Congress to hold hearing on air traffic control after safety incidents

A U.S. House of Representatives panel will hold a hearing next week on air traffic control issues after a series of incidents highlighted concerns about persistent staffing shortages. Witnesses from Airlines for America, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Government Accountability Office, National Air Traffic Controllers Association and Professional Aviation Safety Specialists unions will testify before the Transportation and Infrastructure's aviation subcommittee on Tuesday, officials said.<br/>Last week, the U.S. aviation sector called for "robust emergency funding" from Congress for air traffic control technology and staffing after a series of crashes. Lawmakers have also called for new funding. Airlines for America, a trade group which includes American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, was among those pressing for new funding. A persistent shortage of controllers has delayed flights and led to mandatory overtime and six-day weeks to cover shifts at many facilities. The FAA is about 3,500 air traffic controllers short of targeted staffing levels and has about 10% fewer controllers than in 2012.<br/>