Top executives of major U.S. airlines and cargo carriers issued a joint letter on Wednesday declaring the nation's aging air traffic control system is "failing Americans" and demanding urgent congressional action to fund modernization efforts.
The appeal was signed by CEOs of American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Airlines, Atlas Air, FedEx and UPS.
They warned that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) technology has become "wildly out of date," calling for immediate actions as the busy summer travel season approaches.
U.S. air traffic control system's aging infrastructure and staff shortages have drawn sustained public concern this year. In January, a mid-air collision occurred between a military helicopter and passenger plane near Washington D.C., killing 67 people.
Since April 28, repeated equipment failures at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of America's busiest hubs, have caused massive delays, forcing temporary flight restrictions.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Shawn Duffy revealed a multi-billion dollar modernization plan on May 8, noting the current system still relies on 1970s-era radar technology. The airline CEOs' letter explicitly supports this funding request, emphasizing that continued underinvestment jeopardizes both safety and operational efficiency.
US airline CEOs warn outdated air traffic control system "failing Americans"
US airline CEOs warn outdated air traffic control system "failing Americans"
US airline CEOs warn outdated air traffic control system "failing Americans"
