By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Thursday that the Trump administration is set to implement measures to enhance the recruitment of air traffic controllers following a recent string of safety incidents which have once again brought attention to an ongoing shortage of staff. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be accepting applications for aspiring air traffic controllers until March 17, offering a 30% increase in starting salaries for candidates who enroll in the FAA training academy, and streamlining the hiring process to reduce the time it takes by more than four months. The insufficient number of controllers has resulted in flight delays, with many facilities requiring controllers to work mandatory overtime and six-day weeks to maintain operational coverage.
Duffy mentioned a reconsideration of regulations that previously allowed air traffic control supervisors to reduce staffing levels at Washington’s Reagan National Airport, a decision brought to light by a tragic Army helicopter-plane collision in January that claimed the lives of 67 individuals. Presently, the FAA is facing a shortage of approximately 3,500 fully certified air traffic controllers in comparison to its targeted staffing levels, with roughly 10% fewer controllers than in 2012. This month, the FAA terminated 350 probationary workers, including those in safety-related roles. Duffy clarified that no positions crucial for safety were eliminated and that the agency rescinded retirement offers extended to controllers.
Recently, a bipartisan group of three U.S. senators advocated for increased funding to bolster air traffic control staffing, expedite the training of new controllers, and introduce incentives to retain aviation personnel. The U.S. aviation sector has urged for substantial emergency funding from Congress to enhance air traffic control technology and staffing following a series of accidents. Airlines for America, representing major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines, commended Duffy’s efforts to address the enduring scarcity of air traffic controllers. United Airlines’ CEO Scott Kirby emphasized that enhancing the critical shortage of air traffic controllers is the most impactful measure the government can take to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency for air travelers, while American CEO Robert Isom praised the plan as a crucial initial step towards further improving the aviation system.
In 2024, the FAA decreased the minimum flight requirements at congested airports in the New York City area through October due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. Former President Joe Biden proposed allocating $8 billion over the next five years to replace or modernize over 20 aging air traffic control facilities and 377 vital radar systems, as well as to recruit 2,000 new controllers. A quarter of all FAA facilities are 50 years old or older.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio)
