Record flights amid merger rumors
US-based airlines carried 730 million domestic and international passengers in 2011, the highest total since 2008, according to a new government report, but talk in the industry was also about still another merger.
Airlines flew with an average of 82-87% of all seats filled, another record high “load factor,” according to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
“Combined, the growing passenger numbers and the record domestic load factor demonstrate again that the nation's airlines are enjoying growing demand for air travel, representing a strong rebound from the industry slump during the recession,” according to the LA Times.
Meanwhile, US Airways is looking to take over bankrupt American Airlines, according to several published reports and industry analysts.
The goal is to complete a deal before American’s parent company, AMR, exists bankruptcy proceedings, according to a Bloomberg report.
AMR recently received permission to extend the filing deadline for its reorganization plan until Sept. 28. The company has said it plans to ask for its labor union contracts to be voided.
US Airways is likely to put forward the argument that the two airlines combined will be stronger than if they remained as separate companies, said Ray Neidl, an aerospace analyst with Maxim Group.
US Airways CEO Doug Parker has made no secret of his desire to join with American, telling reporters this week that advisers have been hired to consider a bid. But during the current bankruptcy period American is barred from filing competing plans, such as a merger proposal.
Meanwhile, US Airways is buying up Internet domain names reflecting a potential merger.
A spokesman for US Airways confirmed that company registered domain addresses that include the names of both airlines, according to The Associated Press. A merger between American and US Airways would give American an improved presence in the East, where it has been squeezed out by Delta and United, said Neidl.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026