US AIRLINES
combined burdens of outdated infrastructure, old fashioned business models, fuel crises, terrorist attacks, medical pandemics, hurricanes and all manner of employee industrial action. Many have fallen: Eastern and
S
PanAm in 1991, Braniff in 1982 and TWA in 2001 feature on a long list of moribund or 'absorbed' famous names now consigned to history. The survivors dragged themselves
into the second decade of the 21st century battered but not beaten. And the mergers and consolidations continue with Delta/Northwest, United/Continental and most recently American/US Airways. As if such problems were not enough, the rise of quality airlines in other markets, especially from South East Asia and the Middle East, combined with consolidating and improved European airlines, have put further pressure on those US carriers operating in international markets. And the gloom doesn't stop there:
Memphis, a Delta hub for many years is to close in autumn 2013. Asked whether more Delta hubs
are likely to be cut, Anthony Black, snr media spokesman for Delta said: "Delta continually reviews the viability of all markets and there are no other significant changes planned at this time." However, when Delta bought Northwest in 2008, airline executives also said repeatedly that no hubs would be closed in light of the merger. Other airports have also suffered the loss of hub status over the past
ince the early 1970s US airlines have struggled under the
decade. For example, St. Louis was TWA’s base and when American bought TWA out of bankruptcy more than 500 daily flights operated from St. Louis – by 2009 that was down to 36. Terminals at Pittsburgh were abandoned after US Airways began winding down its hub there in the mid-2000s. The consolidation of United and Continental has also seen reductions in flights from both Chicago and Houston. However, the good news is that a
corner may have been turned and there are signs that US airlines might be on the cusp of a real renaissance that will have staying power. The latest reports from IATA reveal
that US airlines are poised for an international offensive after the mergers and job cuts delivered leaner companies better positioned to compete with those Asian and Middle East rivals. Many are restoring routes in highly competitive international markets and new routes are being forged. Significantly, routes lost in the cutbacks are reappearing. For example, Delta is resuming
"Reports from IATA suggest that the leaner US carriers are on the cusp of a renaissance that will have staying power"
Pictured left: American Airlines and US Airways wag their tails; while above: United lays on the onboard style; and below American's walk-up bar
flights to Malaga and Pisa from New York whilst American is already operating new routes from Dallas to Seoul and New York to Dublin. At the recent IATA meeting in Cape
Town of the world’s airlines, IATA ceo Tony Tyler made the point that carriers based in the world’s biggest travel market are ready to grab market share and make up for lost time in ordering more fuel-efficient aircraft to trim costs. “We’re going to see more
competition now as the US carriers operate from a stronger base. It’s been very, very tough and there really isn’t anything that they haven’t learned about how to operate efficiently and how to add value to their product.” But to successfully take on the likes of Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qatar head to head, the airlines' service and onboard experience has to be at the forefront. American carriers have not only got
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