Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly testified during the Senate Business, Science and Transportation Oversight hearing on December 15, 2021, on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC.
Chip Somodevilla | Pool | Reuters
Southwest Airlines The company said Friday that it has tested positive for CEO Gary Kelly Cowit-19. The news came after a Senate hearing that he and other airline leaders and lawmakers were not wearing masks.
Kelly, along with CEOs United Airlines And American Airlines, Delta Airlines‘The Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday afternoon took in $ 54 billion in federal payroll airlines to deal with the epidemic.
“Gary tested positive for COVID-19 after returning home, experiencing mild symptoms and undergoing PCR testing, despite several negative tests before the Senate Commerce Committee hearing,” a Southwest spokeswoman said in a statement. “Carrie is well and is currently resting at home. She was vaccinated earlier this year and received a booster. Carrie’s symptoms continue to be mild, and each day she is in full recovery.”
John Laufter, Delta’s chief operating officer, testified at Wednesday’s hearing that he sat two seats away from Kelly and did a negative test on Thursday and Friday.
“He will continue to check and take other necessary precautionary measures,” the airline said in a statement.
The US and United did not immediately comment.
Air travel demand plummeted when the epidemic began, but then recovered, mostly thanks to domestic leisure travel. This week Delta and United executives said they were getting ready Exciting year-end holiday season, Despite the prevalence of the Omigron variant.
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker, Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, Delta Airlines Executive Vice President John Laughter and Flight Attendants Association-CWA International President Sarah Nelson testified at the Senate Business, Science and Transportation Committee. Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill, Washington, December 15, 2021.
Chip Somodevilla | Pool | Reuters
The senators questioned witnesses about recent air disruptions and airlines’ recruitment issues, 5G, As well as vaccination orders.
