Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today made the following comment regarding the news that American Airlines plans to seek bankruptcy protection:

“I am very disappointed in the decision of American Airlines to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.  I have worked with AA’s CEO Gerard Arpey and his representatives on pension issues and I know of the extensive efforts made by the company to keep the defined benefit pension plan for employees. Mr. Arpey tried for months to avoid declaring bankruptcy and I believe he did everything possible to avoid this outcome.  I remain concerned about the company’s pension plan -- one of the most generous in the industry -- being placed in jeopardy by this unfortunate turn of events.” 

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