Airlines back more spending, staff to fix failed FAA system

By DAVID KOENIG
AP Airlines Writer

DALLAS (AP) — Airline executives are pushing Congress and the White House to step up funding for the Federal Aviation Administration after a technology failure briefly grounded flights around the country this week. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said Friday that the FAA is doing the best it can, but it needs more staffing and upgraded technology. That comes after American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said it might cost “billions” to upgrade FAA technology, which he says is required. The FAA’s technology is certain to be a key issue this year, as Congress considers legislation that would govern the agency for the next five years.