Reid calls on the carrier to take the long view to protect jobs and growing tourism.

January 7, 2010

Las Vegas, NV—Nevada Senator Harry Reid in a letter to the president and CEO of US Airways called on the carrier to reconsider planned cuts to flights and pilot positions at McCarran International Airport. These cuts would affect more than 400 jobs at the airport at a time when tourists are beginning to return to Las Vegas.

Below is the text of the letter.
 
 

                                                                        January 7, 2010


Douglas Parker
Chairman/CEO
US Airways
4000 E. Sky Harbor Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85034


Dear Mr. Parker:

I am writing to express my concerns about your recent decision to downsize your operations at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, NV.  I urge you to delay any service reductions or cuts until I am properly briefed on the alternative solutions available to your airline.

As I am sure you are aware, Nevada has been particularly hard hit by the recession affecting our nation.  Currently, my state has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation.  The loss of 400 jobs, including many skilled flight crew jobs, will have a detrimental affect just as Las Vegas and our country begins to emerge from the recession. In addition to the effect these cuts will have on workers and their families, your decision to decrease service will also hurt economic development in Southern Nevada for the individuals and businesses that rely on your service.

Further, I am strongly concerned that your decision to reduce service to Las Vegas is shortsighted.  Like many tourist destinations, Las Vegas was hit hard by the economic downturn affecting our nation.  However, we are beginning to see the beginning signs of an economic recovery in Nevada.  For the first time in nearly a year, McCarran Airport has recorded two straight months of increases in visitor volume.  When passenger traffic returns, your airline will be well positioned to take advantage of the Las Vegas market.

Because of the commitment you have shown to Nevada, I have been a longtime supporter of your airline.  From the merger with USAir to accessing additional slots on the East Coast, we have worked together to build the airline into one of the premier national carriers.  I hope that we will be able to have a positive discussion about ways in which we can work together to address your continued service to my state.

My staff will be reaching out to your office to set up a time and date for us to meet in Washington.  I appreciate your personal attention to this matter.


                                                           Sincerely,


                                                           HARRY REID

                                                           United States Senator