FAA gives all clear for new data, e-mail system to relay changes in flight plans

Washington

THE scratchy and time-consuming radio transmissions that pilots use to communicate route changes before taking off from airports may soon be a thing of the past for some airlines.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is giving the go-ahead for a new data and e-mail system that allows tower controllers and airplanes sitting on the tarmac to relay requests and instructions for flight plans. It is being touted as one of the most significant improvements to the US air traffic system, with promises of unclogging airports, saving airlines money and reducing emissions.