Newark's new air traffic control system could reduce delays

— -- Newark Liberty, one of the USA's most congested airports, says it will be the first major domestic airport to test a new navigation technology aimed at reducing flight delays. Ground Based Augmentation System uses global-positioning satellites to spot planes rather than the radar-based system currently in use. The airport says the system will enable planes to fly closer together without reducing safety.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has agreements with the Federal Aviation Administration and Continental Airlines to conduct demonstration tests, and the systems should be operational by the end of 2009, says spokesman Ron Marsico.

The Port Authority will pay Honeywell about $2.5 million to install and maintain the system. Continental, which is Newark's largest carrier, will spend about $1.1 million to equip 15 planes and to train pilots. The FAA has committed about $2.5 million to assess and expand the technology.

Airport art

•Dallas/Fort Worth

has erected a 10-ton, 26-foot-tall statute of the ancient Egyptian god Anubis, guide and protector of the dead. Located at DFW's Founders' Plaza, it's on display to celebrate "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" at the Dallas Museum of Art. The exhibit runs through May 17.

•Check out 'Miami Paradise,'

a painting by renowned pop artist Romero Britto. Located near Terminal E at Miami International, it is the inspiration for the airport's new, colorful employee uniforms, which will be introduced in 2009.

New at airports:

•Officials at Seattle-Tacoma

have temporarily suspended construction on a $400 million consolidated rental car facility, citing the downturn in the credit market that has made selling bonds difficult. The decision suspends the project for up to one year until long-term financing can be found.

The decision comes less than two months after the Port of Seattle Commission voted to use $20 million in general airport funds to keep the project on schedule for a few more months, hoping for economic conditions to improve.