Marion Blakey stepped down as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and she did so with gratitude from at least one airport trade organization.
The Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) released a statement thanking Blakey for her service and commemorating her work on such issues as runway safety, airport finance and the Next Generation Air Traffic System.
“Marion Blakey has been one of the most effective and visionary FAA Administrators,” says Greg Principato, in a statement. “Marion leaves with our gratitude and thanks.”
Blakey, the 15th FAA Administrator, served a five year term. On November 12 she becomes president and chief executive officer of the Aerospace Industries Association, which represents manufacturers of airspace equipment.
Principato wasn’t alone in his praise. Fredrick J. Piccolo, AAE, president and CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International and ACI-NA’s chair for 2007, says Blakey was accessible for airports and interested in the positions and issues they face.
He praised the bold Reauthorization proposal from the Administration, which Blakey was involved in creating, and while the issue is still winding its way through Congress “no one can say that she hasn’t put forth a proposal for fundamental change,” Piccolo says. “That is a far more politically risky posture to take but she didn’t shrink from what she thought was best to address the needs of aviation for the future and should be applauded for being on in front on this.”
