challenge of improving operations in the Northeast Corridor. We know we need out-of-
the-box thinking to resolve some of the factors that contribute to the region's bottlenecks,
which have ripple effects across our airspace.
We already have a number of initiatives under way in the Northeast, including revised
procedures and redesigned airspace. A few of the areas that our industry members are
asking us to focus on are deconflicting airports, improving throughput and making better
use of our data to improve traffic flow management. Operators also shared data on their
significant investments in redevelopment plans in our New York airports.
A continued topic of conversation is aircraft equipage. For NextGen to be fully successful,
we need our partners to equip their aircraft to take advantage of PBN, Data Comm and
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast. (Our ADS-B mandate is just 22 months
away!) Equipage rates vary in the aviation industry, and we are working closely with
mainline and regional users to resolve obstacles and ensure they can follow through on
plans to equip. In the meantime, we have to have robust conversations about what a
mixed equipage environment would look like and are considering options around
providing operational advantages to stakeholders who are fully invested in the future.
Our traditional partners also have asked us to consider what contributions new entrants
should make in exchange for services.
Despite the uncertainties, I'm excited about the improvements we are making and I know
we are up to the challenges. I'm counting on all of you to continue to develop solutions
and keep us focused on delivering an airspace that will be as safe and efficient as
possible for many generations to come.
Thanks everyone,
Teri L. Bristol

ATO Chief Operating Officer
