U.S. Government Weighing Option Of Giving Aid To Airlines For Air Traffic Upgrades

The Obama administration is weighing the option of giving aid to airlines for the costs of modernizing air traffic control systems, according to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Airlines are trying to get the government to give them some help so that the industry does not have to take on the bulk of the expenses for upgrade of air traffic systems. The multi-billion dollar upgrade will make air traffic systems rely more on satellites rather than ground based radar.

LaHood said at the Federal Aviation Administration industry forecast conference that the government was reviewing the matter, and will have a say on it soon.