cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/26131439
Summary
The FAA is reportedly set to cancel a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon to modernize air traffic control communications and instead award it to Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Musk has publicly criticized Verizon’s system as failing, though without evidence. SpaceX employees have been embedded within the FAA, and some now have agency email addresses.
The move raises concerns about favoritism and conflicts of interest, especially as Musk’s companies have received $38 billion in government funding.
The contract transfer has not followed standard procedures, prompting resistance from senior FAA officials.
Have i already taken my last flight? I hate the process even when it’s ostensibly safe! Are airlines even on board with this? This is the industry that recently had the power to shorten covid sick time with a phone call…