History and Profile

Founded by a group of 14 airlines meeting in Chicago in 1936, ATA was the first and remains the only trade organization of the principal U.S. airlines. In that capacity it has 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 most recently in dealing with the aftermath of the 9/11 attack on America.

ATA serves its member airlines and their customers by assisting the airline industry in 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 will permit U.S. airlines to flourish. By working with members in the technical, legal and political arenas, ATA supports measures that enhance aviation safety, security and industry well-being. During its history, ATA has seen the airline industry and its members evolve from the small, pioneering companies of the 1930s into key players in the global transportation market. ATA and its members continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of air transportation.

ATA is recognized by Congress, state legislatures, the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Administration, the press and the public for its professional and accomplished representation of the industry. As its members chart their futures in an ever changing market, ATA provides invaluable expertise, guidance and assistance.

The structure of ATA 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, cargo, e-business, economics, facilitation, federal and state government affairs, international affairs, legal affairs, passenger services, communications and public relations. Working with these established functions are a variety of ATA councils, committees, subcommittees and task forces – composed of experts from member airlines – formed to address industry issues.

Today, the Air Transport Association continues to represent the industry on major aviation issues before Congress, federal agencies, state legislatures and other governmental bodies. ATA 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.