ACI-NA Applauds U.S. Appeals Court Regarding Slots at Newark

Dec. 9, 2008
Court of Appeals rules on the motions for a stay of the auction rules filed by ATA, Continental, and Port Authorities.

WASHINGTON – Airports Council International–North America (ACI-NA) applauded the U.S. Court of Appeals ruling on the motions for a stay of the auction rules filed by the Air Transport Association, Continental Airlines and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The order prohibits the Department of Transportation from auctioning slots at the three major New York airports unless and until the court formally considers and rules on the merits of the case.

According to ACI-NA President Greg Principato, "ACI-NA applauds the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals regarding auctioning of slots at three New York airports. Airport proprietors are in the best position to manage the use of the facilities they plan, design, fund, build and currently operate. Slot auctions mandated by the federal government would not have reduced delays or improved efficiency, competition or passenger service."

"We are pleased that the U.S. Court of Appeals ruling vindicated the airport position that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has no statutory authority to force the slot auctions, which are universally opposed by the airport industry," says Principato. "FAA should focus on working collaboratively with the PANYNJ to develop and implement a reasonable and effective program to reduce passenger delays and congestion."