Airlines for America CEO Nick Calio and nine airline industry executives met with President Donald Trump at the White House Thursday, where they found the president open to the idea of creating a new entity to oversee air traffic control, according The Associated Press.

Calio and the other executives in attendance used the meeting to "discuss the critical role that U.S. airlines play as drivers of the economy and job growth across the country," according to a statement released by A4A after the event. Among the issues covered were the industry's economic impact, regulatory reform, taxation and air traffic control modernization.

Modernization proposals have taken many forms in the last year. A4A opposes turning over air traffic control to private entities seeking to make a profit.

However, the association has long advocated separating the service from the Federal Aviation Administration, wanting to see that function instead in the hands of a federally chartered, nonprofit corporation. Calio told reporters after the meeting that Trump was "extraordinary positive" about the idea.

"We are grateful to President Trump for hosting this meeting and were encouraged by his in-depth understanding of our industry and the need to reform our air traffic control system," Calio said in a statement.

A4A is only the latest association to meet with the president in recent days. Trump has also held meetings with representatives from the National Sheriffs' Association and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. http://for.tn/2k9acUY

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