Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and Assemblyman Michael Tannousis have expressed their approval of recent actions by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy concerning updates to airport infrastructure and air traffic controller operations. This announcement pertains to significant changes at Newark Airport and other airports across the nation.
In a joint statement, Malliotakis and Tannousis commended Secretary Duffy for his focus on modernizing “outdated infrastructure—including radios, telecommunications systems, radar, and other critical control tower equipment.” They emphasized the importance of these improvements as air travel continues to increase, particularly during the summer months. The congresswoman and assemblyman urged Congress to approve necessary funding for these upgrades, highlighting their significance for constituents traveling through Newark Airport.
The statement also addressed efforts by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to streamline the hiring process for new air traffic controllers. Malliotakis and Tannousis supported initiatives aimed at reducing the time between testing and academy admission for prospective controllers. Additionally, they endorsed measures designed to encourage experienced controllers to remain in service beyond retirement eligibility. These steps are seen as crucial for maintaining operational continuity while ensuring high standards of passenger safety.
