NATCA President Nick Daniels Highlights Need for System Upgrades in National Media Appearances

NATCA President Nick Daniels continued his media appearances yesterday with interviews airing on Fox Business, NBC’s TODAY, and ABC Nightline. 

Daniels spoke with Fox Business Correspondent Grady Trimble about recent communication outages and staffing issues at Philadelphia TRACON (PHL) Area C which has caused on-going flight delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). His interview with Trimble aired on Mornings with Maria and Varney & Co.

Daniels emphasized that the time to modernize the system is now, telling Fox Business, “The key is making sure the capacity of the system matches our capability. And right now, while we continue to have these outages, it underscores the need for an investment in the modernization of the air traffic system. We didn’t get here overnight, and we won’t get out of it overnight. But partnering with this Administration, making the investment that is needed now will start providing the solutions that the American people deserve and are looking for.”

During his appearance on TODAY, Daniels stressed that air travel remains safe in the United States because of the work of the aviation safety professionals represented by our Union. “It is safe to fly because of the hard-working men and women [air traffic controllers]. Again, ATCs have been working six-day weeks, 60 hours in that week.” Daniels said. “We have to ensure they are taken care of as well.”

An ABC Nightline segment featuring Daniels explored what led to the air traffic controller staffing crisis and offered viewers a glimpse into the hiring and training of new ATC professionals. The segment concludes with Daniels speaking about how we must maintain the safety of the flying public amid staffing shortages and equipment failures. “Ultimately we [the controllers] are going to ensure that every single person that enters the airspace … will know that we have their backs and are keeping them safe.”

NATCA President Nick Daniels has spoken with other national media outlets this week. NATCA will share these other news stories when they are available.