Frontier CEO Barry Biffle has called for tighter restrictions on private aircraft operations during periods of heavy air traffic, arguing that private flights can worsen delays and lead to cancellations for scheduled airlines.
In a LinkedIn post last week, Biffle wrote that when airlines file flight plans in line with their schedules, private jet operators often submit earlier departure times to gain priority.
“A private jet wants to leave at the same time. … They and we know we will likely get a ground delay program of two or three hours,” he said. “The PJ simply files for an earlier time and then gets to leave when they wanted to leave once they get the delay program.”
He added that such practices can leave airlines without viable operating windows. “Sadly, airlines often end up having to cancel because these delays stack up and time out our crews,” Biffle wrote.
The Frontier chief said he plans to meet with the Federal Aviation Administration to discuss potential solutions, suggesting that limits on private aircraft movements during peak travel periods could help reduce disruptions for commercial passengers.
In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Biffle thanked industry peers and travelers who had reached out in response to his comments. “It’s time to stop cancelling people’s flights just because we don’t organize the airport and airspace usage,” he wrote, reiterating his call for what he described as “common sense” management of the national airspace system.
