The events of September 11, along with America’s slowing economy, have raised serious concerns about the stability of the airline industry. Several major carriers have slashed jobs and watched the value of their stocks decline. The future of the industry appears uncertain.

“Terrorism, Security & Competition: The Future of the Airline Industry,” a program sponsored by the DePaul University College of Law’s Business Law Journal, will examine the airline industry in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and discuss some of the legal issues that lie ahead for one of America’s largest and most visible business and consumer industries. The program will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Feb. 8 at 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 8005.

The program will include an international cast of experts in the fields of aviation and antitrust law who will discuss such topics as: competition in the airline industry post Sept. 11; the airline industry’s ability to overcome business losses as a result of the attacks; the future of airline pricing to account for increased security measures; additional barriers to entry for new, low-cost carriers; and the derivative effect of the tragedy on the food service, retail and transportation industries. Presenters will include:

· Mary Schiavo--former inspector general for the U.S. Department of Transportation. Currently a partner in the law firm of Baum, Hedlund, Aristei, Guilford & Schiavo.

· Joseph Schwieterman—Nationally recognized expert on the transportation industry; director of DePaul’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development at DePaul University and a former pricing analyst for United Airlines.

· Ross Jones--commissioner, Australian Competition & Consumer Commission.

· David Rapoport—attorney who has obtained numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in cases involving major air disasters.

· Michael Whitaker--vice president of international regulatory affairs for United Airlines.

· Joel G. Chefitz—partner, Katten, Muchin Zavis and chair of the firm’s business, litigation and antitrust groups.

· Frank Cistello—partner, Zuckert, Schoutt & Rasenberger. Serves as chair of the Aviation Committee of the American Bar Association’s Section of Public Utility, Communications and Transportation Law.

· Brian Havel—DePaul College of Law professor and author of a comprehensive study of airline deregulation in the U.S. and the European Union.

· Brett Johnson--general counsel, Qantas Airlines, Sydney, Australia.

· David McAllister--major case director and strategic policy advisor, Civil Matters Branch of the Bureau, Industry Canada.

· Aldo Nicotra—partner, Blake Dawson Waldron in Sydney, Australia. He practices exclusively in the areas of competition and consumer protection law.

Members of the legal profession, students and individuals will not only learn more about the airline industry, but will have the opportunity to discuss with experts the effects of the Sept.11 tragedies on the airline industry and related businesses. The event is open to the public, but there will be a $25 fee for those attending the luncheon portion of the program. For more details please contact Gregory McMahon at 312/362-6178 or e-mail him at gmmcmahon@yahoo.com.

Note to editors: Reporters wishing to cover this event should call Valerie Phillips, Media Relations Specialist, DePaul University, at 312/362-5039.