National Air Carrier Association

Gridiron Air Joins NACA

The National Air Carrier Association is pleased to announce that Gridiron Air LLC has joined the association.

“NACA enthusiastically welcomes Gridiron Air as a full member,” said NACA President and CEO George Novak. “Gridiron further expands our reach into the charter segment of the commercial aviation industry. Our continued growth demonstrates the strength of our advocacy on behalf of our members.”

“We are thrilled to be a part of this group,” said Gridiron Air President and CEO, Paul Kirby. “NACA’s expertise and experience will be valuable help to us on a variety of issues. We’re looking forward to working with NACA’s committees to contribute toward industry growth across safety, operations, maintenance and security.”

About NACA
Founded in 1962, NACA is a trade association whose members are a diverse group of air carriers, providing scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo services, filling a unique niche in the air carrier industry by offering services in response to ever-changing demands from the traveling public, the U.S. military, and businesses. For more information, please visit https://NACA.aero.

About Gridiron Air LLC
Gridiron Air is a U.S. Part 121 airline flying Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. With the Charter industry’s most modern and reliable fleet of wide-body aircraft, and backed by vast airline experience, our team excels at the highest level to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests. For more information, please visit https://gridiron-air.com/.

NACA issues white paper: Safeguarding U.S. Civil Airlift

The National Air Carrier Association is pleased to announce the release of our new thought leadership white paper, “Safeguarding U.S. Civil Airlift.”

The role of civil aviation is today enshrined by longstanding policies that acknowledge the capabilities of non-military aircraft in military-led air missions. These aircraft, operated by member companies of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF), continue to serve as critical assets for U.S. military forces as they respond to security threats, humanitarian emergencies, and natural disasters around the world.

The National Air Carrier Association (NACA) is proud to be the voice for many of these innovative companies, which include CRAF partners across the country. Today, these and other aviation operators, move more than 90 percent of military personnel and 40 percent of essential air cargo for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Despite providing these vital capabilities, CRAF members are under stress from economic, operational and regulatory headwinds. Unless addressed, these challenges could threaten DoD’s mobilization capabilities. Understanding these threats and exploring their solutions is a first step toward preserving the viability of CRAF members and other carriers that serve a vital role in global defense and security.

You can access our white paper on our website here: https://naca.aero/naca-white-paper-safeguarding-u-s-civil-airlift/

NACA applauds appointment of former Gov. Sununu to lead A4A

In response to the appointment of former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu to become the next President and CEO of Airlines for America (A4A), National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement:

The National Air Carrier Association (NACA) congratulates former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu on his appointment as President and CEO of Airlines for America (A4A). The demonstrated leadership skills and strategic vision Gov. Sununu brings to the position will serve the aviation sector well. NACA regularly works with A4A on issues facing our industry, such as enhancing aviation safety, modernizing air traffic control and maintaining our industry’s position as a major economic driver in the United States, and we look forward to working with him.

We’d also like to thank Nick Calio for his years of service leading A4A. Nick was a strong and emphatic voice for the industry and we are grateful for his leadership over the years. We congratulate him on his tenure and wish him well in his future endeavors.

NACA applauds Senate confirmation of Bryan Bedford as FAA Administrator

In response to Senate confirmation of Bryan Bedford as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement:

The National Air Carrier Association (NACA) congratulates Bryan Bedford on his confirmation by the U.S. Senate as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. His extensive industry experience, proven leadership, and deep commitment to aviation make him exceptionally well-qualified to lead the FAA at this critical moment.

The aviation industry is navigating a period of significant challenge and transformation. From workforce recruitment and retention across all roles—pilots, air traffic controllers, mechanics, and beyond—today’s environment demands visionary leadership and decisive action. Mr. Bedford brings both, along with a strong track record of fostering innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing safety across the national airspace system.

NACA and its member airlines are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work closely with Administrator Bedford as we collectively address the evolving needs of our industry and the traveling public. We look forward to partnering with him to ensure that the U.S. aviation system remains the safest, most efficient, and most accessible in the world.

Eastern Joins NACA

The National Air Carrier Association is pleased to announce that Eastern Airlines and Eastern Air Express (collectively, “Eastern”), have joined the association.

“NACA is delighted to welcome Eastern as a full member,” said NACA President and CEO George Novak. “Eastern strengthens our commitment to airlines that provide global services to both military and civilian customers. Our continued growth demonstrates the strength of our advocacy on behalf of our members.”

“We are very excited to be a part of this group,” said Jeff Conry, CEO of parent company Eastern Airlines Holdings. “We have retained strong representation to help us with issues in Washington, and NACA plays a very important role in that area. We look forward to working with NACA’s technical committees, as NACA provides valuable support with FAA and TSA to quickly resolve issues across safety, operations, maintenance and security.”

About NACA

Founded in 1962, NACA is a trade association comprised of air carriers certificated under Title 14, Part 121 of the Code of Federal Regulations. NACA members are a diverse group of air carriers, providing scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo services, filling a unique niche in the air carrier industry by offering services in response to ever-changing demands from the U.S. military, the traveling public, and businesses. For more information, please visit https://NACA.aero.

About Eastern Airlines (EAL) and Eastern Air Express (EAX)

EAL and EAX are U.S. Part 121 airlines with global operations flying a mix of Boeing 737, 767 and 777 aircraft. Together, the airlines provide tailored ACMI and charter solutions, cargo services and scheduled passenger service to a variety of locations. For more information, please visit https://goeasternair.com/.

NACA urges Senate to Confirm Bryan Bedford as FAA Administrator

In response to the nomination of Bryan Bedford to be the next Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement:

We commend President Trump for nominating Republic Airways President and CEO Bryan Bedford to be the next FAA Administrator. With more than 30 years of experience in the airline industry and as a pilot with commercial, multi-engine and instrument ratings, he is exceptionally well-qualified to lead the agency during one of the most challenging periods in American aviation history.

Mr. Bedford is well-positioned to implement Secretary Duffy’s initiatives to accelerate the modernization of our safe — yet antiquated — air traffic control system and increase air traffic controller recruitment and training. He also understands the importance of modernizing pilot training standards to ensure that our nation has an adequate supply of world-class pilots. We strongly urge the Senate to move swiftly to confirm Mr. Bedford and we look forward to working with him to address the many challenges facing the aviation sector.

NACA Urges Confirmation of Steve Bradbury

In response to the nomination of Steve Bradbury to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation advancing out of committee, National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement:

NACA strongly supports President Trump’s nomination of Steve Bradbury to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Mr. Bradbury brings decades of legal and transportation policy experience from both the public and private sectors, making him exceptionally qualified to become the next Deputy Secretary at DOT. Mr. Bradbury was the Senate-confirmed general counsel at DOT in the first Trump administration, overseeing all of DOT’s rulemaking and enforcement actions. During his time at DOT, he also served as the Acting Deputy Secretary of Transportation and briefly as the Acting Secretary of Transportation.

Given the number of significant aviation policy challenges facing DOT, including a shortage of air traffic controllers, pilots and maintenance technicians; a safe but inefficient and antiquated air traffic management system; and a number of pending or recently issued regulations that do not enhance aviation safety or the passenger experience, we respectfully ask that the committee expeditiously approve Mr. Bradbury’s nomination to ensure a timely vote on the Senate floor.

NACA Congratulates Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau

In response to the appointment of Chris Rocheleau as Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement:

On behalf of NACA’s members, we congratulate Chris Rocheleau on his appointment as Acting Administrator of the FAA. His decades of service to the aviation community both in and out of government make him an outstanding choice to lead the FAA during this critical juncture. We look forward to working with him and his team on the many challenges facing the aviation sector, and ensuring that our National Airspace System remains the gold standard for aviation safety worldwide.

NACA Congratulates New DOT Secretary Sean Duffy

In response to Senate confirmation of Sean Duffy as the next Secretary of the Department of Transportation, National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement:

“We commend the Senate for swiftly confirming Sean Duffy to be the next DOT Secretary, and congratulate Congressman Duffy. The bipartisan support he received on Capitol Hill is indicative of his strong qualifications for the position.

There are many challenges facing the aviation industry, including repealing regulations that do not enhance the customer experience or safety; modernizing pilot training standards to increase the supply of commercial airline pilots while enhancing safety; increasing air traffic controller staffing in Florida; mitigating runway incursions; and expediting the deployment of NextGen. We need significant collaboration and cooperation across government and all industry stakeholders to foster continuing growth and safety in the airline industry.

We look forward to working with Congressman Duffy and his team to ensure that our National Airspace System remains the gold standard for aviation safety worldwide.”

NACA congratulates new DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

In response to Senate confirmation of former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, National Air Carrier Association President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the member carriers of the National Air Carrier Association, we congratulate Governor Noem on her confirmation as the next Secretary of Homeland Security. NACA carriers cooperate closely and collaboratively with DHS and TSA on security issues across the board. We look forward to working with Secretary Noem and her team to ensure that air transportation in the United States remains safe and secure.”