Senate to vote on FAA funding for air traffic control

On April 27, CharterX Industry Headline News reported that it was likely that the United States Senate was likely to vote on Federal Aviation Administration funding on April 28, which happened in an 88-0 vote [yes, some Senate folks were missing], to move a FAA funding bill closer to the desk of President George W. Bush, who will be forced to veto or to sign a final bill--soon. Today's vote centered on FAA reauthorization funding, long overdue, which would fund the agency through Sept. 30, 2011.

FAA funding will provide $800 million over the next three years to modernize the nation's air traffic control system. The majority of such funding, from the Senate vote, will be paid for by private general aviation in the way of increased excise jet fuel taxes increasing to 36 cents per gallon of fuel from the exiting 21.9 cents per gallon of fuel.

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Pittsburgh Airport Expands Enclave for Private Jets

There aren't many places in Western Pennsylvania that can boast about playing host to Tiger Woods, Ben Roethlisberger, Sidney Crosby, Al Gore and a host of other athletes, politicians and celebrities.

The Business Aviation Center at Pittsburgh International Airport is one of them. A local company, joined by local politicians and Allegheny County Airport Authority officials, opened a new 30,000-square-foot jet hangar and 7,250-square-foot charter terminal and office center at the airport yesterday.

The firm believes the $5 million expansion, which doubles its space, will further enhance its ability to serve corporations, sports team charters, private operators and general aviation enthusiasts.

Officials also are hoping the charter terminal will better accommodate the sports teams that use it, including the Steelers, Penguins, local universities and visiting squads.
Current corporate clients include FedEx and Bayer.

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato said the center is a key component of the region's economic development efforts, offering corporations a place to house their jets and easy access to them.

"In this global economy you need these types of facilities," he said. "It is key to us remaining competitive."

The facilities also help the region compete for events like the U.S. Open and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which produce a lot of corporate and private jet traffic.

"These are the types of facilities you put in those proposals," Mr. Onorato said. "This goes a long way in allowing us to be competitive in those proposals."

The facilities have been used by the Steelers and Penguins as well as a number of politicians, including George W. Bush when he was a candidate, Dick Cheney, Mr. Gore and John Kerry.
Mr. Woods used the center when he came to Oakmont before the U.S. Open for a practice round.

Last year, about 50,600 passengers took off and landed from the facilities in Pittsburgh, a 41 percent increase over 2005.

The company provides fueling and deicing, maintenance, ground transportation, catering, and hangar and ramp space for corporate and private jets and charters.