December 5, 2008

Planning to fly sometime this winter?

Just wonderful -- from USA Today:
De-icer shortage threatens flights
The federal government is warning airlines that flights could face disruptions this winter because of a severe shortage of a chemical used to keep runways free from snow and ice.

A 99-day strike by Canadian potash mine workers forced companies to halt production of runway de-icing fluid. Potash is a form of potassium, a primary de-icing ingredient.

Spokesmen at large airports that frequently become snowbound vowed to keep flights moving by using alternate chemicals. Even if air travel does not face interruptions, the shortage will cost cash-strapped airports millions of dollars in higher costs and the alternative chemicals cause greater environmental problems, according to the Airports Council International and the American Association of Airport Executives.
The article mentions that one company produced nine million gallons of de-icer last year but only has materials for two to three million this year. Posted by DaveH at December 5, 2008 11:14 AM
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