Serious delays predicted for summer

Air traffic management experts are predicting serious delays in the United States and Europe this summer because air traffic control systems desperately need to be upgraded. The prediction comes from the directors of Boeing Air Traffic Management, who say that a continued increase in passenger numbers following the post-11 September downturn, along with “little political will” to tackle the issue, will cause problems. The Times quotes program director Michael Lewis as saying: “The record delays in the United States and Europe that preceded 9/11 will return. The forecast is for much worse congestion.” He added: “Air traffic controllers today rely on technologies developed during World War Two. It is old and labour intensive. I think Washington’s attentions are elsewhere – air traffic control does not seem to be high up on the agenda at the moment.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad