Fri, Nov 19, 2010
Hopes To Ease Delays And Congestion During Thanksgiving
Week
The FAA is preparing for a busy Thanksgiving holiday travel
week by working with the Department of Defense to clear the way for
commercial aircraft to fly in airspace normally reserved for the
military.
"We want to do everything we can to make it easier for people to
travel so they can spend Thanksgiving with their loved ones," said
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We appreciate the
military's help in making this happen." Air traffic
controllers may begin routing commercial aircraft through the
restricted airspace at 6 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Nov. 23, a day
earlier than in previous years. The use of restricted airspace will
end at 6 a.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 29. The busiest travel days are
expected to be Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.
Under the agreement, DOD will release airspace off the east
coast above 24,000 feet. The added capacity is expected to ease
delays during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, saving
time and money for passengers and airlines while reducing fuel
burn. The FAA has developed dedicated routes off the east coast to
allow airlines to plan their flights through the normally
restricted airspace. Normal inland routes will still be available.
Weather permitting, the combination of both sets of routes is
expected to ease congestion.
"The FAA is using all the tools available to try and give
airlines the most efficient routes so air travelers can reach their
destinations safely and on time," said FAA Administrator Randy
Babbitt.
"The nation's air traffic controllers are committed to upholding
the safety of the system while working the most efficient airspace
system in the world," said NATCA President Paul Rinaldi. "Over the
past year we've experienced a movement toward collaboration at all
levels of the agency and we look forward to continuing to work
together to improve air travel for the flying public."
The DOD is also allowing commercial flights to use restricted
airspace in other parts of the country. These include:
- Airspace over the Gulf of Mexico to ease congestion for
commercial aircraft flying between Florida and the Louisiana and
Texas areas, as well as points beyond.
- Airspace over Twentynine Palms in California to ease congestion
for commercial aircraft flying to and from markets in Southern
California.
- Airspace over the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to
allow for more direct routings for aircraft flying over the
Southwest.
Air travelers interested in flight and airport
status check with the FAAA for real-time updates.
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