The Shutdown Exposes the Need to Privatize Air Traffic Control.

The article focuses on the impact of the U.S. government shutdown on air travel, particularly highlighting challenges faced by the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Air Traffic Organization, which manages air traffic control but struggles with outdated technology, funding shortfalls, and overworked controllers. It critiques the current government-run model for inefficiency and suggests considering a restructuring of air traffic control into a self-funding, not-for-profit entity or a highly regulated private company, similar to Canada's Nav Canada model. Such a change could improve funding stability, operational agility, and employee conditions, while maintaining FAA oversight for regulation and safety certification. The article emphasizes that this overhaul would require collaboration among airlines, airports, and workers to ensure cost control and technological advancement amid evolving aviation demands.