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 Air Transport Association (ATA), which has since been rebranded as Airlines for America (A4A). A4A focuses on advocacy for the airline industry's interests in the U.S. This involves pushing for policies that enhance operational safety, efficiency, and profitability for airlines. It operates on principles aimed at improving air travel and promoting aviation's contribution to economic growth, which is crucial for both the airlines and their stakeholders.

On the other hand, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating civil aviation and ensuring safety in the aviation sector, but its role is more about oversight rather than direct support of airline operations specifically. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) serves global airlines and focuses on international air transport standards and regulations, while the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) primarily advocates for travel advisors rather than directly supporting airlines. Therefore, the focus of the ATA (or A4A) aligns more closely with the needs of U.S. airlines in terms of support for their operational efficiency and safety initiatives.