© Reuters. Planes are seen parked at gates at San Francisco International Airport.

WASHINGTON/CHICAGO (Reuters) - Airlines must suggest possible compensation in return for government cash assistance and agree to conditions that include not cutting pay or laying off employees through Sept. 30, the U.S. Treasury Department said in guidelines issued on Monday as it prepares to quickly hand out $25 billion.

Congress approved legislation last week authorizing the $25 billion for passenger airlines, as well as $4 billion for cargo carriers and $3 billion in cash for airport contractors like caterers and airplane cleaners.

Under the law, Treasury is supposed to make initial payments of the grants designed to cover payroll costs by next week.

The companies "must identify financial instruments" that would "provide appropriate compensation," the guidelines said, adding that these could include warrants, options, preferred stock, debt securities or notes.

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Originally posted by:

David Shepardson and Tracy Rucinski

www.investing.com

March 31st, 2020