WASHINGTON - Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, today welcomed legislation from Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), which would provide $18 billion for airport infrastructure improvements as part of a $30 billion aviation investment proposal.

"ACI-NA is grateful to Secretary Duffy and Senator Schmitt for their leadership in advancing this important infrastructure investment package for America's airports," said Annie Russo, ACI-NA Chief Political and Congressional Strategy Officer. "Airports are the backbone of our nation's aviation system and essential to the economic health of the communities they serve. Yet many are working to meet the needs of today's passengers and stakeholders in facilities built decades ago. We urge Congress to continue investing in airport infrastructure to deliver the modern, reliable, and safe travel experience Americans deserve."

This legislation would directly address the role that airports play in modernizing American aviation infrastructure. ACI-NA estimates that America's airports need at least $174 billion through 2029 for infrastructure improvements nationwide, including $72 billion for terminals and $40 billion for airfield projects. These needs far exceed the funding currently available.

The bill's airport funding would complement its investments in air traffic control modernization and tower upgrades, strengthening the full range of infrastructure upon which the nation's aviation system depends.

Key Provisions of the Modern Skies Act:

• $10 billion to overhaul outdated airport and ATC infrastructure.
  • $5 billion for the Airport Terminal Program
  • $3 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (discretionary account)
  • $2 billion for FAA air traffic control towers (facilities and equipment account)
• $10 billion to establish a new pilot grant program for infrastructure development at select medium hub airports.
• $10 billion to complete reliable digital architecture: upgrades air traffic controller safety separation tools (common automation platform, CAP), builds a more resilient telecommunications system that powers air traffic control (FAA Enterprise Network Services, FENS), unlocks airspace capacity with state-of-the-art air traffic flow management technology (Flow Management Data and Services, FMDS), and proactive AI technology data capabilities (Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories, SMART).
  • $7.2 billion to implement CAP and a common controller workstation
  • $2 billion to implement cloud computing infrastructure, including necessary telecommunications infrastructure, supporting the national airspace system
  • $600 million to implement strategic air traffic flow management technologies
  • $300 million to consolidate terminal air traffic control facilities
• Transfer authority to implement the Brand New Air Traffic Control System: provides the FAA with flexibility to reprogram portions of the $12.5 billion in funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to continue its deployment of radars, radios, electronic flight strips, surface awareness tools, and other state-of-the-art systems.

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