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22-Jul-2011 9:36 AM

DOT proposes to grant Delta/US Airways slot waiver with conditions

US Department of Transportation (21-Jul-2011) is proposing to allow Delta Air Lines and US Airways to exchange some of their operating rights at Reagan Washington National Airport and LaGuardia Airport, if they can divest 24 slot pairs. Smaller carriers should get eight pairs of slots at Reagan national and 16 pairs at LaGuardia, in order to reduce the impact on competition and provide more opportunities for new-entrant carriers (Bloomberg, 21-Jul-2011). In 2009, the two carriers requested approval for a similar slot swap transaction at the two airports. The Department stated it would allow the swap only on the condition the carriers divest themselves of 14 pairs of daily slots at Reagan National and 20 pairs at LaGuardia. The Department is asking for public comment on its proposal to allow the carriers to exchange takeoff and landing rights at the two airports. Delta and US Airways issued the following statement:

Delta and US Airways: "Delta Air Lines and US Airways welcome the decision by the Department of Transportation to tentatively approve the proposed slot transaction at New York-LaGuardia and Washington-Reagan National airports. Upon final approval we intend to move forward with the plan, as conditioned by the department, which will enhance competition and allow the airlines to improve service, consumer choice, modernize facilities and create jobs at both airports." Source, Company statements, 21-Jul-2011. [more - DOT] [more - Delta and US Airways]

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