US: Airlines quietly pushing for more federal aid to save jobs

American, Southwest and other airlines have begun meeting with congressional and White House leaders to extend aid to help the slowly recovering industry cover payrolls for another six months. Airlines, initially quiet about their requests for more government backing, are acknowledging to employees that they would like an extension of the previous payroll support program that prevented thousands of layoffs when the COVID-19 pandemic started. American Airlines CEO Doug Parker spent last week in Washington, D.C., talking with lawmakers and executive branch leaders, according to an audio town hall shared with pilots. And Southwest CEO Gary Kelly told employees in an audio message Monday “we are actively engaged with members of Congress and the administration” on a new bill. Both American and Southwest said they were support efforts by unions for expanded payroll grants during earnings announcements in late July, but have otherwise been publicly quiet. Airlines are approaching the request more cautiously than they did in March for the first CARES Act, balancing the desire to avoid furloughs with the public toll of taking taxpayer money. “It’s always tough for companies to ask the government for money,” said former Dallas Mayor and US Rep. Steve Barlett, who has also spent time as a financial industry lobbyist. “No one feels good about it. "<br/>