Part 9/13:
Regarding potential outcomes of the hearings, Swederman indicated that improvements in security and safety protocols could lead to adjustments in airline operations. For instance, a shift away from regional jets—which are more susceptible to weather issues and have higher safety risks—toward larger aircraft like Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s may materialize, driven by regulatory demands and safety concerns.
This shift could also lead to fewer flights with higher occupancy, thereby easing runway congestion and possibly reducing ticket prices. As airline capacity expands with larger aircraft, passengers may benefit from more consistent schedules, fewer delays, and lower fares—at least in the short term.