Texas Insider Report AUSTIN, Texas – Today, Representative Tryon Lewis announced his approval of the settlement which Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott reached with American Airlines and U.S. Airways regarding the effects of their proposed merger on air service in Texas, and especially West Texas. There was concern that the merger could decrease competition, increase costs of travel and reduce airline services across the state, particularly those where American Airlines and American Eagle flights exclusively meet the travel needs of the communities.
“Daily flight service provided by American and American Eagle is very important to Midland International Airport and other airports in West Texas,” declared Lewis. “The settlement agreement secured by Attorney General Abbott protects daily service to twenty-two airports in Texas, including those in Odessa-Midland, San Angelo, Abilene, and Lubbock for at least three years. The Permian Basin is a vital economic engine for Texas and the entire country. We cannot afford to risk the loss of transportation options for our communities at this crucial time.”
Representative Lewis expressed his appreciation of the efforts of the Attorney General’s office: “I am grateful for Attorney General Abbott’s leadership in reaching a timely and equitable solution to this matter and for American Airlines’ continued commitment to all regions of Texas.”
Representative Lewis has proudly served House District 81 since 2008 and currently serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence and a member of the House Committee on Environmental Regulation. Prior to his service in the legislature, Representative Lewis served as a State District Judge for 21 years. He also currently serves as a member on the board of directors for the Texas Conservative Coalition, a member of the steering committee for the House Research Organization, a member of the Texas Judicial Council, and a member of the Texas House Energy Caucus.
