Randy Babbitt Confirmed as on FAA Administrator

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today applauded Randy Babbitt's confirmation as the next Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator.

"We heartily congratulate Administrator Babbitt on his confirmation and look forward to working with him and Department of Transportation Secretary LaHood in moving to rapidly implement the overdue modernization of our country's air traffic management system. With the right leadership, we know we can begin to see real benefits from NowGen/NextGen within a few years," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "Administrator Babbitt's deep understanding of aviation matters and his willingness to tackle these issues head-on will enable the United States to continue to operate the safest - and become the most efficient - system of transportation in the world, and foster a healthy and competitive airline industry."

ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For more industry information visit www.airlines.org.