More Than 60 Percent of Voters Oppose Air Traffic Control Privatization
Yesterday, the Alliance for Aviation Across America, the League of Rural Voters and the Air Care Alliance released the results of a survey indicating that the majority of voters are opposed to privatization of the air traffic control system. The survey, conducted by Global Strategy group, included responses from 800 registered voters nationwide.
“It remains clear that the American public is against privatizing our air traffic control system,” said Mike Perrone, national president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS), the union that represents over 11,000 employees at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “PASS has been consistent in our opposition to privatizing the air traffic control system, and we will continue to fight that battle. The case for privatization is weak and we are pleased that most Americans see that as well.”
Survey participants were specifically asked their opinion on the proposal to privatize operations of the national air traffic control system “by taking it from the FAA and turning it over to a non-profit corporation that would be responsible for all aspects of air traffic control.” A total of 62 percent were either somewhat or strongly opposed to the proposal. In a similar survey conducted last year, that number was 55 percent.
“More people are realizing the important work that is involved in running our aviation system,” said Perrone. “And more people recognize that the responsibility for operation and management of the air traffic control system is a public service that should be performed by highly-trained federal employees.”
The survey also indicated that voters rate the FAA favorably, with 80 percent of those polled giving the FAA a positive rating in its operation of the air traffic control system. Overall, voters gave the FAA a 74 percent positive rating.
“FAA employees represented by PASS work every day to ensure the safety and efficiency of the U.S. aviation system, the largest and most complex aviation system in the world,” said Perrone. “PASS will continue working with members of Congress to ensure that these federal employees are able to continue performing their important and essential duties.”
For more information or questions, please contact Jessica Cigich.