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DOT 04-04
Contact: Paul Takemoto
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
Secretary Mineta Calls for Immediate Action to Address Future Gridlock in Our Skies During Aviation Industry Speech
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Transportation Secretary
Norman Y. Mineta today announced plans for a new, next generation air
transportation system with expanded capacity to relieve congestion, prevent
gridlock and secure America’s place as global leader in aviation’s second
century.
In a speech before the Aero Club of Washington, D.C., the Secretary warned
that recent delays at Chicago’s O’Hare airport marked the return of increased
passenger demand for air travel and potential gridlock in the skies.
“I’ve challenged my Department to develop a comprehensive strategy to
promote technology that will offer added capacity to relieve congestion, while
supporting a strong commercial capability, facilitating private-sector expansion
and creating jobs,” Secretary Mineta said.
“If America wants to retain its global air transportation leadership, we
need to modernize and transform our air transportation system – starting right
now,” he said.
He said that the FAA has set in motion several airspace modernization
plans to add capacity and improve efficiency, including seven new air traffic
control towers; five new terminal air traffic control facilities; new advanced
radar systems at 12 airports; and the state-of-the-art STARS air traffic control
system at 14 airports.
He added that seven airports are building new runways and four major hub
airports – Boston, Charlotte, Denver and Minneapolis – will be getting advanced
weather satellite/radar systems to minimize weather-related delays.
The Secretary said the Administration’s initiative would bolster
technology aimed at tripling airspace capacity, modernizing GPS navigation and
enhancing on-board technologies to maximize passenger and aircraft safety.
“We must develop a system based on 21st Century technology that will help
reduce future air traffic delays, improve airport management and maximize the
safety and efficiency of our nation’s aviation system,” said Secretary Mineta.
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