U.S. Chamber of Commerce News Release:

Release Date: Mar 28, 2013Contact: 888-249-NEWS

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U.S. Chamber Hosts 12th Annual Aviation Summit

Examines Challenges Impacting the Efficiency and Growth of Airlines

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce held its 12th Annual Aviation Summit today gathering top experts and leaders from all sectors of aviation to discuss critical issues facing the industry. The event examined many of the challenges impacting the efficiency and growth of airlines, including rising fuel prices, onerous environmental regulations, runway availability, and the implementation of the NextGen air traffic modernization program.

“Aviation is an essential mode of transportation that can both quickly and efficiently move people and goods around the United States and the world,” said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. “A strong federal role is essential for safety, oversight, and air traffic efficiency. Necessary maintenance and modernization investments must be made to renew and upgrade aging aviation infrastructure, and to preserve America’s role as a leader in aviation.”

The summit kicked off with a one-on-one discussion between Donohue and W. James McNerney, Jr., the chairman, president, and CEO of The Boeing Company. Other panel discussions focused on manufacturing, future trends in aviation, and airport efficiency.

“The welfare of the U.S. aviation system is of critical importance to the economy because it facilitates the movement of goods and people through commercial, business, and private travel,” said Carol Hallett, of Counsel at the U.S. Chamber. “The Chamber continues to advocate for federal policies that recognize the vital link between America’s aviation industry and jobs, economic development, global competitiveness, national security, and quality of life.”

More than 30 senior aviation executives participated in the day-long summit including W. Douglas Parker, chairman and CEO of US Airways Group, Jeffery A. Smisek, president and CEO of United Continental Holdings Inc., Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president, and CEO of FedEx, David J. Barger, president and CEO of JetBlue Airways Corporation, The Honorable T. Allan McArtor, chairman of Airbus Americas and many more.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.