Citing Inspector General's Report, AAA Urges Action on Aviation

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 AAA urged the new administration today
to focus on improving America's air transportation system.
    "The Department of Transportation Inspector General's report confirms that
our air transportation system has serious problems," said AAA President Robert
L. Darbelnet. "Delays are increasing. Complaints are growing. The Bush
administration needs to make aviation a top priority."
    The IG released a report this morning on continuing problems with airline
service. Scheduled flights in the U.S. for the first nine months of last year
increased by more than 100,000, and passenger complaints about delays,
congestion, and frustration with service exploded.
    AAA has continued to call on the Federal Government to take aggressive
action to alleviate the strains on the nation's aviation system. "If the new
administration is serious about addressing aviation, it can start by fully
funding airport and air traffic control modernization in the fiscal year 2002
budget," said Darbelnet. "It's been reported that the Office of Management and
Budget will oppose the higher investment in aviation mandated in the Aviation
Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21). That doesn't make
sense."
    Darbelnet also focused on airline service. "Congress gave notice to
airlines that service must improve. According to the IG report, airlines are
making some progress but much more needs to be done -- particularly in
communications about delays and cancellations, and disclosure about on-time
performance. It's time for airlines to take responsibility for the problems
under their control.
    "Some airlines are better than others at providing a quality air travel
experience. The poorer performers can benefit not only from today's report but
also from those carriers which are providing better service.
    "Today's Inspector General report underscores the severity of the air
travel crisis. Everyone involved needs to work harder to make sure passengers
-- who are the ones footing the fare and user fee bills -- get the safe,
efficient air service they are paying for," said Darbelnet.
    As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA
provides its members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related
services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA
has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

    AAA news releases are available from http://www.aaa.com/news .