WASHINGTON, D.C.-In a phone call today with the CEO of U.S. Airways, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, urged the consideration of the potential impact that any reduction in service caused by the airline's proposed merger with American Airlines might have on small- and medium-sized airports in Maine and on the economies of local communities.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has reached an agreement with the airlines that would allow the proposed merger to proceed as long as the airlines divested certain takeoff and landing slots. Senators Collins and Angus King (I-Maine) have repeatedly urged federal and private officials to closely and carefully review the impact that a merger would have on Maine airports, particularly Portland International Jetport and Bangor International Airport.
"Today, I called Doug Parker, the current CEO of U.S. Airways who will be the CEO of the merged airline with American Airlines, to discuss the importance of maintaining direct flights between Portland and Bangor, Maine, and Washington," said Senator Collins. "I described the continuing support for these direct flights from the communities in the regions, business and recreational travelers, and the two airports. Not only is consumer demand for these flights strong, but also they are essential to business development and attraction and to Maine's tourism industry.
"Mr. Parker listened carefully and promised to consider these important factors as he makes the decisions necessary to comply with the Justice Department's mandate. While he emphasized that the analysis is ongoing, I am optimistic that he will fairly evaluate the case for continuing these vital flights. I will continue to keep in touch with him during the coming weeks as the decisions are made," continued Senator Collins.
Also, earlier this week, Senators Collins and King wrote to the CEO's of both U.S. Airways and American Airlines. The text of their letter is as follows:
Mr. Thomas W. HortonChairman, Chief Executive Officer and PresidentAMR CorporationP.O. Box 619616Dallas Fort Worth Airport, TX 75261-9616 Mr. W. Douglas ParkerChairman and Chief Executive OfficerUS Airways Group, Inc.111 West Rio Salado ParkwayTempe, AZ 85281Dear Mr. Horton and Mr. Parker,
We are writing to express our concern about the potential reduction in service to small- and medium-sized airports as a consequence of the proposed merger of American Airlines and US Airways. As you work with the U.S. Department of Justice to determine which slots will be divested, we urge you to consider carefully the impact on regional airports throughout the country, including those in Maine.
Officials from the City Council of Bangor, Maine, the Bangor International Airport, and the Portland International Jetport have informed us that a reduction of slots at Reagan National Airport could result in reduced flights to Bangor, Portland, and other small- to medium-sized communities throughout the country. These airports are a particularly important transportation link for Maine and other states that rely on tourism to help fuel their economy.
Maintaining direct access between small- and medium-sized communities and our nation's capital is important for facilitating commerce and tourism for residents, businesses, and visitors. As you conduct your review, we urge you to make the process transparent and to evaluate the consequences of slot divestiture on the economies of small- and medium-sized communities, like the Cities of Bangor and Portland, and the surrounding regions in Maine.