ATA Applauds Modernizing ATC Aspect of U.S. Initiative to Conserve Energy

The U.S. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) is applauding the U.S. Secure America's Future Energy (SAFE) program's recognition that energy can be conserved by modernizing the FAA's air traffic control system.

SAFE is a recently formed nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization committed to reducing America's dependence on oil and improving U.S. energy security in order to bolster national security and strengthen the economy.

While there are also efforts underway and planned to increase aircraft fuel efficiencies, the ATA notes that improving the fuel economy of the fleet is only part of the solution, because aircraft performance depends greatly on the environment in which it is allowed to operate.  SAFE projects over 400,000 barrels of oil can be saved daily by 2030 by implementing new ATC technologies and procedures that are already available, or will be in the near term.

According to the ATA, the technology and procedures that it and SAFE are advocating would result in a reduction of approximately 146 million barrels of jet fuel annually, and reducing 57.5 million metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.

James C. May, the ATA's president and CEO, said, "We look forward to working with the FAA to leverage the environmental and efficiency benefits of an information-centric satellite-based air traffic management system."  12-16-2006.