We’re living in an inspiring and exciting time for aviation. Our industry is driving the future of supersonic travel, unmanned aircraft systems and urban mobility.
Working in partnership
But this future won’t happen simply because the industry imagines it. These advancements only become real by working with governments to set the right conditions. Aviation requires internationally harmonized standards for noise and emissions to proceed. The FAA must continue to show leadership by driving development of both domestic and international standards. Continued investment and international diplomacy are requirements for supersonic travel to meet its full potential.
Environmental impact
Today’s commercial aircraft are 80 percent more fuel efficient and 75 percent quieter than the first generation of jet aircraft, but further improvement is required. The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation is committed to achieving carbon-neutral growth by 2020 and reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent from 2005 levels by 2050. To achieve this, Congress must maintain its investment in the FAA’s CLEEN program, a cost sharing partnership between industry and government which decreases environmental impact while ensuring U.S. aviation growth.
New technologies
Aviation is working closely with governmental agencies to safely change the way that goods and people move. With the right regulations, the next decade will see drone-delivered packages and daily commuting via air taxi.
We stand on the cusp of a new era in aviation. To realize this potential, the industry requires close collaboration and investment with the government to ensure the quality research and regulatory framework result in the continued safety of today’s systems, further reductions in environmental impact and safe integration of new technologies.