Washington Wire: DOT Expands NYC Air Auction Plans Despite Opposition

The U.S. Department of Transportation said it would proceed with its plan to auction some slots at the three major New York City-area airports, according to a final rule released this month, despite an Air Transport Association-led lawsuit and a ruling by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, Congress' investigative arm, that DOT does not have the legal authority to auction slots (BTNonline, Oct. 6). Despite the mounting opposition, DOT today defined final plans to gradually auction "up to 10 percent of the landing and takeoff slots these airlines currently operate free of charge today" at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark airports. DOT said the rules call for airlines to maintain a 10-year ownership of "the vast majority of slots they currently operate." The auctions would begin next year and continue through 2014. "Without slot auctions, a small number of airlines will profit while travelers bear the brunt of higher fares, fewer choices and deteriorating service," U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said in a statement. ATA, the major domestic airline lobbying organization called the auction ruling "ill-conceived and one that will result in a lengthy and costly legal challenge."

TSA To Subject Corporate Jets To Security Audits
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration this month proposed new rules to subject general aviation, including corporate jets, to new security audits, including background checks for pilots, to ensure private planes aren't used in terrorist attacks. Operators of aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds for the first time would be required to ensure passengers aren't on federal watchlists. "General aviation operators are excellent security partners and this will give them a strong common framework for security that will reduce risk while supporting the open nature of the general aviation industry," said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley. Ed Bolen, chief executive of the National Business Aviation Association, the trade group for private aviation operators, said his organization is scrutinizing the 260-page proposal, which is open for public comment for 60 days before it is finalized.

Passenger Rights Legislation Stalls In Congress
Frustrated business travelers' hopes for a new Passenger Bill of Rights were stranded this month when Congress dropped the provisions from a broader aviation bill that was signed by President George W. Bush. Congress adjourned for the year, and while it is tentatively scheduled to hold a lame-duck session in mid-November, it's unlikely the passenger rights legislation would be adopted. Among other measures, the legislation would direct pilots to return terminals to allow passengers to deplane when flights cannot take off due to weather or other conditions. Advocates are vowing to resurrect the legislation next year when a new Congress and new president take office.