Airlines

Section 2(a) amends 49 U.S.C. § 44703 to allow airmen (including pilots) to present physical or digital certificates for FAA inspections, reducing administrative burden and costs for airlines and pilots.

Section 2(a) requires FAA to update regulations to encourage individuals to seek help for mental health conditions and disclose them, which benefits airlines by potentially improving pilot mental health and safety, reducing stigma, and increasing workforce retention. Section 3 requires annual review of mental health special issuance process, including reclassifying and approving additional medications for airmen, improving training for aviation medical examiners, and improving the special issuan

Title I includes $514,000,000 for the essential air service program under sections 41731-41742 of title 49, U.S.C., derived from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which benefits airlines serving rural communities.

Section 2 modifies the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee to include ticket agents, which could improve consumer protections and benefit airlines by standardizing practices and potentially reducing disputes.

Section 3(a) prohibits FAA from reducing or temporarily prohibiting commercial flights due to a lapse in appropriations unless private aircraft flights are also prohibited in the same area for the same period. This protects commercial passenger airlines from flight restrictions during government shutdowns, providing a clear benefit.

Section 2 ensures FAA operations continue during a government shutdown, maintaining air traffic control and safety services critical to airline operations, thus providing a clear benefit to airlines.

Section 2 amends 49 U.S.C. § 47114(d)(4) to allow use of state highway standards for airfield pavement construction at nonprimary airports serving aircraft ≤60,000 lbs, reducing regulatory burden and costs for airport operators, which benefits airlines using those airports.

Section 2(e)(1)-(4) directs the joint aviation employment training working group to identify barriers and improve transition of military air traffic control specialists to civilian FAA positions, which would increase qualified personnel supply for air traffic control, benefiting airlines by reducing staffing shortages and improving system reliability.

Section 2(1)-(4) states that the 9/11 Security Fee is an airline passenger-paid fee established to enhance aviation safety and security, and that its revenue should be used exclusively for aviation security purposes, directly benefiting airlines by improving security infrastructure they rely on.

Section 4(a)(1) requires ADS-B In equipment for aircraft required to have ADS-B Out, which includes commercial transport airplanes operated by airlines, improving safety and potentially reducing delays; Section 7(b) safety reviews of airports including commercial transport airplane operations benefit airlines by mitigating risks from military/rotorcraft operations near airports like Reagan National.

Section 2 provides continuing appropriations for FAA air traffic controllers and TSA personnel, ensuring safe and orderly operation of the national airspace system and security screening, which directly supports airline operations during a government shutdown.

The bill requires FAA to revise regulations to encourage mental health disclosure and seek help, improve special issuance process, expand capacity for aviation medical examiners, and implement a public information campaign to destigmatize mental health care in aviation. These provisions aim to support pilots and air traffic controllers, directly benefiting airlines by improving workforce mental health, reducing barriers to certification, and enhancing safety and retention.

Section 2(a)(2)(H) reviews efficacy of SMS in lines of business including Air Traffic Organization, which directly impacts airline safety and operations; improving SMS could enhance safety and reduce delays, benefiting airlines.

Section 2(b)(1) provides for continuation of programs, projects, and activities, including those related to air traffic control and airport operations, at the rate for operations as provided in the preceding applicable appropriation Acts.

Section 2 provides continuing appropriations for essential Transportation Security Administration pay and operations, which would help ensure the continuity of airport security screening and thus support the operations of airlines, citing the need for standard rates of pay and benefits for TSA employees during the lapse in appropriations.

Section 2(b)(1) provides continuing appropriations for programs, projects, and activities, including those related to air transportation, during a lapse in appropriations.

Division B, Title IV, Domestic Food Programs includes funding for Essential Air Service program operations (Sec. 162) which supports rural air connectivity, benefiting airlines serving remote areas.

Section 202(b)(1)(B)(III) includes 'transportation and transportation infrastructure' as a supported sector, which directly benefits airlines through improved aircraft manufacturing and fuel systems.

Section 2(b) could streamline NEPA review for airport runway expansions or terminal upgrades needing Federal Aviation Administration approvals.

Section 2 and Section 4 define covered employees to include civilian employees of the Federal Aviation Administration who perform duties essential to the safe operation of the national airspace system, which would benefit airlines by ensuring continued air traffic control and safety services during a lapse in appropriations.

Section 211's transit-oriented development may increase access to airports via public transit, potentially benefiting airlines through improved ground access, though connection is indirect.

Section 2 findings (4) mentions the expected increase in international visitors for major events, which may lead to increased air travel, benefiting the airlines industry.