Who opposed the deregulation of airlines?

The opposition to the deregulation of airlines was primarily driven by airlines, unions, and safety proponents due to various concerns associated with deregulation. Many airlines feared that a fully deregulated environment would lead to excessive competition, putting pressure on their profit margins. Unions were concerned that deregulation might result in job losses, reduced job security, and lower wages as airlines sought to cut costs in a competitive marketplace. Additionally, safety proponents worried that in the pursuit of lower fares, airlines might prioritize cost-cutting over safety standards, potentially compromising the well-being of passengers.

In contrast, the other groups mentioned had different perspectives. Passengers generally favored deregulation as it led to more competition, which typically resulted in lower ticket prices. Air traffic controllers, while they could have concerns about safety and efficiency, did not constitute the primary opposition group in the context of airline deregulation. The Federal Reserve, focusing mainly on monetary policy and economic stability, did not take a direct stance on airline deregulation in the same way that airlines and unions did. This clarifies why airlines, unions, and safety proponents represented the most significant opposition to deregulation initiatives in the airline industry.