DOT REOPENS NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM, CARGO TO MOVE AGAIN

DOT REOPENS NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM, CARGO TO MOVE AGAIN    U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta re-opened airports nationwide at 11 a.m. today, allowing private and commercial aviation — including air freight operations — to commence after a two-day hiatus.
   Airlines and passengers will be subject to strict security measures after Tuesday’s terrorist hijackings and crashes at New York's World Trade Center, the Pentagon and western Pennsylvania.
   “First of all, the cargo carriers are not being differentiated from the commercial passenger airliners,” Mineta said at a press conference in Washington. “There are certain requirements being put on them, in terms of security and safety measures. But they are back in the air again, effective 11 a.m.”
   The new security measures include a ban on curbside check-in for passengers, an increased presence of law enforcement officers and restricted access beyond screening areas.
   Mineta made the decision after meetings Wednesday with White House and Cabinet officials, Federal Aviation Administration administrator Jane Garvey, aviation industry leaders, and intelligence and law enforcement officials.
   “The reopening of our national airspace is good news for travelers, for the airlines and for our economy,” Mineta said.
   Mineta made the announcement with caution that new, stricter security measures will be in place. “There will be some inconveniences, but safety will be the first element of our system to be restored,” he said.