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GAO-04-406R 1 (2004-03-12)

handle is hein.gao/gaocrptapwx0001 and id is 1 raw text is: 



  ~GAO

       Accountability * Integrity  Reliability
United States General Accounting Office
Washington, DC 20548



         March 12, 2004

         The Honorable John McCain
         Chairman
         The Honorable Ernest Hollings
         Ranking Member
         Committee on Commerce,
         Science, and Transportation
         United States Senate

         The Honorable Trent Lott
         Chairman
         The Honorable John D. Rockefeller, IV
         Ranking Member
         Subcommittee on Aviation
         Committee on Commerce,
         Science, and Transportation
         United States Senate

         Subject: Summary Analysis of Federal Commercial Aviation Taxes and Fees

         For 2001 through the third quarter of 2003, the U.S. airline industry reported
         operating losses of $20.7 billion. A number of factors-including the economic
         slowdown, a shift in business travel buying behavior, and the aftermath of the
         September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks-contributed to these losses by reducing
         passenger and cargo volumes and depressing fares. To improve their financial
         position, many airlines cut costs by various means, notably by reducing labor
         expenditures and by decreasing capacity through cutting flight frequencies, using
         smaller aircraft, or eliminating service to some communities. Carriers have also
         reduced some airfares to encourage travel. Despite these efforts, several airlines
         filed for bankruptcy protection. It remains to be seen when the industry will emerge
         from this downturn.

         In response to the industry's financial condition, Congress has provided several forms
         of financial relief. In September 2001, Congress passed the Air Transportation Safety
         and System Stabilization Act,' which authorized payments of up to $4.5 billion in
         pretax cash assistance to reimburse air carriers for losses incurred as a direct result
         of the 4-day government shut-down of air traffic and incremental losses stemming


GAO-04-406R Aviation Taxes and Fees


'P.L. 107-42.

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