NextGen Isn't Just About Satellite Navigation ...

... it is a concept that needs to be bred across the entire spectrum of the aviation industry. So says FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, who Tuesday addressed airports at the annual convention of the American Association of Airport Executives in Dallas. “We need to go to the next generation with a lot of things,” says the FAA Administrator. “We need to think of the next generation as a whole.” One example: Babbitt says it’s time for U.S. airports to embrace the concept of their interconnectivity to rail, which of course is getting much attention on Capitol Hill these days. “It’s not a pipedream; it’s in use,” he says, pointing to new facilities in international destinations such as Shanghai where he recently traveled from the airport to the city center. Of course, at a time when much is changing in the aviation industry, the Administrator is right. We are entering a “next generation” of our industry – be it the airlines, airports, or fixed base operations. A couple of other noteworthy points from the Administrator … He calls on the air carriers to take more responsibility for how they schedule their flights at major hubs, where scheduling a host of 8 a.m. flights is unrealistic. “De-peaking is the answer,” says Babbitt, adding that FAA will not be the “scapegoat” because of the airlines’ inability to coordinate schedules. And, regarding the new rule of fining airlines for extended hold times on airport ramps, Babbitt says he doesn’t think we’ll ever actually see an air carrier fined. Not because DOT won’t impose the fines, but rather because the airlines and the industry will figure it out. It should be noted that this year’s AAAE convention was significantly more robust than it has been the past two years, reflecting the mood of an industry ready to move on from the economic malaise of recent times. And that is a very good sign. Thanks for reading. jfi