FAA Implements Recruitment and Retention Incentives in Line with Hoeven’s ATC Workforce Development Act

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented new recruitment and retention programs for air traffic controllers (ATC) consistent with the provisions in Hoeven’sATC Workforce Development Act of 2025. Hoeven introduced the bill with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) to help address ATC staffing shortages, improve working conditions and ensure safe transportation within U.S. airspace. Specifically, the FAA, in coordination with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), established the following limited-time incentives:
“Our nation needs more qualified air traffic controllers to ensure safe and efficient air travel, and we appreciate the FAA for following the blueprint we laid out in our legislation when creating these new incentives,” said Hoeven. “I appreciate Secretary Duffy and Acting Administrator Rocheleau taking this first step, but more needs to be done to get students moving into the ATC workforce. To this end, our legislation would strengthen the Enhanced AT-CTI program, like the one at UND, while supporting a more efficient certification process. That means graduates can start working sooner and fulfill this critical aviation safety need.”
In addition to the recruitment and retention incentives, Hoeven’s legislation would:
The ATC Workforce Development Act is supported by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), Airlines for America (A4A), Regional Airline Association (RAA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), U.S. Contract Towers Association and the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).
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