Two days after the US Department of Justice announced that it will not challenge the proposed merger of two major low-fare air carriers, Vermont’s congressional delegation ‘ Sen. Patrick Leahy (D), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I) and Rep. Peter Welch (D) ‘ are asking the soon-to-be-expanded Southwest Airlines to consider re-starting service to Vermont that AirTran suspended in the fall of 2009.
AirTran has maintained its gate and desk space at Burlington International Airport in anticipation of a possible resumption of service after the pending merger.
The Vermont lawmakers tout Vermont’s location, economy and facilities in their pitch to Southwest’s president and CEO, Gary Kelly. Their formal request follows informal discussions they have had with the two airlines in recent months.
Please click here to view the delegation letter.
Source: Delegation. 4.28.2011