FAA Delays Implementation of New Rest Requirements for Controllers after Union Discussions

In response to the original announcement made by FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker on April 19 regarding new rest requirements for air traffic controllers, the FAA has decided to postpone their implementation. According to FAA Air Traffic Organization Chief Operating Officer Timothy Arel, this decision follows discussions between the agency and the controllers’ union aimed at reaching a mutual understanding on how to implement the new rest periods leading up to 2025. The goal is to develop a joint strategy for implementing these changes either by the end of 2025 or earlier if deemed feasible. The new rules, which require controllers to have ten hours off between shifts and twelve hours off before starting a midnight shift, were initially set to come into force within 90 days. However, this timeline has now been pushed back as the FAA engages in further consultations with the controllers’ union. The exact reason behind the delay was not disclosed by the spokesperson for Boeing, who confirmed that two planes undergoing conversion work would be delivered later than anticipated.