ACI-NA Thanks FAA Administrator Marion Blakey for Service

CONTACT:
Eileen Denne, edenne@aci-na.aero (202) 293-4537

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACI-NA Thanks FAA Administrator Marion Blakey for Service

Washington, D.C. (Sept. 13, 2007) - Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) issued the following statement today regarding outgoing Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) Marion Blakey.

"Marion Blakey has been one of the most effective and visionary FAA Administrators," said ACI-NA President Greg Principato. She has been an invaluable partner to me, to ACI-NA and to the airport industry, in tackling critical issues such as runway safety, airport finance and the Next Generation Air Traffic System. Her legacy also includes a very strong team at the FAA and we look forward to working with them.

"Marion leaves with our gratitude, admiration and thanks," Principato added.

"Marion Blakey's commitment to enhancing the safety and efficiency of airport operations has greatly benefited the traveling public", said ACI-NA Chairman Rick Piccolo. "She understands that in order to better serve passengers and accommodate increased demand, airports need the necessary funding tools to build new runways, taxiways and terminals."

Blakey completes her five-year term as the 15th FAA Administrator on September 13. On November 12, Blakey will become President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the trade association representing the nation's manufacturers of aerospace equipment.

View  Blakey's September 11 speech to the Washington, D.C., Aero Club.

About ACI-NA:
The mission of Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) is to advocate policies and provide services that strengthen the ability of air carrier airports to serve their passengers, customers and communities. ACI-NA represents local, regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA member airports enplane more than 95 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America. Nearly 400 aviation-related businesses are also members of the association, which is the largest of the five worldwide regions of Airports Council International.