Airlines' outlook worse than after 9/11: report

[marmar]

Airlines' outlook worse than after 9/11: report
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 | 11:58 AM ET

CBC News


The financial outlook for the airline industry is worse today than it was in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, a group representing the industry says.

The International Air Transport Association says global airline losses will total $11 billion US in 2009. That's $2 billion worse than the agency's last estimate.

With combined losses in 2008-09 of $27.8 billion, "the bottom line of this crisis … is larger than the impact of 9/11," IATA CEO Giovanni Bisignani said.

Worldwide, the airline industry lost $24.3 billion in 2001-02 after the attacks in New York and Washington.

Industry revenues for the year are expected to fall by $80 billion, or 15 per cent, to $455 billion compared with 2008 levels. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2009/09/15/airline-losses-mount.html

[Richard D]

1. Gee, I wonder why . . .

. . . I love traveling but absolutely hate getting on airplanes. Cramped seats, cattle car atmosphere, Serious and real risk of contacting diseases because of cost-saving measures to over recycle air. Possibility of getting stuck on the tarmac for hours.

Do you think stuff like this might have something to do with it?

[demmiblue]

2. Also, the fact that many simply cannot afford to travel.

Personally, I don't like flying, but I have in the past. However, the post-9/11 atmosphere has made it almost unbearable.

Also, I cannot fathom the thought of being stuck on a plane for hours (like you said). :scared:

[slampoet]

3. I just drove from Rhode Island to Chicago rather than fly and it was CHEAPER.

Plus it took less than 17 hours (when i have had the same trip take 16 hours flying w/ delays)

Also i got several great diner meals, bought a few antiques that i sold in New England for a profit, and i packed the car for the return trip with a bunch of food items you just can't get in New England , like Vernors, morel mushrooms, and Kangaroo Jerky. Plus i filled up on cigarettes at a reservation and found a great source of cheap tobacco for all my smoker friends ($2 a pack and no additives!!!)

I made money driving and even if i didn't it was still cheaper.

[alstephenson]

4. So apparently charging people to check a lousy bag hasn't worked.

Stupidest move ever. US Airways just RAISED their fees an additional $5. Checked bags can cost as much as the seat on some routes.