Airliners Can Use East Coast Military Airspace: Peters
US Transport Secretary Mary Peters announced on May 22nd that commercial airliners flying off America's East Coast over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend could use airspace normally reserved for the military.
The temporary move, said Peters, "gives airlines a fighting chance to beat delays by allowing them to plan new routes" in an area considered amongst the busiest for aircraft anywhere in the US.
American Airlines Luggage Charge
The announcement followed by a day American Airlines' declaration of its intention to levy a $15 charge on the first item of luggage each passenger checked in - a move, it said, designed to partly counter the effects of rising fuel costs.
In all, four new routes will be available in a slot lasting from 6.00 pm on Friday 23rd May to 7.00 am on Tuesday 27th May.
Comparable arrangements were in place over 2007 Thanksgiving, as well as over Christmas.
Flights Delays, US Economy
On the same day as Peter's announcement, a report was issued by the Joint Economic Committee highlighting the effects of flight delays on the US economy.
In 2007, the report said, delayed flights impacted on the economy to the tune of $41 billion - this covering increased airline costs, lost income from passengers that otherwise would have travelled, and other associated losses.
JFK, Newark Auction Slots
Last week, the US government said it wanted to auction slots at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport and New Jersey's Newark International Airport in order to help ease congestion.
A similar venture was proposed for LaGuardia Airport in 2007.
Last year, this US airport trio together accounted for the lowest volume of inbound flights arriving on time. According to analysts, delays at the three hubs filter across to many other aspects of their operations.
The ATA (Air Transport Association) has stated that the government does not have sufficient authority to make the auctions actually happen.
Source - Airport International's US Correspondent
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