Airlines cancelled more than 2,800 flights and delayed more than 10,200 on the third day of government-mandated flight cuts due to rising air traffic control staffing shortages, after thousands of delays and cancellations snarled traffic on November 8.

The government shutdown, which lasted for a record 40 days, has led to shortages of air traffic controllers who, like other federal employees, have not been paid for weeks.

“It’s only going to get worse… the two weeks before Thanksgiving, you’re going to see air travel be reduced to a trickle. Many of them are not going to be able to get on an aeroplane because there are not going to be that many flights that fly if this thing doesn’t open back up,” Duffy said on CNN’s “State of the Union” programme.

And the timing of the disruption couldn’t have been worse, as it coincided with the run-up to Thanksgiving, one of the most important US holidays, which this year falls on November 27. Millions of people usually travel during the national holiday.

Although the US Senate has voted to advance a bill to end the government shutdown, the issue here is that despite the bill’s passage, it must be approved by the House of Representatives and sent to President Donald Trump for his signature, a process that could take several days. While talking about the administration’s plan to deal with the ongoing aviation crisis, Duffy said that his department is not planning to revoke the flight cuts until controllers begin returning to work and safety data improves.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already instructed airlines to cut 4% of daily flights at 40 major airports due to safety concerns with air traffic control. Flights are mandated to be reduced to 6% on November 11, then to 10% by November 14. The staffing issue has been seen at 12 air traffic control towers.

American Airlines urged quick approval of the Senate bill, noting that for 40 days, “federal aviation workers haven’t been paid and our customers have endured thousands of delays and cancellations due to the government shutdown.” Many airlines have already planned their cancellations for the coming days. United Airlines, for example, will cut 190 flights on Monday and 269 on Tuesday, the company told Reuters.

As per Duffy, a growing number of controllers have retired since the beginning of the federal shutdown on October 1. The FAA is 1,000 to 2,000 controllers short of full staffing.

“I paid experienced controllers to stay on the job and not retire. I used to have about four controllers retire a day before the shutdown… now up to 15 to 20 a day are retiring,” the Transportation Secretary noted.

Some 1,550 flights were cancelled and 6,700 were delayed on November 8, up from 1,025 cancellations and 7,000 delayed flights the day before.

Airline officials privately said the number of delay programmes made it nearly impossible to schedule and plan many flights and expressed alarm about how the system would function if staffing issues worsen. The crisis will have its far-reaching impacts on the broader American economy, said White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett.

“Thanksgiving time is one of the hottest times of the year for the economy… and if people aren’t travelling at that moment, then we really could be looking at a negative quarter for the fourth quarter,” he told the CBS show “Face the Nation.”

Trade association and lobbying group Airlines for America, which represents major carriers, said staffing issues had disrupted more than four million passengers’ travel plans since October 1, when the shutdown began. The body estimates the ongoing crisis to have a daily economic impact of USD 285–580 million.

The cuts include about 700 flights from the four largest carriers: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. As the government shutdown continues, some 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners are working without pay.

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This post will go through some of the highest-paid positions in the transportation industry, with a competitive salary and various extra perks.

Pilot

Accomplishing tasks safely, quickly, and efficiently is a prerequisite for becoming a pilot. Also, you must remain professional and self-assured during stressful situations. Compensation and perks differ significantly according to the business scope, amount of expertise, and nature of flying tasks.

Being a pilot offers a profession full of unique rewards, making it one of the highest-paying positions in the transportation sector. It also necessitates a sizable time and financial commitment. The job options and promotional opportunities are infinite after one becomes a pilot.

Air Traffic Controller

Becoming an air traffic controller is one of the greatest paid careers in transportation, with job stability and a comprehensive benefits package. Air traffic controllers must prepare weather reports, coordinate takeoffs and landings, monitor aircraft movements, communicate instructions to pilots, and ensure airspace safety.

Before hiring a candidate, the employer needs a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate upon completing examinations. The occupation calls for extreme efforts to ensure passenger safety and can earn yearly earnings of up to six figures.

Marine Engineer

Another top-paid career in transportation is that of a marine engineer. Their duties may include designing, building, and maintaining engines that can propel any ship over any ocean, from luxury boats to tankers. Also, their role is to verify that the vessels’ crucial equipment, such as the electrical and boiler systems, is operating effectively and safely. This is a critical duty that guarantees the safety of everyone on board a vessel. In addition to having excellent technical capabilities, this line of work calls for those who can think quickly and improvise under duress. The first line of defence against ever-changing shocks on the open sea will be expert marine engineers in high demand worldwide.

Logistics Supervisor

Another lucrative position is that of a logistics manager. They manage every step of the supply chain, from purchasing raw materials and finished items to distributing them to clients. Complex problem-solving abilities, data analysis experience, knowledge of shipping choices, and a grasp of global rules are all necessary for logistics managers.

In addition, they are responsible for answering customer enquiries regarding orders and shipments, developing package tracking systems, keeping important stakeholders informed of order progress, and identifying the most cost-effective ways to get products while guaranteeing efficient storage and delivery. One of the highest-paying positions in transportation is that of a logistics manager. Professionals in this category earn an average annual income of approximately USD 74,000.

Truck Driver

Truck driving requires long hours, exposure to hazardous weather and arduous journeys on some of the worst road conditions, and the ability to complete product shipments on time. As a result, drivers must exercise exceptional judgment while carefully adhering to the law, controlling their cars on rough terrain, and working to ensure that their loads are delivered without incident and on time. Also, these professionals frequently need to engage in excellent client interactions.

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with endorsements for Hazmat, Tankers, and Double/Triple Trailers is required for truck driver employment.

Train Engineer

Candidates for these roles need to be well-versed in sophisticated computer systems, apart from being able to interpret vehicle blueprints and control the mechanical systems onboard locomotives/wagons. In addition to monitoring all the daily operations, railway engineers must remain updated with new legislation/technology in their field of expertise.

Railway engineers are responsible for ensuring passengers have safe, punctual, and economical travels. Nonetheless, in many nations, this profession is compensated well.

Bus Driver/Transit Operator

Bus drivers and transit operators ensure that hundreds and thousands of people reach their destinations daily. These committed professionals offer a vital service to everyone who relies on public transit, from picking up morning commuters at underground stations to dropping off children at school.

A driver must also possess excellent customer service skills to make the passengers’ rides secure and pleasurable. Driving a big car on a crowded highway or road takes expertise, attention, and responsibility. These drivers must also be able to manage disputes and complaints from passengers in a demanding setting while maintaining stringent deadlines.

Shipping & Receiving Clerk

These professionals are responsible for creating purchase orders, bills of lading, shipping paperwork, records of arriving and departing items, and more. A shipping and receiving clerk needs to be well-organized, meticulous, practical and educated about all elements of shipping. They are in charge of ensuring that goods and commodities are being carried safely to their destination.

The post Want to make a career in transportation? Here are the best-paying jobs appeared first on International Finance.