Washington Wire - 2005-12-05

CDC: Airlines Must Report Sick Passengers
The Centers for Disease Control has proposed new rules that would require airlines to report to federal authorities when passengers enter the United States with a fever or exhibit flu-like symptoms. The public health agency on Nov. 22 issued the rules amid growing concerns of avian influenza. CDC began tackling the issue after an epidemic of SARS sickened more than 8,000 people and killed 774 on three continents in 2002 and 2003. "These regulations are an important step in one of many steps that CDC is taking to enhance our preparedness to respond to global emerging infectious disease threats and the globalization of infectious diseases and its translocation across borders," said Marty Creton, director of the division of global migration and quarantine for CDC. "We feel that along with other steps in enhancing our nation's preparedness, these are some critical activities that are in place and feel very pleased to see that this announcement is being made today and look forward to moving this ahead in a high-priority manner." CDC's rules, which also set up guidelines for quarantine, would require airlines to make passenger and crew lists available to authorities in electronic form for at least 60 days after a flight's arrival and be able to produce them within 12 hours of an official request. Passengers who have had a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for at least 48 hours or exhibiting other symptoms, such as a rash, difficulty breathing, or swollen lymph nodes, would have to be reported. CDC would use the flight information, including contact details and seat assignments, to trace a diseased passenger's contacts if an epidemic is suspected to be incubating, Creton said. The information will help public health authorities react more quickly, he said. The rule would cost airlines between $108 million and $356 million over the next decade to comply. Despite the cost, the airline industry pledged its cooperation. "There no doubt is a need to update the current regulations to ensure the absolute safety of our passengers and employees," the Air Transport Association said in a statement. "To what extent changes need to be made to existing practices will be done cooperatively with the CDC through this proposed rule making."

FAA Rules Fuel Tanks Should Re Retrofitted
The Federal Aviation Administration said it intends to order U.S. airlines to equip all 3,200 planes in the commercial fleet with new technology intended to minimize the risk of fuel tanks exploding. The proposed regulations, issued last month, are aimed at a repeat of the 1996 explosion of TWA Flight 800, and three other incidents since 1989 that have claimed a combined 346 lives. The improvements will cost airlines about $800 million over the next half-century, according to FAA, which estimated the rule will prevent four explosions during that time. Boeing 737s, 747s, and Airbus SAS 320s will be the first to be retrofitted with a device that replaces oxygen in the fuel tank with inert gas, which prevents the potential ignition of flammable vapors. "Safer fuel tanks on aircraft will help prevent the possibility of future explosions and the tragic loss of lives," U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said. Modifications to existing jets would have to be completed within seven years. The rule has been anticipated since FAA in February 2004 said it would issue one this year. The National Transportation Safety Board, which determined TWA Flight 800 exploded off Long Island, N.Y., when a flammable fuel-air mixture ignited, killing 230 passengers and crew, had criticized the delay. Similar incidents since 1989 involved Boeing planes operated by Thai Airways International, Philippine Airlines, and Avianca. The rule is open for public comment until March 20, 2006. Officials for Boeing and Airbus said they support the rule and have been working to reduce fuel tank flammability. Officials at the Air Transportation Association, the trade group that represents the airlines, said FAA's rulemaking was consistent with expectations.

Chicago O'Hare To Get $337 Million to Expand
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta took the first step to make more than $337 million in federal funds available to expand Chicago's O'Hare International Airport during the next 15 years, saying the airport must be equipped to meet rising air traffic needs. "O'Hare must expand to keep pace with the growing demand for air travel," said Mineta, who signed a letter of intent last month to make the funds available. "If it doesn't, our entire national aviation system will suffer." The money will be used to build new runways, taxiways, and a terminal in the first phase of a long-term plan to reconfigure the nation's second-busiest airport. Mineta said backups at O'Hare affect 40 percent of all U.S. flights. The expanded airport eventually will be able to handle 482 more flights a day, boosting capacity when the project is complete.