WASHINGTON (AP) -- Airlines and the nation's largest pilots' union are joining forces to sue the Federal Aviation Administration over its decision to furlough air traffic controllers as the result of automatic, across-the-board spending cuts required by Congress.
Two airline trade associations and the Air Line Pilots Association said Friday they have filed a lawsuit asking a federal court in Washington to block the furloughs, which are scheduled to kick in on Sunday.
Industry officials said the FAA could have found other ways to find the savings. The furloughs will reduce the controller workforce by 10 percent through the end of September. They're estimated to save $200 million.
An FAA analysis released this week predicted fewer controllers will mean major delays at some of the nation's busiest airports.
