Regional Airline Association Statement on Confirmation of Elaine Chao as DOT Secretary

The Regional Airline Association (RAA) congratulates Elaine Chao on her Confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

Secretary Chao is a dedicated public servant whose leadership skills and tremendous experience will serve her as she builds and oversees a talented and innovative team of professionals at the Department of Transportation.

“We applaud Secretary Chao for her pledge to reduce transportation inequity between urban and rural communities. Regional airlines operate 44 percent of the nation’s departures and serve communities of all sizes, providing 2/3 of our nation’s airports, including many rural and geographically isolated airports, with their lone source of scheduled, commercial air service,” said Faye Malarkey Black, RAA’s President.

RAA is eager to support Secretary Chao and the Department as we work toward solutions to the growing pilot shortage and to ensure Air Traffic Control modernization proposals recognize the role regional airlines play in maintaining safe and reliable air service to every corner of the country.

About RAA

The Regional Airline Association (RAA) provides a unified voice of advocacy for North American regional airlines aimed at promoting a safe, reliable, and robust regional airline industry. The RAA serves as an important support network connecting regional airlines, industry business partners, and government regulators in bolstering the industry; as well as promoting regional airline interests in a changing business and policy environment. With more than 10,600 regional airline flights every day, regional airlines operate 44 percent of the nation's commercial schedule.