US airlines say there is no need for the govt to interfere in airlines’ seat-pitch decisions as long as FAA affirms aircraft seats meet safety standards. In the aftermath of a US federal court ruling pushing FAA to provide a stronger basis for not regulating commercial aircraft seat size, A4A cited “intense competition” leading to “more choices among carriers and amenities—including various seating options—than ever before.” An A4A spokesperson said: “The FAA has affirmed that all US carriers meet or exceed federal safety standards and we continue to believe that there is no need for govt to interfere with the market-driven solutions that are delivering a better, safer and more comfortable flight experience for everyone who takes to the skies.” <br/>
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Who are you going to trust when it comes to what's best for the flying public? Members of Congress or the hero of the Miracle on the Hudson, retired captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger? Proponents of privatising air traffic control, a top priority of president Donald Trump, face fierce resistance from some Republicans, many Democrats and various advocacy groups who have a forceful voice: Sullenberger, the pilot who managed to land an airliner in the Hudson River without the loss of a single life. Sullenberger said he considers the legislative proposals an attempt to boost the bottom lines of the airlines at the expense of the public. He's speaking out, knowing that the actions he and his crew took that January day in 2009 have given them a bully pulpit with the American public. <br/>
Airlines and travel groups opposed to curbs on flights from 3 Persian Gulf carriers are making their case in a Tuesday meeting with secretary of state Rex Tillerson, a State Department official familiar with the matter said. One of the topics on the agenda is a set of so-called Open Skies deals that govern flights between the US and other countries, said the official. Some of the executives in attendance have tried to counter a push to re-examine the agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Those expected at the meeting include FedEx president David Bronczek, JetBlue Airways CE Robin Hayes and Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings CE William Flynn. All three companies are part of the US Airlines for Open Skies, a coalition that has lobbied to preserve the UAE and Qatar agreements. <br/>
European holidaymakers jetting off to popular summer destinations are experiencing long queues at airports after the introduction of tighter security checks. Airline passengers have faced queues of up to 4 hours at European airports, including Palma de Mallorca, Madrid, Lisbon, Milan and Paris-Orly. The new security measures, which countries had 6 months to implement from April, mean people entering and leaving the Schengen area face enhanced checks. Border staff must now check passenger details against security databases. The delays coincide with some of the busiest travelling weeks for airports around Europe. Some airports have seen flight delays jump 300% compared with last year, according to A4E. “There are major delays but we could see this get worse," said A4E <br/>
In the busiest-ever summer for holidays abroad, Britain’s pilots are warning that they are being pushed to the limit. BALPA says “demanding schedules, lax controls of pilots’ hours of duty and a failure to recruit adequate numbers of pilots” comprise a potential threat to passenger safety. BALPA’s general secretary, Brian Strutton, said: “Pilots want their companies to be successful and profitable and are putting in the hard work to keep up with summer demand. But no one wants pilots at the controls when they are tired. That’s why we are campaigning across the aviation industry to make sure the pilot duty time rules are properly adhered to so that pilots get the rest they need.” The association says increasing numbers of pilots have gone on long-term sick leave as a result of fatigue and “burnout”. <br/>