WASHINGTON, 6 Feb. 2008. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is asking Congress for $14.6 billion in fiscal year 2009, which would be a slight decrease from the $14.9 billion the agency received this year. The federal fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.

The FAA's 2009 budget request includes $9.67 billion for air traffic organization, $2.1 billion for safety and operations, $2.75 billion for airport grants, and $171 million for research, engineering and development.

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) in Arlington, Va., is lauding the FAA's budget request for its proposal to increase spending for the Next Generation Air Transportation System, known as NextGen.

"The administration's FAA budget request for fiscal 2009 provides a major step forward in air transportation modernization, and Congress should support the effort," says Marion Blakey, the AIA president and chief executive officer.

The spending increase for NextGen would go largely to advanced satellite-based air traffic management technologies like Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast, or ADS-B.

Air Traffic Organization (ATO) spending is for the operation, maintenance, communications, and logistical support of the air traffic control and air navigation systems.

The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) mission is to promote aviation safety and reduce congestion by building, maintaining, and operating the Nation's air traffic control system; overseeing commercial and general aviation safety through regulation and inspection; and, providing assistance to improve the capacity and safety of airports.