Privatization would delay modernization

The article "Congress should act now to modernize air traffic control," written by airline lobbyist Sean Williams, undermines the progress already being made with NextGen, while failing to acknowledge that a "privatized" system would actually slow the pace of modernization and add billions to the deficit.

Williams claims our ATC system is outdated and equipped with ancient technology. However, modernized systems are already increasing efficiency and are largely already available. Ironically, only a fraction of airlines have equipped their own aircraft with the necessary technology to take advantage of the new capabilities.

Almost no one other than the airlines and their lobbyists think so-called privatization is a good idea. And as the American Conservative Union recently pointed out, without any competition, it isn't really privatization at all.

The truth is America has the safest and most complex airspace in the world. And aviation in the U.S. is the envy of the world. The legislation Williams and the airlines support is a solution in search of a problem.

We don't have to hand our skies over to special interests to modernize.

Mark Baker, President and CEO

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association