Controllers and the ALPA try to rain on Eclipse's Parade

You probably noticed the announcement that Eclipse Aviation would be pursuing their single engine jet concept late last week. While it's probably no real surprise since folks like Cirrus and Piper are already moving into the market, what peaked my interest was the reaction that the controller and airline pilots union's were having. Both are voicing concerns about congestion, presumably caused by "swarms" of VLJ's clogging the airway system. They cite slower cruise and climb numbers as there source, but neither interviewee had seen any issues to date. In fact the controller in the article mentions that they've had no issues in FL where Air Taxi operator DayJet has been flying for a while now.

Another issue raised is a concern about safety requirements for current VLJ's, noting that the FAA is in the process of developing an update to the FAR's to catch up in this area. It seems like much of this criticism is posturing, neither have the facts to illustrate a clear picture that VLJ's will affect the air traffic system. In fact the opposing viewpoint asserts that they may be able to provide relief by using less crowded airports and airways. Of course the airlines aren't going to support these developments, to do so would mean admitting their own shortfalls. The controllers, however, seem to represent a legitimate concern but I doubt this interview was the right place to do it. It smells of the airlines posturing to defend their customer base, but I'd imagine this won't be the last we're going to hear about it.