Trump to talk security, air-traffic control With Airline Chiefs

President Donald Trump will discuss airport security, airline fees, regulation and an overhaul of the nation’s air-traffic-control system when he meets with the leaders of the nation’s biggest carriers Thursday, a White House official said. The president’s Jan. 27 order barring US entry for refugees and visitors from seven predominantly Muslim countries isn’t on the agenda, the official said. A federal appeals court is considering whether to reinstate the ban, after it was temporarily blocked by a federal judge Feb. 3. Airlines are the latest US industry to have its bosses called to the White House following meetings with car companies, drugmakers and banks. Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said last month he was “hopeful” the new administration would take up tax and regulatory changes as well as infrastructure investment, particularly in modernizing air traffic control. “The airline industry listening session breakfast is an opportunity for the president and his team to hear directly from the individuals who work day in and day out to improve consumer experience in air travel,” said Lindsay Walters, a White House spokeswoman. Executives from Delta, United Continental and Southwest are set to attend, along with counterparts from smaller airlines such as JetBlue and Alaska Air. Freight giants United Parcel Service and FedEx will be there, as will officials from airports in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles and smaller cities such as Nashville, Tennessee, and Buffalo, New York. Trade groups Airlines for America and Airports Council International will go as well.<br/>