THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged the US Govt to work alongside industry to grow the benefits of the aviation sector, with IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac citing an expected 62% increase in demand for US domestic and international travel over the next two decades.
De Juniac said aviation already supported about 6.5 million jobs in the USA, contributing more than US$778 billion to GDP.
“Delivering aviation’s economic and social benefits requires a policy framework that supports competitiveness,” he said.
Current issues include a proposal introduced in last year’s FAA reauthorisation bill which would have required regulation of airline ancillary fees.
The measure, ultimately excluded from the final bill, aimed to “eliminate the unbundling model that has allowed airlines to keep fares low by asking consumers to only pay for those things they value,” de Juniac said.
He also urged leaders to work together to ensure aviation was not endangered in the event of another government shutdown.
Source: traveldaily