American Airlines, Southwest CEOs Argue Against Masks on Flights, Delta CEO Disagrees
CEOs of some of the country’s largest airlines Wednesday shared their opinions on the necessity of masks on flights, with two arguing they are no longer needed to keep passengers safe, and a third disagreeing.
The issue of masks on flights came up as airline heads testified about $54 billion their industry received from the federal government through the Payroll Support Program to stay afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic, at a hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
According to a Washington Post report, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) at one point during the hearing asked American Airlines CEO Doug Parker, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby and Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly if they feel masks are still needed on flights.
Kelly told lawmakers, “I think the case is very strong that masks don’t add much, if anything, in the air cabin environment. It is very safe and very high quality compared to any other indoor setting.”
Parker said, “I concur. An aircraft is the safest place you can be. It’s true of all of our aircraft — they all have the same HEPA filters and airflow.”
The comments drew a critical response from former Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who called them “irresponsible” during an interview on CNN’s New Day Thursday.
JUST NOW: “It was irresponsible… These folks are making record money right now because of these mask mandates. I was disgusted when I heard that.”
Fmr Surgeon General @JeromeAdamsMD reacts to airline CEOs saying masks may not be necessary on flights.pic.twitter.com/AFI89tfzD0
— John Berman (@JohnBerman) December 16, 2021
The comments also drew a swift rebuke from Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, who cited the emergence of the omicron variant as evidence that airlines must right now be as cautious as ever.
Bastian told CNBC, “I don’t know that I agree with Gary’s remarks, particularly as we see omicron continue to enter into our country. Masks are going to be important as a safeguard for a while yet.”
