Air Transport Association of America

Airlines for America (A4A), formerly known as Air Transport Association of America, Inc. (ATA), was the first and remains the only trade organization of the principal airlines. Founded by a group of 14 airlines meeting in Chicago in 1936, the organization played a major role in all the major government decisions regarding aviation since its founding, including the creation of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the creation of the air traffic control system, airline deregulation and, more recently, in dealing with the aftermath of the 9/11 attack on America.

A4A serves its member airlines and their customers by assisting the airline industry in providing the world’s safest system of transportation; transmitting technical expertise and operational knowledge among member airlines to improve safety, service and efficiency; advocating fair airline taxation and regulation worldwide to foster an economically healthy and competitive industry; and by developing and coordinating industry actions that are environmentally beneficial, economically reasonable and technologically feasible.

The fundamental purpose of the association is to foster a business environment that drives our nation’s economy and global competitiveness. By working with members in the technical, legal and political arenas, A4A supports measures that enhance aviation safety, security and industry well-being. In the 75-plus year history of the association, A4A has supported America’s airlines as they evolved. Today, A4A members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all airline passenger and cargo traffic.

The structure of A4A is similar to most airlines and provides an interface between the carriers and various government and private-sector organizations. Key departments within the association deal with operations and safety, engineering, maintenance and materiel, airport operations, security, air traffic management, economics, federal and state government affairs, international affairs, legal affairs, environmental affairs, passenger services, facilitation, cargo, e-business and communications. Working with these established functions are a variety of A4A councils, committees, subcommittees and task forces – composed of experts from member airlines – formed to address industry issues.

A4A continues to promote safety by coordinating industry and government safety programs, and serves as a focal point for industry efforts to standardize practices and enhance the efficiency of the air transport system.