Press Releases

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) today announced he introduced the Aviation Investment and Recruitment (AIR) Act, bipartisan legislation that will help Upstate New Yorkers secure jobs in the aviation industry. Rep. Molinaro introduced this bipartisan bill alongside U.S. Reps. Hillary Scholten (D-MI-3), Tracey Mann (R-KS-1) Greg Stanton (D-AZ-4), Dina Titus (D-NV-1), Pete Stauber (R-MN-8), and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10).   

The AIR Act increases funding for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Aircraft Pilots and Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Programs by $30 million. These programs provide federal funds to colleges, high schools, and aviation schools for training to become a pilot, aerospace engineer, unmanned aircraft systems operator, or aviation maintenance worker.

Rep. Molinaro said, “Companies in Upstate New York are hiring pilots, aerospace engineers, unmanned aircraft systems operators, and aviation maintenance workers. These are good paying jobs that should be filled by local workers. My bill will ensure young people or adults looking to make a career change can access the training they need to secure a local job in the aviation industry.”

Rep. Stanton said, “Congress made historic investments in our nation’s airports under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but a shortage of qualified pilots and aircraft maintenance workers threatens to stall our progress,” Rep. Greg Stanton said. “Our bipartisan Expand Aviation Workforce Development Act will help train the next generation of aviation professionals we need to support Arizona’s trade, travel and tourism economy.”

“For business aviation to continue growing and supporting communities, we must address the significant workforce challenges we face, including the growing shortage of pilots and technicians. If we can come together to build the workforce, the future of our industry is bright,” said National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We thank Rep. Molinaro, Scholten, Mann and Stanton for introducing this important legislation, which will enable the U.S. to maintain its role as the world leader in aviation.”

“Airlines for America recognizes the importance of securing talent pipelines, including those for pilots and aviation mechanics. We appreciate the work of Representatives Molinaro, Scholten, Mann and Stanton to address financial hurdles and expand access to the aviation industry as demand for air travel continues to increase,” said a spokesperson for Airlines for American.

The bill is supported by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Air Transport Association, American Association of Airport Executives, Cargo Airline Association, National Air Carrier Association, Transport Workers Union of America International Union, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), Airlines for America, and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).