NBTA Expresses Concern Over Passenger Facility Charge Increase in Aviation Bill
Visit us at booth:
The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) - the voice of the business travel industry -- yesterday submitted a letter to Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchinson urging exclusion of language in the House version of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009 that would increase Passenger Facility Charges (PFC). While NBTA supports the passage of the bill to ensure the safety and efficiency of the U.S. aviation system, the association is concerned with raising the current $4.50 PFC cap to $7.00.
Michael W. McCormick, NBTA Executive Director & COO, commented, "Passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act is vital to the future of our nation's aviation system, with the implementation of an updated air traffic control system resting on its fate. However, at a time when businesses are considering increased investment in travel and added fees are overwhelming passengers, targeting travelers with additional charges will only lead to a decrease in business travel -- an industry essential to economic recovery."
In his letter, McCormick also referenced the $27 billion in financial assets that airports already have to draw on. With the large influx in spending, he said additional charges to air passengers should not be enacted. McCormick expressed NBTA's support for the Senate's legislation that does not include the increase in PFCs and hope that the conference report will soon be completed.
About the Global Business Travel Association
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premier business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents. GBTA's members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA delivers world-class education, events, research, advocacy, and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts.
About the GBTA Foundation
The mission of the GBTA Foundation, the US 501c3 charitable arm of GBTA, is to help the global business travel industry create a positive impact and a better future for people and the planet. The GBTA Foundation focuses on the strategy and execution of GBTA's global sustainability programs, supporting initiatives related to climate action; diversity, equity and inclusion; and other talent-related topics via education, research and advocacy.
ORGANIZATION
Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)
www.gbta.org/
107 S West St. Suite 762
USA
- Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-684-0836
Fax: 703-342-4324
Email: info@nbta.org
Nicole Hayes
Assistant Manager, Communications
Phone: (703) 236-1133
Email: nhayes@nbta.org