FAA Invests $16.5 Million for Improved Airport Vehicle Safety
The Federal Aviation Administration is investing $16.5 million to install transponders in airport vehicles, following a fatal collision at New York's LaGuardia airport. The devices will enhance runway safety by transmitting vehicle locations to air traffic control. The initiative, involving 1,900 vehicles across 264 airports, aims to prevent incidents.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to invest $16.5 million in installing transponders on airport vehicles across the country. This decision follows a tragic incident in March at LaGuardia Airport involving an Air Canada Express jet and a fire truck lacking a transponder.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages LaGuardia and other local airports, had stated its intention to equip its runway-operating vehicles with transponders. FAA's immediate plans include outfitting around 1,900 vehicles in 264 airports with surface awareness technology.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the importance of transponders in preventing dangerous runway incidents by improving the visibility of vehicles on runways and taxiways. Last month, the National Transportation Safety Board noted a lack of alerts in LaGuardia's ground surveillance system. Over 50 airports have shown interest in this federal initiative.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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