The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization of the leading U.S. airlines, today applauded Secure America's Future Energy (SAFE) for advancing recognition of the energy-conservation benefits the United States can realize through a comprehensive modernization of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) air traffic control (ATC) system.

ATA commends the broad-based approach taken by the Energy Security Leadership Council. "U.S. airlines have a long, successful track record of conserving fuel and reducing emissions. We look forward to working with the FAA to leverage the environmental and efficiency benefits of an information- centric satellite-based air traffic management system," said ATA President and Chief Executive Officer James C. May.

Improving the fuel economy of the fleet is only part of the solution. Aircraft performance depends greatly on the environment in which it is allowed to operate. By implementing its recommendation with respect to air traffic routing, SAFE projects savings of over 400,000 barrels of oil daily by 2030.

By utilizing available and near-term technologies and procedures, a modernized air-traffic system would allow:

-- reduced delays

-- curbed fuel-related emissions

-- minimized fuel consumption

-- shortened travel and shipping times

The technology and procedures SAFE and ATA are advocating would result in a reduction of approximately 146 million barrels of jet fuel annually, the equivalent* of:

-- reducing 57.5 million metric tons of CO2 emissions per year

-- taking 12.4 million cars off the road annually

-- planting pine trees over the entire state of South Dakota to absorb CO2

emissions

-- reducing emissions from one typical car taking 6.3 million trips around

the world at the equator

"We have the economic and environmental incentives to find new ways to reduce fuel consumption, which translates to reduced emissions. SAFE understands how such measures can help improve our nation's economic security by reducing America's dependence on oil," said May.

ATA airline members transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.