WASHINGTON, DC, May 9, 2007 – Testifying today before the House Aviation Subcommittee, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) addressed the future transformation to the Next Generation Air Traffic System (NextGen).

Pete Bunce, GAMA’s President and CEO, strongly encouraged Congress to work with industry and push the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Transportation and other participating agencies to clearly define the system they intend to build.

The hearing comes one week after the Senate released their version of the FAA reauthorization bill. Bunce recognized critical steps the Senate has taken towards the implementation of a transformed air traffic control system, but also voiced a concern.

“Although GAMA has significant concerns with the bill’s inclusion of a $25 fee, we applaud the Senate for their work in strengthening the JPDO and addressing critical needs in the NextGen process,” said Bunce.

Bunce closed with, “GAMA looks forward to working with Chairman Costello and Congressman Petri on a FAA reauthorization bill that ensures the plan for modernization incorporates realistic and executable timelines for program development, policy implementation, rule development, equipment certification and aircraft equipage.”