Op-Ed: Babbitt Can Help FAA To Push NextGen Forward

Airline passengers should be heartened that the U.S. Senate last month confirmed the appointment of Randy Babbitt to head the Federal Aviation Administration. Babbitt will bring much-needed leadership to the FAA as its role is critical in moving forward key projects that benefit travelers, particularly the Next Generation Air Transportation System air traffic control modernization initiative.

It's no secret the United States' current radar-based air traffic control system is significantly outdated, and until the recent, and temporary, decline in air travel it has been operating at maximum capacity. Travel industry leaders generally agree that the implementation of a satellite-based system like NextGen will provide significant benefits to the traveling public, including fewer delays, increased capacity and safety improvements, as well as reduced flight times and fuel consumption. It also offers the United States an opportunity to market its technology globally, as air traffic control modernization will continue to be considered by other countries in the coming years.

While it could be argued that now isn't an ideal time for airlines to make investments in technology or to charge travelers and their companies additional taxes or fees for a plane ticket, the truth is none of us can afford for NextGen not to be implemented. The economy will rebound, and with it will come an upswing in air travel. The sooner we're able to accommodate increased volume with a safer, more efficient air traffic control system, the better.

Despite travel industry agreement on the necessity and benefits of NextGen, the main obstacle has been its $40 billion price tag. In fact, disagreement over the right funding approach for the government's $20 billion share has been the main cause of NextGen's lack of progress since first being introduced nearly a decade ago, and multiple funding options continue to be debated. While some progress in laying the groundwork for NextGen has been made in the interim, including redesigning airspace around several major U.S. airports, it's become apparent that real momentum cannot be achieved until funding is clear.

The most appropriate NextGen funding plan is one in which the federal government, airlines and travelers all contribute to the cost, because an updated system will benefit everyone. The entire nation relies on air travel as an economical, efficient way to accomplish business, enjoy leisure time and transport goods. Given this, the U.S. House and Senate must work aggressively to reauthorize the FAA's budget and review 2010 budget proposals to establish funding that reflects the shared benefits NextGen will provide us all. It will be up to Babbitt to articulate NextGen's necessity and value throughout that process.

NextGen is equally worthy of the significant government funding the high-speed rail initiative soon will receive. Both projects will provide valuable benefits to the traveling public, yet to date, rail seems to have been deemed more "shovel-ready" and thus deserving of investment. Updating the nation's existing air traffic control system certainly qualifies as shovel-ready as well, and if appropriately funded has the ability to provide positive impacts in the near term as well as the long term. It too should be a priority during this time of increased investment in our nation's infrastructure.

While much of the focus to date has been on the government's role in funding NextGen, it's important to note that more airlines should begin planning for the $20 billion in airport equipage and personnel training required for them to utilize the technology once available. Several forward-thinking airlines already have begun making investments in preparation for NextGen, despite the undeniable fact that return on investment remains years away. The Air Transport Association and other airline trade associations also have done a commendable job of advocating for and educating government officials about the importance of NextGen. However, others in the airline community must demonstrate their commitment as well.

As a leader in business travel management, Carlson Wagonlit Travel has an obligation to advocate for a safer, more efficient air traffic control system that benefits our clients' business travelers. We believe NextGen is that system, and as such it receives our full support. We're confident Babbitt's presence as the appointed FAA leader, after the organization being absent one for some time, combined with his strong industry track record, will ultimately provide the momentum needed to move NextGen forward.