NBAA Applauds House Legislation Accelerating ATC Modernization

Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, [email protected]

Washington, DC, Oct. 9, 2026 - The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today welcomed legislation introduced by Rep. Tracey Mann (R-01-KS) that would significantly boost funding to continue vital air traffic control (ATC) modernization work begun last year.

The bill, which calls for an additional $30 billion in funds, is a companion to legislation introduced last month by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO). Mann, who announced the bill at Kansas City Downtown Airport (MKC), is a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Aviation.

Both bills follow Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's recent formal request for additional funding to supplement the $12.5 billion Congress approved last year as a down payment on ATC modernization, including upgrades to telecom infrastructure, airports and control towers.

"Modernizing our ATC system is a national imperative. While last year's downpayment has allowed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make significant progress, more funding is needed to finish the job," said NBAA Interim COO Dan Hubbard. "NBAA stands with the broader aviation industry in backing Rep. Mann's legislation."

NBAA and nearly 60 other aviation stakeholders formed the Modern Skies Coalition last year to support the administration's plans to upgrade aviation safety and maintain America's position as the global aerospace leader. Shortly after the coalition's formation, Congress approved the first $12.5 billion infusion for system upgrades.

NBAA was among the signatories to a Modern Skies Coalition statement supporting the call for additional ATC-modernization funds.

"The coalition urges Congress to provide additional resources needed to sustain this momentum and ensure the nation's air traffic control system has the staffing, technology and infrastructure needed to meet future demands," the statement reads.

The nation's ATC system serves approximately 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers every day. ATC modernization requires updates at more than 4,600 FAA sites across the country.

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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world's largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.

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