Tom Belden
Here's the most recent development in the American bankruptcy case. If you read to the end, you will learn that US Airways had nothing to say about what American wants to do, which would put another hitch in US's effort to take over AA. Read more here ...
Tom Belden
A longtime professional colleague, Bill McGee, former editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter and widely respected for his aviation expertise, has just published an important book for anyone who travels on commercial airliners. The work, Attention All Passengers: Why flying is no fun anymore (and may be dangerous), is getting good reviews. I haven't read a copy yet but you can hear what the author is telling reporters in interviews, including one by NPR "Fresh Air" co-host Dave Davies, that aired today and can be found at this link.
Tom Belden
After a week of travel, we're back to posting. Here's a story from late last week with some recent developmemnts in the ongoing saga of American's bankruptcy case.
Tom Belden
After a couple of months of ample reporting of the negative aspects of American Airlines future -- and there are plenty, which is why it's in Chapter 11 -- a publication with a traditionally conservative viewpoint has a good article on the airline's strengths in terms of its route network and operations. Read the US News & World Report story here ...
Tom Belden
US Airways CEO Doug Parker, speaking to shareholders in the financial center of the universe, New York, this week, pointed to union and Wall Street support for his effort to acquire American Airlines parent AMR out of bankruptcy. Customers, such as those of you who commented on a Wednesday post about the same topic, aren't as important a consideration when merging airlines. Read more here ...
Tom Belden
You've already seen the bad news: US Airways came in last among major carriers in J.D. Power's annual customer satisfaction rankings. The good news: Alaska Airlines, which started service to PHL on Monday, came in first.
Now the rest of the news: Sources say US Airways should be ready next month to file papers with the U.S. Justice Department to review on antitrust grounds its expected application to acquire American Airlines' parent AMR as part of the bankruptcy process. This US-AA merger train seems to be moving ahead, doesn't it? Find that story here ....
Tom Belden
Two articles today, both from the International Air Transport Association annual meeting in Beijing, tell a tale of how Europe's financial woes are affecting airlines. The full story of how European airlines are expected to lose more than $1 billion this year can be found here. The second article, about airlines from around the world warning Europe that a trade war is in the offing if it presses ahead with its carbon-tax plan on carriers, can be found at this link.
Tom Belden
This AP story, offering travelers tips on how find the lowest air fares, has gotten a lot of mileage in the media because of its useful nature. Read on for good advice about snagging the increasingly infrequent bargains from airlines.
Tom Belden
The airline industry and the Obama administration are in rare agreement on the wisdom and economic benefits of a Eurpean Union program designed to curb aircraft emissions that imposes extra charges on airlines and potentially passengers. Both oppose the policy. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood joined airline reps at a Senate hearing on the issue. Read more about it here ...
Tom Belden
United Airlines had a hissy fit last week when the Houston City Council voted verwhelmingly to allow Southwest Airlines to spend $100 million of its own money to build international flight facilities at its Hobby Airport base, which competes with United at Houston's other airport, Bush Intercontinental. United immediately punished its local employees and perhaps its customers and shareholders by promising to cut hundreds of jobs and flights at IAH -- even though Southwest won't be flying internationally from Hobby for at least three years. It takes a lot of gall to make threats against a city's airline service after you've moved the corporate headquarters out of the same city, with a big loss of jobs of its own. But no one ever accused airlines of shyness when it comes to hypocricsy. Read a good story with background on the battle here ....
