Airline Services Council

The Airline Services Council Background

"The primary goal of the ASC is to serve member companies and provide a voice within the public policy arena, especially in terms of issues that impact their viability and profitability."

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) formed the Airline Services Council (ASC) to further the interests of companies that provide services to scheduled air carriers as their primary business. ASC-member company services include aircraft fueling, baggage service, catering, terminal services, cargo services, aircraft handling, deicing, maintenance, security services, and aircraft cleaning, among others. They are an integral component of the national air transportation system. The primary goal of the ASC is to serve member companies and provide a voice within the public policy arena, especially in terms of issues that impact their viability and profitability.

Scheduled airlines, both large and small, are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their labor costs. Airlines are finding that contracting for these services with other companies is a cost-effective, safe and secure way to reduce their overall expenses. Start-up carriers in particular rely on airline service companies for the much-needed infrastructure to start and expand their operations.

Currently, the ASC represents 23 domestic and international firms employing a combined workforce in excess of 90,000 people, and generating more than $2.5 billion in annual sales at more than 450 airports. The firms range from single-location businesses to multi-national corporations. Although the ASC caters to the unique concerns of airline service firms, NATA's traditional membership has always included companies that serve commercial air carriers, but primarily for into-plane fueling and baggage handling. One of the ASC's roles is to ensure that this critical, growing segment of the aviation industry is fully recognized by government and others during this period of recovery.

Many challenges face the air transportation industry and the businesses providing services to U.S. airlines. These challenges arise from both the general economic situation and the aftermath of September 11. As the industry confronts the challenges of recovery, the ASC has identified several priorities: the development of security and safety standards for airline service providers including reviews and updates of badging standards, the availability of war-risk insurance, and the ability of airline service companies to train and retain skilled employees. The ASC is also striving to ensure that issues relating to cargo security receive greater scrutiny by Congress and the Administration. Additionally, the continuing industry consolidation - particularly in the catering and maintenance, repair and overhaul segments of the industry - is of concern.

Other ASC goals include the development of staff contacts at federal agencies including the Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, and improved communications and information distributed to ASC members.