In travel news for May 4, 2023 we talk about the U.S. Government not extending the deadline for aircraft to be 5G compliant.
The US administration, led by President Joe Biden, recently confirmed that the July 1 deadline for airlines to make essential upgrades to prevent potential interference from 5G wireless technology will not be extended. This decision by the Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizes the urgency for carriers to update airplane altimeters to avoid any issues with modern technology.
While progress has been made, Buttigieg called for airlines to continue retrofitting their planes aggressively. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also declared that the July 1 deadline would remain unchanged. These altimeters play a crucial role in assisting with bad-weather landings, as 5G wireless technology can potentially interfere with aircraft instrumentation.
Starting from July 1, carriers will be unable to perform certain landings in low-visibility conditions without the upgraded altimeters. Major airlines in the US have requested a deadline extension, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) citing supply chain issues as the reason many planes won't receive the necessary upgrades before the busy summer travel season.
In response to these concerns, FAA Administrator Billy Nolen stated that planes lacking the approved upgrades by the deadline might face diversion during low-visibility landings. Furthermore, these planes will not receive approval to fly beginning next year.
The FAA has also proposed seven airworthiness directives for the 4,800 registered Boeing planes in the US and the 14,600 worldwide impacted by the required changes. Boeing, the manufacturer, has assured that it will work to "ensure long-term stability and help mitigate operational restrictions."
For travelers, this development highlights the importance of staying informed about potential flight disruptions during the summer travel season. Airlines are encouraged to expedite the necessary upgrades to ensure passengers' safety and avoid inconvenience.
