Key insights
- US low-cost airlines are lobbying for temporary tax relief to offset rising jet fuel costs due to geopolitical tensions. The proposed suspension of federal excise taxes on airline tickets aims to mitigate about one-third of the increased fuel expenses. While potentially aiding airline profitability, the impact on broader US equities is limited.
WASHINGTON, April 20 (Reuters) - The CEOs of major low-cost airlines are set to meet Tuesday with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as they urge Congress to provide temporary tax relief to partially offset the soaring cost of jet fuel sparked by the war with Iran.
A group representing Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, Sun Country and Avelo last week wrote leaders in Congress asking lawmakers to pass legislation to suspend the 7.5% federal excise tax on airline tickets and $5.30 per segment tax. Waiving the fees would offset about one-third of the incremental cost of higher jet fuel, said the Association of Value Airlines.
(Reporting by David Shepardson)