House aviation subcommittee chairman Rick Larsen (D-Washington) is continuing his push to bolster the aviation and other transportation workforces, reintroducing bipartisan legislation that would facilitate public service campaigns to promote career opportunities and improve diversity in those sectors. Joining Reps. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Angie Craig (D-Minnesota), Larsen initially introduced the Promoting Service in Transportation Act in November, expressing concern that industry stakeholders are facing increased competition as they seek to fill pilot, air traffic controller, mechanic, and other positions.

The aviation industry will need more than 800,000 pilots, 769,000 technicians, and nearly 20,000 controllers over the next 10 years, he said. In addition to facing a shortage of workers, the industry is confronting a diversity issue, as white males still comprise more than 90 percent of airline pilots.

This legislation has received strong backing from NBAA, which noted that the bill (H.R.3310) recognizes the importance of the transportation industries and will help build “build a brighter, more diverse and inclusive future for the transportation sector.”

“Our country’s unparalleled ability to safely, quickly, and efficiently move people and goods is one of our greatest national advantages,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, who added that members of his organization should voice their support for the bill.