31 MayLaHood at RAA convention: Talks safety, ADS-B
Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood attended the Regional Airline Association’s annual convention in Nashville, Tenn. on May 17. He spoke primarily on safety and improvements in airline travel, including ADS-B implementation.
By “retrofitting aircraft and air traffic control centers with ADS-B, advanced communications systems, real-time weather reports, and other technologies, NextGen will cut travel times, reduce congestion, and alleviate delays,” LaHood said.
“We’ve been testing ADS-B capability in airspace around the country and we’re seeing consistently improved taxi times.”
He said the RAA’s 30 airline members account for more than half of the nation’s commercial flights, with 75 percent of the U.S. communities with airline service relying on them.
“My message is simple,” said LaHood as he opened his keynote address.
“As long as I’m Secretary of Transportation you’ll have a seat at the table when we make aviation policy.”
“The success of the aviation industry hinges on the confidence of the American people that they will fly from one origin to their destination as safety as possible,” said LaHood. “Thousands of people got up today, went to an airport, got on a regional jet, got to their destinations safely, and didn’t think that much about the safety, because all of us are thinking about it–all of you are thinking about it… We have the safest form of transportation right here in the United States, thanks to all of you and thanks to the dedicated people that work for you.”
During his speech, LaHood stressed a need for continued diligence as air traffic grows in the future. Experts predict that travel by air will grow by 50 percent over the next 10 years.
He said the RAA is a leader and has stepped up in its contributions to safety.
He praised the organization for its partnership with the DOT and FAA. He cited the development of a Strategic Safety Initiative, as well the adoption of voluntary “gold standard” safety programs.
LaHood said the DOT looks forward to continuing to partner with the RAA in future efforts.
It was the first time in the 36-year history of the RAA that a sitting DOT Secretary visited the convention.
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