U.S. Airlines are cutting 11,850 jobs - more dominoes falling

[Pale Blue Dot]

American Airlines and its American Eagle regional unit will end service to eight airports and drop flights at each hub as the carriers ground airplanes and lay off workers because of rising fuel prices.

American, the world's largest airline, and Eagle will trim 62 departures from Chicago, 43 from St. Louis and 42 each from Dallas-Fort Worth and New York's LaGuardia airport, according to a statement today. The AMR Corp. carriers said May 21 they would cut seating capacity 12 percent at American and 11 percent at Eagle in the fourth quarter, without providing details.

``It's a step in the right direction,'' Daniel Kasper, managing director of airline consulting firm LECG Corp. in Cambridge, Massachusetts, said in an interview. ``It's very hard to tell whether that is enough. It's clear they've looked at points they can no longer serve profitably.''

U.S. airlines are trimming at least 11,850 jobs and taking 413 aircraft out of service as a 37 percent jet-fuel price surge this year erases profits. Carriers are also boosting fares and adding fees for checking bags or choosing aisle or window seats.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aTHuLkyRm.0E&refer=home



This will affect thousand of jobs in other industries. Expect to see further massive job cuts soon in the hospitality, tourism, and restaurant industries. My ex-wife works at a luxury hotel, and I'm very concerned about her job.

Again, this is a downward spiral, and I don't see an escape.

[AndyA]

1. I guess America didn't learn during Bush One that the GOP economy just doesn't work.

Perhaps now that everything is going to shit, people will remember and vote Democratic.

Compare today's economy to that of 1999-2000, Clinton's final year in office.

Which would you rather have?

The GOP just needs to be buried and the Earth salted so they can never return. Learn your lesson this time, America. Republicans are NOT GOOD FOR BUSINESS.