Today, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy outlined his plan to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has expressed strong support for this initiative, which aims to fund and prioritize the replacement and repair of air traffic control facilities and update outdated technology.
“NATCA thanks Sec. Duffy for taking a proactive approach to addressing air traffic control modernization. NATCA fully supports this effort,” said NATCA President Nick Daniels. He emphasized that NATCA has long advocated for updating air traffic control systems and infrastructure.
Daniels also highlighted NATCA’s readiness to collaborate with Secretary Duffy, the Department of Transportation, and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure modernization efforts include input from essential personnel like air traffic controllers. “Their expertise will help guarantee that the state-of-the-art systems Sec. Duffy envisions work optimally,” he added.
NATCA extended gratitude to U.S. House of Representatives Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves for his role in proposing an air traffic control modernization provision in the budget reconciliation package. This $12.5 billion investment is expected to enhance safety and efficiency within the National Airspace System.
Additionally, NATCA acknowledged the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, which includes increased funding for hiring and training air traffic controllers as well as a record budget request for facilities and equipment.
For more information, contact Galen Munroe, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at 202-220-9802 or [email protected].
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is a labor union representing nearly 20,000 aviation safety professionals in the United States. Established in 1987, it serves as the exclusive bargaining representative for FAA-employed air traffic controllers and other aviation safety-related professionals across various federal sectors.
