WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today said she was pleased that that the Department of Transportation and Secretary Ray LaHood approved Continental Airlines’ application to join the Star Alliance travel network.  Star Alliance was established in 1997 as a worldwide alliance comprised of more than twenty different global airlines.

“I’m pleased that Secretary LaHood and the Department of Transportation have approved Continental’s application to join the Star Alliance.  This is great news for both Continental and the flying public,” said Senator Hutchison.  “This will allow Continental to access the Star Alliance global network without further consolidation in the airline industry.  The DOT’s decision to move forward has likely eliminated a potential merger that would have put jobs at risk at Continental’s Houston headquarters and would have reduced competition in the industry.  Alliances play an important role in our ever changing global aviation system. I applaud Secretary LaHood’s decision and recognize the DOT’s commitment to keeping our domestic carriers competitive in a global industry.” 

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