Trump Backs American, Southwest in Push to Privatize Air Traffic Control

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump is giving full-throttle support to privatizing the nation's air traffic control system, a top priority for American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and other major carriers.The Republican, a former airline owner, announced the stand in the budget blueprint released Thursday by the White House. He listed it as the top bullet point for the U.S. Transportation Department, saying the move would make the system "more efficient and innovative."The presidential blessing marks a major win for the airline industry, which says an aging air traffic control system has contributed to congestion and delays."Our system is safe, but it is outdated and not as efficient as it should -- or could -- be," said Nick Calio, president of Airlines for America. "We need to stop accepting pockets of progress and put in place a modernized system that better serves the traveling and shipping public."  Continue reading...