"Considering that the US airlines got government aid for the days after 11 Sep, isnt it fair that they must pay their suppliers?" Must say I kind of agree. If the handling agent was entitled to 100% of whatever the amount is, and are only invoicing for 50%, that is a concession of sorts. In the wake of the attacks handling agents must be hurting as much as the airlines, and I don't recall them getting billion dollar federal handouts.