Trump agrees to privatization of U.S traffic control

Based on principles that have been debated for years, President Trump has endorsed a proposal to privatize air traffic control in the U.S. with the signing of a memo and letter to Congress. The move forms a part of Trump’s US$1 trillion initiative to rebuild the country’s ageing infrastructure, which includes old and inefficient airports.
If it comes into effect, the blueprint would see the detachment of air traffic control from the Federal Aviation administration within the next three years. Trump has promised to “dramatically improve” the tracking of airplanes with global positioning satellites which should be a cheaper option to the current radar and radio signals method. Democrats have argued that it would not be cheaper for passengers, while it also allows for private businesses to maximize profits, leaving underserved areas unimproved.
The proposal has the backing of the association which represents air traffic controllers and other industry players, including pilots. Jon Weaks, the president of the Southwest Pilots’ Association, who attended the announcement at the White House, said that “The status quo is unacceptable. By expediting modernization, Mr. President, we will indeed make American aviation great again.”
However, Kevin M. Burke, president of Airports Council International – North America, which represents U.S. and Canadian airports, was more cautious, stating that: “Any plan to reform air traffic control must address the significant infrastructure needs of airports,” adding that: “We cannot modernize one aspect of our aviation system and settle for the status quo for another, especially the foundation on which our aviation system is built.”
Mr. Trump announced in April that his package for rebuilding the U.S. infrastructure would be ready in May, however his advisers now say that it will be several months before it will be complete.