Trump demands swift agreement for airline bailout
The airline industry reacted with disappointment then renewed hope after two contradictory tweets from President Trump within hours
The industry responded to Trump’s tweet calling off Covid bailout negotiations until after the election with dismay, but there remains a glimmer of hope.
In typical Trump style, he later tweeted lawmakers should actually approve a standalone airline bill to safeguard jobs – and do it fast.
"The House & Senate should IMMEDIATELY Approve 25 Billion Dollars for Airline Payroll Support," he said.
"We have to hold out that hope. Time already ran out for US airlines and many of our employees, yet there is hope that our leaders in Washington will act and save these jobs before it’s too late to turn back the clock," said Airlines for America CEO, Nicholas Calio.
Airlines had been pushing hard for a deal in Congress to extend the airline Payroll Support Program to save tens of thousands of jobs.
It passed another $2.2 trillion aid package that included airline relief last week but that was rejected by the White House and the Senate.
"There is wide, bipartisan support in providing assistance to our industry and we will continue to do everything we can to urge leaders in Washington to pass legislation that will save airline jobs," a United Airlines spokesperson said.
American Airlines said: "The past week has dealt a crushing blow to the American Airlines team and the aviation industry, and we were hopeful that overwhelming bipartisan support for the Payroll Support Program would result in immediate action to protect jobs,"
"We will continue to make the case in Washington that action is needed to help workers across the country."
Most airlines have said they will bring back workers just sent on furlough if PSP is agreed and signed off.
Southwest, which doesn’t plan to cut jobs, said it would reverse its planned salary cuts.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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