Speech

ASPIRE

Remarks as prepared for delivery

It is my great pleasure to be here in Osaka. This is an important day for aviation, Japan and the ASPIRE partnership. It is a natural progression of the relationship between the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau and the FAA. And it is a step that we are both pleased and proud to make.

By using the latest technologies and procedures, our countries are using partnership to lessen aviation’s effects on the environment. Together, we are sending a message to the world:  We can achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

I am particularly pleased to welcome our Japanese colleagues to begin participation in the ASPIRE program. This is a natural and productive extension of our cooperation in the air traffic modernization programs by both our countries — America’s NextGen and Japan’s CARATS. The people of the great nation of Japan have forged a long and prosperous partnership with us in many areas. Today represents one more step toward building a firm foundation for aviation.

In many ways, ASPIRE is a tool that gives pilots and passengers the perfect flight. As a pilot myself, there’s nothing better than a nice, smooth approach. That’s what ASPIRE will do for you. I’m optimistic about what it will do for aviation. We hope to expand ASPIRE to more city pairs and routes throughout the region. Our partnership with Japan represents a major step toward making this happen.

It’s going to take time, but I am confident that we will succeed. And when we do, remember to look back on this day in Osaka — a day when four visionary partners came together and did the right thing for aviation and the right thing for our planet.

Again, congratulations to you, Director General Maeda, and everyone at the JCAB for taking the initiative to join the ASPIRE partnership.