Beset by rising fuel costs, layoffs and bankruptcies, the airline industry has been on the chopping block for much of 2008, and its leaders have been busy lobbying Congress for relief. The Air Transport Association, led by Jim May, was part of a campaign this summer that accused oil speculators of driving up the globalcost of fuel. The challenges are numerous for a trade group that represents 19 major airlines and aerospace-affiliated groups. Airlines are spending $60 billion on fuel this year—40 percent of their overall costs. In recent months the industry has laid off 36,000 people and reduced service to some airports. The nation’s pendingenergy policy looms large on… Read More