U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today praised the U.S. Department of Transportation for approving an alliance relationship between Continental Airlines, United Airlines and other Star Alliance airlines. The new alliance relationship will make Continental more competitive with larger carriers by making more services and flight options available. It will also help provide job security for the approximately 14,000 people who are employed in New Jersey.
“I applaud the Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of maintaining a competitive airline industry,” stated Pascrell. “Acting to help Continental and other airlines provide more flight options, better services and decent jobs is an especially significant development in this economy. This decision is a victory for New Jersey’s economy and the thousands of Garden States travelers who rely on Continental’s services for business and leisure.”
On January 30, 2009, Pascrell wrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, with the support of New Jersey’s entire House Delegation, supporting Continental Airlines’ application. Pascrell also spoke with the Secretary LaHood about the critical regional importance and national significance of Continental Airlines’ success in the airline industry.
