Air Transport Association Hires Burson-Marsteller

The Air Transport Association, which represents air carriers, hired PR giant Burson-Marsteller to develop issue ads in support of the group's lobbying activities. ATA is seeking from Congress a $17.5 billion rescue package consisting of cash and loan guarantees for the airline industry, in the wake of its collapse following last week's attacks. Airlines are said to be losing $200 million a day because of disruptions in air traffic and the public's general unwillingness to fly. Meanwhile, Boeing hired APCO Worldwide to lobby on its behalf on "regulatory and safety issues" for commercial aircraft.