The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization representing the leading U.S. airlines, has issued the following statement regarding the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) release of the National Aviation Operations Monitoring Service (NAOMS) study:

"The United States has the safest air transportation system in the world, in large part due to the absolute commitment by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the airline industry to safety, including the proactive use of safety data and analysis," said ATA President and Chief Executive Officer James C. May.

"While we appreciate any insight that might be derived from the NASA study, as the FAA noted, the study was not designed to capture real-time, verifiable data. As such, it is important that the report be viewed in that context."

May added that ATA believes that the FAA and industry's approach, using real and timely reported data provides more meaningful, actionable information to advance aviation safety.

"The ultimate enhancement to the safety of air travelers will come with a next generation air transportation system," said May.

ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information about the industry, visit www.airlines.org.