US: Senators challenge Trump plan to privatise air traffic control

The US's top transportation official Wednesday promoted the Trump administration's proposed privatisation of the air traffic control system in the face of criticism from Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans. "Our air traffic organization must be more nimble," US TSA Elaine Chao told the Senate Commerce Committee. "A bulky federal government procurement apparatus does not move fast enough to keep pace with new technologies and new demands." President Donald Trump Monday unveiled the plan to modernise air traffic control and lower flying costs. Under the proposal, air traffic control would be spun off from the FAA and put under the aegis of a nonprofit entity. Critics say the plan would hand control of a key asset to special interests and big airlines. Senator Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, said Wednesday that small airports in his state oppose the plan. He said that after air traffic privatization in the United Kingdom airline passenger fees rose 30%. "This is a tough sell," Wicker said. Senator Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, said he remains "skeptical" of the idea of removing Congress from air traffic control oversight and handing it to a 13-member board. The administration says it would not charge the private entity for the government's air traffic control assets and would bar Congress from reviewing fees charged by the board.<br/>