© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: An American Airlines flight lands at Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., January 9, 2018. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo
By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A group representing major passenger airlines urged U.S. transportation officials on Friday to do more to address the impact of private jets and air traffic controller staffing shortages on delays. and holiday flight cancellations.
Airlines for America, a group representing American Airlines (NASDAQ:), Delta Air Lines (NYSE:), United Airlines, Southwest Airlines (NYSE:) and others, urged Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Michael Whitaker, to “Take all possible actions to find the appropriate balance between commercial and private aviation traffic with the goal of minimizing delays and cancellations for the traveling public.”
In a letter, the group also urged “taking all possible measures to avoid additional staffing, particularly in high-volume centers” for air traffic control.
Spokespeople for Buttigieg and Whitaker had no immediate comment, but both have made increasing air traffic control staffing a priority.
In September, the FAA extended cuts to minimum flight requirements at busy New York City-area airports through October 2024, citing staffing shortages. New York Terminal Radar Approach Control staffing is just 54% of recommended levels.
A government watchdog report said in June that critical air traffic facilities face significant staffing challenges, posing risks to air traffic operations. In many facilities, controllers work mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover shortages.
