NextGen and the Need
NextGen is a wide-ranging initiative to transform the air transportation system (airports, airspace and aircraft) by leveraging new technologies, such as satellite-based navigation, surveillance, and networking. The initiative involves meaningful collaboration among government departments and agencies as well as companies in the aerospace and related industries.
NextGen is urgently needed because America's air transportation system is stretched to the limit. Federal government estimates suggest that the current system will reach capacity by 2025, and many regions are forecast to be at capacity by 2015. An integrated NextGen Air Transportation System will help expand the air transportation system as a sustainable economic resource and reduce energy consumption. NextGen will mean increased air travel solutions, renewed community-based economic development opportunities, a smaller carbon footprint for the industry, lower community noise impact, lower fuel consumption and dramatic cost savings.
For more information about NextGen, visit the NextGen Institute at http://www.ncat.com/ngats/index.html.