CEOs of the five largest U.S. airlines are throwing their weight behind the Trump administration’s ambitious plan to overhaul the air traffic control system with a substantial investment. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is slated to seek billions of dollars from Congress to implement the proposal, which aims to modernize technology and ramp up air traffic controller recruitment to tackle staffing shortages and flight delays.

At an upcoming event, the chief executives of Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways are set to voice their support for the initiative. The proposal, which also includes participation from major unions representing aviation professionals, is a response to the pressing need for system upgrades following a tragic mid-air collision earlier this year.

The administration is anticipating a funding request of “tens of billions,” with industry stakeholders calling for approximately $30 billion in total funding. While specific figures are yet to be finalized, the focus remains on building a new and improved air traffic control system over the next three to four years. The plan also seeks to expedite air traffic controller hiring through incentives and bonuses to alleviate the current staffing shortfall.

Overall, the proposal has garnered praise from key industry players, including Airlines for America, for its commitment to enhancing the efficiency and safety of the nation’s air transportation network. With Congress deliberating on initial funding allocations, the push for a comprehensive system upgrade signals a pivotal moment in addressing longstanding challenges in the aviation sector.