NBAA supports $30 billion air traffic control upgrade plan
NBAA supports $30 billion air traffic control upgrade plan to improve flight reliability and modernize airport infrastructure.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has endorsed a $30 billion plan to upgrade the U.S. air traffic control system and modernize airport infrastructure. The proposal, introduced by Rep. Tracey Mann of Kansas, would supplement $12.5 billion in federal funding approved in 2025. This plan is expected to improve the reliability of systems that manage flights through crowded airspace and coordinate movements on the ground.
Proposed investments cover air traffic control technology, control towers, and other airport infrastructure, including terminal improvements. The NBAA believes that this investment is necessary to support the growing demands of civil aviation.
Legislative Support
The House proposal accompanies Sen. Eric Schmitt’s Modern Skies Act, which outlines roughly $30 billion in investments across three principal areas: ATC technology modernization, airport and control-tower infrastructure, and airport terminals. The NBAA interim chief operating officer, Dan Hubbard, described the project as a national imperative, arguing that the initial congressional investment was insufficient to complete it. Hubbard emphasized the need for additional funding to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
At the Kansas City Downtown Airport, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined Rep. Mann and Sen. Roger Marshall to highlight the proposal. The department’s regional update says the airport is scheduled to receive $11 million in improvements over 18 months, including communications and surface-awareness upgrades.
Modernization Efforts
The scale of the undertaking extends far beyond individual airports, with the U.S. air traffic control system handling about 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers daily. The association will continue to advocate for the necessary investments to ensure a reliable and efficient air traffic control system. They will work closely with other stakeholders to support the implementation of the upgrades.
In its October 9 statement, NBAA said the House measure would help sustain work already underway at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The association is also part of the Modern Skies Coalition, a group of nearly 60 aviation organizations advocating continued investment in personnel, systems and facilities. Additionally, Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri introduced the companion Senate legislation on September 28, and it separately identifies $30.58 million in upgrades planned over two years for Kansas City International Airport (MCI), demonstrating the widespread impact of the proposed investments.
