*

Air traffic controllers would keep working but not be paid

*

NTSB would still be able to launch new air accident

investigations

*

Airline trade group warns shutdown will reduce efficiency,

could

impact travelers

(Adds NTSB details in paragraphs 5-6)

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Sept 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation

Department said on Tuesday more than 11,000 employees at the

Federal Aviation Administration, about a quarter of its staff,

would be furloughed if government funding lapses.

U.S. airlines have warned that a partial federal government

shutdown at midnight (0400 GMT) could strain American aviation

and slow flights, as air traffic controllers and security

officers would be forced to work without pay and other functions

would be halted.

With an eye on keeping the skies safe, more than 13,000

current air traffic controllers would be required to continue

working, but would not be paid until the shutdown ended, the FAA

said.

The FAA is about 3,800 controllers short of targeted

staffing levels, but even if government funding is halted, the

FAA would continue hiring and training air traffic controllers.

During prior government shutdowns, the FAA suspended hiring and

most training of air traffic controllers.

The National Transportation Safety Board said about 25%

of its 400 employees would be furloughed but it would still be

able to launch new investigations into air accidents and other

incidents and continue its probe into the January 29 mid-air

collision between an American Airlines ( AAL ) regional jet and

Army helicopter that killed 67 people.

The NTSB will retain far more employees than during

prior shutdowns when it had to furlough 90% or more of its

workers. In 2019, the agency did not send investigators to 22

accidents because of the funding lapse. But it made the case to

White House budget officials that it needed more personnel for

critical functions.

About 50,000 Transportation Security Administration

employees who staff airport security checkpoints would also be

required to keep working, but would not be paid.

In 2019, during a 35-day shutdown, the number of absences by

controllers and TSA officers rose as workers missed paychecks,

extending checkpoint wait times at some airports. Authorities

were forced to slow air traffic in New York, which put pressure

on lawmakers to quickly end the standoff.

Airline trade group Airlines for America, which represents

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines ( DAL ), American

Airlines ( AAL ), Southwest Airlines ( LUV ) and others, warned

that if funding lapses, "the system may need to slow down,

reducing efficiency" and impacting travelers.

U.S. Travel Association, which represents airlines, hotels,

car rental firms and other travel companies, said a partial U.S.

government shutdown would cost the U.S. travel sector $1 billion

per week.

The FAA has about 45,000 employees. In total, the

Transportation Department would furlough 12,200 employees out of

53,717, including the FAA.

The FAA said certification activities would continue for

operational safety functions of commercial airplanes and

engines, as well as commercial space launch oversight and

licensing.