Airlines
for America (A4A),
the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today
launched a campaign calling on the Department of Homeland Security to
drop its plan to provide preclearance U.S. national security services
at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Joining A4A in this national call
to action are theAir
Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Airports
Council International – North America (ACI-NA), Consumer
Travel Alliance, Global
Business Travel Association (GBTA),
and the Regional
Airline Association (RAA).
The campaign’s website www.DrawtheLineHere.com invites
Americans to sign a petition.
Domestic Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities are partially funded by the airlines and passengers entering the United States through $1.5 billion in annual user fees they pay. Supporters of the campaign said the plan for a preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi disadvantages U.S. citizens and other visitors who are not adequately served by CBP today, often waiting hours to clear customs when returning to the United States.
“This ‘pay-to-play’ scheme sets a dangerous and unauthorized precedent and harms U.S. citizens, jobs, the economy and the global competitiveness of the U.S. airline industry,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “The time is now to draw the line on this ill-conceived policy because it encourages DHS to shift its resources to those with the deepest pockets rather than addressing the greatest need.”
Domestic Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities are partially funded by the airlines and passengers entering the United States through $1.5 billion in annual user fees they pay. Supporters of the campaign said the plan for a preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi disadvantages U.S. citizens and other visitors who are not adequately served by CBP today, often waiting hours to clear customs when returning to the United States.
“This ‘pay-to-play’ scheme sets a dangerous and unauthorized precedent and harms U.S. citizens, jobs, the economy and the global competitiveness of the U.S. airline industry,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “The time is now to draw the line on this ill-conceived policy because it encourages DHS to shift its resources to those with the deepest pockets rather than addressing the greatest need.”
