E por falar em lobby...

Os americanos são realmente incríveis. Até as atividades de lobby são informadas em relatórios financeiros de empresas aéreas. Ou seja, se a empresa está interessada em pressionar parlamentares (ou mesmo reguladores) para que promovam determinada ação que as beneficiem diretamente, nada melhor do que contratar alguém que o faça de maneira profissional, certo? E, como há faturas, pagamentos e despesas, tudo tem que ser reportado aos acionistas. Transparência melhor impossível!

E aqui, na Cabrália, tem autoridade que alega que não vai informar a localização de um novo aeroporto por que isso vai "gerar especulação imobiliária". Imagina então o dia em que o público terá acesso irrestrito às outras informações e dados públicos do setor? Sei que tem muita gente no governo que batalha para que esse dia chegue logo. Sou um admirador de todos! Concordamos todos que com certeza ainda estamos bem longe da verdadeira transparência nas decisões públicas...


United Airlines spent $600K lobbying in 1Q

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/United-Airlines-spent-600K-apf-15266864.html?x=1

United Airlines spent $600,000 lobbying on passenger bill, alliance issues in first quarter


WASHINGTON (AP) -- United Airlines spent $600,000 in the first quarter lobbying on a variety of issues, including a bill that would guarantee passenger rights on delayed planes, according to a recent disclosure form.

The so-called passenger bill of rights is aimed at ensuring passengers delayed on the tarmac get food and water and a chance to get off the plane. But airlines worried about additional regulations have opposed it.

United, unit of Chicago-based UAL Corp., also lobbied on issues related to international alliances. United and other carriers have sought antitrust approval to cooperate on international flights.

Some in Congress, including Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, have talked about phasing out current alliances, saying they reduce competition and drive up fares.

The Transportation Department last month said it plans to let Continental Airlines join an alliance of other carriers, including United, who have antitrust immunity on pricing and schedules for some flights.

United also lobbied Congress and the Transportation Department on a House bill that would mandate a study of the legal requirements and policies followed by the agency in deciding whether to approve international alliances between U.S. airlines and foreign carriers.

According to the form filed April 17 with the House clerk's office, United also lobbied on bills that would repeal the perimeter rule for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, enhance passenger protection if the Transportation secretary requires airline emergency contingency plans and more.

The company spent $450,000 lobbying the federal government in the fourth quarter.

On Friday May 15, 2009, 4:49 pm EDT