US Airlines Request FAA for Extension of Slot Waivers at NYC Airports
Airlines for America (A4A), the leading trade association representing US-based airlines, has formally appealed to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to extend the slot waiver until the close of October 2023. The slot waiver, initially granted for the timeframe spanning May 15 to September 15, 2023, has been regarded positively; however, A4A contends that operational conditions have not seen substantial enhancements.
In a joint letter addressed to FAA’s Chief Counsel Marc Nichols and Vice President of System Operations Services Alyce Hood-Fleming, A4A’s Senior Vice Presidents of Legislative and Regulatory Policy, Sharon Pinkerton, and General Counsel and Secretary, Patricia Vercelli, assert that even with the provided relief, maintaining operational reliability has remained an intricate challenge during recent months.
The significance of the FAA’s decision to implement the slot waiver in March 2023 cannot be understated. This crucial measure allowed airlines to relinquish 10% of their slots at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Additionally, approved operating timings at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and exclusive flight slots at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) for DCA-JFK routes were made possible through this waiver.
The roots of this waiver extend from post-pandemic Air Traffic Control (ATC) staffing obstacles, notably concerning the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility (N90), which operated at just 54% staffing. To enable the FAA’s transition of Newark’s airspace to Philadelphia TRACON, airlines were required to curtail their flight schedules.
A4A representatives emphasize that the anticipated improvements in Newark airspace transfer and N90 staffing have not been realized since the waiver’s issuance in March. To mitigate the impact of FAA staffing challenges, A4A earnestly urges the extension of the slot relief waiver until the culmination of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) summer season on October 28, 2023. The association underscores that airlines are actively boosting hiring efforts and investing in both human and technological resources to augment operational resilience in the face of unforeseen disruptions.
Underscoring that ATC staffing and severe weather conditions remain beyond airlines’ control, A4A advocates for a “limited and conditional waiver of slot usage rules” until system stability can be achieved. The association contends that prolonging the relief is pivotal for passenger interests as it promises to minimize disruptions and enhance predictability for both airlines and travelers.
In conclusion, A4A respectfully requests the FAA to expedite a comprehensive review and favorable consideration of this crucial matter, given the pressing necessity to schedule crew and the imminent expiry of the existing Notice.
It’s important to note that A4A’s member airlines comprise Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, among others, while Air Canada maintains an associate membership status within the association.