Airline coalition opposes HR 831 legislation

Air Transport Association of America and the Association of European Airlines, as part of a broad coalition of aviation industry stakeholders, urged (23-Mar-09) US political leaders to oppose legislation brought forward by Representative James Oberstar, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. According to the coalition, the bill would "sunset" existing international airline alliances by withdrawing previously granted rights for carriers to participate in alliances. In addition, the coalition stated that terminating antitrust immunity "will have a harsh impact on airline employees and cause a ripple effect across the travel and tourism industry."