WASHINGTON DC (VINnews) — Two major airline CEO’s have created an uproar, after testifying in Congress that mask-wearing on airplanes accomplishes virtually nothing.
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At a Senate hearing Wednesday, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said that he believes that masks do virtually nothing to prevent the spread of Covid on aircraft. American Airlines CEO Doug Parker seemed to agree.
They also said that masks are not really necessary, due to the high level of air quality and filtration on airplanes.
The hearing was entitled “Oversight of the U.S. Airline Industry”, and during questioning by Republican Senator Roger Wicker, Kelly said, “I think the case is very strong that masks don’t add much, if anything, in the air cabin environment. It is very safe and very high quality compared to any other indoor setting.”
Both Kelly and Parker noted that high-grade HEPA filters capture virtually all germs. In addition, the air in the cabin is frequently exchanged with fresh air from outside.
After the hearing, American Airlines tried to walk back Parker’s controversial comments, releasing a statement claiming that he only agreed with Kelly about the high quality of the air, not the necessity of masks.
Following the comments, Senator Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, blasted the CEO’s.
“I’m shocked that some of the CEOs here today have suggested we no longer need masks mandates on planes,” he said. “In the face of Omicron, children under five who still cannot be vaccinated….and that we still allow unvaccinated people on planes.” He said it was “immoral” to believe that people on planes should not be forced to wear masks.
Dumb liberals. They hate science
(I am pro mask, but only up to a reasonable point.)
It seems like Senator Markey believes it is “immoral” to have a different opinion.
Good thing he wasn’t an elected official during Revolutionary times.
I have a great idea. Why doesn’t the government only allow 4x vaccinated ppl on all flights besides for aa and sw. all others who don’t care about masks or are unvaxxed can use aa and Sw. then we can compare the data. Look I’m pro vaccine and pro what ever bs makes YOU feel good. But don’t force it on me.
Maybe they’re right.
Oh my! How could we let such non woke ppl to run the biggest airlines?
So Mr. Know-It-All Markey even understands the airline industry better than the CEO’s.
Now that these two have done all the scientific research there’s no reason to consult with my doctor.
Did they acquire their medical expertise in business school or in flight school?