This article is published in Air Transport World part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Dec 11, 2024. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
America’s reputation as a global leader in aviation has been sorely tested over the past few years. But the U.S. remains an extremely important and influential nation in air transport design, development and manufacturing, aviation technology, and in regulatory and safety oversight and investigation.
In January, the country’s presidential leadership and administration will transition from that of Democrat Joe Biden to Republican Donald Trump. The Senate will also move from its narrow Democrat lead to a slightly wider Republican majority (the House was too close to call at press time).
Elaine Chao served as Transportation Secretary under Trump’s previous presidency, and she was widely respected and liked by the aviation industry. She was knowledgeable and genuinely interested in aviation operations, needs and concerns. Most of all, she made clear it was not DOT’s business to meddle with how airline leaders managed their companies unless there was a clear neglect of safety rules.
Pete Buttigieg, in the same role within the Biden administration, has been a disappointment. He showed little interest in aviation, preferring to be associated with broader public-pleasing endeavors like road, rail and bridge construction. When he did get involved in aviation, it was to do exactly what Chao had avoided: to meddle in the business side and attempt to force airlines into business practices that smacked of re-regulation.
Worse, the Justice Department under Biden embarked on a legal interference—ultimately successful—to prevent the merger of JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines. The consequences may ultimately be the exact opposite of the stated intent: there will be fewer U.S. low-cost airlines, less competition and higher fares. It was a classic case of government needing to keep its nose out of the market.
In selecting his Cabinet, Trump would do well to find someone who is more like Chao, less like Buttigieg as the next Transportation Secretary. More knowledgeable of the industry; more willing to listen to airline and air transport leaders from whom he or she can learn; more often showing up for industry meetings and events; and less eager to jump in when it looks like an easy and advantageous headline grab.
What Biden did achieve in aviation, and what should be continued, is a push towards more sustainable commercial flying. Sustainable aviation fuel tax incentives, wrapped into the US Inflation Reduction Act, have been a game-changer. They set a standard for global practices and create jobs, wealth and technology development in a critical and emerging industry.
Just as the first man-powered flights and first moon landings boosted R&D and investment in all things air travel, and prompted worldwide respect, America can restore and embellish its global aviation leadership mantle by being the first, the biggest and most influential nation in air transport decarbonization.
Make America Green in Aviation.
Related Content
