Domestic airlines serving Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Nov. 1 will adjust flight schedules in an effort to minimize the congestion delays that plague one of the nation's most important air traffic hubs. In an agreement brokered by federal negotiators
(BTN, Aug. 16), airlines agreed to limit total scheduled peak-hour arrivals to 88 per hour. The U.S. Department of Transportation said O'Hare delays, which often trigger service disruptions around the national air system, would be 20 percent shorter by year-end.
The agreement drew criticism that long-term solutions have not been presented and that airport competition could be stifled.
O'Hare's largest operators, American and United airlines, will reduce arrivals between 12 noon and 8 p.m. by 17 and 20, respectively. American and United earlier this year in two phases each voluntarily reduced peak O'Hare flight schedules 7.5 percent. United said it would reduce its overall afternoon peak schedule 5 percent. "We believe that we've reached an acceptable short-term solution that will significantly improve congestion at O'Hare," said Pete McDonald, United COO. "Over the long run, more needs to be done to equitably address O'Hare's congestion issues while responding to customer demand for service, including the ongoing effort to expand capacity through the O'Hare Modernization Plan."
The new deal, which expires April 30, 2005, also limits and requires government approval for any new flights carriers plan to add to their schedules after Nov. 1. "We were able to reach a cooperative, voluntary agreement with the carriers," said FAA Administrator Marion Blakey.
"While we applaud the delay reduction efforts of DOT, FAA and the carriers operating at O'Hare, it is important to recognize that this is only a stopgap solution," said Air Transport Association president and CEO James May. "If we are to continue developing a vibrant economy, both in Chicago and across the country, it is essential that we add the aviation capacity needed to meet public demand, not constrain that demand to match capacity."