The ATM Policy Institute welcomes plans for the US FAA to take a significant first step on the path to liberalisation

The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, in a major policy announcement, has started a process to separate the air traffic control elements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and to then corporatise that entity. Such a move will see the separation of the regulatory function, to remain with the FAA, and the operating entity that provides the air traffic management (ATM) services for the United States. 

It will also give the new entity significant autonomy and, it is hoped, allow for it to arrange it’s financing without reference to the appropriations process of the Congress.  That, in turn will allow for long-term stability and focus.

The chair of the ATM Policy Institute, David McMillan noted that "The separation of the ATO from the FAA would be a very welcome first step in the modernisation of the US air traffic management system.”  

McMillan went on to say “It would also open the opportunity for the more commercial, customer-led approach that we believe is necessary to secure the performance improvements that aviation needs".