AOPA Supports ATC Modernization, Staffing Plan Announced by Secretary Duffy

President Trump joined the event by phone, while Secretary Duffy was joined in person by members of Congress, airline CEOs, and other aviation leaders—including representatives from the Modern Skies Coalition, a group of 56 aviation stakeholders including pilot organizations like AOPA as well as leading aviation companies.

Together, they expressed unified support for the proposal and emphasized the urgency of making long-overdue investments to upgrade the nation’s air traffic control equipment and facilities, while also bolstering the air traffic controller workforce with the best and brightest talent available.

AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance underscored the importance of the plan during remarks at the event.

“Without a doubt, we have the safest aviation system in the world and it has never been safer. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be safer... And we owe it to all of us who utilize this national airspace system to make it as safe as it can be and to invest in the technology it requires to achieve that,” said Pleasance.