Why in the hell do we have to sell slots??

Is this Schumer coming to Jetblues defense? Whats jetblue going to give up in JFK? From each according to his ability to each according to his unearned wants.


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Delta responds to DOT ruling on New York slot transaction
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February 9, 2010

Delta expressed disappointment Tuesday in a proposed ruling by the U.S. Department of Transportation on a previously announced slot transaction with US Airways at New York-LaGuardia and Washington-Reagan National airports.

“Delta and US Airways are disappointed in the DOT’s decision that, if implemented, would negatively impact the consumer and economic benefits created by the proposed transaction by divesting 16% of the transaction at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and 33% of the transaction at Washington-National,” the airlines said in a joint statement. “Chief among those benefits is the ability for both airlines to maintain and add new nonstop service between two of America’s top business markets and small- and medium-sized communities across the United States.

“We appreciate the thousands of employees, customers and elected and community leaders who have voiced their support for our transaction. However, we expect that if this order is implemented as proposed the transaction will not go forward and significant consumer benefits will never be realized. Both airlines will review the DOT’s proposed rulemaking to determine our next steps.”

In August, US Airways agreed to transfer 125 operating slot pairs at LaGuardia to Delta. In exchange, Delta agreed to transfer 42 operating slot pairs to US Airways at Washington-National.

Since October, Delta employees have sent nearly 14,000 e-mails and letters to members of Congress as well as the DOT, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Obama administration, urging support for the transaction.

The public will have 30 days to comment on the proposed ruling, after which the DOT will issue a final decision.