A massive pandemic-relief measure approved in March set aside up to US$50 billion in cash and low-interest loans for the passenger airlines in the United States. American Airlines was the largest recipient — US$10.7 billion if a pending loan wins final approval from the U.S. Treasury Department. Passenger airlines and their labor unions are lobbying for an additional US$25 billion to keep paying workers and avoid furloughs through next March. The push by airlines and labor has received significant support in Washington. An American Airlines executive cited the stalemate in Washington for the airline’s decision to cut service to some destinations.

Source: The Standard August 21, 2020 04:34 UTC