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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Businesses Fight to Keep Corporate Flight Info Private

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(Newser) – Business execs who jet around in private planes are fighting to keep their flights secret, reports ProPublica. After a freedom-of-information request from ProPublica, the FAA agreed to change policy and reveal which businesses are allowed to keep their flight records out of public databases. Before the information came out, however, a group of corporate jet users won a temporary restraining order. A judge will now hear from both sides.

"We can't imagine why the list of companies that want to keep the movements of their aircraft a secret should itself be a secret," said a ProPublica executive. The group looked into the issue after the brouhaha that erupted when the CEOs of automakers flew to DC on private jets. When GM then asked the FAA to keep its flight records private, ProPublica wondered how many other companies already enjoy the privelege. Execs argue that they need to keep their trips a secret to protect their business interests.

Should businesses be allowed to keep their flight records out of public databases? A judge will soon decide.
Should businesses be allowed to keep their flight records out of public databases? A judge will soon decide.   (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)
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All the flights within the national airspace are using resources being paid for by everyone since it's publicly funded. It's a freedom of information and transparency issue to us. - Mark Duell, vice president of air traffic
Web site FlightAware.com.

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7 comments
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Snarfeh
Jun 17, 09 8:21 PM CDT
"Execs argue that they need to keep their trips a secret to protect their business interests." Bullshit. Reply
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Doctor_Zaius
Jun 17, 09 9:03 PM CDT
I wonder how many of their "Business Interests" are down in the vicinity of the Moonlight Bunny Ranch? Reply
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MrBisme
Jun 17, 09 9:49 PM CDT
Or maybe they just don't want to arm a business demonizing news outlet like ProPublica. Typically, major corporations create business models to justify major purchases. If anyone disagrees with these models, don't invest in that company. This trend of demonizing the "haves" isn't sustainable. Reply
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oldgoat
Jun 18, 09 1:19 AM CDT
It isn't demonizing to have people know these business models. It is more like just what are the real uses of these planes. Do we really need to buy several jets or maybe one less or maybe even just a time share? Hard to make a investment decision when the facts are hidden from you. Reply
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radnip
Jun 18, 09 4:52 AM CDT
They're rich. They need their private jets, right? Just like workers can live with under $20k a year, but executives hurt at $1 mil a year. Poor babies. Reply
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Freedom of Information Act • businesses • business travelers • ProPublica • corporate jets

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