Airlines Say FAA Dragging Heels on Parts of NextGen
The top airline industry trade group is criticizing the federal government’s slowness to implement part an updated air traffic control system known as NextGen.
NextGen, the FAA says, will revamp air traffic control as we know it, making the nation’s air system more efficient, improve on-time performance, and all while reducing emissions.
In a webcast Thursday, Airlines For America’s Dan Elwell said carriers have invested a lot of money to accommodate NextGen, but that the FAA is failing to deliver on needed policies, procedures and training.
“The only thing lacking, the only thing we’re working really to see happen ASAP is for the FAA to get those procedures in place where they matter most” Elwell said.
A slide shown on the webcast suggested the FAA will have to change the name from “NextGen” to “PastGen.”
In response, the FAA emailed WABE a statement:
“NextGen is transforming the national airspace to make it even safer and more efficient for the traveling public, airports, operators and the U.S. economy. NextGen initiatives underway in cities and regions across the country are helping to deliver more on-time flights, reduce fuel burn and ensure the safest aviation system in the world. Hundreds of RNAV and similar procedures are delivering benefits to the traveling public at airports nationally. As part of NextGen implementation nationwide, the FAA works closely with various stakeholders including airports, air carriers and local community groups. “
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines declined to say how much it’s spent equipping aircraft with NextGen technology. Southwest Airlines did not provide figures, either.
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