Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska has successfully secured several amendments to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024. As a member of the Senate Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation Subcommittee, Sullivan played a key role in advancing the legislation through the Senate Commerce Committee. The act aims to reauthorize the FAA until 2028 and will now move to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Senator Sullivan emphasized the importance of aviation for Alaskan communities, stating, "Aviation is as essential to countless Alaska communities as roads and bridges are to most Lower 48 communities—it’s the only way in or out, both for residents and for basic goods and services." He highlighted that his team collaborated with various sectors in Alaska's aviation industry to draft provisions aimed at enhancing safety, sustaining essential air services, and investing in aviation infrastructure.

The senator also focused on addressing challenges within America's aviation workforce pipeline by removing barriers for aspiring pilots and other aviation professionals. He expressed his commitment to working with colleagues to ensure the bill reaches the President's desk.

Will Day and Daniel Knesek from the Alaska Air Carriers Association praised Senator Sullivan's efforts, saying they are "profoundly grateful" for his work on passing the FAA Reauthorization Act through committee. They acknowledged his dedication to addressing Alaska's unique transportation needs.

Adam White from the Alaska Airmen’s Association commended Sullivan as a "champion for Alaska aviation," noting that without modern aviation systems, Alaska would face significant challenges. Dr. Catherine F. Cahill from UAF highlighted programs included in the bill aimed at improving aviation safety and infrastructure in Alaska.

The major provisions championed by Senator Sullivan include initiatives related to Essential Air Service, safety improvements, critical infrastructure enhancements, airspace advancements, unmanned aircraft systems research, federal funding coordination, remote airport access roads development, contract weather observer programs, and workforce development.