US Business Travel Soars as Trump Enacts Sweeping Bill with Massive Funding for Air Traffic Border Security and SAF

In another strategic allocation, the Reconciliation Bill includes $4.1 billion for expanding Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel. This provision funds the hiring of 5,000 new CBP officers to address bottlenecks at key entry points into the United States. With increasing volumes of business travelers arriving from global markets, efficient processing at borders has become an urgent necessity.

Additionally, $673 million has been earmarked for the advancement of the biometric Entry and Exit Program. This funding supports the deployment of cutting-edge identity verification technologies at U.S. airports and land borders, ensuring faster and more secure movement of international business travelers. GBTA views these developments as instrumental in reducing wait times and enhancing the overall travel experience for corporate passengers entering and leaving the country.

In a forward-looking move that aligns with global decarbonization goals, the new law extends the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) through 2031. This extension is a direct incentive for the production and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a low-carbon alternative to traditional jet fuel.

This robust economic footprint spans job creation, trade facilitation, and regional development. From hotel bookings and car rentals to conferences and cross-border trade deals, the ripple effects of a thriving business travel industry touch virtually every sector of the economy.

By addressing longstanding operational challenges, the new law creates fertile ground for the business travel sector to grow even stronger. More efficient air traffic management, smoother border entry processes, and greener aviation fuel options are expected to increase the frequency, reliability, and sustainability of corporate travel in the coming decade.

From regulatory guidance to infrastructure rollout, GBTA plans to monitor the developments closely and provide input where needed. It will also continue to champion the role of business travel as a catalyst for innovation, commerce, and economic advancement.