US: Airlines begin negotiations for coronavirus aid focused on front-line workers
More than a half-dozen US carriers have applied for federal relief money to help keep them running and their front-line workers on the job amid the unprecedented drop in airline traffic caused by the novel coronavirus. American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United are among the airlines that filed applications by the Friday deadline guaranteeing them fast consideration for their share of the $2t economic rescue package approved by Congress last month. Carriers will now work with the Treasury Department to negotiate the terms of a possible deal. A spokesman for Southwest confirmed that the carrier had submitted an application but, citing confidentiality around ongoing negotiations, said the airline would provide no additional details. “The applications are not public, and we are not at liberty to discuss the details as the next several days could involve conversations regarding the terms of an agreement,” a spokesman said. “This is a brand-new program and is happening very quickly so it would be difficult to speak to timing or details in process at this time.” In a statement that accompanied its Friday filing, United said the money would help protect the paychecks of more than 93,000 employees. Whether carriers applied for grants, loans or both was not clear. Delta and Alaska Airlines indicated in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that they applied only for grants. Southwest also said it had applied for grant money. The rescue law requires the Treasury Department to disclose any loans within 72 hours.<br/>
https://portal.staralliance.com/cms/news/hot-topics/2020-04-07/general/us-airlines-begin-negotiations-for-coronavirus-aid-focused-on-front-line-workers
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US: Airlines begin negotiations for coronavirus aid focused on front-line workers
More than a half-dozen US carriers have applied for federal relief money to help keep them running and their front-line workers on the job amid the unprecedented drop in airline traffic caused by the novel coronavirus. American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and United are among the airlines that filed applications by the Friday deadline guaranteeing them fast consideration for their share of the $2t economic rescue package approved by Congress last month. Carriers will now work with the Treasury Department to negotiate the terms of a possible deal. A spokesman for Southwest confirmed that the carrier had submitted an application but, citing confidentiality around ongoing negotiations, said the airline would provide no additional details. “The applications are not public, and we are not at liberty to discuss the details as the next several days could involve conversations regarding the terms of an agreement,” a spokesman said. “This is a brand-new program and is happening very quickly so it would be difficult to speak to timing or details in process at this time.” In a statement that accompanied its Friday filing, United said the money would help protect the paychecks of more than 93,000 employees. Whether carriers applied for grants, loans or both was not clear. Delta and Alaska Airlines indicated in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that they applied only for grants. Southwest also said it had applied for grant money. The rescue law requires the Treasury Department to disclose any loans within 72 hours.<br/>
