U.S. transportation secretary to meet with airline CEOs Wednesday on air traffic control reform effort -- sources

U.S. transportation secretary to meet with airline CEOs Wednesday on air traffic control reform effort -- sources

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is set to meet with top airline CEOs on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing air traffic control reform effort. The meeting comes as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in the midst of a significant overhaul of the nation's air traffic control system, following a $12.5 billion down payment from Congress.

The reform effort aims to modernize the air traffic control system, enhance safety, and improve efficiency. The FAA has been working to find a single, main contractor for the project, with a deadline of September 21 to submit ideas .

Duffy is expected to provide updates on the progress of the air traffic control reform and discuss potential additional funding needs. The meeting is part of a series of engagements by the FAA Administrator, Bryan Bedford, who is scheduled to brief House Transportation Committee leadership and speak at various events in Washington this week .

The meeting with airline CEOs is seen as a critical step in ensuring that the industry's needs and concerns are addressed as the reform effort moves forward. The aviation industry has been vocal about the need for modernization, citing safety concerns and the potential for economic benefits from improved efficiency.

The meeting is also expected to touch on other transportation-related issues, including the ongoing investigation into the January midair disaster above the Potomac River. House Democrats have submitted an amendment to the fiscal 2026 NDAA seeking to mandate an audit of the circumstances surrounding the disaster .

The meeting with airline CEOs is the latest in a series of high-profile engagements by the Trump administration to advance its agenda for transportation reform. The administration has been working to streamline regulations and reduce barriers to infrastructure investment, with a focus on enhancing safety and promoting economic growth.

References:
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/weekly-transportation/2025/09/08/looking-for-air-traffic-control-overhaul-clues-00549934