Latest news with #AirlinesforAmerica
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Opinion - Air traffic modernization is decades overdue, but Trump is finally going to get it done
When the Wright brothers took their first flight more than 100 years ago, who could have imagined that today nearly 90 percent of Americans would have flown in their lifetime? The dream of flight became a reality in the U.S., and what was once a luxury only the wealthy could experience has become affordable and accessible to all. As the birthplace of air travel, the U.S. should have the safest and most efficient system of air traffic control. Safety is the top priority of U.S. airlines, and this has made flying the safest mode of travel. What we don't have is the most efficient system. Report after report has shown that it is because of obsolete technology and inadequate staffing in our nation's air traffic control towers. Currently, towers are run with technology that was already aging in the late 1980s, featuring floppy disks, paper strips and copper wires. We are also short-staffed by nearly 3,000 air traffic controllers. These issues have led to delayed and cancelled flights and technology outages across the country, leaving travelers in the lurch and costing them time, money and patience. We cannot and will not settle for the status quo. To usher in a new 'Golden Age' of air travel, we must make this crisis a priority. U.S. airlines are pleased to see that the Trump administration is doing just that. Following the devastating crash in Washington that took the lives of 67 people, President Trump vowed to upgrade to upgrade from the obsolete equipment in our nation's air traffic control towers and ensure we have the best and brightest individuals staffing them. The administration will release its plan to modernize our skies soon. These upgrades are long overdue. Although this historic overhaul will require significant investment, the cost of doing nothing will far outweigh the cost of these improvements. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been working tirelessly to get this plan into motion. He reiterated at department headquarters recently that flying is safe, but that cracks are forming that must be addressed. 'Our airspace is safe because when there are issues, we don't fly. That's why we can confidently say this is the safest mode of travel,' the Secretary said. 'The disruptions, cancelled flights or delayed lights, people get angry, annoyed, frustrated and rightfully so, but I think you're starting to see cracks in the system, and you can see them in different locations.' Trump and Duffy are making this work a priority to bring about a new era of safe aviation. Millions of people and thousands of tons of cargo fly across the nation every single day. It is the duty of lawmakers to ensure the safety, efficiency and resiliency of the National Airspace System, so we urge Congress to act swiftly on Trump's and Duffy's plan to upgrade the infrastructure in our skies. Nicholas E. Calio is president and Chief Executive Officer, Airlines for America. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
SITA Report Reveals North American Airlines Prioritizing Cybersecurity and AI as IT Investments Surge
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SITA, the leading IT provider for the air transport industry, released the 2024 North American Air Transport IT Insights report, developed in collaboration with Airlines for America (A4A). The findings, based on input from carriers representing more than 60% of North American passenger traffic 1, reveal that cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) dominate the IT investment agenda for North American carriers. This investment level outpaces global trends and signals a new era of digital transformation for the region's aviation sector. According to the report, 77% of North American airlines ranked cybersecurity among their top three IT priorities for 2025, with nearly half (45%) citing it as their single top focus. Share According to the report, 77% of North American airlines ranked cybersecurity among their top three IT priorities for 2025, with nearly half (45%) citing it as their single top focus. AI also stands out, with nearly half (45%) naming it their number one priority, which is a level of commitment to AI innovation significantly higher than seen globally. 'The 2024 North American IT Insights report clearly shows that airlines are not just responding to current operational challenges but are actively investing in the technologies that will scale to support seamless air travel,' said Shawn Gregor, President of the Americas at SITA. 'From cybersecurity defenses to AI-driven operational efficiencies, North American airlines are setting the pace for industry-wide transformation ahead of forecasted rapid growth in passenger volume.' Key Highlights from the Report Include: Cybersecurity and AI Lead IT Resource Allocation: Investment is heavily concentrated in cybersecurity initiatives, with 100% of surveyed airlines implementing advanced measures such as Privileged Account Management, SSO authentication, and DDoS protection. AI applications are similarly widespread, particularly in cybersecurity, operational scaling, and predictive disruption management. Accelerated Data and AI Maturity: 72% of North American airlines already train AI models with collected data — more than double the global average (28%). Additionally, 9% have integrated large language models (LLMs) into their operations, versus just 2% globally. Emerging Technologies Gaining Traction: Beyond AI, airlines are investing in technologies like business intelligence (BI) software (70%), computer vision (45%), and private 5G networks (38%). Strategic Use of Innovation Partners: Over 80% of airlines reported collaboration with external partners in AI development, far outpacing global averages. Heightened Cybersecurity Challenges: Ensuring the security of third-party vendors emerged as the top cybersecurity challenge, with 100% of respondents flagging it as a critical concern. The research underscores the region's leadership in leveraging technology for strategic advantage, not just operational efficiency. While enhancing security remains paramount, airlines are also positioning themselves to drive future innovations in data analytics, AI, and passenger experience. Additional areas of investment include biometric technologies and sustainability initiatives. More than half of North American airlines have implemented biometric-enabled passenger processes to enhance identity management and streamline travel, significantly outpacing global adoption rates. At the same time, airlines are leading in environmental responsibility, with over 80% implementing measures such as sourcing sustainable aviation fuel, retrofitting existing fleets, and investing in electric or hydrogen-powered aircraft to support industry carbon reduction goals. Join the Conversation To further explore these findings, SITA will host a webinar titled 'IT Insights: Cybersecurity, AI and the Future of Flying' on May 6, 2025. Experts from SITA and A4A will explore the latest trends shaping airline IT investment and discuss how North American carriers are preparing for the future. 1 Percentage based on 2023 IATA WATS passenger traffic About SITA SITA is the air transport industry's IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe, secure and sustainable air travel. With around 2,500 customers, SITA's solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of over 18,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Its communications network connects every corner of the globe, and SITA bridges 45% of the air transport community's data exchange. In 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved SITA's near-term and long-term emission reduction targets. These science-based targets are pivotal in guiding the company's climate actions to curtail greenhouse gas emissions effectively. SITA is also developing solutions to help the aviation industry meet its carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies. In 2024, SITA acquired Materna IPS, leader in passenger handling, to create the world's most powerful passenger portfolio for airports and digital travel. SITA then acquired ASISTIM, to offer a fully-fledged airline flight Operations Control Center managed service. The company also launched SmartSea to give the maritime industry access to the same advanced technology that is transforming air travel. The launch comes as part of SITA's growth into cruise and rail, as well Urban Air Mobility, such as Vertiports. SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories. Go to for more information.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Doctors worry about spring break as measles cases spread: Not ‘dealing with business-as-usual'
Experts are warning about the burgeoning threat of the measles virus, as families and students gear up for spring break. The viral disease has resulted in nearly 160 infections in Texas and more in other states around the country. An unvaccinated child died last month in the Lone Star State and a second person in neighboring New Mexico may have also died as a result of the outbreak. Approximately one out of five people who get measles will be hospitalized. Last year, the government issued a travel advisory after just 58 cases were reported. Now, experts are warning about this year's spring break travel. "It's not so much about who you're traveling with as it's about the people you don't know that you're going to be around as you're traveling," Mark Dworkin, associate director of epidemiology at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, told CBS News this week. "You get on a plane. You're with a whole lot of people. Everybody's got a different feeling about everything, and that includes about immunizations." This year, roughly 173 million Americans are expected to take to the skies in March and April, Airlines for America told ABC News. Those who have been fully vaccinated have lifelong protection, and two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine are 97 percent effective against measles. While the majority of the nation's adolescents have two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine or more, breakthrough infections have occurred in the recent outbreak. Those types of infections are more likely in areas with outbreaks. Breakthrough infections are usually associated with milder disease and symptoms, including fever, runny nose and other symptoms. Still, measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, with the ability to live for up to two hours in the air after someone who is infected leaves. Some people may not know they have it, as the viral incubation period is typically between 11 to 12 days from exposure to the point when symptoms start. 'About three out of 100 people who get two doses of MMR vaccine will get measles if exposed to the virus. However, they are more likely to have a milder illness, and are also less likely to spread the disease to other people,' the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Officials are warning those who remain unvaccinated against measles about the risk of traveling. "We're not dealing with business-as-usual right now," Dworkin said, "and this is a disease that people who are incubating this disease who are going to get it, they can be infectious days before they even start to get sick."
The Independent
07-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Doctors worry about spring break as measles cases spread: Not ‘dealing with business-as-usual'
Experts are warning about the burgeoning threat of the measles virus, as families and students gear up for spring break. The viral disease has resulted in nearly 160 infections in Texas and more in other states around the country. An unvaccinated child died last month in the Lone Star State and a second person in neighboring New Mexico may have also died as a result of the outbreak. Approximately one out of five people who get measles will be hospitalized. Last year, the government issued a travel advisory after just 58 cases were reported. Now, experts are warning about this year's spring break travel. "It's not so much about who you're traveling with as it's about the people you don't know that you're going to be around as you're traveling," Mark Dworkin, associate director of epidemiology at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, told CBS News this week. "You get on a plane. You're with a whole lot of people. Everybody's got a different feeling about everything, and that includes about immunizations." This year, roughly 173 million Americans are expected to take to the skies in March and April, Airlines for America told ABC News. Those who have been fully vaccinated have lifelong protection, and two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine are 97 percent effective against measles. While the majority of the nation's adolescents have two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine or more, breakthrough infections have occurred in the recent outbreak. Those types of infections are more likely in areas with outbreaks. Breakthrough infections are usually associated with milder disease and symptoms, including fever, runny nose and other symptoms. Still, measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, with the ability to live for up to two hours in the air after someone who is infected leaves. Some people may not know they have it, as the viral incubation period is typically between 11 to 12 days from exposure to the point when symptoms start. 'About three out of 100 people who get two doses of MMR vaccine will get measles if exposed to the virus. However, they are more likely to have a milder illness, and are also less likely to spread the disease to other people,' the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Officials are warning those who remain unvaccinated against measles about the risk of traveling. "We're not dealing with business-as-usual right now," Dworkin said, "and this is a disease that people who are incubating this disease who are going to get it, they can be infectious days before they even start to get sick."
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Aviation experts urge investments in air traffic control staffing, new technologies
March 4 (UPI) -- The nation's air traffic control system is obsolete and understaffed, which significantly degrades safety, aviation industry experts told the House Aviation Subcommittee on Tuesday morning. The industry experts provided testimony during the subcommittee's hearing titled, "America Builds: Air Traffic Control System Infrastructure and Staffing." The hearing held at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., was designed to help the subcommittee identify critical problems with the nation's air traffic system and learn how to address them. "Our nation's air traffic control system is outdated," subcommittee Chairman Sam Graves, R-Mo., said while opening the hearing. "It must be modernized for the benefit and safety of all users of the national airspace system." Graves said the issue has been "thrust back into the spotlight following a string of tragic accidents" and the subcommittee must decide how to use technological developments to supplement the work done by air traffic controllers and others in the nation's airport towers and centers. He said officials in the Trump administration support "historic investments in air traffic control facilities and technologies" to improve safety while transforming the nation's air traffic system. The Trump administration has asked Congress to allocate $858 million in FAA funding to hire more systems specialists and air traffic controllers to improve air traffic safety. The subcommittee hearing will help House members to better understand how to possibly allocate that funding. Obsolete equipment endangers safety Airlines for America President and Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Calio told the subcommittee the nation's current air traffic control system equipment "woefully obsolescent, unreliable and ineffective." Airlines for America is an airline trade organization. He said there are many reasons why the current system is inadequate to support safety, including deficiencies in staffing, facilities, technology, equipment, funding and investments. "Addressing staffing shortages and replacing antiquated systems will reduce costs and inefficiencies, while strengthening American competitiveness and will also ensure the [Federal Aviation Administration] continues to uphold the highest standards of safety for all who use our nation's airspace," Calio told the subcommittee. General Aviation Manufacturers Association President and Chief Executive Officer Pete Bunce urged the subcommittee to focus on five areas: Emergency funding for air traffic control technology, infrastructure and controller staffing and training. Directing the FAA to deploy state-of-the-art technology. Re-align and modernize air traffic control facilities to improve efficiency. Use Airport & Airway Trust Fund monies to enhance safety in the air and on the ground. Exempt the FAA from potential federal government shutdowns. Managing director of the Government Accountability Office Physical Infrastructure division Heather Krause cited a 2023 outage of aging air traffic control system that temporarily shut down the nation's airspace as showing the need to assess and improve the nation's air traffic control systems. More than three-fourths of that nation's air traffic control systems that were assessed were either unsustainable, 37%, or potentially unsustainable, 39%, Krause said. The FAA conducted an operations risk assessment of 138 systems and declared 51 of them were unsustainable and 54 were potentially unsustainable, she told the subcommittee. The GAO in 2023 and 2024 recommended the FAA do more to invest in next-generation technology to improve air traffic control systems and develop a risk-mitigation approach to improve air safety. Controller shortage also affects safety The Jan. 29 midair collision between an airliner and military helicopter that killed 67 at the Washington National Airport showed the need for a "highly trained, highly skilled air traffic controller workforce and thousands of other aviation safety professionals ... to ensure that the U.S. remains the gold standard for aviation safety," National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels said. "Air traffic controllers ... are the backbone of the [national airspace system] and require rigorous training, a mastery of complex systems and the ability to perform under immense pressure," Daniels said in his written testimony. Yet they are overworked and understaffed and often work 10-hour days six days a week while using outdated equipment in run-down facilities that often are more than 60 years old and in need of upgrading or replacement, Daniels said. He said the nation is near a 30-year low in air traffic controller staffing and over the past two fiscal years hired 1,500 and 1,800 air traffic controllers, respectively, but more are needed. "Sustained maximum hiring for at least the next five years will help the FAA approach the proper staffing levels needed to meet all of its needs," Daniels said. Equipment made unreliable In addition to a shortage in air traffic controllers, a declining number of systems specialists is having a significant effect on air traffic safety, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists President Dave Spero told the subcommittee. The nation has more than 4,800 systems specialists who install, operate, maintain and repair the nation's more than 74,000 radar, communications, navigational aids, computer automation, airport lighting and other important infrastructure systems, Spero said. The number of systems specialists has declined for several years and is getting worse as more specialists are retiring every year, he told the subcommittee. "Insufficient systems specialist staffing not only leads to prolonged restoration times and increased air traffic delays during outages but also poses challenges in ensuring adequate shift coverage," Spero said. The insufficient number of systems specialists increases the "risk of significant air traffic disruptions during an unscheduled system outage," he added. It takes time to recruit and train new systems specialists, who Spero said require up to three years to effectively install,maintain and repair air traffic control systems and other important airport infrastructure. He suggested the FAA "prioritize robust staffing strategies and streamlined training programs" to lessen the shortage of qualified aviation systems specialists.
