U.S. airlines seek help to defer China and other services
U.S. airlines say they cannot afford to fly new routes or maintain all flights to China and other countries that restrict access, but they still want to keep their rights to serve those destinations.
Carriers asked the Bush administration to preserve rights for two years, an unusually long time, while they scramble to reverse a financial nose dive blamed on expensive fuel prices.
“All U.S. airlines are being forced to re-evaluate the flights they offer to avert financial catastrophe,” the carriers wrote in a joint application to defer service.
“In the present emergency circumstances, the resources of the carriers and the (government) should be focused on preserving the air transportation system and the viability of U.S. carriers,” they said.
American Airlines, a unit of AMR Corp (AMR.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz); Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz); United Airlines, a unit of UAL Corp (UAUA.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz); US Airways Group Inc (LCC.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz); Continental Airlines Inc (CAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz); and Northwest Airlines Co (NWA.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) expect a decision soon from the Transportation Department.
They suggest others could fly the unused routes temporarily, but insiders say that would not happen pay day loan.
UNIQUE REQUEST
Privately held Spirit Airlines called the proposal an anti-competitive effort by bigger rivals to “deep-freeze” valuable routes while slashing other service.
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