Trump backs air traffic control spin-off to fix ‘broken’ system

© Bidouze Stéphane

Air traffic control (ATC) needs reform in many countries, with inefficiencies leading to additional emissions, time delays and extra costs. The US, while already upgrading its system to NextGen, could also surely do with a boost. Donald Trump’s announcement yesterday appears to be nothing new – it looks much like the plan mooted last year – liked by major airlines and disliked by private aviation and smaller airports – which failed to get sufficient support in Congress. The move to ATC operated by a non-profit corporation is one used by many countries already.  It’ll be interesting to see how the democrats react. Earlier, it was also announced that the FAA would award $527.8m in airport infrastructure grants to 584 airports across the US, as part of the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program.

This week appears to be “infrastructure week” in the US, with focus coming on inland waterways, road and rail projects. There’s a quick Q&A at the possible plans, and importantly, how they might be paid for, by Bloomberg, here.