U.S. Transportation Chief Meets Airline CEOs on ATC Reform
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is preparing to meet with the chief executives of major U.S. airlines on Wednesday to discuss a sweeping $12.5 billion plan to modernize the nation’s aging air traffic control system, according to sources familiar with the meeting. The closed-door session will take place during a gathering of Airlines for America, the trade group representing United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and other carriers.
Duffy has urged Congress to approve an additional $19 billion to accelerate upgrades to the Federal Aviation Administration’s infrastructure after a string of high-profile mishaps, near misses and a deadly January crash between a U.S. Army helicopter and a regional American Airlines jet that killed 67 people. Industry observers say the proposed overhaul could mark the most significant modernization of U.S. air traffic control in decades.
The meeting comes amid a broader debate over airline regulations and passenger protections. Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) dropped a plan requiring carriers to pay cash compensation for flight disruptions caused by airlines, drawing sharp criticism from consumer advocates and Democratic lawmakers.
Airlines in the U.S. are obligated to refund canceled flights but are not required to compensate for delays, unlike carriers in the European Union, Canada, Brazil and Britain. Airlines for America has also asked USDOT to roll back several consumer-focused regulations, including disclosure rules for service fees, which remain tied up in court challenges. The outcome of Duffy’s meeting may shape both safety investments and future passenger rights.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=FAA, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com