Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, the Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, emphasized the urgent need to modernize America's air traffic control (ATC) system during an event hosted by the Aero Club of Washington. He highlighted inefficiencies and technological shortcomings compared to other countries.

"In an era of AI and automation, is the current ATC system really the best we can do?" Cruz questioned, urging stakeholders from various sectors to collaborate on updating the U.S. ATC system to prevent future aviation accidents.

Cruz announced that Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg would testify before the Senate Commerce Committee in April regarding production and safety issues following last year's Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 incident.

During his speech, Cruz expressed condolences for recent aviation tragedies and acknowledged key government attendees such as Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau and NTSB Board Member Todd Inman. "Many in this room, and across the country, are still grieving tremendously," he stated.

Reflecting on past aviation safety improvements, Cruz mentioned his involvement in developing certification reform laws after previous incidents involving Boeing aircraft. He reiterated that aviation safety remains a top priority for him as committee chairman.

"The NTSB’s investigation will determine what led to that midair collision on January 29," he said regarding a recent tragic accident. He also referenced historical crashes that prompted significant changes in air traffic management decades ago.

Cruz criticized outdated equipment used by air traffic controllers and called for modernization efforts. "Air traffic controllers are working on antiquated equipment in facilities that are falling apart," he noted.

He pointed out staffing shortages at control facilities and questioned whether additional funding alone could address these challenges without proper planning. "The more appropriate question is, ‘is the FAA even capable of modernizing the air traffic control system or does Congress need to reexamine wholesale how the FAA is structured?’" Cruz asked.

Highlighting issues like low controller staffing levels affecting operations in New York, Cruz stressed that now is an opportune time for Congress to consider necessary changes. "Now is the time for Congress to determine whether or not changes need to be made," he declared.

Cruz outlined plans for comprehensive evaluations within American aviation manufacturing processes while considering tough questions related to training programs and facility consolidation under his committee's oversight.

He concluded by urging organizations involved with aviation systems not only resist opposing change but actively support modernization efforts: "I am asking...to resist reflexively opposing change."

"Each of you...will be active participants in determining how to move United States’ air traffic control system into next era," Cruz assured attendees before closing remarks honoring victims from recent incidents involving American Airlines flights among others affected parties present at meeting today