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The basics:

• United reports record on-time performance at Newark airport
• 6M+ passengers flew on-time through EWR this summer
• Airline plans expanded routes to serve 160+ destinations from NJ
• United to hire 2,500 new employees, introduce sustainable aviation fuel

At a Sept. 16 event at Newark Liberty International Airport, United Airlines highlighted what it says was its best operational summer ever at EWR.

As NJBIZ reported, a confluence of events this spring – including air traffic control staffing challenges, technology outages and runway construction – resulted in a spate of delays and cancellations out of the Essex County depot, which enraged and inconvenienced travelers.

United CEO Scott Kirby said that because of efforts by federal officials, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and United employees, bookings and customer confidence in flying through EWR have bounced back.

“Newark is operating better than ever, and United’s future here is bright – that’s a credit to the thousands of Newark employees who deliver for our customers and one another every day,” said Kirby. “I want to also thank [Transportation] Secretary [Sean] Duffy, FAA Administrator Bedford, Gov. Murphy and all the national, state and local leaders who helped ensure that Newark remains a safe and reliable crown jewel for millions of domestic and international travelers.”

To ease the congestion, the Federal Aviation Administration has tentatively limited flights out of EWR to 72 per hour through next summer. The agency first limited them to 68 per hour in May, down from a high of 86.

Kirby says the airport’s performance puts it on par with John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport for on-time performance. He noted that United flights out of EWR arrived on-time more often this summer than flights operated by airlines out of JFK or LGA.

Key things to know:

• More than 6 million people flew United on-time through EWR this summer — the most in the airline’s history
• This fall and winter, United plans to serve more than 160 domestic and international destinations from EWR — more than any other airline the New York City region
  • Will also add more flights to popular cities as well as serving new cities
• EWR had more international departures (over 20,000) and more departures to Europe (more than 8,200) than any other United hub
• United currently employs more than 14,000 people in the region, including over 3,000 pilots at its pilot base and upwards of 5,700 flight attendants
  • The carrier aims to hire an additional 2,500 employees by the end of next year
• Airline will be the first to bring sustainable aviation fuel to EWR

Partnering for progress

In a press release, Gov. Phil Murphy noted millions of passengers each year rely on EWR for their travel needs.

“Over the past several months, we have worked diligently with our partners at the Port Authority and the FAA to move toward a return to full capacity at Newark Airport, and I am pleased with our progress,” said Murphy. “United’s continued investment in Newark Airport will serve as a significant economic driver for our region, creating thousands of new jobs for New Jersey communities.”

As the FAA and DOT implement their plan of increased staffing and improved technology, the reliability and on-time performance of Newark will only get better.
— ScottKirby, CEO, United

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford highlighted the efforts being made at the federal level.

“We’re building a brand-new air traffic control system, and we started by addressing the challenges of outdated technology at Newark,” said Bedford. “This summer, the FAA took immediate action to relieve substantial inconveniences to the traveling public – deploying a temporary satellite backup system, upgrading fiberoptic technology, expanding high-bandwidth telecommunications, increasing controller staff, and limiting arrivals and departures.

“Through strong partnerships with the Port Authority and United, we made significant progress this summer.”

Kirby added, “As the FAA and DOT [Department of Transportation] implement their plan of increased staffing and improved technology, the reliability and on-time performance of Newark will only get better.”

“I thank United CEO Scott Kirby for his partnership in supporting our region’s world-class transportation infrastructure,” said Murphy.