Air Travel Delays



PRESIDENT CLINTON:
WORKING TO REDUCE WEATHER-RELATED AIR TRAVEL DELAYS

"When it comes to air travel, safety is the most important thing. But as we work to keep travel as safe as it can be, we should also do everything we can to make it as efficient as it can be."

President Bill Clinton
Friday, March 10, 2000

Today at the White House, President Clinton, joined by heads of several airlines and unions, announced the Spring 2000 Initiative, a collaborative effort between the Federal Aviation Administration, airlines and others to reduce air travel delays due to severe weather while maintaining the highest measure of safety. The new initiative, which begins March 12 and will be fully phased in by April 1, will allow the FAA and airlines to collaborate far more closely to minimize disruptions. It will also launch a new website for air travelers to obtain information about what effect weather will have on flight schedules. The President also directed the FAA to develop a plan within 45 days for achieving broader reform of the air traffic control system so as to reduce delays without sacrificing safety.

REDUCING TRAVELERS' TIME ON THE TARMAC. Last year, thunderstorms contributed to record numbers of flight delays and cancellations, particularly from April through August. The Spring 2000 Initiative will enable airlines to operate more flights with fewer delays during severe weather without compromising safety. The initiative has four important features:

REFORMING THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM. The President asked the FAA to report to him in 45 days with a plan for achieving broader reform of the air traffic control system. The four guiding principles are:




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