AAA Exec Issues 4 Point Plan To Improve the Air Travel System
22 August 2000
WASHINGTON - AAA President Robert L. Darbelnet today recommended a four- point plan to improve the nation's air travel system. Citing increasing delays and growing air traveler frustration, Darbelnet urged transportation policy makers to seriously consider privatizing the Federal air traffic control system. Other recommended initiatives include continuing full congressional investment of aviation trust fund monies, airline commitment to improved service, and collaboration among FAA, Congress and the airlines to address air system problems. The policy recommendations were given at a speech today at the Atlanta Rotary Club in Atlanta, Georgia. AAA is the largest leisure travel organization in the U.S., selling more than $1 billion in airline tickets last year alone. To ascertain AAA member views on the state of air travel, the association is conducting a national survey with results scheduled for release in December. "Today, air travel is often tedious, stressful and unreliable," said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. "In fact, air passengers this summer are enduring the worst travel season in America's airline history." In his comments to the group, Mr. Darbelnet characterized the problems as Congress consistently under-funding aviation infrastructure, the FAA consistently under-performing, the airlines losing touch with their customers, and "all three are pointing fingers instead of solving the problem." AAA's concerns were outlined in a letter sent last week to the United States Secretary of Transportation, Rodney Slater. In the letter Darbelnet commended Slater for convening an "Aviation Summit" but urged the Secretary to concentrate on the following: 1. Fully Fund Aviation Projects -- Insist that Congress continue to fully invest the aviation trust fund revenues in air systems improvements. Expand the Capacity of the System -- Either by building new airports, or aggressively expanding existing facilities, including fuller utilization of regional airports. 2. Consider New Management Approaches -- It is time to fundamentally re- think the way we manage and operate the nation's air system. Privatizing air traffic control should be fully explored. 3. Take Collaborative Action -- Insist upon a collaborative effort among the interested parties. The current pattern of the airlines, the FAA and Congress blaming each other is not accomplishing anything other than exasperating the traveling public. 4. AAA also told Secretary Slater that air passengers are a major stakeholder in a safe and efficient air system and should be represented at the summit. "Now is the time to act, to partner and bring our system to a state of health in which it can perform to expectations and become the model for the entire world," he said. "We must work together-quickly, creatively and cooperatively." As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its 43 million 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.