FEDEX Rules Memphis

FEDEX is claiming that the recently implemented changes to the FAA's air traffic control rules about planes overflying traffic landing on another Memphis runway would end up causing serious delays for package deliveries across the nation. On April 13, the FAA disallowed the long-standing practice of jets landing on one of Memphis' north-south runways being allowed to fly directly over planes landing on a proximate east-west runway. A FedEx spokesman claimed that flight delays of even a few minutes could trigger "hold-ups in our sorting operations, which could have a negative impact on our customer service levels. For more than 20 years, we've landed in this configuration, and we know it's safe," the spokesman said. The sticking point is a February 18th near collision caused by the unauthorized procedure that involved a NorthWest airlines plane and a turboprop commuter. FEDEX is asking that it be allowed to sort the matter out privately with NWA. For Related story