FAA: Airlines, Airports have enough fuel
The Federal Aviation Administration has denied suggestions that the aviation industry is facing a fuel shortage as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
The Air Transport Association (ATA) said Thursday that some airports could run out of fuel in two weeks. “By then, we’d better have this problem rectified or we’ll have a serious problem,” said John Heimlich, chief economist for the ATA.
“Refineries that account for 13 percent of the daily production of jet fuel are out of service. Rising fuel costs could hurt airlines trying to emerge from or stay out of bankruptcy protection,” the ATA added.
The FAA responded in a statement issued the same day stating airports and airlines have enough jet fuel to support full commercial operations.
“Given that a number of major pipeline operators have now resumed operations, we believe the aviation industry will not face any immediate disruptions relating to the supply of jet fuel,” the FAA said.