High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Airlines for America (A4A), formerly known as Air Transport Association of America (ATA), is America`s oldest and largest airline trade association. A4A member airlines and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. Based in Washington, D.C., the association advocates for the U.S. airline industry. The fundamental purpose of A4A is to foster a business and regulatory environment that ensures "safe and secure air transportation and enables U.S. airlines to flourish, stimulating economic growth locally, nationally and internationally". It is the only trade organization that represents the principal U.S. airlines and is their voice when lobbying Congress.