Joined by President Donald Trump, Congressman Bill Shuster unveiled a plan to privatize the nation’s air traffic control system. Under the plan the Federal Aviation Administration would no longer be tracking airplanes.
President Trump said the current air travel system is broken and outdated and was designed when fewer people flew. He said, “Passengers have GPS; air control has paper slips.”
Privatization of the air traffic control system is supported by many commericial airlines. Under Rep. Shuster’s plan, a private nonprofit corporation would be created to operate, manage, and control air traffic systems nationwide. The FAA would have a small oversight role.
President Trump said the move would make air travel more efficient and reliable.