Governor Seeks to Help United Airlines

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Ryan today announced he has called United Airlines to discuss potential state assistance in order to help United obtain a $2 billion federal loan guarantee.

The Governor will brief the legislative leaders tomorrow morning on the options to support United in its effort to secure the guarantee from the Air Transportation Stabilization Board.

"Just as I interceded in the negotiation between the Chicago hotels and their union employees over the Labor Day weekend, I have asked United Airlines how the state can assist in its efforts to secure the federal loans in order to save Illinois jobs and protect the Illinois economy," Governor Ryan said. "There is no question that helping United avoid a bankruptcy filing will save more jobs in Illinois."

The Governor said the specific state initiative has not yet been finalized but that he would like the state to do whatever it can to support United so that the federal board knows how well qualified United is for the loan guarantee and how important United Airlines is to Illinois.

"United Airlines has been an integral part of Illinois' economy for more than fifty years and now more than ever, given the state's tough economic times, we have to fight to save as many jobs as possible," Governor Ryan said.