Virgin America Earnings: Still Losing Money, But Less than Before – BNET
Fourth quarter earnings are out, and Virgin America . . . well, still lost money. Buy hey, things are better.
Volcanic Surprise: Icelandair Made Crisis Management Look Easy – BNET
Watching Icelandair manage through the crisis was a real treat. They did a great job of flying a flexible operation.
Finnair Doesn’t Want Compensation for Volcano Disruptions – BNET
Here’s a goofy one – Finnair doesn’t want any compensation from the state, but this actually makes sense.
Spurned US Airways Still Bullish on Airline Consolidation – BNET
At Media Day, US Airways Chairman and CEO Doug Parker said that even if United and Continental pair off, he’s still a happy man.
US Airways Exec Explains Government Role for Airlines: Do No Harm – BNET
C.A. Howlett laid out US Airways’ thoughts on the government’s role in this industry.
1 comment on “Cranky on the Web (April 26 – 30)”
Nice piece on C.A. Howlett. I was particularly interested in the comment he made about the airports assuming 3-5% growth over the next decade where his group thinks 1-2% is more likely.
If we split the difference on 3-5% (assume 4% on average), in 10 years, you’d expect 50% more (fill in the blank here, is it enplanements?) than we have to today. If we split the difference on Howlett’s numbers (take 1.5%) you’re looking at a 16% increase from today’s levels 10 years from now.
I happen to agree with Howlett in that things are somewhat mature. As an indication, WN is “finally” breaking into some of the top markets (some of the most congested, expensive, and delay prone) in the country — places that they dared not go just a few years ago.
So, do I expect there to be a 50% increase from today’s levels 10 years from now? Nope. 15% is more likely.