US Congress set to approve $10bn aid for airlines

The US Congress and the White House has agreed on a $15bn (£10.2bn) plan to financially bolster the airline industry.

The House is expected to approve the package later today and the Senate is expected to swiftly follow suit.

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, negotiating with congressional leaders on the final details of the package, said the administration was satisfied with the outcome.

The agreement came several hours after President George Bush, in an address to Congress, promised that "we will come together to promote stability and keep our airlines flying with direct assistance during this emergency."