The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation host their Annual Aviation Summit to discuss the future of the industry and its impact on the global economy.
Aviation leaders and experts discussed air traffic modernization programs and creating jobs within the industry.
Dennis Muilenburg, the President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security addressed the summit on Air Traffic Management, praising the recent passage of funding for the Federal Aviation Administration, and urged more research and testing of procedures that could save money and improve efficiency. He highlighted cybersecurity as a key area for investment in the aviation industry, both for production and infrastructure.
The use of biofuels in aviation are advancing, Dennis Muilenburg told the audience, citing Boeing aircraft from passenger jets to military helicopters that have performed test flights using biofuels. All of his recommendations required a growth in engineering and technology workers in the U.S., he concluded, outlining Boeing's plans for maintaining their current workforce and for encouraging young people to pursue degrees in science and technology fields.
Delta Airlines CEO Richard Anderson spoke about his plan for a national commercial airline policy. He explained that consolidation around the industry that supplies the industry makes it difficult to control costs and make purchasing choices. He suggested that the regulators look at the airline industry as a system or airlines, contractors and suppliers and that it look for policies that allow American companies to compete with foreign carriers, who are often subsidized by or connected to the governments in their home countries.