CHARLOTTE, N.C. – January 6, 2010 – The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA), representing the pilots of US Airways, will picket today at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas to bring attention to US Airways’ announced closure of its Las Vegas crew base. USAPA believes closing this base will have a detrimental impact on passengers, employees, Las Vegas tourism and the Nevada economy due to the losses of hundreds of jobs, flights to and from Las Vegas and associated tax revenue.
US Airways has announced plans to reduce its daily flight schedule in Las Vegas to only 36 flights – 26 mainline and 10 Express – by February 1, 2010. This reduction means the loss of over 300 jobs at the airport and the transfer of another 150 plus pilot and mechanic jobs.
“We want to ensure that Las Vegas residents and visitors understand the impact this closure will have on their travel options, the local economy and their neighbors’ livelihoods,” said Captain Mike Cleary, president of USAPA. “They will face few direct flights and limited travel opportunities, especially to global destinations, along with reduced competition and higher fares. Many U.S. cities that once enjoyed non-stop service to Las Vegas will be left with fewer to no options by which to enjoy the city’s many attractions. Furthermore, the loss of hundreds of local jobs will likely ripple through the already depressed housing market, causing higher unemployment and lost tax revenue.”
The decision to cut US Airways’ presence in Las Vegas comes on the heels of news that air traffic is increasing at McCarran airport. The airport recently reported that passenger volume increased in November for the first time in 21 months. Las Vegas Strip hotels have also reported increases in occupancy rates and convention bookings in the third quarter of 2009.
“US Airways is abandoning Las Vegas, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, on the eve of its turnaround,” Captain Cleary continued. “This ill-conceived plan represents the resumption of the long-term trend of shrinkage and retreat for US Airways. Someday, it must decide to stand and fight, rather than shy away from the competition, or we are destined to repeat its tragic history. The pilots are willing and ready to compete, while management prefers to run away with their obscenely-inflated compensation packages. They show no apparent regard for the countless families left to financial ruin because of their needless and senseless reductions.”
USAPA urges concerned residents, passengers and employees to contact US Airways and their government officials to request that US Airways CEO Doug Parker reconsider his decision to close operations in Las Vegas. Information on how to contact Parker and Las Vegas and Nevada lawmakers can be found at www.KeepVegasWorking.com.
The picketing event will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PST today on Level 1 of domestic Terminal 1 at McCarran International Airport.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) represents more than 5,000 US Airways pilots in seven domiciles across the United States. Visit the USAPA Web site at www.USAirlinePilots.org.
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Tags: base closings