WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, was informed today that American Airlines, which is in the process of merging with U.S. Airways, will maintain direct service between Washington, D.C. and Maine for the Bangor International Airport and Portland International Jetport. Tomorrow, Senator Collins will meet with American Airlines CEO Doug Parker to discuss the specifics of the required divestiture of slots at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. as a result of the merger.
"I am very pleased that the newly formed American Airlines will continue these essential flights between our nation's capital and Portland and Bangor, two of Maine's largest cities. These flights are not only in high demand from consumers, but are also essential to business development and attraction and to Maine's critical tourism industry," Senator Collins said. "As I first explained to Mr. Parker when the airlines began this review, reductions in service can have a detrimental impact on small- and medium-sized airports like those in Maine, on surrounding local communities, and on consumers, by limiting options and increasing prices. I am grateful that the airline took these critically important factors into consideration when making this decision."
In November, Senator Collins, along with Senator Angus King, sent a letter to the CEOs of U.S. Airways and American Airlines expressing concerns over how a reduction in service could adversely impact Maine.