NBTA Applauds Committee Passage of Senate FAA Bill

Alexandria, VA | The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) - the largest association of business travel professionals - praised the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for the passage of S.1451, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2009. The legislation will advance the implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and strengthen safety regulations for millions of business travelers and their employers.

Kevin Maguire, CCTE, GLP, NBTA President & CEO, said, "We are pleased by the Committee's passage of the bill and encouraged by the provisions in the legislation. NBTA has long supported the modernization of our nation's outdated air traffic control system through the implementation of NextGen, and the Senate's legislation will move us closer to ensuring the long-term stability and safety of our aviation system."

In contrast to the House version of the bill passed in May, the Senate version did not include a provision to increase airport Passenger Facility Charges nor language related to airline alliances, both of which have been opposed by NBTA. NBTA continues to remain concerned over language in the legislation related to deplanement during extended tarmac delays and is hopeful the issue will be resolved before final passage.

Maguire continued, "We urge the Senate to move quickly to pass the FAA bill so that final legislation can be signed into law this year."

About the Global Business Travel Association | The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premier business travel and meetings organization. Collectively, GBTA's 5,000-plus members manage over $340 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA provides its network of 17,000 business and government travel and meetings managers, as well as travel service providers, with networking events, news, education & professional development, research, and advocacy. For more information, visit gbta.org