FAA confirms slot waiver extension over LCC objections

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed its tentative proposal to extend a slot usage waiver at seven airports across the United States through the end of the Summer 2021 season. The regulator had initially proposed to extend the waiver on December 17, 2020. Under the new final determination, slot usage requirements will be waived at three Level 1 airports – New York JFK, New York La Guardia, and Washington National – while slot rules at four Level 2 airports – Chicago O’Hare, New York Newark, Los Angeles Int’l, and San Francisco, CA – will be relaxed using operational baseline calculations. The extended rules are largely on the same terms as the current waiver in force through March 26, 2021. While the vast majority of airlines and industry bodies supported the slot waiver extension (although many requested modifications, mostly in the interests of the global harmonisation of waivers), Southwest Airlines (WN, Dallas Love Field) suggested that the relief at Washington National and La Guardia be extended only through June 27, 2021. Allegiant Air, Spirit Airlines, Polar Air Cargo, and several industry bodies opposed any extension of the relief, although Allegiant said it would be willing to support Southwest’s position as a middle ground.