Saturday, December 30, 2023
The airline industry for United States of America, a coalition representing major passenger airlines, has called on U.S. transportation officials to address the growing impact of private planes and staffing shortages among air traffic controllers on the surge in holiday flight delays and cancellations. The group, which includes industry giants such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, emphasized the need for immediate and effective measures to strike a balance between commercial and private aviation traffic, with a primary focus on minimizing disruptions for the traveling public.
Call for Collaborative Solutions
In a letter directed to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Michael Whitaker, the coalition urged comprehensive actions. This includes steps to avoid additional staffing triggers, especially in high-volume air traffic control centers. The plea highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to navigate the complexities of managing both private and commercial aviation during peak travel periods.
FAA’s Response and Acknowledgment
The FAA responded, noting that airlines and other stakeholders have representation at the Command Center, where airspace is continuously monitored, and updates are provided every two hours. Acknowledging the challenges faced, the FAA emphasized its commitment to addressing the situation by actively recruiting, training, and hiring more air traffic controllers. However, the agency also admitted to being around 3,000 controllers short of optimal levels.
Data on Delays
Preliminary data for the period from December 20 to 27 revealed that the majority of delays (77%) were attributed to volume, while 19.1% were due to weather conditions. Only a minimal percentage (0.9%) was attributed to FAA staffing shortages. This information sheds light on the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by the aviation industry, with volume and weather being primary contributors.
Government Prioritization
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, earlier this month, expressed optimism about achieving the lowest number of flight cancellations in five years. Both Buttigieg and FAA chief Whitaker have prioritized efforts to bolster air traffic control staffing. Despite these efforts, the FAA had previously extended cuts to minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports through October 2024, citing ongoing staffing shortages, particularly at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control, which is operating at just 54% of recommended levels.
The plea from Airlines for America underscores the critical need for swift and effective collaboration between industry stakeholders and government authorities to address the persistent challenges in air travel, ensuring a smoother experience for passengers during the holiday season and beyond.
Input: Reuters
Saturday, December 30, 2023
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