Atlanta Has Busiest Airport

For the fourth year in a row, Georgia's main airport has been named the nation's busiest. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport let the country in the number of takeoffs and landings in 2008. That's according to the Federal Aviation Administration. An FAA report shows Hartsfield-Jackson had just under 980,000 operations last year. Chicago's O'Hare International ranked second-busiest in 2008.

(Associated Press)

Delta and Northwest Pilots have seniority agreement

Pilots affected by the Delta and Northwest airlines merger will integrate based on more than just seniority,

As Delta and Northwest become the largest airline in the world, their pilots had to rely on an arbitration panel to figure out how to rank their seniority.

The panel ruled that aircraft category will play a role in determining a pilots standing. Seniority is important to the 12 thousand pilots, because it determines best routes, pay and vacations.

Northwest pilots had argued to use only hiring date to determine seniority, as it’s pilots are older. Atlanta based Delta argued for the inclusion of an aircraft category.

The new merged airline can’t fly under one name until the Federal Aviation Administration issues that permit. A move expected late next year.

In the meantime labor issues with ground crews and flight attendants still have to be resolved to complete the merger.

FAA approves Delta plan

Delta airlines is a major step closer toward merging with Northwest Airlines. The Federal Aviation Administration has approved a transition plan to allow Delta and Northwest to achieve a single operating certificate. The plan outlines the methodology, processes, tools and timing to maintain the safety of the day-to-day operations. Shareholders at Atlanta-based Delta and Eagan, Minn.-based Northwest are scheduled to vote on the combination on Thursday.

Delta cancels more flights

Delta Air Lines cancelled another round of flights today putting out thousands of travelers. The Atlanta-based carrier joins American, Alaska and Midwest Airlines in inspecting MD-80 aircrafts for wiring problems. The Federal Aviation Administration called for the audits. Roughly 250,000 passengers have been affected by the American cancellations this week alone.

$40 million for Atlanta airport

40-million dollars are coming to Georgia’s main airport. Today the Federal Aviation Administration announced the funds for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International. The money will help pay for the airport’s new fifth runway, as well as projects to improve safety and efficiency.