Fares take off, but fewer planes do
Fares take off, but fewer planes do — Ticket prices are on the rise and seats are harder to find as airlines try to claw their way back to profitability by flying fewer, and often smaller, planes. (The Boston Globe)
American needs more than $1 billion in cost cuts — American Airlines needs to cut costs by more than $1 billion to keep its expenses in line with 2005 levels, the No. 1 U.S. airline’s chief executive said Wednesday. (Reuters)
Bankrupt Northwest Airlines posts $1.1 billion loss — Northwest Airlines said Wednesday it lost $1.1 billion in the first quarter, attributing most of the red ink to bankruptcy expenses. (AP)
ValuJet crash behind air safety regulations — Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of Florida’s deadliest air crash – when ValuJet Flight 592 caught fire and plunged into the Everglades killing all 105 passengers and 5 crew members. Those deaths spurred changes in federal air safety rules and practices that have probably saved lives. (AP)
His hotel quotes him a rate of $135 a night by phone. But when he checks out, Shoubhanik Makur is charged $169.99. Then his credit card is billed for two nights at $192.66. What’s going on here? And can Makur get any of his money back? (Christopher Elliott on Tripso)
Judge gives OK to proceed with lawsuit — A federal judge has ruled that Georgia cities and counties may proceed with a class-action lawsuit that claims major online hotel booking Web sites owe “tens of millions” of dollars in unpaid hotel taxes. (AP)
A flight-sharing plan — Williams Gateway Airport near Mesa is taking passengers and flights away from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport. Phoenix’s response? Invest in Williams, the converted former Air Force base that’s likely to emerge as the region’s second major passenger airport. (Dallas Morning News)
Think again, Comair asks judge — Comair has asked a bankruptcy court judge to rethink his decision to uphold its contract with its flight attendants union. In its filing, the regional airline said Judge Adlai Hardin’s April 26 order overlooked facts and included legal errors. (Cincinnati Enquirer)
London to stage live ads in theaters — Actors will take the stage in Dublin, next week, but don’t expect to see anything by Brian Friel or Sean O’Casey. It’s a commercial, a live commercial, by the city of London, in a bid to attract more visitors. (AP)
Worcester to add ‘Boston’ to airport name — The Airport Commission at Worcester Regional Airport this week unanimously recommended the airfield change its name to Worcester-Metrowest-Boston Airport to increase its visibility. (AP)
United Airlines studying HQ move — United Airlines’ corporate parent is looking for a new location for its world headquarters and may be considering a move to downtown Chicago or Denver, home to one of its busiest hubs. Leaving the region would deal a blow to Chicago. Being home to major international corporations elevates Chicago’s status and adds to its economic clout. (Chicago Tribune)
American considers fuel-efficient engines for MD-80s — American Airlines is considering replacing the gas-guzzling engines on its MD-80 airplanes — a move that would be costly but eventually could save the airline millions of dollars in fuel costs. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.