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American Airlines And International Air
Transport Association Offer Strong Words On
Travel Ban |
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January 30, 2017 - Over the
weekend, American Airlines was notified that per
a Presidential Executive Order, nationals of
seven countries; Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia,
Syria, Yemen and Libya will be prohibited from
entering the United States for at least 90 days.
Doug Parker, chief executive officer of American
Airlines Group Inc sent out a letter to its
employees which stated, “As a global airline, we
recognize that these orders place difficult
operating conditions on some of our team
members. Colleagues across the country have been
working closely with government officials to
interpret and apply the order.
"Crews, Reservations agents and airport teams
have witnessed turmoil in our airports that
shows how divisive this order can be. However,
it is the current law of the U.S., and so long
as that is the case, we must comply. We are
doing everything we can to care for any affected
customers and team members and treat them with
the utmost respect. |
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“As a global employer, however, this
Executive Order does not affect the values that
this company is built upon — those of diversity,
inclusiveness and tolerance. At a time when the
world is watching, our industry affords us a
unique opportunity to show firsthand what true
compassion and kindness look like. Treating each
other with respect and dignity does not belong
to a political party and transcends any law.
“Be it with your colleagues or customers, please
continue to work with the same open-mindedness,
mutual respect and appreciation of diversity
that defines and always will define American
Airlines.
In a press release to its members,
International Air Transport Association
Statement on the US Executive Order on Travel -
“The International Air Transport Association
(IATA) works with its 265 member airlines for
safe, secure, efficient and sustainable global
air transport links. As a matter of principle we
work for the free movement of trade and people
across borders.
“IATA also recognizes that states have the
right and duty to protect their citizens by
enforcing their borders. Where this has
implications for air travel, we work with our
member airlines to help them comply with these
requirements efficiently and effectively. Global
systems and procedures exist to support this
activity. IATA’s Timatic online solution, for
example, is a global database for travel
document requirements. It is updated constantly
and used by airlines and travel agents around
the world.
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