Calls for Immediate Action To Deal With Congestion

On Tuesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta announced plans for a new, next generation air transportation system with expanded capacity to relieve congestion, prevent gridlock and secure America’s place as global leader in aviation’s second century.

In a speech before the Aero Club of Washington, D.C., the Secretary warned that recent delays at Chicago’s O’Hare airport marked the return of increased passenger demand for air travel and potential gridlock in the skies.

“I’ve challenged my Department to develop a comprehensive strategy to promote technology that will offer added capacity to relieve congestion, while supporting a strong commercial capability, facilitating private-sector expansion and creating jobs,” Secretary Mineta said.

“If America wants to retain its global air transportation leadership, we need to modernize and transform our air transportation system – starting right now,” he said.

Mineta said that the FAA has set in motion several airspace modernization plans to add capacity and improve efficiency, including seven new air traffic control towers; five new terminal air traffic control facilities; new advanced radar systems at 12 airports; and the state-of-the-art STARS air traffic control system at 14 airports.

He added that seven airports are building new runways and four major hub airports – Boston, Charlotte, Denver and Minneapolis – will be getting advanced weather satellite/radar systems to minimize weather-related delays.

The Secretary said the Administration’s initiative would bolster technology aimed at tripling airspace capacity, modernizing GPS navigation and enhancing on-board technologies to maximize passenger and aircraft safety.

“We must develop a system based on 21st Century technology that will help reduce future air traffic delays, improve airport management and maximize the safety and efficiency of our nation’s aviation system,” said Secretary Mineta.

FMI: www.dot.gov