A group representing major airlines called on U.S. transportation officials on Friday to do more to address the impact of private planes and understaffed air traffic controllers on holiday flight delays and cancellations.
Airlines for America, a group representing American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and others, urged Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Michael Whitaker to “take every measure possible to find an appropriate balance between and private air traffic with the aim of minimizing delays and cancellations for the traveling public.”
In a letter, the group also asked that “all possible measures be taken to avoid the need to recruit additional staff, particularly in high traffic centres” for air traffic control.
MM spokespersons. Buttigieg and Whitaker had no immediate comment, but both made increasing air traffic control staff a priority.
In September, the FAA extended reductions in minimum flight requirements at congested New York-area airports through October 2024, citing staffing shortages. Radar approach control staffing at the New York terminal represents only 54% of recommended levels.
A report by a government watchdog said in June that critical air traffic facilities face significant staffing challenges, posing risks to air traffic operations. At many facilities, screeners work mandatory overtime and work six days a week to make up for the shortage.
2023-12-29 20:00:20
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