Senate Committee Advances Bipartisan Runway Safety Bill

The Runway Surface Awareness and Focused, Effective Training and Technology Act, or Runway SAFE-T Act, has cleared the Senate Commerce Committee. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a sponsor, said in a post on X that the bill now goes to the Senate floor.

Moran introduced the bill in August with Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). It followed a collision at LaGuardia Airport, where an Air Canada Bombardier CRJ-900 struck a fire truck while landing. Two pilots were killed and dozens of others injured.

The bill aims to reduce runway incursions by improving training for airport vehicle operators and expanding the use of surface safety technology. About 40 U.S. airports have such systems, according to the Congressional Research Service, which does not specify what technology is meant.

Supporters include Airports Council International-North America, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union, the Air Medical Operators Association, and the Air Traffic Control Association. The American Association of Airport Executives also backed the bill, saying it would strengthen training for personnel operating on runways and taxiways.