Airport Business News - North America

AirGuide Business, June 23, 2008

Jun 23, 2008

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., has introduced a bill to block a DOT plan to auction slots at New York airports. He said the slot auction will not reduce congestion and delays, and he urged the FAA to instead focus on NextGen air traffic control technology. Air Transport Association President James May has called the auction proposal illegal and urges lawmakers to oppose it. Jun 20, 2008

The FAA is collaborating with technology companies and the University of Illinois to test technology capable of detecting runway debris. "This is going to make the airports more safe, and it will save the operating costs," said Monique DeSpain, vice president of Stratech Systems Inc., the maker of the high-tech camera system used at Chicago's O'Hare. Jun 20, 2008

The nation's air transport system is an interesting case of public policy failure, writes David Ignatius in the Denver Post. He notes that former American Airlines CEO Bob Crandall supports a modern version of re-regulation. Meanwhile, soaring fuel prices continue to threaten the stability of carriers. "The industry's woes are documented in statistics gathered by the Air Transport Association. Since deregulation, nearly 200 airlines have come and gone -- most of them the low-cost, non-union carriers that were going to be the industry's salvation," Ignatius writes. Jun 20, 2008

The latest temporary extension for the FAA will expire at the end of this month. Now lawmakers are debating how to fund the aviation system. Republicans are supporting another 18-month temporary funding extension, and Democrats want a three-month extension. The FAA is pushing for a longer extension because of the difficulty of managing budget paperwork. Jun 19, 2008

The U.S. Air Force has granted the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) a $4 million contract to redesign modules in 40-year-old air traffic control radios used to communicate with military aircraft. The Air Force uses about 7,500 ground communications radios, known as AN/GRT-21 and AN/GRT-22 transmitters and AN/GRR-23 and AN/GRR-24 receivers. But the units, built in 1968, often need parts that are no longer available. GTRI engineers are now tasked with finding ways to replace semiconductor components, such as transistors and diodes, that are no longer made. In some cases, the original makers are no longer in business. In other cases, the products are so old that no replacements are available. Instead of trying to reproduce the original technology, GTRI engineers are designing replacement units that use only modern off-the-shelf parts. Jun 16, 2008

American Airlines, United Airlines

American Airlines and United Airlines have asked the FAA to suspend rules on takeoff and landing slots at capacity-controlled airports. The airlines note that they want to maintain their slots as they reduce capacity to offset the surging price of oil. Jun 16, 2008

Chicago O'Hare International

The FAA on Monday announced that it will lift flight caps at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport beginning this fall. FAA Acting Administrator Robert Sturgell noted that the city "has outdone itself when it comes to boosting capacity." Chicago has completed a runway extension two months early and will add a new runway by the end of the year, helping to boost capacity. However, some critics are skeptical as to whether eliminating flight caps will ultimately diminish overcrowded flights and schedule delays at the airport. Jun 17, 2008

DayJet

DayJet has signed an agreement with the FAA to start implementing NextGen technologies throughout Florida, writes John Johnston in the Boca Raton News. Dr. Bruce Holmes, a former NASA chief strategist who now works for DayJet, said NextGen will replace ground-based radars with satellite technology for navigation. The transition will mean fewer large planes and more smaller jets, he said. Jun 17, 2008

Hilo International Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration has given a $761,644 grant to Hilo International Airport to be used to repair four connecting taxiways, which cover an area approximately 8,000 feet by 75 feet. On the other side of the Big Island, the final public meeting took place last week to discuss the master plan for Kona International Airport. Improvements to baggage handling, security screening and new restrooms are expected to be made immediately, according to reports. In the long term, plans include more runways, expanded terminals and a new air traffic control tower. The 20-year plan includes a hotel and conference center, education center and retail and industrial facilities. The master plan, once revised, will be given to the Federal Aviation Administration for approval. The FAA relies on master plans when deciding how to distribute federal airport funds. Jun 16, 2008

New York

Airlines say a plan to auction off flight slots at New York's three major airports will not ease congestion and delays. Instead, it will create new costs as the industry already faces soaring fuel prices. Lawmakers on Wednesday also criticized the plan at a hearing in Washington. Democrats promised to block the plan. Jun 19, 2008