ATA supports court decision to stay New York slot auctions.
Press Release Summary:
ATA applauds U.S. Court of Appeals ruling on motions for stay of auction rules filed by ATA, Continental Airlines, and Port Authority of NY and NJ. Order prohibits DOT from auctioning slots at 3 major New York airports unless and until court formally considers and rules on merits of case. According to James C. May, ATA President and CEO, this is a win for passengers, as auctions would have resulted in higher fares, less service, and confiscation of airline property.
Original Press Release:
Air Transport Association Applauds Appeals Court Decision To Stay New York Slot Auctions
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2008 - The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Court of Appeals ruling on the motions for a stay of the auction rules filed by the Air Transport Association, Continental Airlines and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The order prohibits the Department of Transportation from auctioning slots at the three major New York airports unless and until the court formally considers and rules on the merits of the case.
"We are pleased that the U.S. Court of Appeals today recognized the irreparable harm that auctions would have caused passengers. The Court's ruling puts a firm halt to the Department of Transportation's ill-advised, illogical auction scheme," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "This is a clear win for passengers, as the Department was stopped from proceeding with an ideological experiment that would have resulted in higher fares, less service and a confiscation of airline property."
ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information about the industry, visit www.airlines.org.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Merida
202-626-4205
Victoria Day
202-626-4141
