Only a matter of time.
 

Delta, US Airways to Seek Review of NYC Airport Ruling

US Airways Group Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc. will ask federal regulators to re-evaluate a ruling that led the carriers to drop a planned swap of takeoff and landing slots in New York and Washington.

The U.S. Transportation Department and Federal Aviation Administration should reconsider their decision on the slots in light of the pending merger of Southwest Airlines Co. and AirTran Holdings Inc. and other recent industry agreements, James Olson, a US Airways spokesman, said in an interview today.

Regulators’ demands that Delta and US Airways give rivals more access to New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport under their slot plan prompted the airlines to appeal the case in federal court in July. Delta sought to expand at LaGuardia, and US Airways at Reagan.

“We’re certainly going to highlight for the DOT and FAA the changes in the industry landscape and hope they’ll have an open mind about re-evaluating our transaction with Delta,” Olson said.

Anthony Black, a spokesman for Atlanta-based Delta, didn’t immediately reply to an e-mail requesting comment.

US Airways, based in Tempe, Arizona, also wants regulators to consider a March agreement by AMR Corp.’s American Airlines to swap slots with JetBlue Airways Corp. at New York’s Kennedy airport and Reagan National, as well as a plan by UAL Corp.’s United Airlines and Continental Airlines Inc. to lease slots at New Jersey’s Newark airport to Southwest, Olson said.

Southwest, AirTran Merger

The combination of Southwest and AirTran, announced Sept. 27, would give Southwest access to Reagan for the first time, letting it fly from all three major Washington-area airports, and would add to its service at LaGuardia. Southwest opposed the proposed US Airways-Delta slot swaps.

What this shows is that airlines “can enter markets through the buying and selling of slots,” Olson said. “There are a variety of market-oriented channels for airlines to gain access to the airports they want. The market allows competition to work.”

Southwest’s August agreement with United and Continental will add a second New York City-area airport to its network. Southwest, based in Dallas, agreed to lease space for 18 daily round trips at Newark, allowing Continental and United to allay U.S. antitrust concerns that could have delayed their pending merger. The two airlines expect the merger to close this week.

....As predicited:

EDIT: Never Mind, someone beat me to the punch.....

Quote:

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Delta, US Airways to Ask U.S. to Reconsider Ruling on New York Flight Swap

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Full article: Delta, US Airways to Seek Review of NYC Airport Ruling - Bloomberg

Mgq
 

Whats next MSP - MGQ......:eek:. OK. I kid, well not really.:D

I went to a meeting and there was a Delta network marking guy giving his presentation on future plans (just a overview) and he said the some of our most profitable routes are to some of the most corrupt (dangerous) nations.

So, I wouldn't be surprised to see MGQ (Mogadishu International Airport). Think about it, Minnesota is home to the largest settlement of Somalis outside of Africa.

Come to think about it, security maybe a problem.:rolleyes:

Think the original request will go through, and there will be no ruling on who owns the slots.

Thanks, trying a new upgrade to Fire Fox, thought that maybe screwing things up.

Well the choices are to route through Europe, adding 8-12 hours or so to the trip, or take an African carrier (many of which have horrible safety records, some, like South African, are fine).

They also have some of the greatest health risks (Malaria, Dengue Fever, etc.) yet there is no additional pay. This MUST be addressed in our next contract.

I agree, we are making some very good money flying these routes. I am glad these guys (network) are finding the routes to bring home the bacon.

DIRECT isn't the same as NONSTOP ;)

Cheers
George

+1, this needs to be addressed.