NextGen: The Next Generation Air Transportation System

The future of aviation

Vision 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, Pub. L. 108-176, represents a multi-agency federal initiative to transform the future of air transportation system. This act created the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) as the means by which six government agencies will combine resources and talent to effect the transformation. NextGen includes support of small aircraft transportation as more efficient and a boost to nationwide economic development. When initiated, the Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta, told the Aero Club of Washington:

"The architecture of the Next Generation system comes into clearer focus every day - a 21st Century system taking full advantage of the digital environment. We are raising our sights - from ground-based, to space-based navigation, communication, and surveillance."

NextGen enables on-demand transportation, which has the potential to enrich communities by providing high paying professional jobs including manufacturing, operations, and service sectors. It can increase traffic, business, and sales for airport and surrounding businesses by improving accessibility to in-state and regional destinations.