=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SFGate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2004/07/28/n= ational1958EDT0775.DTL --------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, July 28, 2004 (AP) FAA calls for meeting with airlines to reduce O'Hare flight delays MELANIE COFFEE, Associated Press Writer (07-28) 18:18 PDT CHICAGO (AP) -- Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta called Wednesday for a meeting between the Federal Aviation Administration and domestic airlines to cut down on flight delays at O'Hare International Airport, which he called "unacceptable." O'Hare is a key airline hub, and its delays affect flights around the country. FAA officials want to work with airline officials to reduce flights to alleviate congestion at the airport. "O'Hare's on-time performance is unacceptable and has a substantial ripp= le effect on our nation's aviation system," Mineta said in a statement. "It is critical that all O'Hare carriers set schedules that better match the airport's current capacity and keep passengers moving." A meeting was set for Aug. 4 at FAA headquarters in Washington. The airlines are not required to attend, but spokespeople from American and United said officials from their airlines plan to do so. According to the FAA, delays at O'Hare have reached historic levels. In May, O'Hare set a monthly record of about 14,500 delays. The number of delays in the first six months of 2004 was 58,600 -- more than the yearlong total for 2000, 2001 and 2002. FAA administrator Marion Blakey said the agency will also evaluate Chicago's $15 billion proposal to expand O'Hare. At the meeting, FAA officials will meet with each carrier to find out their reduction goals. Airlines will submit recommendations for flight reductions by Aug. 11. The FAA will later publish an order on reductions at O'Hare that will be effective for up to six months. New powers granted by Congress to the FAA in November 2003 allow the transportation secretary to call such a meeting to reduce air-traffic congestion. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2004 AP