United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby sat down with NPR on Tuesday in Washington Dulles Airport to discuss what he is looking for from the incoming Trump administration.
United Airlines CEO Wants Trump Administration To Focus On Air Traffic Control Modernization
Kirby explained that a huge contributing factor to delays in November 2024 was not United, but the US Air Traffic Control system:
“For the whole month of November, we had over half a million customers that were delayed because of air traffic control shortfalls in Newark alone. It is the biggest issue, the biggest opportunity to make air travel better for customers in the United States.”
Kirby pointed to Newark being “3,000 controllers short” and using “decades-old” technology creating the gridlock that delays flights beyond the control of airlines like United, which has a fortress hub at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Interestingly, the FAA used almost the same word, describing its staffing woes as a “decades-long” issue.
Outgoing FAA administrator Mike Whitaker does claim, however, that the problem is getting better:
“We work very closely with the airlines. They’ve understood that there were going to be some bumps in the road. They haven’t been any worse than we anticipated, and the delays are actually down year over year.”
And that’s true…but the delays are still unacceptable and the air traffic control system in the USA is just crying out for innovation.
I’m not all that optimistic that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy can do much at the so-called DOGE or Department of Government Efficiency (though I do wish them the best), but if there is a path for efficiency that would greatly benefit the public, it is certainly a meaningful and rapid update to the entire ATC system.
Entrenched interests may attempt to raise barriers that slow this down–and the US (thankfully) will never move as rapidly as the People’s Republic of China in infrastructure projects in which private property and personal liberties are summarily sacrificed for the good of the party–but the key to an efficient, prosperous, and less-corrupt economy is via modern infrastructure, both physical and technological.
So yes, I agree with Kirby… infrastructure is the biggest thing that Trump can do to leave a helpful mark on the economy. Hopefully, there is the will and funding to do it…because it will only cost more later.
image: @scottkirby/Instagram
Well if super genius and ever-so-qualified creepy homosexual DEI hire Pete Buttplugger could do nothing with the ATC, then what hope do Elon and Vivek have?
He didn’t say one thing he wants: a new NMB so he doesn’t have to sign a contract with flight attendants for another 4 years…
I’ve got to write about this, but the AFA negotiations really did a disservice to UA flight attendants. There will be no better deal in the months to come. The idea of perpetual 4% raises is laughable.
Why?? There already are provisions in the contract that provide disincentives. Maybe if they didnt delay, they wouldnt have a need for this? I am sick and tired hearing about how front line employees are valued. they speak out of both sides of their mouths.
Kirby wanted to give the FAs Americans wages but no ground pay and no retro pay? Does that sound like a leading contract? Hell, no.
RELEASE US NOW!!!!!
Then some of you haters can get your wish and see us all fired!!!
No raise in four years, especially with the inflation we have endured over said 4 years. If they get a 20% raise, then its barely treading water.
How come Kirby gets to make 1000 TIMES more than some flight attendants? Even if they have been at the company 10 years and flying a healthy schedule then its 500 TIMES more per year. Its a disgrace Not saying he should make significantly more.
Does Mahomes make 1000 times more than his left guard?? Hell no!!!!
“Then some of you haters can get your wish and see us all fired!!!”
That would be a good start, yes.
If that’s the case, then management should agree and release the flight attendants. Of course management won’t agree and doesn’t want this even though they could fire them all and hire newbies at lower wages. Yeah right.
Maybe prove your worth by providing good service maybe instead of sounding like an insufferable baby posting on a blog
Funny how Newark has problems that other New York airports don’t but one thing Kirby excels at is blaming anyone but himself. That said, his voice is just one of many in calling for the ATC system to be updated. After having such a capable DOT secretary in mayor Pete it’ll be interesting to see if someone qualified or competent is nominated or if it’s some inept stooge or mega donor who has no idea what the job requires.
I’ve got to write about Trump’s pick…a reader sent me an email asking me to comment.
I do think the problems at EWR go beyond Kirby’s control, though he could certainly mitigate them by scheduling fewer flights.
“capable” LOL
He did a heckuva lot more than his feckless predecessor, Madame Chao.
Like what?
“if it’s some inept stooge or mega donor”
It can be both.
I don’t think infrastructure projects are held up for the sake of property rights, rather they’re slowed down due to corrupt local governments demanding earmarked funds for other projects and/or only being willing to work with contractors who are friends and family.
Ah yes, because Trump did such a great job with infrastructure last time…