Boeing and Airbus warn US over 5G safety concerns

Boeing and Airbus, two of the world’s biggest airplane makers are warning the US over 5G safety concerns. Here’s all you need to know about the delay in rolling out the new services.

5G and airplanes: Not a good combination?

AT&T and Verizon, the US telecom giants are getting ready to deploy 5G services on January 5, 2022. However, in a letter to the US government, top executives from Boeing and Airbus are warning that the new tech can have “an enormous negative impact on the aviation industry”. Previously, several concerns were raised over 5G’s C-Band spectrum and interference with aircraft electronics. Additionally, both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the aviation industry have raised concerns. Potentially, 5G and sensitive aircraft equipment like the radio altitude meters may interfere.

“Airbus and Boeing have been working with other aviation industry stakeholders in the US to understand potential 5G interference with radio altimeters. An aviation safety proposal to mitigate potential risks has been submitted for consideration to the US Department of Transportation,” stated Airbus.

What do the airlines’ companies say?

“5G interference could adversely affect the ability of aircraft to safely operate,” said Dave Calhoun and Jeffrey Knittel. The bosses of Boeing and Airbus wrote a joint letter to Pete Buttigieg, the US Transportation Secretary. Earlier this month, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive. The directive is a warning about possible 5G interference and how they can result in the diversion of flights. However, the FAA promised to reveal more information before January 5.

CTIA, a US wireless industry group revealed that 5G is completely safe. The group added that the aviation industry is distorting the facts. “A delay will cause real harm. Pushing back deployment one year would subtract $50bn in economic growth, just as our nation recovers and rebuilds from the pandemic,” said Meredith Attwell Baker. Baker is the chief executive officer of CTIA. However, the question about 5G safety still linkers. After all, the airlines cite research led by Airlines for America revealing the truth about what would happen if the FAA’s 5G rules were in effect in 2019. Moreover, about 5,400 cargo flights and, 345,000 passenger flights would face cancellations, diversions or, delays. 

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