Sun, Mar 21, 2004
Congestion Still A Problem
Air traffic congestion
is building again, but it will be two years before U.S. skies are
as crowded as they were before the 2001 hijack attacks, a senior
government transportation official said on Wednesday. FAA
Administrator Marion Blakey told a congressional hearing that
congestion was not uniform but air capacity gaps are starting to
shrink noticeably around traditionally busy cities.
Recent Transportation Department and industry figures showed
on-time performance by major U.S. airlines continues to slide with
delays becoming more prevalent at some airports. Chicago is
currently the worst for air traffic congestion. While airlines are
not carrying nearly as many passengers as they were before Sept.
11, they are gradually replenishing their schedules with jets that
carry about 50 people.
"We forecast a return to pre-9/11 levels by 2006 and we are
taking steps to be ready," Blakey told the House appropriations
subcommittee on transportation.
She was also questioned closely about the agency's plans for
handling an expected wave of air traffic controller retirements and
its decision to defer $500 million in spending on air traffic
modernization projects next year. Blakey said she was comfortable
with FAA projections on retirements but an agency watchdog strongly
disagreed. "Are they adequately prepared? My answer would be no,"
said Transportation Department Inspector General Kenneth Mead.
The FAA expects 7,000 controllers to be eligible for retirement
in 10 years, but projections by the air traffic controllers union
are steeper. There are currently 15,428 controllers in the system,
which is about 300 above staffing minimums. "We are not looking at
inadequate staffing," said Blakey.
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