Air Transport Association Says DOT Slot Auction Decision Leaves Airlines No Choice But to Pursue Court Challenge

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today responded to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) decision to proceed with the auction of slots at three primary New York-area airports, calling the idea ill-conceived and one that will result in a lengthy and costly legal challenge.

"The DOT decision patently defies the recommendation of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), as well as the will of Congress, by attempting to move forward with an illegal auction of airport slots. Rather than needlessly forcing a costly and protracted legal challenge over an ideological experiment, DOT should follow the recommendations made by the New York Aviation Rulemaking Committee and implement fair and practical solutions to address delays and add needed new capacity," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "The Secretary of Transportation's own group of key stakeholders has proposed a clear set of solutions, while rejecting the idea of auctions. It is past time to act on those recommendations."

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.