FAA gears up for year of changes

The Federal Aviation Administration is revving up for major transformations within the US aviation industry, reliant on strong backing from the new Bush administration in its consistent efforts to promote aviation safety and improved air transportation services for all of the United States.

Speaking before a large group of airports and airlines officials from around the Pacific, FAA Regional Administrator Bill Withycombe marked the year ahead as a time of changes, citing numerous projects bound for take off this 2001.

“With the new administration and the new secretary of transportation, there certainly will be changes,” said Mr. Withycombe at the Pacific Aviation Conference hosted by the Commonwealth Ports Authority this week.

Mr. Withycombe disclosed FAA will continue to look at new ways to improve airports, runways, and other facilities in all its US-Pacific jurisdictions, with sufficient assistance from airport sponsors.

Some of the anticipated changes include the proposed creation of a local terminal business team within FAA, steadfast efforts at modernizing air traffic control systems throughout the Pacific areas, and the administration’s fresh goal to operate as a business entity.

“Administrators have been tasked to make sure that FAA’s plan to become a business happens,” said Mr. Withycombe.

The Air 21 initiative, a piece of legislation passed by the US Congress last year, is also envisioned to pave the road for new and fresh investments in US airports, spurring vast opportunities for more airport activities in the years ahead.

Mr. Withycombe expressed optimism FAA’s goals will be accomplished through well-concerted efforts among Pacific aviation leaders.

“We’ve created quite a team. In the previous year, major accomplishments were realized such as the provision of navigational aids, engine generators, safety reinforcements, to name few. I am very proud of what we have accomplished. This is the most important over-all progress we have made. This team has really put the capital “T” in teamwork,” he said.

Pacific leaders in the aviation sector gathered on Saipan this week to tackle pertinent issues besetting airports and airlines in the region, an annual event dubbed as the Pacific Aviation Directors Workshop.

The conference centered on the theme “Building Partnerships for Aviation Safety” has drawn participation from Guam, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Hawaii, CNMI and FAA representatives.

“We are grateful that CNMI has been provided this door of opportunity to spearhead this important gathering, where we can learn and share all our experiences in offering the most efficient airports for passengers,” said Acting CPA Board Chairman Fidel Manglona. (MM)