Jaunted

In a dynamic that has played out in one form or another for years, airline unions are seeking greater government involvement in a system they say has become dysfunctional, while airline executives argue that they need fewer regulations so they can compete as global companies against European and Asian carriers.

One thing both seem to agree on, though, is the need for a new air traffic control system in the U.S. based on GPS technology instead of the current radar system, and that the government should pick up the whole tab. This seems likely to be a major point of contention going forward, as the government is fine with upgrading the ground-based systems, but thinks the airlines ought to shell out up to $20 billion or so to equip their own jets with the NextGen technology.

Should the airlines have to pay their share to use the new air traffic control system, or should the government - i.e. the taxpayers - spring for the whole shebang, since it will be a public benefit? I personally don't know, but if it's as important as it seems, it might be best to get it done now, and let the inevitable financial squabbles unfold after we have a 21st century air traffic control system worthy our our nation. When it comes to airline safety, you oughtn't dither.

[Photo: BBC]

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