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Airlines May Bid For Spots On Runways

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 10, 2008

WASHINGTON - Federal officials are pushing ahead with an experiment to reduce rampant flight delays across the nation by auctioning off takeoff and landing times at New York City area airports, where most delays begin.
Bush administration officials are racing to get the plan in place before they leave office in three months; airlines and airports are sprinting to court to stop them.

On Thursday, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters announced final rules to begin auctioning takeoff and landing "slots" at the three major New York area airports: John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark-Liberty. Under her plan, the auction winners would be announced Jan. 12, about a week before President Bush leaves office.
Federal authorities are focused on New York's airspace because about two-thirds of flight delays across the country are caused by backups at those airports.

Peters is adamant that auctions would unclog the crowded skies.

"Without slot auctions, a small number of airlines will profit while travelers bear the brunt of higher fares, fewer choices and deteriorating service," Peters said in a statement.

The government plans to gradually auction up to 10 percent of the landing and takeoff slots the airlines operate at the airports.

The Air Transport Association, which represents commercial air carriers, said they will ask a judge to stop the government.

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