United Airlines Newark Nightmare: Is it Time to Send Air Traffic Controllers to the Metaverse?

Connecting People Delaying Flights?

Alright folks Zuck here. So I see United Airlines is having a bit of a *situation* at Newark. Flights are being canceled left and right passengers are fuming and CEO Scott Kirby is pointing fingers at the FAA. Sounds like someone needs a good dose of... well maybe not a poke but definitely a status update! Let's be real I know a thing or two about connecting people but apparently connecting planes is proving a tad more challenging. Maybe they need to upgrade to the Metaverse and just teleport everyone directly to their destinations. Imagine no more jet lag just instant arrival! We could call it... Meta portation.

The FAA's 'Move Fast and Break Things' Approach

Kirby's saying 20% of Newark's air traffic controllers basically 'walked off the job' after some tech meltdowns. Twenty percent! That's like if a fifth of my Metaverse avatars suddenly developed a glitch and started moonwalking through virtual board meetings. He says the FAA told him Newark airport 'cannot handle the number of planes'. It’s like telling me I can't handle another all nighter coding session... which admittedly might be true these days. I get the feeling the FAA is operating with a 'move fast and break things' mentality... Except you know the 'things' are airplanes and the 'breaking' part is really inconvenient.

Hack a Thon for Air Traffic Control?

Apparently the FAA is suggesting staffing issues were to blame for the delays at Newark. The Transportation Department is offering incentives to ease the staffing shortages. Look I'm no airline guru (I leave that to the Kirbys of the world) but maybe it's time to bring in some Silicon Valley magic. What about a hack a thon to solve these air traffic control problems? We could get the best and brightest coders feed them energy drinks and pizza and have them build a better system in 72 hours. I mean worked for Facebook right? Just kidding kidding... mostly.

Is it time to build AI Powered Skies?

United is pushing the FAA to establish flight restrictions at Newark similar to LaGuardia and Reagan. It also appears that FAA moved air traffic controllers to Philadelphia. Feels like they're just shifting the problem not solving it. You know sometimes I think about how AI could solve all this. Imagine AI powered skies perfectly orchestrated flight paths zero delays. Sure it sounds a little Skynet ish but hey at least you'd get to your destination on time. And think of the efficiency! We could use that extra time to I don't know build more Metaverse experiences or something.

Virtual Reality Flight Simulators: The Future of Training?

The Transportation Department is apparently now offering new incentives to help alleviate staffing shortages of air traffic controllers a problem that has persisted for years and worsened during training pauses amid the Covid 19 pandemic. Maybe VR flight simulators for training? I'm just spitballing here but imagine air traffic controllers honing their skills in a realistic risk free environment. Plus it'd be a lot cooler than staring at radar screens all day.

Stay Tuned More Updates to Come (Maybe in the Metaverse)

United is waiving change fees and fare differences for affected customers. That's... something I guess. In the meantime I'll be over here working on connecting the world in new and exciting ways. And who knows maybe one day we'll be able to fly without even leaving our couches. Until then buckle up be patient and try not to take it out on the flight attendants. They're just as frustrated as you are. And remember: 'The biggest risk is not taking any risk...' except maybe when it comes to air travel. Then maybe play it safe. Peace out!