UAL Corp. CEO Glenn Tilton joins Secretary of Transportation Advisory Committee
12-May-2010 Glenn Tilton, UAL Corp. chairman, president and CEO has accepted an invitation to join The Future of Aviation Advisory Committee being convened by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
"I look forward to working with the Secretary and joining my colleagues on the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee to bring about meaningful policy initiatives that will strengthen our industry and our national economy. Our industry facilitates global commerce and strengthening it will enable us to provide a platform for sustained economic vitality," said Tilton.
"We are grateful for the leadership Secretary LaHood is demonstrating in addressing the long-standing challenges facing the airline industry," added Tilton
As we communicated to the Secretary in November at the Future of U.S. Aviation Forum, United believes that three overarching imperatives should be addressed in order to secure the future of the industry and best prepare it for the global market realities of an intensely competitive industry.
The three imperatives are:
* Assist the U.S. Airline Industry to Return to Sustained Profitability
Our aviation sector and customers shoulder a federal tax burden that is typically higher than that paid by the alcohol and tobacco industries for so-called sin goods. Federal taxes represent as much as 20 percent of a domestic round-trip airline ticket. This hampers our ability to reinvest in areas that directly benefit our employees, customers, and communities.
* Ensure the Global Competitiveness of the U.S. Industry
The airline industry contributes $3 trillion a year to the global economy. It is a catalyst for commerce and tourism, creating jobs, connecting small communities and large cities to the world. Restoring U.S. competitiveness requires regulatory and structural reform that will enable airlines to operate like other global businesses. International investment, consolidation, and cross-border ventures are among the business tools and options that should be made available to the industry.
* Invest in Air Traffic Control Infrastructure
While a satellite-based, modernized air traffic control system is a priority for Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration, much more needs to be done. The government must act now to fund this priority. There is broad agreement on this priority and its benefits. It will create jobs, improve customer service, improve safety and reduce emissions.