JetBlue Gets Dough For Fast Lane

Yesterday the feds gave over $4M to NYC-based JetBlue so that the airline can transition away from ground radar and towards using GPS for its flights from JFK to Florida and the Caribbean. The new system means JetBlue flights so equipped will be shorter and faster.

Years in the planning, the system known as NextGen is expected to deliver an unprecedented level of precision that the FAA says will relieve air traffic congestion, allow more direct routing on flights, reduce flight delays and promote fuel efficiency. "This is just good business, really, independent of the FAA investment," JetBlue Airways chief executive Dave Barger said Thursday. "I'll be delighted to make the rest of the investment."

All commercial aircraft are required to be on the new system by 2020.