Planes flying into New York area on dangerously low fuel: officials

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — A review by federal authorities has revealed a sharp increase in planes, particularly from Continental Airlines, flying into the New York area with so little fuel that they demand an emergency landing.

In a report on minimum and emergency fuel declarations into Newark airport last year, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) expressed concern that some of the incidents may be prompted by fuel-saving measures.

"We are concerned that fuel-saving measures may have contributed to the low fuel declarations because of two pilot bulletins issued by Continental Airlines in 2007," the report said.

In the notes to pilots, in February and October 2007, Continental expressed concern with the number of fuel stops pilots were making on flights from...