U.S. Airlines’ Lifeline Is Enough to Limp Along, But Little More

U.S. airlines reached preliminary deals to access billions of dollars in federal aid, securing a temporary lifeline as the industry waits for customers to start flying again.

The agreements cover all major airlines, the Treasury Department said in a statement Tuesday, and position the government to start doling out $25 billion in assistance allocated for passenger carriers in the $2.2 trillion stimulus package signed into law March 27. American Airlines Group Inc. said it would get $5.8 billion in support, while Delta Air Lines Inc. said it would receive $5.4 billion.

“This is an essential step, but just one of ...