Air Traffic Control Reform: A Path to Addressing Flight Delay Problems

Customer RelationsHigh Tech / High TouchBehind the WheelHealth & Safety
Written By Jennifer Joslyn

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's concerns about air traffic control issues causing flight delays in the New York region are supported by a Department of Transportation audit, which revealed severe understaffing in critical air-traffic facilities. The author suggests that the air-traffic control system should be transformed into a public utility, separate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to overcome funding constraints and improve operations, as has been done in many other countries. This reform would involve removing the air-traffic function from the FAA and establishing an independent Air Traffic Organization within the Department of Transportation.

Read more from Reason.org ▶

Featured
United Airlines' Rube Goldberg Safety Video Is A Creative Challenge
United Airlines' Rube Goldberg Safety Video Is A Creative Challenge

On a busy soundstage, the cast and crew are relying on a small blue ball to work its magic.

Senate Passes $105 Billion Bill to Boost Air Travel Safety and Customer Service
Senate Passes $105 Billion Bill to Boost Air Travel Safety and Customer Service

The Senate passed a $105 billion bipartisan bill to improve air travel safety and customer service.

Investigation Launched After New Boeing 737 Incident
Investigation Launched After New Boeing 737 Incident

The U.S. airline regulators are looking into an unusual incident where a part of a Boeing 737-800’s engine came loose during takeoff.

Boeing CEO to Step Down by Year-End
Boeing CEO to Step Down by Year-End

Boeing made a sudden move on Monday, shaking up its leadership amidst a significant safety crisis.

Airbus CFO Concerned Over Boeing’s Struggles
Airbus CFO Concerned Over Boeing’s Struggles

Airbus's CFO, Thomas Toepfer, in a chat with CNBC, expressed concern about the troubles hitting their U.S. competitor, Boeing, and how it's bad for the whole aviation industry.

FAA Mandates Fixes for Boeing's 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner Flaws
FAA Mandates Fixes for Boeing's 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner Flaws

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to require fixes for newly discovered design flaws in Boeing's 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner jets.

Biden Administration Proposes Rule to Address Air Travel Concerns for Wheelchair Users
Biden Administration Proposes Rule to Address Air Travel Concerns for Wheelchair Users

The Biden Administration is taking steps to address long-standing complaints from travelers who use wheelchairs about airlines damaging or losing their mobility devices.

United Airlines Introduces Touchless ID for TSA PreCheck Members
United Airlines Introduces Touchless ID for TSA PreCheck Members

United Airlines now offers Touchless ID technology for TSA PreCheck members at Chicago's O'Hare and Los Angeles international airports, simplifying the security process.

Record Passenger Numbers Expected Amid Inclement Weather
Record Passenger Numbers Expected Amid Inclement Weather

Inclement weather, including storms and heavy showers, is expected to disrupt Thanksgiving travel plans in the United States.

Bay Area's Unusual Plane Activity During APEC Conference Revealed as Promotional Stunt
Bay Area's Unusual Plane Activity During APEC Conference Revealed as Promotional Stunt

Unusual planes were spotted circling over the Bay Area during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in San Francisco.

Alaska Airlines Flight Diverts as Off-Duty Pilot Attempts to Interfere with Engines
Alaska Airlines Flight Diverts as Off-Duty Pilot Attempts to Interfere with Engines

An Alaska Airlines flight operated by Horizon Air had to divert to Portland International Airport in Oregon after an off-duty Alaska pilot attempted to interfere with the engines.

United Airlines Introduces WILMA Boarding System to Streamline Passenger Boarding
United Airlines Introduces WILMA Boarding System to Streamline Passenger Boarding

United Airlines is implementing a new boarding procedure, known as WILMA (window-middle-aisle), starting from October 26.

Government Shutdown Threatens Aviation Industry Amid Congressional Uncertainty
Government Shutdown Threatens Aviation Industry Amid Congressional Uncertainty

The looming government shutdown deadline this Saturday not only threatens the functioning of federal agencies but also endangers the aviation industry, including potential flight delays, longer security lines, and setbacks in air traffic control training and modernization efforts.

Buttigieg Warns of Airline Disruptions Amid Government Shutdown Threat
Buttigieg Warns of Airline Disruptions Amid Government Shutdown Threat

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has issued a warning about potential airline disruptions if Congress fails to pass funding bills or reach a short-term resolution before the looming government shutdown deadline.

Decoding the Nightmarish Boarding Process
Decoding the Nightmarish Boarding Process

The boarding process for flights has become increasingly chaotic and inefficient, and this has largely been by design to encourage passengers to pay for priority boarding and other services.

NYT Report Highlights Frequent Near-Collisions in Aviation, Questions FAA's Response and Funding Shortfalls
NYT Report Highlights Frequent Near-Collisions in Aviation, Questions FAA's Response and Funding Shortfalls

A report by The New York Times sheds light on an increasing number of near-collisions and safety incidents in the aviation industry.

Republicans Seek Answers from Buttigieg on Aviation and Rail Safety Concerns
Republicans Seek Answers from Buttigieg on Aviation and Rail Safety Concerns

Republicans on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability are seeking information from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg regarding aviation and rail safety issues.

AeroCision Seeks to Pay Suppliers $5 Million Amid Bankruptcy
AeroCision Seeks to Pay Suppliers $5 Million Amid Bankruptcy

AeroCision, an aerospace supplier, has received interim court approval to pay critical vendors up to $5 million, including recent shipments made before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

LAX Airport Selects Developer for Groundbreaking Cargo Transformation Project
LAX Airport Selects Developer for Groundbreaking Cargo Transformation Project

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has chosen a consortium led by Realterm, the largest manager of on-airport air cargo real estate in North America, to undertake a revolutionary cargo improvement project.

Declining Cargo Revenue Signals Optimistic Travel Industry Recovery for Airlines as Travel Demand Rebounds
Declining Cargo Revenue Signals Optimistic Travel Industry Recovery for Airlines as Travel Demand Rebounds

Airlines' cargo revenue is experiencing a significant slump, with Delta, United, and American reporting year-over-year declines of about 40% in their second-quarter cargo revenue.

Air Traffic Control Reform: A Path to Addressing Flight Delay Problems
Air Traffic Control Reform: A Path to Addressing Flight Delay Problems

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's concerns about air traffic control issues causing flight delays in the New York region are supported by a Department of Transportation audit, which revealed severe understaffing in critical air-traffic facilities.

Airlines Point Finger at FAA, Buttigieg Responds
Airlines Point Finger at FAA, Buttigieg Responds

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg responded to criticism regarding flight delays across the country, downplaying his department's responsibility.

The Impact of the Internet on Air Travel
The Impact of the Internet on Air Travel

The rise of online ticket booking revolutionized the way people purchase flights, offering transparency and convenience.

Escalating Airline Delays and Cancellations Cast a Shadow on the Upcoming Holiday Weekend
Escalating Airline Delays and Cancellations Cast a Shadow on the Upcoming Holiday Weekend

Airline delays and cancellations continue to plague travelers in the United States, raising concerns as the long July 4 holiday weekend approaches.

Climate-Friendly Flights: A Long Journey with Higher Costs
Climate-Friendly Flights: A Long Journey with Higher Costs

The Paris Air Show highlighted the aviation industry's increasing focus on sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

New ‘flying taxis’ from France will fly passengers at the 2024 Olympics
New ‘flying taxis’ from France will fly passengers at the 2024 Olympics

Paris is setting the stage for a transportation revolution as it prepares for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games by planning a fleet of electric flying taxis.

Flight Disruptions Continue in Eastern U.S. as Canada Wildfire Smoke Returns
Flight Disruptions Continue in Eastern U.S. as Canada Wildfire Smoke Returns

Wildfire smoke from Canada caused flight disruptions in the Eastern U.S. on Thursday, following delays the previous day due to decreased visibility.

Anticipate Large Gatherings and Increased Prices for the Upcoming Summer Travel Season
Anticipate Large Gatherings and Increased Prices for the Upcoming Summer Travel Season

As the summer travel season commences, travelers and airlines are looking for ways to navigate increased costs and high demand.

Is 2023 Set to Repeat the "Air Travel Hell" of Summers Past?
Is 2023 Set to Repeat the "Air Travel Hell" of Summers Past?

Troubles from the 2022 travel season continue to haunt Americans as they prepare for the upcoming summer travel period.

Southwest Pilots Overwhelmingly Vote to Authorize Strike
Southwest Pilots Overwhelmingly Vote to Authorize Strike

Southwest Airlines pilots have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a potential strike, adding to the challenges the carrier is already facing.

Jennifer Joslyn
Previous

US Employment Growth Slows in June, Nonfarm Payrolls Rise by 209,000
Next

Climate Records Shattered Globally as El Niño and Reduction in Aerosols Contribute to Extreme Heat