IAPA endorses DOT plan to cap tarmac delays for U.S. domestic flights; urges implementation of Tarmac Delay Task Force recommendations

Issue
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a ruling that will cap tarmac delays for U.S. domestic flights at 3 hours before passengers are allowed to deplane. The ruling comes in advance of legislation pending in Congress and goes steps beyond by imposing fines of up to $27,500 per passenger for violations. The DOT, ruling to take effect 120 days from its publication in the Federal Register on December 21, 2009, provides passenger protections against chronically delayed flights; requires airlines to develop and publish contingency plans for lengthy tarmac delays; mandates information on flight delays on airline Web sites; and requires carriers to adopt, publish and audit customer service plans. Most noteworthy is a rule that limits tarmac delays to three hours for domestic flights before passengers are allowed to deplane.

IAPA supports added security measures, including full-body scanners, but stresses need for respecting traveler privacy

Issue
In the wake of the Christmas Day bombing attempt on a Delta Air Lines flight (operated by Northwest Airlines) from Amsterdam to Detroit, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has imposed new security screening measures, primarily focused on flights coming into the United States. The enhanced security procedures have widespread repercussions and range from additional physical screenings and searches to the installation of full-body scanners at an increasing number of airports.

IAPA welcomes the resumption of voluntary safety program at major U.S. airlines

Issue
Over the last several months, Delta Air Lines, US Airways, American Airlines and, most recently, Comair have agreed to resume participation in the FAA-sponsored Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) after disagreements between unions and management prompted the carriers to cease participation late in 2008.

Boeing warns of ice problem in some 777 engines; Rolls-Royce accepts redesign recommendations

Issue
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has issued an urgent safety warning for Boeing 777 aircraft using Rolls-Royce Trent-800 series engines. Two high profile incidents of aircraft losing power during flight, including the low-altitude crash of a British Airways 777 while landing at Heathrow Airport in London, prompted the urgent response. Approximately 228 of the twin-engine 777 jets are in service with airlines around the world, though not all use the engines in question.

DOT issues guidance for airlines to clarify contracts of carriage regarding international code-share flights

Issue
The U.S. DOT has issued a Federal Register notice requiring airlines to clarify the information in their contracts of carriage regarding what rules apply on international code-share flights. The DOT is requesting that ticketing airlines be specific about any policy differences such as baggage allowance, compensation for flight delays and cancellations and check-in times when an international code-share flight is involved.

DOT Task Force on Tarmac Delays

Issue
Passenger inconvenience and discomfort during lengthy ground delays have been at the crux of air traveler dissatisfaction in recent years. Highly publicized incidents of passengers being stuck on airplanes for many hours without any services have led airlines, airports, advocacy groups and government agencies to look at the matter more closely.

Slot auctions at New York airports proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation

Issue
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is moving forward with its plans to auction off up to 10% of takeoff and landing slots at New York City airports to help with congestion issues at the notoriously crowded airports. Court challenges from airlines, agencies such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and airline groups such as the Air Transport Association (ATA) have temporarily blocked this action, proposed for January, 2009.

Airspace and navigation advances must continue despite traffic decline

Issue
The United States and Europe are grappling with airspace and congestion issues that threaten to choke their respective aviation industries. NextGen (U.S.) and SESAR (Europe) are aimed at addressing airspace, navigation technology and reducing fuel consumption and harmful emissions. The success of both programs depends on funding and commitment by all stakeholders in the aviation industry.