US govt launches masterplan to cut NY congestion
17 April 2008The United States government has hatched a plan that it believes will help reduce congestion at LaGuardia airport in New York, historically one of the country's worst hubs for delays and congestion.
A statement released by the transportation department detailed a strategy of selling off valuable slots at the airport, most of which are controlled by major carriers such as US Airways and American Airlines.
The theory behind the plan suggests that fewer slots for major carriers will lead to them using larger planes and filling their aircraft more efficiently, which should reduce congestion, Reuters reports.
Transport secretary Mary Peters said: "This proposal increases choices for passengers and adds competition, which is proven to lower fares.
"It also cuts delays and funds new aviation capacity projects for the region."
The announcement met a predictably hostile reaction from the aviation industry, with Jim May of the Air Transport Association describing it as "mystifying" that the government would launch this plan at a time when carriers are facing substantial financial challenges.
Travel insurance to cover delays and cancellations proved invaluable for US travellers in 2007, with more than a quarter of flights called off or held up, affecting some 163 million people.
Essential Travel - wherever you're travelling, we insure you have a great trip - http://insurance.essentialtravel.co.uk/