Sky Talk

Airlines ask Congress to rein in energy speculation

The Air Transport Association, an airline industry trade group, testified before the Senate Committee on Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry and Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (whew).

The group's chief executive, James May, called for more oversight of commodities trading to curtail excessive oil speculation, which many believe is a factor in this year's unprecedented spike in fuel prices.

"The impact of these unprecedented jet fuel prices on the airlines is devastating and airlines may see 2008 losses nearing $10 billion, on par with the worst financial year in aviation history," May said. "This year, airlines will spend more than $61 billion on fuel, slightly more than the total fuel bill combined for the first four years of this decade."

- Trebor Banstetter

Airline industry rallies for upgraded air traffic control

Industry trade group the Air Transport Association is holding a rally today in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to modernize the air traffic control system. The group is also pushing lawmakers to "change the funding structure so that all users pay their fair share."

Translation: We want airlines to pay less and private plane owners to pay more.

The rally will feature "Edna," a character the group has been using in online commercials to push for their cause. You can check her out here. It's also interesting to check out the viewer comments on the video - there's quite a heated debate going on.

- Trebor

Senators no longer allowed to double-book flights

The Air Transport Association has ruled that airlines can no longer allow U.S. senators to double and triple-book flights, saying the old practice violates new ethics rules against accepting gifts, the Seattle Times reports. Airlines have long allowed senators to hold more than one flight, because of the unpredictability of Congress' schedule. But the ATA says that's no longer acceptable, because the airlines don't offer the same service to other passengers.

-- Scott