Blakey sees challenge to safety as traffic increases

Addressing some 1,000 delegates at the 11th annual Airports Council International conference last month, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey emphasized safety, security and efficiency as the nation’s airlines recover from September 11. While recognizing that the airline industry is “not as robust as we would like,” she made it clear that the agency and industry should not delay implementing measures to ensure safety, security and efficiency. Noting that 12 new runways are expected to open before 2008, she voiced a need for more emphasis on new runways as a key to greater efficiency. Other steps, she said, include new technology to permit safer navigation in severe weather conditions and increased use of GPS.