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NACA Announces New Member: Santa Claus Airlines

The National Air Carrier Association (NACA) is pleased to announce that Santa Claus Airlines has joined NACA as its 22nd airline member. Santa Claus Airlines – call sign “HOHOHO” – is a single-aircraft, single pilot operation with more than 650 million individual customers on every continent. The airline provides service to more than 190 million points and delivers more than 635,000 tons of cargo … all in an annual single-day operation.

“The scope of their operations is almost unbelievable,” said NACA President and CEO George Novak. “Though NACA wouldn’t normally admit a member airline that isn’t based in the United States, Santa Claus Airlines represents the best NACA principles of demonstrated flight safety and exemplary customer service, with no registered complaints in more than 200 years of operations.”

Though the aircraft is of vintage manufacture, it has nine engines (make: Rangifer tarandus), nullifying the need for any ETOPS certification. NACA has offered to assist Santa Claus Airlines with the installation of advanced avionics, an updated Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) to ensure flight safety for its upcoming 2022 operations, as we understand that its current aircraft flight safety equipment consists of a single red anti-collision light on the nacelle of the lead engine – affectionately known as “Rudolph.”

When asked if NACA had any Christmas wishes from its new member, Novak said:

Not for ourselves, but for millions of airline passengers throughout the United States. If it’s not too much trouble, NACA would wish for a much-improved professional pilot pipeline in the United States – consistent with the rest of the world – to address the well-documented short-term and long-term shortages of qualified commercial pilots that have denied air service to millions of very well-behaved boys and girls throughout the country. We’re hoping that Santa will grant our wish, because we at NACA have been very good ourselves.

Interested parties may track this “almost unbelievable” cargo operation on December 24 at https://www.noradsanta.org/en/.

NACA Statement on DOT NPRM Enhancing Transparency of Airline Ancillary Service Fees

In response to the Department of Transportation issuing its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking “Enhancing Transparency of Airline Ancillary Service Fees,” National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement:

“Our ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) member airlines – Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines and Sun Country Airlines – welcome the opportunity to compete for Americans’ business in an open and transparent market. We strongly support many of the aviation-related initiatives in President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, including the rights of passengers to choose their airlines, passenger services and airports at fair prices in a fully open and competitive atmosphere. The ULCCs already ensure that consumers are fully educated about their ancillary options and have the ability to select the services they want at each stage of the booking process.

We urge DOT to refocus its regulatory agenda on executing those sections of the Competition Executive Order that actually will improve the passenger experience and enhance airline competition, by ensuring that ULCCs have greater access to the most congested and concentrated airline markets in the nation, resulting in lower fares and more service options for consumers.”

NACA congratulates TSA Administrator Pekoske on re-confirmation

In response to Senate confirmation of TSA Administrator David Pekoske for a second five-year term as administrator, National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement:

NACA congratulates Administrator David Pekoske on his confirmation for a second five-year term as TSA’s Administrator. We strongly supported the Adminstrator’s nomination during this process and are pleased the Senate was able to act on it before the midterms. Administrator Pekoske has been been a highly effective leader, improving aviation security and closely collaborating with industry to achieve consistently positive results. We look forward to continuing to work with him as he directs an effective and constantly improving TSA.

NACA’s Doell Reappointed to TSA ASAC

The National Air Carrier Association is pleased to announce that NACA Vice President for Government Affairs and Security Policy Paul Doell was selected by TSA Administrator David Pekoske on September 9, 2022, for reappointment to the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) for a third 2-year term.

“I greatly appreciate Administrator Pekoske’s trust in me to serve another term on the ASAC,” Doell said. “I look forward to working to improve the security of our air transportation system over the next two years.”

Doell serves on the airline and air cargo subcommittees of the ASAC, where he represents the perspective of the air carrier members of NACA. To read TSA’s press release on the announcement, please visit their website here.

NACA calls for DOT Leadership on pilot supply

National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak calls on Transportation Secretary Buttigieg to lead broad, data-driven dialogue on pilot supply issues.

The National Air Carrier Association called on Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg today to convene a meeting among all aviation stakeholders, including the major pilot unions and the Families of Continental Flight 3407, on possible solutions to increase the pilot supply and further enhance aviation safety, by the end of the year.

“Despite recent claims to the contrary, all aviation stakeholders – airlines, labor, the regulators and the flying public – have aviation safety as our first priority,” said NACA President and CEO George Novak. “Finger pointing is not leadership and mere claims and accusations, by any side, do not constitute facts.”

In 2022, the industry collectively needs to hire at least 7,500 pilots, yet the current number of new pilots produced is less than 5,000.
In the next five years, the industry will lose 12,000 active pilots due to the current regulatory mandate that pilots retire at age 65.
By 2030, the total shortfall of pilots will reach more than 28,000, resulting in $49 billion in lost revenue, nearly 1,800 grounded aircraft, and 174,000 lost U.S. airline jobs.

“We respectfully request that DOT convene this meeting by the end of the year, so that we can enter 2023 with some momentum,” Novak said. “Inaction, on all our parts, can no longer remain an option.”

Read NACA’s letter to Secretary Buttigieg here.

NACA supports “Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act”

In response to the introduction of the “Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act” on July 25, 2022, National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement:

We commend Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Congressman Chip Roy (R-Texas) for introducing the “Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act,” increasing the FAA’s mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 years-old to 67 without compromising aviation safety. This timely legislation will help mitigate the well-documented shortage of commercial airline pilots in the United States in the near-term.

Without robust legislative and regulatory action, airlines will continue to reduce service to less profitable smaller and rural communities at a time when demand for domestic air travel is exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Reduced supply and high demand will increase airfares and reduce service options across the country, undermining both the U.S. airline industry’s nascent recovery and the overall economy.

We urge Members of Congress to cosponsor the Graham/Roy bill and work collaboratively with all aviation stakeholders to implement policies to reduce the pilot shortage in the long-term.

NACA joins TSA Panel on Summer Travel

National Air Carrier Association Vice President for Government Affairs and Security Policy Paul Doell represented NACA at a TSA press conference discussing the upcoming summer travel season at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on May 10, 2022.

(L to R: NACA VP for Government Affairs and Security Policy Paul Doell, RAA President and CEO Faye Malarkey Black, AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli, TSA Administrator David Pekoske, ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin Burke, A4A President and CEO Nick Calio, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport CEO Sean Donohue)

“We appreciate Administrator Pekoske’s leadership in holding this summer kickoff event,” Doell said. “It gives us all an opportunity to highlight important issues travelers should remember for the very busy upcoming season.”

“As has been mentioned, the federal mask mandate has recently been lifted,” Doell continued. “This allows each passenger to make an individual decision as to whether masking is a necessary precaution. We ask that everyone respect each other’s choices and maintain the civility we all expect when traveling.”

“Lastly, if you haven’t traveled in some time, being prepared with the necessary travel documents and being aware of the wait at your local airport ahead of time will help make your trip as smooth as possible. We look forward to welcoming you on board this summer!”

National Air Cargo Group Joins NACA

The National Air Carrier Association is pleased to announce that National Air Cargo Group (“National”), has joined as NACA’s 21st airline member.

“NACA is delighted to welcome National as a full member,” said NACA President and CEO George Novak. “With National onboard, we now provide an even stronger voice in Washington, D.C., for the nation’s charter service – both passenger and cargo – airlines, particularly among companies that serve U.S. national security interests as part of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet. NACA represents more air carriers than any other U.S. trade association – our continued growth demonstrates the strength of our advocacy on behalf of our members.”

“The National Air Carrier Association provides incredible value to their airline members through direct discussions of policies and regulations with Members of Congress, and DOD, DOT, FAA, and TSA staff,” said National Air Cargo group Chairman Christopher J. Alf. “We look forward to working with NACA to address many issues facing the chartered passenger and cargo segment of the transportation industry.”

One of the major reasons NACA was founded was to provide a conduit for communications between DOD and the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF). NACA’s CRAF carriers provide cargo and passenger services for military and humanitarian missions including combat deployments, emergency medical relief supplies and airlifting evacuees. CRAF carriers significantly enhance U.S. military readiness and soft power projection in service to our national security.

About NACA
Founded in 1962, NACA is the leading voice for airlines that provide affordable transportation of passengers and cargo, with its 21 U.S. airlines serving six continents. NACA members fill a unique niche in the air carrier industry, providing scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo services to meet the ever-changing demands of the traveling public, businesses, and the U.S. military. For more information, please visit https://NACA.aero.

About National Air Cargo Group
National Air Cargo Group is focused on offering niche solutions for its corporate, government, defense and humanitarian aid customers. The two main business divisions of the group, National Air Cargo and National Airlines, complement each other in projects where the group offers the capability of an integrator. Notably, National’s aircraft airlifted PPE kits, protective masks, oxygen cylinder and other medical supplies to U.S, Europe, Africa and Asia during the COVID-19 outbreak. Recently, the passenger fleet was instrumental in airlifting evacuees to Washington, after the Afghanistan drawdown. For more information, please visit https://www.gonational.com/.

NACA Commends POTUS remarks on Sustainable Aviation Fuel

In response to President Biden’s remarks in Iowa, April 12, 2022, on steps the administration is taking to lower energy costs, National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement:

NACA commends President Biden for recognizing the critical role that sustainable aviation fuel will play in further reducing the airline industry’s carbon footprint. We look forward to continue working with the Administration and Congress to help promote the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuel and provide additional economic incentives to ensure its commercial viability.

NACA supports Administration’s TSA Proposals on Pay, Security Fees

The National Air Carrier Association issued the following statement March 29, in support of Biden Administration proposals to raise pay and benefits for frontline Transportation Security Administration workers and to eliminate the practice of setting aside a portion of the revenues collected through the “September 11 fee” for deficit reduction:

The National Air Carrier Association and its member carriers strongly support the Biden Administration’s budget proposal to increase pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) frontline workers.

“TSA’s frontline workers are critical to ensuring the safety of our air transportation system,” said NACA President and CEO George Novak. “They absolutely should be paid at a level commensurate with other federal employees.”

The administration proposes $871 million for additional personnel compensation and benefits, ensuring TSA’s pay reflects the importance of its employees’ work. Retaining these professionals will be key to handling greatly expanding air traffic as we emerge from the pandemic.

Furthermore, NACA strongly supports the Administration’s proposal to eliminate the practice of diverting TSA security fee revenues collected as part of an airplane ticket for deficit reduction. The fee – widely known as the “September 11 fee” – was implemented to help pay for new federal security screening at airports. However, a portion of that amount has long been used for deficit reduction.

“The purpose of the TSA Security fee is to help maintain the security of our air transportation system in a world of constantly evolving threats,” Novak said. “Congress should support this vital mission by allowing TSA to retain the full amount of the fee and finding alternative means of reducing the deficit.”

NACA and its members strongly support these proposals, as they promote growth in air travel and the U.S. economy. NACA’s members are helping to drive recovery from the pandemic, particularly in the Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) sector where growth is projected to be especially robust.