U.S. Travel Association’s Geoff Freeman Backs Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act for Travel Industry Growth
Geoff Freeman, as President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, plays a crucial role in advocating for the travel industry’s interests. His statement following the passage of the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 by Congress reflects the association’s support for policies that facilitate safe and efficient travel. Such legislation is vital for ensuring the continued growth and development of the aviation sector, which is a cornerstone of the broader travel and tourism industry.
Freeman’s acknowledgment of the bipartisan effort underscores the significance of collaboration in addressing challenges faced by the aviation sector. By emphasizing the importance of cooperation across party lines, Freeman highlights a commitment to finding practical solutions that benefit both travelers and industry stakeholders. This approach not only strengthens the industry’s resilience but also fosters a positive environment for future policy initiatives that promote sustainable growth and innovation in travel and aviation.
“Travelers had a clear demand for Congress to fix an aviation system challenged by years of federal underinvestment. This FAA renewal is a big step toward vastly improving the travel experience.
“Measures in the bill will address delays and cancellations and other travel hassles by modernizing air traffic control technology, boosting the air traffic control workforce, and investing in additional improvements to our nation’s airports and air travel system.
“We thank Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) for their efforts to finalize reauthorization of the FAA, which will benefit flyers and help innovate the aviation system well into the future.”
The U.S. Travel Association has consistently supported a comprehensive FAA renewal bill aimed at implementing funding and policy changes to:
- Enhance Air Traffic Control staffing and update ATC technology;
- Boost grants for pilot training and certification programs; and
- Increase funding while allowing more flexibility for airport improvement grants.
U.S. Travel vehemently opposed an amendment proposed to the FAA bill that could have hindered the Transportation Security Administration’s use of automated facial recognition technology at airport checkpoints. This technology is currently utilized at many major U.S. airports. The amendment, put forth by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Kennedy (R-LA), did not progress.
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