Is the U.S. Government About to Privatize Air-Traffic Control?

Under a plan proposed by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair, U.S. air-traffic control would be privatized by the government.

The future of air-traffic control in the U.S. could be in store for major reform. Under a policy proposed by Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, the air-traffic control program would be removed from the FAA and spun off into a private not-for-profit corporation.

USA Today reports Shuster outlined his plans for air-traffic control reform before the Aero Club of Washington. Shuster, who serves as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, says the move would save taxpayers billions every year and provide a better level of service to flyers in the U.S.

“Now is the time for transformational change that provides a safe, reliable modern aviation system for our future,” said Shuster. “This will insulate the [private air-traffic control] from events like sequestration, agency closures and government shutdown.”

According to Shuster, a bill could be introduced to the House of Representatives for action as early as next month. However, not all of Shuster’s fellow stakeholders are throwing their complete support behind his proposal just yet.

“As I have long said, this country deserves a serious conversation about the future of our transportation system and we are willing to have that conversation,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “We look forward to working with Congress to make our system even more safe and more efficient.”

When asked about Shuster’s proposal,  White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the president has yet to review it. “When it comes to a question like this, the first thing to consider is the safety record, and the current air-traffic control system has an outstanding safety record,” said Earnest.

Shuster’s proposal is part of a larger reconsideration of the FAA’s reach, with the administration’s current law set to expire September 30. In addition to privatizing air-traffic control, Congress is also set to reconsider a proposal to increase Passenger Facility Charges (PFC).

[Photo: iStock]