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Southwest bids for NYC air routes
Southwest Airlines said today it has bid $7.5 million for a defunct airline in order to start daily roundtrip service to New York City’s LaGuardia Airport.
Southwest said it has no interest in operating bankrupt ATA Airlines but only in obtaining its 14 slots at LaGuardia.
LaGuardia is the closest major airport to Manhattan. Southwest’s nearest service is a considerable distance away, to an airport in suburban Long Island.
Southwest said it hasn’t determined a timetable or potential routes yet.
"It is our intent, with the successful conclusion of the transaction, to make plans to initiate service from LaGuardia," said Southwest's Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly. "Even in this volatile environment, we have said we must monitor the competitive landscape and take advantage of prudent market opportunities."
There are still a number of steps for Southwest to complete. A U.S. Bankruptcy Court must approve the bid and a reorganization plan for ATA Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy in April, before Southwest could gain the rights to the slots at LaGuardia.
If the bid is approved, Southwest would then have to work with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Port Authority of New York to secure necessary gates and other facilities at LaGuardia.
Southwest said it has no interest in operating bankrupt ATA Airlines but only in obtaining its 14 slots at LaGuardia.
LaGuardia is the closest major airport to Manhattan. Southwest’s nearest service is a considerable distance away, to an airport in suburban Long Island.
Southwest said it hasn’t determined a timetable or potential routes yet.
"It is our intent, with the successful conclusion of the transaction, to make plans to initiate service from LaGuardia," said Southwest's Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly. "Even in this volatile environment, we have said we must monitor the competitive landscape and take advantage of prudent market opportunities."
There are still a number of steps for Southwest to complete. A U.S. Bankruptcy Court must approve the bid and a reorganization plan for ATA Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy in April, before Southwest could gain the rights to the slots at LaGuardia.
If the bid is approved, Southwest would then have to work with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Port Authority of New York to secure necessary gates and other facilities at LaGuardia.
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