© Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
Syndication: Journal Sentinel
(New York, NY) – Taking part in a discussion earlier this week at the Economic Club of New York, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes warned delays at area airports will be even worse this summer. She explained that while the discount airline has enough planes, pilots, and plenty of demand – the number of flights into and out of the New York area will be cut in the coming months.
Hayes explains staffing at the New York area’s air traffic control centers is at 54% of what’s needed — compared to the national average of 81%.
Hayes maintains JetBlue has done its part, expanding hiring to record levels, and spending tens of millions of dollars in the process. But the airline will still need to cut around 10% of flights this summer. That will also offset expected revenue growth, as demand continues to rebound post pandemic. Operations at airports in Boston will also be impacted, given many connect through New York hubs.
The FAA said recently it continues to work on reducing its air traffic controller training backlog, which reportedly spans several facilities. That said, the agency maintains it is taking steps aimed at keeping “air travel to and from New York City this summer safe and smooth.”
