Which organization primarily supports U.S. airlines in matters of safety and efficiency?

The organization that primarily supports U.S. airlines in matters of safety and efficiency is the FAA, or Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA is responsible for regulating all aspects of civil aviation in the United States, including ensuring the safety of air travel, overseeing the enforcement of regulations, and promoting the efficiency of the air transportation system. It sets and enforces safety standards for airlines and airports, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining the safety of air travel for passengers and crew alike.

While the Air Transport Association (ATA) does advocate for the interests of airlines and may address issues related to efficiency and policy, it is not a regulatory body and does not have the overarching mandate concerning safety that the FAA possesses. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), while influential globally in the airline industry, does not primarily serve U.S. airlines nor is it a regulatory authority. The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) focuses on supporting travel advisors and does not have a role in the direct regulation or support of airlines in matters of safety.