AAAE Task Force Issues Report

In a wide-ranging report which includes suggestions for 9/11-like government bailouts of both airlines and airports as well as easing rules on foreign ownership, the AAAE Energy/Air Service Task Force issued recommendations from its July summit addressing three fronts – national energy policy, a national air service policy and emergency measures to help airlines, airports and local communities hit by high energy prices and service losses. Related Story
The call for transportation policies echo similar calls Former AMR Chair Robert Crandall has been making for two years. Related Story More recently he called for a special congressional session to develop a national energy policy. Related Story
Despite the list of recommendations, the linchpin of any effort centers around quickened rollout of the NextGen air traffic control system, stymied by a lack of action in Congress which, for two years, has been unable to pass an FAA reauthorization bill postponing any hope of action until next year. For a complete report see Monday's issue of Regional Aviation News.