FAA Names Senior VP to Oversee Modernization Efforts

Cox, who previously served as a vice president in the FAAs Air Traffic Organization, will lead the effort to transform the nations airspace system by using 21st century technologies to meet changing aviation demands, known as NextGen. Some of these modernization activities have already begun, including the initial deployment of satellite-based technology, airspace redesign and runway safety improvements. Given the aviation community's increasing need for faster modernization of our air traffic control system, we must implement NextGen at a quicker pace, said Acting FAA Administrator Robert A. Sturgell. The FAA is putting an emphasis on near- and mid-term implementation, while the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) continues its focus on long-term research and development, and cross-agency cooperation. In addition to providing increased focus on the modernization of the nation's air traffic control system through the NextGen plan, the position will incorporate the JPDO, which helps coordinate the efforts of several federal departments and agencies, including the Departments of Transportation (which includes the FAA), Defense, Commerce and Homeland Security, as well as NASA. The combined JPDOs long-term planning efforts and the FAAs short- and mid-term work ensures the FAAs research, development and testing resources are working together to deliver NextGen technologies faster.