WASHINGTON , Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the U.S. airlines, issued the following statement in response to the Department of Transportation (DOT) announcement that it will auction slots at Newark Liberty International Airport:
"We are extremely disappointed by the Department of Transportation's auction announcement that completely ignores strong opposition from key members of Congress, the DOT's own task force, including consumer groups on New York delays, and the Port Authority and airlines. DOT's auction proposal is unlawful, unwise and will do absolutely nothing to reduce congestion and flight delays in New York . DOT has left us no options - we will sue to prevent this illegal action," said ATA President and CEO James C. May .
ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information about the industry, visit www.airlines.org.
SOURCE Air Transport Association
