US carriers push for privatized ATC system
Tuesday, 02 Dec, 2015
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Trade group Airlines for America (A4A) and the country’s major airlines have renewed a call for air traffic control operations to become an independent entity out of the control of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Alongside A4A, executives from American, Alaska, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines want air traffic management to adopt a not-for-profit business model
"We are seeking a transformational change to the way that the air traffic control system is financed and governed. We can do much better," said Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines.
The current ATC system is ‘hampered by a governing funding structure at the FAA that inhibits innovation and the swift adoption of modern technology,’ said Nicholas Calio, A4A president and CEO.
However privatization is not a quick-fix solution to solving chronic air traffic congestion at the nation’s airports, said Delta’s senior vice president for flight operations.
"You can’t just perform during the busiest time year if the system is broken. It is by definition a long slog," said Capt. Steve Dickson, referring to the need for a major nationwide ATC upgrade.
"It’s not like we’re going to flip a switch and everything will be all right."
Delta recently parted company with A4A in part due to differences of opinion over the future of air traffic control.
Another opponent of privatization, the National Business Aviation Association, accused airlines of proposing a new operational structure ‘they have designed and they hope to control for their benefit.’
The Association’s CEO Edward Bolen said it should remain accountable to Congress and funded by fuel tax revenues.
"This is the most efficient, effective and fair way for general aviation to contribute," Bolen said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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