Many Tulsa Workers Saved From Furloughs After Stimulus Plan Allots Billions For Airlines, Airports

Billions of dollars of the newly passed stimulus plan will go to airlines and airports that have been struggling through the pandemic. Many airline employees in Tulsa have dealt with furloughs.

13,000 American Airlines employees waiting to be furloughed next month learned they can rip up those notices after congress approved $15 billion to pay airlines.

"This will put off that question of whether they have a job in Tulsa until September 30," said Dale Danker, the President of the Transport Workers Union of America Local 514 serving Tulsa.

The local American Airlines union serves about 4,600 employees. Danker said the money saves almost 400 local workers from furloughs.

"This is above our pay grade. The company is struggling," Danker said.

Airports and airlines have taken a huge hit during the past year.

Andrew Pierini with Tulsa International Airport said for the past few months they've had half the travelers they had in 2019, but say spring break travel and lower COVID numbers are bumping that up now.

"It does look like we're seeing a bit more travel," Pierini said.

Airports are getting $8 billion from the bill, Pierini said whatever chunk of that they get will be needed.

"It's definitely welcomed help, especially without traffic and revenues down as they've been," Pierini said.

Pierini said the new money will continue to pay salaries and keep the airport running.

Lauri Cerneck and her son George landed in Tulsa Wednesday from Colorado to surprise family. They said traveling felt safe and easy.

"Flight was great, we were flying United and it was safe," Cerneck said. "It's important to travel for leisure and business."

The airport is not sure how much it will get from the stimulus package yet.