The
idea, launched by the Allied Pilots Association (APA)
representing American Airlines' 15,000 pilots, is aimed at
easing a return to pre-pandemic passenger levels while creating
a level playing field across the airline industry.
As of now, some but not all U.S. airlines are blocking middle
seats or capping the number of seats they are selling on each
flight in order to allow for more space between passengers.
Air travel has dropped dramatically in the midst of the
coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, APA President Eric Ferguson said uniform social
distancing would encourage passengers to fly more and airlines
to operate more flights, thus preserving more jobs in the
critical aviation industry.
Under the plan, the price of empty seats would be based on
industry average costs for 2019, and as immunity to COVID-19
rose, the number of empty seats bought by the government would
fall.
(This story has been refiled to correct the company ticker
symbol)
(Reporting by Tracy Rucinski; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)
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