WASHINGTON, D.C. -At the invitation of Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Randy Babbitt, Quad City International Airport Director of Aviation Bruce Carter, A.A.E., joined AAAE President Chip Barclay, A.A.E., and other aviation industry leaders today in a full day of discussions on critical aviation issues in Washington, D.C.
Carter was among several airport leaders in attendance at the invitation-only DOT Aviation Forum, convened to facilitate high-level discussions among industry stakeholders on the state of U.S. aviation. Among the issues discussed were the pending FAA reauthorization bill, airport funding issues including Passenger Facility Charges, the Next Generation Air Transportation System, and environmental challenges. Other topics included oil speculation, airline financial stability and international airline alliances.
Carter joined representatives from other airports, industry trade groups, airlines, labor unions, and key corporate stakeholders in helping assess the industry's current status and how to improve it.
After opening remarks from Secretary LaHood and Administrator Babbitt, attendees heard from three panels of experts on the "State of the Industry," "Events Shaping the Future of the Industry," and "Areas for Future Work."
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ABOUT AAAE: Founded in 1928, AAAE (www.aaae.org) is the world's largest professional organization representing the men and women who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE's 5,000-plus members represent some 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.