A group of five smaller US airlines have called on federal regulators to amend rules for awaring landing slots at New York’s three major airports to boost competition.
Executives from Virgin America, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, Spirit Airlines and Alaska Airlines have sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration and the US Transportation Department to move ahead with planned efforts to make it easier to obtain slots at New York JFK, LaGuardia and Newark.
Virgin America CEO David Cush said reform of slot management at the airports will bring about more choice and lower fares.
Most slots at the three airports are controlled by the big four carriers – American Airlines Group, United Continental, Delta and Southwest Airlines.
The current system is due to expire in October 2016.
Earlier this year the FAA called for feedback from US airlines regarding new rules for governing slots at the three airports.
American Airlines said it makes ‘good and appropriate use of our slots, which benefits the airline, consumers and the communities we serve.’
