airbus CEO stresses need for global air traffic management improvement after collision

The system faces severe staffing shortages in both the US and Europe. A report from June 2023 by the US Department of Transportation Inspector General revealed that 77% of essential air traffic control facilities were understaffed. The US has made strides, exceeding its hiring goal by adding 1,811 new air traffic controllers in fiscal 2024. However, the Air Traffic Controllers Association (ATCA) indicated that nearly 3,000 new controllers are necessary for adequate staffing. Nick Daniels, ATCA's President, confirmed that the shortage is approaching a 30-year peak.

To address this, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aims to improve its National Airspace System (NAS) through investments substantiated by its FY 2025 budget request. The $3.6 billion facilities and equipment (F&E) request is bolstered by $1 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, earmarked for infrastructure enhancements.

In Europe, the Airlines for Europe (A4E) group reported severe ATC capacity shortages leading to numerous flight issues in 2024. According to A4E, this period marked one of the worst years for ATC performance in the last two decades.

Airlines and regulators on both sides of the Atlantic are grappling with the challenges presented by these shortages, as disruptions continue in the industry.