Posted by Rusty Bucket

Construction of the O’Hare modernization project has ground to a halt due to the withholding of crucial modernization funds from the State of Illinois. Aviation Dally has learned that any further disbursement of state funds has been frozen by Governor Rod Blagojevich, who has demanded from American and United Airlines lifetime status as Executive Platinum and 1K, lifetime membership in the Admirals Club and Red Carpet Club, and an annual deposit into his and his wife’s frequent flier accounts of 500,000 miles from both carriers. Carrier representatives did not respond to repeated phone call and e-mail requests for comment.

Posted by Tung Incheek

In a unique and infrequent opportunity in their home state, United sought to improve its lobbying efforts by investing in its own senator. The airline is also seizing the opportunity to share some of the expense associated with purchasing a senate seat by allowing frequent fliers to buy their own time of the yet to be named senator by bidding their frequent flyer miles.

CEO Glenn Tilton, was reportedly interested in being named to the seat, assuming he could find a merger partner and train his replacement in time. If not, a key retiring United executive would be nominated to fill the open slot.

United’s marketing team is reported to have been measuring the Senate chamber seats for a United branded seat that would be visible on regular C-Span broadcasts.

One of the requirements of being named Senator of the United states of America (strike the word America from the reports, as American was not willing to share in the cost of the senator) is appearing regularly on cable new shows, and mentioning United Airlines no less than twice per appearance.