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Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has introduced a bill in Albany, New York, to address the significant shortage of air traffic controllers in the state. Some key facilities are operating with nearly 40% of positions unfilled, leading to extended shifts and mandatory overtime for current controllers. The proposed legislation aims to attract and retain controllers through financial incentives such as signing bonuses for new hires, retention bonuses for those who remain in the state, and relocation assistance.
According to Assemblyman Santabarbara, the shortage is impacting both major commercial hubs like JFK and LaGuardia and regional airports in Albany, Syracuse, and Buffalo. The bill seeks to establish a New York State Air Traffic Controller Recruitment and Retention Fund to make New York a more competitive place for air traffic controllers to work.
The bill has been introduced in the New York State Assembly and is currently in committee for consideration. Assemblyman Santabarbara urges lawmakers to support the measure to ensure New York’s aviation system remains strong, safe, and reliable.
This initiative comes amidst a national effort to address air traffic controller shortages. Recently, a bipartisan agreement in Congress was reached to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, which includes provisions to hire thousands of new air traffic controllers and expand training capacity. The FAA is currently targeting the hiring of 1,800 air traffic controllers this year, as reported by Government Executive.