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FAA grants $121 million to US airports to prevent close calls

FAA grants $121 million to US airports to prevent close calls

In order to lower the possibility of runway incursions, the Federal Aviation Administration has given airports all around the country grants totaling more than $121 million. In addition to installing new lighting systems and enhancing airfield flexibility, projects will redirect any complex taxiways.

Qantas Launches $10M Regional Grants Program – Applications Open(Opens in a new browser tab)

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New projects announced today: 

  • Boston Logan International:$44.9 million will be spent on rehabilitating Taxiways T, N, and M to ensure safe airfield operations and 10,083 feet of the existing Runway 15R/33L to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to reduce foreign object debris. This will simplify the layout of the airfield by removing portions of Taxiways Q and F, which were identified in the airport’s runway incursion mitigation plan.
  • Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport: $39.8 million will simplify the layout of the airfield by removing a portion of Taxiway Z for geometric improvements, install a new Taxiway E lighting system to improve safety of airfield operations in low visibility conditions, extend Taxiway Z by 400 feet to meet airport operational needs, widen Taxiway Z and E to accommodate a change in the critical design of aircraft using the airport, and extend Taxiway R to do the same.
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: In order to alleviate traffic delays, $5 million will be used to start building new connector taxiways to Runways 1/19 and 15/33, as well as reconfiguring Taxiways J, K, L, N, N1, S, and Hold Bays 15 and 19, in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration design standards.

FAA Awards Nearly $1 Billion To 99 Airports(Opens in a new browser tab)

  • Willow Run Airport, Detroit, Michigan: $12.8 million to construct a 6,720 foot parallel Taxiway A to eliminate the need for aircraft to back-taxi on the runway. 
  • Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, Ohio:For a cost of $4.6 million, Taxiway B11 will be moved 450 feet east from its present airfield location to comply with FAA design requirements, and the airport’s erosion control system for 16,450 square feet of the taxiway safety area will be improved to prevent ponding on the airfield surfaces.
  • Richmond International Airport, Virginia:To meet Federal Aviation Administration design requirements, Taxiway E will be relocated from its existing airport location to the north for a cost of $5,6 million.
  • Jackson Hole Airport, Wyoming: Construction of a 1,500-feet Taxiway, which will eliminate the requirement for aircraft to back-taxi on the runway, and the rehabilitation of a 2,400-feet portion of the current Taxiway will cost $2.6 million. a pavement that keeps its structural integrity while reducing foreign object debris.
  • Naples International Airport, Florida: With the help of $3.5 million, Taxiway A will be rearranged at the point where it intersects Taxiway B to enhance the non-standard pavement geometry. Taxiway A3 will also be moved, and 3,000 feet of the current service road will be rebuilt to provide for the secure movement of vehicles and ground service equipment.

In March, the FAA held a Safety Summit to address recent incidents. The summit brought together leaders from across the aviation sector, including airlines, flight and ground crews, and air traffic control, to find potential causes and needed actions to uphold safety. 

The funding announced today comes from several sources, including the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

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Airlines

United Airlines Introduces Free Seat Switch: Say Goodbye to the Middle Seat

United Airlines Introduces Free Seat Switch: Say Goodbye to the Middle Seat

Are you tired of the cramped quarters and limited mobility that come with being sandwiched between two fellow passengers on an airplane?

Well, United Airlines has rolled out a game-changing solution to spare you from the agony of the middle seat. In a savvy move aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and convenience, United Airlines has unveiled a groundbreaking feature on its mobile app that allows travelers to sidestep the dreaded middle seat.

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Thanks to this innovative tool, passengers can now sign up for seat notifications, effectively giving them the power to their preferred seat and bid farewell to the discomfort of the middle spot.

But that’s not all – for those who crave extra legroom or are blessed with a taller stature, United’s new offering goes the extra mile. Passengers can now opt for coveted exit rows or bulkhead seats, renowned for their generous leg space, ensuring a more comfortable journey from takeoff to touchdown.

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What’s truly remarkable about this service is its simplicity and accessibility. Travelers can make seat selections and request notifications up to 12 hours before their scheduled departure, putting the power to customize their flying experience firmly in their hands. Whether you’re yearning for a window seat with a view or seeking refuge in an aisle seat for easy access to the restroom, United’s app has got you covered.

Here’s how it works: when booking your flight through the United app, you can specify your desired seat preference. Even if your dream seat isn’t initially available, fret not – if it opens up later, you’ll be automatically reassigned and promptly notified of the change. It’s a seamless process designed to ensure maximum comfort and satisfaction for passengers, all with just a few taps on your smartphone.

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And the best part? This game-changing service comes at no extra cost to the 3 million flyers who utilize the United app. whether you’re a frequent flier or a first-time traveler, you can enjoy the perks of this innovative feature.

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Aerospace

IndiGo to Order 100 Small Planes from Airbus, ATR, or Embraer

IndiGo to Order 100 Small Planes from Airbus, ATR, or Embraer


IndiGo, India’s leading airline, is in talks with three aircraft manufacturers to acquire a fleet of at least 100 smaller planes, aiming to bolster its regional operations, as per a report by the Economic Times.

The airline’s recent order of 30 A350 aircraft underscores its strategic focus on expanding its reach with wide-body and long-range planes, targeting increased traffic from various regions across the country.

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Now, the focus shifts to enhancing connectivity on shorter routes within India’s domestic network, tapping into the regional airline market. IndiGo is currently in discussions with ATR, Embraer, and Airbus for this purpose. With 45 ATR-72 aircraft already in operation, accommodating 78 passengers each, and five more expected this year, the airline is leaning towards ATR, although Airbus A220 and Embraer’s E-175 remain contenders.

Having established itself as a key operator of Airbus A320 aircraft, with over 450 on order for future delivery, IndiGo continues to strengthen its fleet.

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This move follows closely on the heels of the recent agreement to purchase 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, a significant step that will facilitate the airline’s expansion both domestically and internationally. This deal marks IndiGo’s entry into the wide-body aircraft segment, further solidifying its position in the market.

IndiGo’s strategy includes penetrating tier 1, 2, and 3 cities within India’s regional aviation market using smaller aircraft.

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As India maintains its status as the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, airlines are striving to meet the escalating demand amid challenges faced by aircraft manufacturers in meeting production targets.

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Airlines

Best and Worst Airlines in US and Canada for Customer satisfaction

The best and worst airlines in the U.S. for 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of air travel, customer satisfaction stands as a critical benchmark, reflecting the quality of service provided by airlines.

In the latest revelation from JD Power’s esteemed 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, unveiled on Wednesday, a select group of airlines has emerged as the epitome of excellence in meeting passenger expectations. Among the myriad factors influencing satisfaction, the experience at the front of the cabin holds particular significance, encapsulating premium services and amenities tailored to discerning travelers.

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As we delve into the findings of this comprehensive study, we uncover the airlines that have excelled in this domain, setting a commendable standard for others to aspire to in the realm of air travel.

Delta Airlines, boasting a commendable score of 743 out of a possible 1000 points. With a commitment to service excellence that transcends mere transportation, Delta has secured its place as a paragon of customer satisfaction. From seamless check-ins to attentive in-flight amenities, Delta’s dedication to passenger comfort is evident at every turn.

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Close to Delta’s is JetBlue Airways, garnering a respectable score of 736. Known for its customer-centric approach and vibrant in-flight experience, JetBlue continues to charm travelers with its blend of affordability and quality service. Despite the competitive landscape, JetBlue remains a formidable force in the realm of customer satisfaction.

However, not all airlines bask in the glow of acclaim. United Airlines finds itself in a middling position with a score of 698, while Alaska Airlines trails closely behind at 695. Despite their efforts, these carriers have yet to ascend to the pinnacles of customer satisfaction, facing challenges that hinder their ability to truly delight passengers.

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Further down the list, American Airlines grapples with a score of 676, highlighting areas where improvements are imperative to enhance the overall passenger experience. Meanwhile, Air Canada lags behind with a score of 629, underscoring the need for strategic measures to address customer concerns and elevate satisfaction levels.

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