More Aviation Changes We Could Applaud

If John McCain were to discuss aviation in his presidential nomination acceptance speech, he would probably concentrate on the importance of finding alternative, renewable fuels such as biofuels, and mention Boeing's leading role in aviation biofuels research. Here, Boeing Lab Technician Julie Eberley conducts automated freeze-point testing on jet fuel samples at the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Fuels and Lubricants Test Laboratory in Seattle, Wash. Credit: Boeing Photo

When John McCain officially accepts the Republican nomination for president on Thursday night, he is unlikely to say much about aviation. More’s the pity, given the aviation industry’s crucial importance to the nation. Here is a straight-talk speech McCain probably won’t make, but should:

"My friends, as most of you know, I am a former Navy pilot. Some of you may also be aware that I am the ranking member and former chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Aviation is close to my heart, and much on my mind.

"We have much to do. Nearly seven years after 9/11, we still don’t have a workable terrorist watch-list. On Day 1, I will order a fast-track computer upgrade that will finally allow us to distinguish between genuine security threats and innocent air travelers.

"The International Air Transport Association predicts that North American airlines will lose $5 billion this year, due mainly to the sky-high cost of petroleum-based fuel. This ruinous flight plan puts the entire industry at risk of commercial failure. This is unacceptable — we depend on aviation for national security, the ease of doing business and safe, affordable leisure travel for our families."

So, on the issue of oil and aviation fuel, this is what McCain should say:

"I have advocated offshore drilling to increase oil supply and lower prices. My vice-presidential running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, supports drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. But, after much reflection, I understand the argument that offshore drilling is a long-term project that will add relatively little new fuel and that drilling in irreplaceable pristine wilderness will do more harm than good.

"My friends, we must end our addiction to oil, and aviation is a great place to start kicking the habit. If I am elected, I will order an accelerated program — spurred by federal tax credits and incentives — to develop commercially viable alternate fuels.

"Fledgling tests by Virgin Atlantic Airways and others suggest that blending new biofuels with standard jet fuel can reduce airlines’ thirst for oil. Our great airplane manufacturer, Boeing, is a world leader in researching this technology. Also, our own Continental Airlines and JetBlue Airways already have recognized the potential of this research and plan to operate biofuel test flights in the near future."

As a Republican who wants less in the way of government regulation, here's how McClain should continue:

"New fuels must be clean fuels. Aviation produces just 2 percent of global carbon emissions and greenhouse gases, but gets a bad rap on the environment: Motor vehicles and ocean-going container ships are bigger factors in global warming. Even so, aviation can do better with “greener" fuels.

"The European Union plans to compel airlines that fly to and within the EU to participate in a mandatory 'cap and trade' emissions-trading system. Our airlines fear a heavy-handed, extra-territorial power grab by EU bureaucrats. I share this concern, and believe a free-market-based approach to the environment is better."

As a supporter of free-market economics and who deplores protectionism, McCain should end his discussion of aviation by saying this:

"I oppose using Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as a get-out-of-jail-free card that enables airline management to jettison pension obligations and employees. Failing airlines should be allowed to fail in Chapter 11, and survivors should be allowed to merge, creating fewer but stronger players.

"Last but not least, I support raising the investment stake that foreign airlines can take in U.S. carriers to 49 percent from the present 25 percent. Our airlines are starved for capital. New fleets, gracious service and environmental innovations now come from overseas. Cross-border investment and full mergers with foreign partners in allied nations can help make America’s airlines world-class again."

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