring a more seamless travel experience for all.