THE MONTHLY FLIER: TARMAC DELAYS CREEPING UP, BIZJETS UNDER ATTACK, HOUSTON’S EVTOL IDEA

A message from Lance Tweden, President of Jet Agency.

With Jet Agency seeing steady growth to start 2024, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your interest in how we are changing the way people fly private. With the uncertainty of today’s economy, we are excited to continue expanding Jet Agency without passing that cost along to members.

Happy flying,

Lance Tweden

Tarmac delays nearing pre-pandemic highs, as large airports see longest delays

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, air travel has seen a notable increase in tarmac delays, returning to levels seen before the global health crisis. These delays, particularly frustrating for passengers, often occur due to weather, mechanical issues, air traffic, or gate unavailability, with federal regulations allowing a maximum ground hold of 3 hours.

Data indicates a substantial rise in delays, with New York airports and airlines like JetBlue, Frontier, and Spirit experiencing the most significant impacts. This increase reflects the aviation industry's challenges in adjusting to the fluctuating demand and staffing levels.

For private fliers, the study highlights how some of the nation's busiest airports are dealing with the most number of tarmac delays. This data shows private jet travelers who utilize opportunities to fly into smaller airports are often avoiding these delays.

Read more from the Upgraded Points study

National Business Aviation Association CEO says industry ‘under attack’

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, speaking at the Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference, highlighted legislative threats to the business aviation industry. He emphasized the need for community outreach to counteract these proposed measures, signaling a critical period for the sector's advocacy efforts.

He was referring to proposals in Washington regarding increasing jet fuel taxes on business aviation, lengthening aircraft depreciation schedules, and stepped-up IRS auditing of aircraft operators, reports Aviation International News.

“We see that our industry is effectively under attack,” Bolen stated.

Read more from Aviation International News

Houston Explores Connecting Its Three Airports with eVTOL Aircraft

The city of Houston is laying the groundwork for establishing an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) system in the surrounding region that would utilize eVTOL aircraft to connect the city’s three airports.

While in the early stages of planning, the Houston Aviation Department is focusing on site identification and compliance with FAA regulations. Collaboration with eVTOL manufacturers like Wisk and Archer is ongoing, and regional coordination, especially with Sugar Land’s eVTOL initiatives, is considered important.

The department also recognizes the need for public education on eVTOL benefits and safety, especially for autonomous flights. The term refers to electrically powered vertical take off and land vehicles, a rapidly developing sector of private aviation technology.

Read more from Drone Life

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