ATA sues FAA

You could see it coming:

The FAA, citing the New York City airports as a significant cause of airport delays across the U.S., proposed an auction of take off and landing slots to reduce their number.

The Air Transport Association and the airport authority responded with harsh criticism for the idea, and even threatening to refuse landing to any flight on an auctioned slot.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) announced that the Department of Transportation will not be allowed to auction takeoff and landing slots. (FAA Airport Slot Auctions Illegal. Now What?)

Then the DOT announced the auction will proceed. (US DOT: New York slot auctions to begin in January.)

Now, the ATA announces ATA Sues FAA to Invalidate Slot Auctions Rules:

ATA has sued FAA in federal court to invalidate two slot auction rules, one rule for LGA and another for both JFK and EWR. ATA’s law suit challenges FAA’s claim that slots are agency property that can be leased or otherwise disposed of under FAA’s general property management authority. ATA will seek a stay of the auction planned for early January. (October 14, 2008)

Look for this to play out in the coming months - probably largely in the press.