WASHINGTON, March 10, 2000 – A new, collaborative planning process for managing Air Traffic Control delays unveiled today by President Bill Clinton is a positive step toward mitigating the impact of air traffic delays in the short term and will form the basis for the type of public/private partnership that will enable airlines to provide more reliable passenger service.
President Clinton, Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Jane Garvey and other industry leaders today to announce the new, cooperative plan – a first step in addressing air traffic control (ATC) delays in the U.S. The Spring/Summer 2000 Severe Weather Plan is intended both to enable better management of air traffic during severe weather and to ensure better communication between ATC and the airlines in order to serve air travelers better during irregular weather operations. The study announced today by the President builds on these short-term reforms and the recent legislation.
A spokes person for Delta Airlines states "we look forward to working closely with the Administration and Congress to explore further changes to improve FAA performance and efficiency," "If we are going to meet the increases in air travel demand expected from consumers over the next ten years, it is essential that air traffic control have adequate resources and the organizational structure to succeed." This plan should help reduce delays from last year’s record levels and be of great assistance to the airlines in fulfilling the industies commitment. This collaborative effort supports the commitment to meet the customers needs in poor weather or ATC delay situations."
