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Search Terms: United Airlines AND U.S. Airways AND Merger, House or Senate or Joint

Document 77 of 110.

June 14, 2000, Wednesday

SECTION: PREPARED TESTIMONY

LENGTH: 485 words

HEADLINE: PREPARED TESTIMONY OF SENATOR RICK SANTORUM

BEFORE THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ANTI-TRUST, BUSINESS RIGHTS, AND COMPETITION

BODY:
Thank you Chairman DeWine. I appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony today on the proposed merger of United Airlines and US Airways. As you know, my particular interest in this issue lies in the 17,000 Pennsylvanians employed by US Airways and the presence of two of the airline's hubs in Pennsylvania. I understand that the Subcommittee's task today is to examine the effects of this proposed merger on airline competition, and this issue does concern me. US Airways is the dominant carrier in Pennsylvania, with hubs in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and United is currently a major competitor within the state. In fact, the two airlines account for more than 65 percent of traffic in and out of Philadelphia and more than 75 percent of traffic in and out of Pittsburgh.

While I am pleased with the potential for increased access for Pennsylvania passengers and freight shippers to Asia, Central America, the Carribean, and Europe, I have made Mr. Goodwin and Mr. Wolf aware of my concerns with regard to competition and pricing. I look forward to reviewing their plans to address these issues, as well as others raised during this hearing.

However, Mr. Chairman, my major concern surrounding this proposed merger is the possible adverse effect on the thousands of Pennsylvanians who are currently employed by US Airways, and the possibility that these jobs could leave Pennsylvania. For instance, there are 2,270 maintenance workers at Pittsburgh International Airport, one of the finest airports in the world. It is my understanding that United recently invested millions of dollars in a new maintenance facility in Indianapolis, which still needs a few thousand qualified mechanics. I would like to know before this merger is approved whether they intend to move any of my constituents' jobs or the extent to which any positions may be eliminated in Pennsylvania.

Further, I have been contacted by many constituents and local government officials about the impact this merger may have upon the US Airways training component based in Pittsburgh. This facility employs more than 500 workers and has an estimated annual economic impact of $80 million on the local economy. Before this merger is approved, I would like to know whether the training component and its employees will remain in Pittsburgh.

Finally, because of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh's status as hubs, there are thousands of US Airways' flight attendants and pilots who make Pennsylvania home. Before this merger is approved, I would like to be assured that Philadelphia and Pittsburgh maintain their hub status in the new airline.

As you can see, my constituents and I have a major interest in this proposal. We have many questions that need to be answered before we sign off on this deal. I again thank the Subcommittee for the opportunity to testify and look forward to the public debate that lies ahead.

END

LOAD-DATE: June 16, 2000

Document 77 of 110.


Search Terms: United Airlines AND U.S. Airways AND Merger, House or Senate or Joint
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