By Thelda Williams
As a past Mayor and Councilwoman for the City of Phoenix, I’ve seen how critical Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is to our city. On the national level, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and growth of air transportation in the U.S. In the next few weeks, Congress will need to pass an FAA reauthorization bill in order to usher in a new era of funding, safety measures, and infrastructure investment. If you’ve been to an airport recently, I’m sure you have seen the growing crowds and increasing demands for air travel. Furthermore, if you’ve paid attention to news stories on air travel, you know that there is a critical pilot shortage that is having wide-ranging ramifications on the airline industry. These factors give greater weight to the importance of a strong and effective FAA reauthorization.
In true Congress fashion, the last time the FAA needed reauthorization, it took numerous delays and several years to pass it. It became too partisan, and consumers and the industry suffered because of it. But eventually, it passed, and we saw a real impact. Directives such as a ban on passengers using e-cigarettes, talking on cell phones, and storing their pets in overhead bins were issued. It also established minimum seat sizes and issued rules regarding service animals, a particular passion of mine.
This next reauthorization should pick up where the previous one left off, and there are plenty of issues that need resolving. The first is meeting the needs of the expected growth in passengers. It was noted during a hearing that airports are upwards of $24 billion short of funding when it comes to investing in infrastructure projects that would increase accessibility, maintain their facilities, and upgrade their technological capabilities.
The shortage in pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers, and other professionals continues to weigh down the industry as well. The number of certified air traffic controllers continues to decline over the past decade, and the recruitment of new pilots continues to face challenges.
Finally, we need an FAA reauthorization bill that takes the needs of passengers into account. Too often, passengers are stuck paying needless fees or getting their flights cancelled for unknown reasons. We need accountability when it comes to protecting passengers, from the time they book their flight to when they land.
The Valley is home to the friendliest airport in the country, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, but also a growing number of smaller regional airports like Phoenix-Mesa Gateway and Phoenix Deer Valley. It’s important that the next FAA strike a balance that satisfies the major airports we have with the needs of smaller airports and the communities they serve, and that serves true across the country.
Senator Kyrsten Sinema sits on the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation, which conducts oversight on the FAA. I’m hoping that she is able to rise above the inevitable obstacles and is able to work with her colleagues on passing a reauthorization quickly and cleanly. Congress has a chance to advance safety standards, foster innovation, recruit a vibrant new workforce, and invest in aging infrastructure. We cannot wait another 5 years to solve these pressing issues, and the sooner we can get this passed, the sooner we will start seeing real, positive change in the airline industry.
Thelda Williams served as Mayor of Phoenix on multiple occasions. She has been a dedicated public servant for over three decades and has been a recognized leader in the Valley on issues related to water, public safety, economic development, aviation, women’s issues, and animal abuse.
