Philadelphia Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown Calls on US Airways and American Airlines to Assure that Philadelphia Remains a Hub and Major International Gateway if Merged

PHILADELPHIA, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In reaction to recent announcements that US Airways has taken steps to acquire distressed American Airlines, a deal which could affect Philadelphia-based jobs and travel to and from the City, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown is calling on US Airways and American Airlines to ensure that in any merger agreement, that Philadelphia remain a hub and major international gateway:

"Any merger between US Airways and American Airlines that could cost our city thousands of jobs and divert travel to other locations should not be completed until it is assured that Philadelphia International Airport remains a hub and major international gateway.  I am calling on both airlines to ensure that whatever decision is made by the companies that assurances of Philadelphia's stability, if not growth, are in place.

"We've seen in just about every industry, and especially with the airlines, when companies merge because of financial pressures, services and workforce are among the first cuts to be made.  When US Airways merged with America West in 2005, our neighbors in Pittsburgh, then one of the airline's primary connection cities, took a major hit.  The Pittsburgh International Airport was downgraded from a hub and the city lost roughly 10,000 jobs that were supported either directly or indirectly by the airline.  The city went from offering 542 US Airways flights each day to just 68. 

"If US Airways acquires American Airlines, Philadelphia could suffer a similar fate.  I value the relationship that US Airways has with the City of Philadelphia.  They have proven time and again to be a good corporate citizen. However, I understand that their bottom line is that this is a business and my bottom line is to do what is in the best interests of Philadelphia.  If there are commitments made to grow Philadelphia International Airport as a hub and major international gateway, I can be supportive of a merger, but until that is the case, I won't support any deal that will hurt our City."

SOURCE City of Philadelphia

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED