American Airlines News
Unions bid to block alliances
U.S. airline unions have intensified their calls for greater scrutiny of industry alliances in a move that could create major problems for the proposed venture between AA, BA and Iberia. The Allied Pilots Association has urged the U.S. Department of Transportation to decline the application for worldwide antitrust immunity, citing European Commission concerns and AA’s refusal to address job-security, anti-competitiveness and national-security issues.
Delta and American see falls in passenger numbers
Both Delta Air Lines and American Airlines reported drops in passenger numbers for September. Delta, the world’s biggest airline, saw a fall in passenger numbers of 5.2% to 15.1m compared to September last year. American saw its passenger numbers fall by 3.5% to 6.5m passengers.
EU questions BA-AA-Iberia venture
The European Commission has voiced its concerns over the proposed transatlantic venture between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia. These include the disproportionate hold the three airlines would have on key Europe-to-US routes from Heathrow to Miami and Dallas.
US Airlines add new holiday travel fees
American Airlines announced last week that the company will be adding a surcharge of $10 each way for customers traveling the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the weekend following New Year’s and it seems that United Airlines, US Airways and Delta are quickly following suit.
JAL teeters on brink of collapse
Japan Airlines is teetering on the brink of collapse as the government refused calls to save it from a $15 billion debt pile yesterday (September 24). A Japanese government task force has now been formed which may split the carrier into “good” and “bad” parts. It will report back at the end of November.
BA/AA hits stumbling block
The proposed tie-up between British Airways and American Airlines has hit a stumbling block after two senior US transport chief have been forced to rule themselves out of the decision-making process. Both the US transportation secretary and his deputy have stepped aside over the ruling whether to grant BA anti-trust immunity.
AA launches online interactive soccer game
AA launches online interactive soccer game in continuing effort to court America’s Hispanic travelers
Qantas profits dive
Qantas has become the latest airline to give a downbeat view of trading conditions despite being one of the few to post a profit – albeit small – for the first half of the year. The Australian flag carrier said the global outlook “remains uncertain” as it announced a fall in profits of 88% to £62.4 million. It follows numerous pieces of bad news for the aviation sector including a prediction by IATA that airlines are set to lose $11 billion this year.
World Travel Awards Winners Revealed
Cozumel, Europcar, Anthony Travel, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Mexicana were among the names of travel and tourism bodies which triumphed at the World Travel Awards North and Central America regional ceremony, last night. The ceremony, which was staged in the luxurious Hacienda Tres Rios in Mexico, attracted senior management and decision makes from across the region. The awards, described by the Wall Street Journal as the Oscar’ of the global travel and tourism industry, unveiled who were the best of the best in the region.
BA in move to save JAL
British Airways has joined American Airlines and Qantas to try and save Japan Airlines from bankruptcy. The move follows news that Delta Airlines was also looking to inject cash into the ailing carrier and by doing so force it to exit the Oneworld Alliance, of which BA is a member.
American Airlines raises major fighting fund
American Airlines has raised $2.9 billion in cash and financing in “a show of strength”, to help it through the global downturn in air travel and to expand at four U.S. hubs to prepare for a recovery in travel demand.
AA announces new Manchester to New York route
American Airlines today announced it is adding a new service for passengers travelling between Manchester and New York (JFK). The new non-stop daily summer seasonal service is scheduled to begin operation on May 16th until September 30, 2010.