US airlines could receive $17 billion under a new $900 billion Senate Covid-19 relief package being proposed.
The $17 billion would provide four months’ payroll support, a spokesperson for Senator Mark Warner said.
Due to a new Administration taking office next month, the package is an interim one until Match 2021.
Then, a new deal could be negotiated if required by Congress and the Biden Administration, Senator Joe Manchin said.
It is part of a $45 billion transportation assistance program which will also provide $15 billion for transit systems, $4 billion for airports, $8 billion for private buses and $1 billion for Amtrak.
Airlines sought a six-month extension of the original $25 billion bailout to keep workers in jobs but no agreement could be reached before the election.
Despite a fairly busy Thanksgiving period, airline traffic remains about 60% down on normal levels.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
