The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the new Obama Administration in the US to renew its role as a leader in the global aviation industry, take immediate action to boost America’s economy and make the global system safer and more secure.

In a speech to the International Aviation Club of Washington, Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO, outlined a prescription to help the US aviation industry recover from a crisis worse than the period following 9/11.

“President Obama has a full agenda, but aviation policy must also be among his White House priorities. Putting NextGen on a fast track would provide tremendous stimulus to this country including 77,000 new jobs,” was his rallying cry.

IATA also urged the Obama Administration to deliver broad policy changes in the areas of safety, security, environment and commercial freedoms.

While the global accident rate through August is down 30% compared to the same period a year ago and “Getting on a plane is about the safest thing you can do, every fatality reminds us that we must do better,” according to Bisignani.

IATA called for greater cooperation between the US and ICAO to break down silos and share safety information and data.

“The US also needs to provide leadership based on global standards as the industry addresses the challenge of training aviation professionals. Evidence-based training and multi-crew pilot licensing have tremendous potential.”

With regards to security, IATA outlined three important steps the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can take in order to improve security and make the system more efficient.

“The US must put an end to duplicate and conflicting data collection efforts by coordinating across DHS departments. Stakeholder consultation is essential. And to be effective, the focus must be on harmonized global standards,” he enumerated.

In the area of cargo security, the CEO warned that the 100% deadline for screening set for next year is at risk as the government has not yet certified the required tools to meet the objective.