Could the deregulation and end to government subsidy that sparked the boom in air travel be about to hit the buffers in the place where it began?
A report in the US on the state of the country's airlines warns the industry is "heading toward catastrophe" and calls on legislators and regulators to make saving it "a national priority". That sounds like a call for intervention.
US carriers are haemorrhaging cash and jobs and, come October, aircraft will outnumber cacti in the Mojave Desert.
A study by AirlineForecasts and the Business Travel Coalition, released today, concludes the top ten US airlines will spend $25 billion in higher fuel costs this year and need to raise fares by at least 20% across the board to stay afloat.
The study's authors conclude such an increase can't be achieved without a substantial fall in air travel - and they argue individual carriers are not capable of achieving the necessary cuts. They warn: "Absent of direct policy intervention, the likelihood is several airlines will fail."
Of course, airlines going bust would remove capacity - and some will argue 'let the market rip' to ensure exactly that.
But consider three factors. One, the authorities have been highly reluctant to do this with the banking sector.
Two, attempts at consolidation - which would allow major capacity reductions - have so far met with limited success. Delta is to merge with Northwest pending regulatory approval, but United and US Airways have called off a proposed marriage because of the cost and Continental is searching the lonely hearts columns.
Three, the US is in an election year and failing to stave off collapse in what is the only national, public transport system - and among companies that are often national institutions - will not go down well.
So watch out for Obama and McCain on the campaign trail, especially in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, Washington . . .
Read the study yourself - Oil Prices and the Looming US Aviation Catastrophe - at http://tinyurl.com/6qhh99
Comments (22)
Hello, you used to write excellent, but the last several posts have been kinda boringˇK I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!
Posted by materiały akustyczne | September 22, 2011 12:40 PM
Posted on September 22, 2011 12:40
Hey, you used to write wonderful, but the last several posts have been kinda boringˇK I miss your super writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
Posted by heradesign | September 26, 2011 12:20 PM
Posted on September 26, 2011 12:20
Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your web-site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What an ideal site.
Posted by strony www RzeszĂłw | October 11, 2011 9:46 AM
Posted on October 11, 2011 09:46
Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass' favor.
Posted by Instrumental - DMX - X Gon Give It To Ya.mp3 | October 11, 2011 8:30 PM
Posted on October 11, 2011 20:30
The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod's. It works well, but isn't as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that's not an issue, but if you're planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod's larger screen and better browser may be important.
Posted by (instrumental) dmx - get shot down.mp3 | October 12, 2011 5:09 PM
Posted on October 12, 2011 17:09
Regards for sharing Fasten your seat belts (Taylor on Travel) with us keep update bro love your article about Fasten your seat belts (Taylor on Travel) .
Posted by Constipation remedies | October 22, 2011 9:53 PM
Posted on October 22, 2011 21:53
Magnificent goods from you, man. Fasten your seat belts (Taylor on Travel) I have understand your stuff previous to and you're just too great. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you're saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific Fasten your seat belts (Taylor on Travel) informations.
Posted by liberty reserve | October 22, 2011 10:00 PM
Posted on October 22, 2011 22:00
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like 'Mixview' that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you're listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of "neighbors" will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune "Social" is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
Posted by strony internetowe RzeszĂłw | October 24, 2011 7:05 AM
Posted on October 24, 2011 07:05
As I web site possessor I believe the content matter here is rattling wonderful , appreciate it for your efforts. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.
Posted by gzymsy wykonam | November 17, 2011 11:49 AM
Posted on November 17, 2011 11:49
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful information specifically the last part I care for such information much. I was looking for this certain information for a long time. I will keep the attention of your blog. Thank you and best of luck.
Posted by Cheap/Discounts Jordan shoes,Nike air max,Moncler Jackets,Monster Beats Headphone,UGG Boots,LV,Coach | December 10, 2011 4:54 PM
Posted on December 10, 2011 16:54
Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It's very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.
Posted by auto szyby | December 12, 2011 10:08 AM
Posted on December 12, 2011 10:08
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I'm hoping the same high-grade website post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own blog now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.
Posted by strony internetowe RzeszĂłw | December 16, 2011 6:50 AM
Posted on December 16, 2011 06:50
Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It's very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.
Posted by strony internetowe RzeszĂłw | December 19, 2011 10:46 AM
Posted on December 19, 2011 10:46
I am so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.
Posted by strony www RzeszĂłw | December 21, 2011 10:48 AM
Posted on December 21, 2011 10:48
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again
Posted by sport Rzeszów | December 23, 2011 7:21 AM
Posted on December 23, 2011 07:21
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again
Posted by tuning auta | December 30, 2011 12:16 PM
Posted on December 30, 2011 12:16
Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass' favor.
Posted by strony internetowe RzeszĂłw | January 11, 2012 8:35 AM
Posted on January 11, 2012 08:35
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site :)
Posted by strony www RzeszĂłw | January 19, 2012 6:26 AM
Posted on January 19, 2012 06:26
Between me and my husband we've owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I've settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.
Posted by strony internetowe RzeszĂłw | January 19, 2012 10:30 AM
Posted on January 19, 2012 10:30
Deference to post author, some superb selective information .
Posted by Carolann Smithee | January 27, 2012 12:20 PM
Posted on January 27, 2012 12:20
Hey, you used to write excellent, but the last few posts have been kinda boringˇK I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
Posted by strony biznesowe | February 1, 2012 9:03 AM
Posted on February 1, 2012 09:03
I have been browsing online more than three hours nowadays, yet I by no means discovered any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty price enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made good content material as you probably did, the net can be much more helpful than ever before.
Posted by strony o biznesie | February 3, 2012 12:05 PM
Posted on February 3, 2012 12:05