Carriers including Emirates are set to resume B777 operations to and from key US airports, following the delayed rollout of new 5G networks and the lifting of some restrictions by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
US airlines had warned earlier this week that that the imminent launch of 5G services could leave a significant number of widebody aircraft unusable, due to the risk of interference with aircraft electronics.
AT&T and Verizon had been due to fully switch on their C-Band 5G services across the US this week, leading to carriers including Emirates suspending services to airports including Chicago, Orlando, Miami, Dallas Fort Worth, Seattle, New York Newark, Houston, San Francisco and Boston.
Other airlines including British Airways and ANA had also been impacted by the move.
But in statement Emirates said that “As a result of telecommunication operators delaying the roll-out of 5G networks around US airports, the US Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing have issued formal notifications that lift the previous restriction on aircraft operations, enabling Emirates to safely restore full scheduled operations to all its US destinations by Saturday”.
Verizon has also released a statement confirming that it had “voluntarily decided to limit our 5G network around airports”, adding that “The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and our nation’s airlines have not been able to fully resolve navigating 5G around airports, despite it being safe and fully operational in more than 40 other countries”.
It’s not clear how long this delay will remain in place for, and meanwhile the FAA released the following statement on Wednesday (January 19):
“The FAA issued new approvals Wednesday that allow an estimated 62 percent of the US commercial fleet to perform low-visibility landings at airports where wireless companies deployed 5G C-band.
“The new safety buffer announced Tuesday around airports in the 5G deployment further expanded the number of airports available to planes with previously cleared altimeters to perform low-visibility landings. The FAA early Wednesday cleared another three altimeters.
“Even with these approvals, flights at some airports may still be affected. The FAA also continues to work with manufacturers to understand how radar altimeter data is used in other flight control systems. Passengers should check with their airlines for latest flight schedules.
“Airplane models with one of the five cleared altimeters include some Boeing 717, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, MD-10/-11 and Airbus A300, A310, A319, A320, A330, A340, A350 and A380 models.”
United Airlines welcomes the move, stating that “While we anticipate minor disruptions at some airports due to the remaining 5G restrictions, we’re pleased the Biden Administration reached a compromise with AT&T and Verizon to avoid mass cancellations across the aviation industry”.
But the carrier warned that “The federal government’s current 5G rollout plan will have a devastating impact on aviation, negatively affecting an estimated 1.25 million United passengers, at least 15,000 flights and much-needed goods and tons of cargo traveling through more than 40 of the largest airports in the country annually”.
“When deployed next to runways, the 5G signals could interfere with the key safety equipment that pilots rely on to take off and land in inclement weather,” the carrier continued.
“We won’t compromise on safety – full stop. But, governments in other countries have successfully designed policies to ensure the safe deployment of 5G technology and we’re simply asking the US government to do the same.
“Otherwise, the radio altimeters on certain aircraft, which provide information to other safety systems like autopilot, heads-up displays, terrain warning and pitch control, will be compromised and will result in significant restrictions on 787s, 777s, 737s and regional aircraft in major cities like Houston, Newark, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago.”
Meanwhile Delta’s EVP and chief of operations John Laughter, commented:
“We appreciate the decision to limit the rollout of this service near airports. We believe industries can grow, innovate and co-exist for the benefit of consumers. That’s why we’re continuing to work with the FAA, the FCC and the telecom industry to find a practical solution that will allow for the rollout of 5G technology while preserving safety and avoiding flight disruptions.”
The carrier also said that it is “committed to proactively communicating with customers whenever possible about a cancellation or delay due to low visibility weather conditions that impact a 5G-affected airport”.
Emirates’ president Sir Tim Clark had previously referred to the 5G rollout as “one of the most delinquent, utterly irresponsible” episode in his career.
But in a more measured statement released today Clark said:
“We apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers by the temporary suspension of flights to some of our US destinations. Safety will always be our top priority, and we will never gamble on this front.
“We welcome the latest development which enables us to resume essential transport links to the US to serve travellers and cargo shippers. However, we are also very aware that this is a temporary reprieve, and a long-term resolution would be required. Emirates will continue to work closely with the aircraft manufacturers and relevant regulators to ensure the safety and continuity of our services.
“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding, and express appreciation to our teams and partners who have worked round the clock to minimise impact on customers and help us return to service quickly.”
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