Congestion Still A Problem

Air traffic congestion is building again, but it will be two years before U.S. skies are as crowded as they were before the 2001 hijack attacks, a senior government transportation official said on Wednesday. FAA Administrator Marion Blakey told a congressional hearing that congestion was not uniform but air capacity gaps are starting to shrink noticeably around traditionally busy cities.

Recent Transportation Department and industry figures showed on-time performance by major U.S. airlines continues to slide with delays becoming more prevalent at some airports. Chicago is currently the worst for air traffic congestion. While airlines are not carrying nearly as many passengers as they were before Sept. 11, they are gradually replenishing their schedules with jets that carry about 50 people.

"We forecast a return to pre-9/11 levels by 2006 and we are taking steps to be ready," Blakey told the House appropriations subcommittee on transportation.

She was also questioned closely about the agency's plans for handling an expected wave of air traffic controller retirements and its decision to defer $500 million in spending on air traffic modernization projects next year. Blakey said she was comfortable with FAA projections on retirements but an agency watchdog strongly disagreed. "Are they adequately prepared? My answer would be no," said Transportation Department Inspector General Kenneth Mead.

The FAA expects 7,000 controllers to be eligible for retirement in 10 years, but projections by the air traffic controllers union are steeper. There are currently 15,428 controllers in the system, which is about 300 above staffing minimums. "We are not looking at inadequate staffing," said Blakey.

FMI: www.faa.gov