JetBlue Airways will reduce scores of weekly flights to New York City this spring and summer to address a shortage in air traffic controllers. CEO Robin Hayes stated to CNBC Wednesday that the move would have a financial impact.
The Federal Aviation Administration presented a new plan last week to prevent another round of flight disruptions in 2022. It reduces the flight requirements for airlines by as much as 10% to allow them to takeoff and land safely. This will help to alleviate congestion in New York City and Washington, D.C. The FAA pointed out its staffing shortage. The waivers will be valid from May 15 to Sept. 15.
“We don’t want to take down flights. Hayes stated that no airline wants to take down flights in an interview with CNBC before an event at The Economic Club of New York. “But, if we don’t cut them, the system won’t be workable this year.”
Airlines have had to overcome difficulties in securing capacity in response to a rising travel demand in the wake a pandemic.
In order to give more flexibility to the system, airlines reduced flight cancellations and delays during peak times in 2022. Weather disruptions can occur when airlines pack their schedules with too many flight.
Hayes stated that the most recent measure will be especially beneficial for JetBlue, which has its headquarters in New York City. This is because the majority of JetBlue’s flights originate in or land in New York City or transit its airspace.
Hayes stated that “We are staffed”, “We have already trained pilots,” Hayes explained. This will have a significant financial impact on JetBlue as well as our customers.
Delta Air Lines requested that the FAA return at least 10% of its slots and operating times at New York City’s three major airports. United Airlines also made a similar request.
Carriers can request the waiver up to April 30.
Hayes stated that “this [air traffic controller] staffing problem has been around since years.” Hayes stated that the airline has not yet applied for slot and operating time waivers. However, he said that they plan to do so as soon as possible and inform customers.
The FAA met with executives from airlines on Wednesday to discuss ways to reduce congestion in New York. Similar conversations were held last year regarding busy airspace in Florida. The FAA agreed to increase staffing in order to deal with a spike in traffic.
“Operators requested cooperation and communication with FAA early on and often to plan in case of delays including weather events, Space Launch and military actions,” said the FAA in a statement. They discussed ways to schedule crews more efficiently through closer collaboration and frequent updates on air traffic.
The FAA stated that participants also discussed alternative flight routes such as overwater routes.
