U.S. Airline Industry In 'Survival Mode,' Says Pilots Union
U.S. airlines are operating in a “hypercompetitive” environment against foreign carriers that are either state-owned or heavily state subsidized.
Airlines and labor groups oppose allowing Ireland-based Norwegian Air International to fly to the U.S. (Photo: Norwegian Air Shuttle)
Airlines and labor groups oppose allowing Ireland-based Norwegian Air International to fly to the U.S. (Photo: Norwegian Air Shuttle)

The U.S. airline industry is in “survival mode” against competition from foreign carriers, some of which are using “extreme new measures” to gain access to Americans flying internationally, said the president of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). Lee Moak sounded the alarm during a May 29 press briefing that touched on the union’s hot-button issues, chief among them Norwegian Air’s application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for a foreign air carrier permit.