NextGen Essential: LaHood

Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says implementation of the Next General Air Transportation System (NextGen) cannot be slowed by the current deep economic recession.

In addressing the FAA Forecast Conference last week, LaHood said “another key priority is our commitment to making real progress on NextGen.  In January, we issued an updated NextGen implementation plan that details our strategies for accelerating its operational capabilities.

“ Our analysis indicates that with NextGen capabilities in place, by 2018 we’ll be able to reduce flight delays by up to 40 percent. Over time, this will save over a billion gallons of fuel.

“We cannot let the economic slowdown get in our way. NextGen offers efficiencies of scale, safety, and sustainability. And it is an essential upgrade for our aviation infrastructure that makes it far more environmentally friendly.

“NextGen is in fact part of our broader effort to help aviation go greener, by emphasizing the use of sustainable alternative fuels and new aircraft technologies,” he added.