Modern Skies
Modern Skies Coalition is a 2025-founded advocacy coalition of 50+ aviation organizations that campaigns for U.S. air traffic control modernization, having secured $12.5 billion in federal funding and supporting Peraton's selection as system integrator.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2025
- Headquarters—
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Modern Skies does
Modern Skies Coalition is a public affairs and policy advocacy organization founded in 2025 to push for comprehensive modernization of the U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system. It is hosted by Airlines for America (A4A) at 1275 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, and was formed following Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's announcement of an ATC modernization plan. The coalition represents more than 50 aviation and aerospace organizations spanning major U.S. airlines, general aviation, airports, labor unions, aircraft manufacturers (including Boeing, Airbus, and GE Aerospace), and broader business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the International Air Transport Association.
Modern Skies does not develop or sell products; it operates a public affairs campaign consisting of a website (modernskies.com), social media channels (@flymodernskies), grassroots activation tools for contacting Congress, paid television advertising on Fox News Channel and Fox Business, print advertising in The Washington Post, and educational video content. Its core advocacy agenda targets (1) replacing 1980s-era ATC technology including floppy disks, copper wiring, paper flight strips, and radar systems dating to 1982, (2) upgrading aging ATC facilities, (3) addressing an air traffic controller staffing gap of approximately 3,000 short of targets, and (4) supporting future-of-flight technologies including uncrewed vehicles and commercial space.
The coalition's measurable outcomes include securing $12.5 billion in ATC modernization funding as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law on July 4, 2025, supporting the selection of Peraton as the system integrator for national ATC modernization on December 4, 2025, and the coalition's 1980s-themed campaign video winning a Ragan Communications Award in 2026. Modern Skies is not a commercial entity and does not generate revenue; its operations are sustained through its member organizations.
Modern Skies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Modern Skies
- Legal name
- Modern Skies Coalition
- Website
- https://modernskies.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2025
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Modern Skies Coalition is a 2025-founded advocacy coalition of 50+ aviation organizations that campaigns for U.S. air traffic control modernization, having secured $12.5 billion in federal funding and supporting Peraton's selection as system integrator.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Modern Skies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Advocacy Services: Modern Skies is a coalition of aviation industry organizations advocating for federal investment in air traffic control modernization. It does not generate commercial revenue.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
Modern Skies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Modern Skies is an advocacy coalition of more than 50 aviation and aerospace organizations that conducts public affairs campaigns, grassroots mobilization, and direct policy engagement to press the U.S. Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies to fund and execute modernization of the U.S. air traffic control system. The coalition does not sell commercial products or services; it advocates for replacing antiquated ATC technology (floppy disks, copper wires, paper flight strips, 1982-era radar) with modern digital systems, addressing controller staffing shortages, and upgrading aging facilities.
Product overview
Modern Skies is not a product company. It is an advocacy coalition of over 50 aviation and aerospace organizations united to advocate for federal investment in modernizing the U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system. The coalition operates a public affairs campaign including a website (modernskies.com), social media channels (@flymodernskies), a grassroots activation letter for public outreach to Congress, and educational videos (including a 1980s-themed commercial). The coalition's activities focus on policy advocacy rather than commercial products or services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- $12.5 billion secured for ATC modernization as initial down payment
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Modern Skies
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Modern Skies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Modern Skies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Aeronautical Repair Station AssociationcoreCoalition member representing aviation maintenance repair organizations, advocating for ATC modernization to support maintenance operations and safety standards.
- Aerospace Industries AssociationcoreCoalition member representing aerospace manufacturers, supporting modernization efforts for the aviation ecosystem.
- Air Line Pilots Association, InternationalcoreCoalition member representing commercial airline pilots. President Jason Ambrosi has testified on the need for modernization and adequate funding for transportation systems.
- AirbuscoreCoalition member representing aircraft manufacturer, supporting aviation infrastructure modernization efforts.
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots AssociationcoreCoalition member representing general aviation. President Darren Pleasance has stated the coalition represents all sectors of aviation including airlines, general aviation, airports, labor, and manufacturers.
- Airlines for AmericacoreCoalition member and host organization representing major U.S. airlines. President Nicholas E. Calio has testified about the need to replace paper strips and floppy disks in the National Airspace System.
- Airports Council International – North AmericacoreCoalition member representing commercial service airports in the U.S. and Canada. President Kevin M. Burke has supported the $12.5 billion investment for ATC modernization.
- BoeingcoreCoalition member representing aircraft manufacturer. CEO Chris Raymond has described plans for replacing copper with fiber lines, installing new radar, and upgrading terminals.
- GE AerospacecoreCoalition member representing aerospace technology and engine manufacturer.
- International Air Transport AssociationcoreCoalition member representing global airline industry interests.
- National Air Traffic Controllers AssociationcoreCoalition member representing air traffic controllers. President Nick Daniels has testified on the need for modernization and controller hiring.
- National Business Aviation AssociationcoreCoalition member representing business aviation. President Edward Bolen has noted the unprecedented unity of the industry in supporting ATC modernization.
- Southwest Airlines Pilots AssociationcoreCoalition member representing Southwest Airlines pilots. President Captain Jody Reven has testified on the need for technological and infrastructure improvements.
- U.S. Chamber of CommercecoreCoalition member representing the broad business community's interest in aviation infrastructure.
- PeratoncoreSelected as the system integrator responsible for coordinating the nation's ATC modernization efforts. This is a key government contracting partner for implementing the modernization program.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Modern Skies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- National Business Aviation Association (NBAA): NBAA represents business aviation operators and is a core Modern Skies Coalition member. It conducts federal advocacy on ATC modernization, aviation infrastructure, and regulatory issues affecting its members, directly paralleling Modern Skies' advocacy model.
- Airlines for America (A4A): A4A is the host organization for Modern Skies Coalition and the primary trade association representing major U.S. passenger and cargo airlines. It engages in similar federal advocacy on aviation policy, infrastructure, and funding, making it the closest peer as Modern Skies' institutional backbone.
- American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE): AAAE represents airport executives and management and engages in federal advocacy on ATC modernization, airport funding, and aviation policy. It is directly comparable in advocacy function and stakeholder engagement on infrastructure modernization issues.
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA): AOPA represents general aviation pilots and aircraft owners and is a Modern Skies Coalition member. It runs sustained federal advocacy campaigns on ATC modernization, airport funding, and general aviation issues, making it a directly comparable advocacy organization.
- Aerospace Industries Association (AIA): AIA represents U.S. aerospace and defense manufacturers and is a core Modern Skies Coalition member. It conducts similar federal advocacy on aviation manufacturing, defense procurement, and R&D policy, making it directly comparable as an industry-wide advocacy coalition.
- Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA): ALPA represents commercial airline pilots and is a core Modern Skies Coalition member. It conducts federal advocacy on aviation safety, ATC modernization, and workforce issues, with comparable member-led advocacy structure and Congressional engagement.
- Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA): ACI-NA represents commercial service airports in the U.S. and Canada and is a Modern Skies Coalition member. It advocates for airport infrastructure funding, ATC modernization, and aviation policy, directly comparable in advocacy scope and federal engagement.
Broad incumbents
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a Modern Skies Coalition member representing broad U.S. business interests. While not aviation-specific, it conducts comparable large-scale federal advocacy on infrastructure investment and regulatory policy affecting aviation, providing similar scale and influence to Modern Skies' coalition efforts.
- International Air Transport Association (IATA): IATA is a Modern Skies Coalition member representing global airline industry interests. It conducts international aviation advocacy on standards, safety, and infrastructure, comparable in advocacy function though with a global rather than U.S.-specific scope.
- U.S. Travel Association: U.S. Travel Association is a similar industry-wide advocacy organization representing the broader U.S. travel and tourism industry. It engages in federal advocacy on aviation infrastructure, travel policy, and tourism funding, paralleling Modern Skies' advocacy approach though with a broader cross-modal scope.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Modern Skies social profiles
Digital presenceModern Skies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Modern Skies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Modern Skies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Modern Skies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Modern Skies
What does Modern Skies do?
Modern Skies is an advocacy coalition of more than 50 aviation and aerospace organizations that conducts public affairs campaigns, grassroots mobilization, and direct policy engagement to press the U.S. Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies to fund and execute modernization of the U.S. air traffic control system. The coalition does not sell commercial products or services; it advocates for replacing antiquated ATC technology (floppy disks, copper wires, paper flight strips, 1982-era radar) with modern digital systems, addressing controller staffing shortages, and upgrading aging facilities.
Is Modern Skies a public or private company?
Modern Skies is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Modern Skies founded?
Modern Skies was founded in 2025. It employs 11 to 50 people.
How does Modern Skies make money?
One revenue line is on record: advocacy Services.
Who are Modern Skies's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Airlines for America (A4A), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA). Broad incumbents are U.S. Chamber of Commerce, International Air Transport Association (IATA) and U.S. Travel Association.
Does Modern Skies have an API?
No public API is recorded for Modern Skies.