FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 19, 2001
Contact: Bill Mosley
Tel.: (202) 366-5571
DOT 14-01
DOT Selects Delta, Continental For New U.S.-Argentina Services
U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today announced the final decision of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) selecting Continental Airlines and Delta Air Lines for new U.S.-Argentina air service.
In today’s order, making final its tentative decision of Dec. 19, the department granted each of the carriers seven weekly flights. Delta will serve Buenos Aires from Atlanta and Continental from Newark, N.J. Delta may begin its new services on April 1, 2001, and Continental on Dec. 1, 2001.
"President Clinton’s and Vice President Gore’s leadership efforts have opened more markets and created more opportunities for air service than any comparable period in U.S. aviation history, while enabling passengers and shippers to enjoy more frequent service and low fares," Secretary Slater said. "These new entrants will help improve service, price and competition in the U.S.-Argentina market, which in turn will provide a range of competitive service to consumers."
Today’s action follows a Nov. 24, 2000, accord with Argentina providing for implementation of new passenger services.
American Airlines and United Airlines are the two U.S. carriers currently serving Argentina. American operates twice daily between Miami and Buenos Aires and once daily between New York and Buenos Aires. United operates daily nonstop service to Buenos Aires from Miami, New York and Chicago.
In addition to the applications granted, United applied to operate an additional seven weekly flights to Buenos Aires from Los Angeles, and Continental, in addition to its Newark proposal, also sought to operate seven weekly flights from Houston.
The final order, carrier applications, and other documents in the case may be obtained via the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, docket number OST-1999-6210.
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