WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 /EMWNews/ -- The Air Transport

Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the U.S.

airlines, issued the following statement in response to the Department of

Transportation (DOT) announcement that it will auction slots at Newark

Liberty International Airport:



    "We are extremely disappointed by the Department of Transportation's

auction announcement that completely ignores strong opposition from key

members of Congress, the DOT's own task force, including consumer groups on

New York delays, and the Port Authority and airlines. DOT's auction

proposal is unlawful, unwise and will do absolutely nothing to reduce

congestion and flight delays in New York. DOT has left us no options - we

will sue to prevent this illegal action," said ATA President and CEO James

C. May.



    ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent

of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information

about the industry, visit http://www.airlines.org.