The Senate recently approved a bill reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration, allotting $105 billion over the next five years for new aviation safety regulations and consumer protections for both the FAA and commercial airlines to adhere to. The Senate passed the bill, named the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, with an 88-4 vote just one day before the current reauthorization act expired. Key provisions of the bill include requiring airlines to refund customers for domestic flight delays over three hours and international delays over six hours, or provide customers with a five-year credit.
In addition to consumer protections, the bill also allocates $738 million to the National Transportation Safety Board for airport modernization, technology programs, and safety initiatives. The legislation mandates the FAA to install new technology to enhance monitoring of passenger jets on runways, increase the hiring of air traffic controllers to address a shortage of 3,000 controllers nationwide, and reduce overtime work at the FAA linked to controller fatigue and absences. The bill also strengthens protections for disabled passengers, codifies multiple airlines’ refund requirements to passengers, and directs an increase in air traffic controller hiring at the FAA’s training academy.
The Senate’s passage of the bill comes after the House overwhelmingly supported it, voting to extend the deadline for reauthorizing the FAA from Friday to May 17. The bill faced opposition from lawmakers seeking to add over 200 amendments, some related to aviation standards and others unrelated to the FAA and consumers. One contentious amendment aimed to add extra daily round-trip flights at Reagan Washington National Airport to improve accessibility to downtown Washington D.C. The legislation aims to address close calls and runway incursions, which have been on the rise, with 23 identified in the fiscal year ending Oct. 1, 2023, although independent estimates suggest this number may be underreported.
The new FAA bill is expected to bring significant changes to the aviation industry, focusing on enhancing safety standards and protecting consumer rights. The provisions of the bill include refund requirements for flight delays, increased hiring of air traffic controllers, and the implementation of new technology for runway monitoring. The legislation also addresses the nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers and aims to reduce controller fatigue and absences related to high overtime work at the FAA. With strong bipartisan support, the bill is set to bring about positive changes in the aviation sector, ensuring a safer and more efficient flying experience for passengers.
As the legislation moves forward, it is important to monitor its implementation and enforcement to ensure that the intended safety and consumer protection measures are effectively put into place. The bipartisan support for the bill indicates a commitment to improving aviation standards and addressing key issues within the industry. With the allocation of significant funding and the inclusion of various provisions, the bill marks a crucial step forward in enhancing aviation safety and ensuring a positive experience for air travelers. With the passage of the bill, the FAA and commercial airlines will be required to comply with new regulations aimed at improving safety and protecting consumer rights, ultimately leading to a more secure and efficient aviation system.
