President Donald Trump is focused on repairing air traffic control problems that have resulted in widespread flight delays, said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, Bloomberg reports.
“He is focused, even at his level, on fixing it,” Kirby said during the company’s earnings call Wednesday.
Even on “blue sky days,” Kirby said, 68% of United Airlines’ delays in 2024 were due to air traffic control restrictions put in place by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
“Everything else combined is not as big for airline customers as running the FAA effectively and efficiently,” Kirby said. “I think we’re going to be off to the races on that.”
After speaking with Sean Duffy, Trump’s pick for transportation secretary, over the weekend, Kirby said he could vouch that both Trump and Duffy are prioritizing improving the U.S. airline industry.
Trump has not yet named a new FAA administrator to replace Michael Whitaker, who stepped down when Trump took office.