Airline News May 2005

America West, US Airways may get new name: If US Airways and America West Airlines merge, officials will choose a name for the combined airline. One marketing expert suggested rebranding the combined airline because of recent customer service snafus at US Airways and limited recognition for the America West brand, the Arizona Republic reports. May 19, 2005

Fares could stay low if airlines are allowed to merge. The proposed merger of America West and US Airways will keep ticket prices low, the Associated Press reports. The combination will also offer travelers new destinations and access to the Star Alliance global consortium. May 23, 2005

American's Arpey considers workers' opinions when cutting costs. American Airlines Chief Executive Gerard Arpey has listened to employees as he has cut the airline's costs, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Mitchell Schnurman writes. For example, Arpey recently said the company would consider trimming travel perks for non employees, but first it would need input from workers. May 25, 2005

American Airlines flight attendant questions travel perks for non employees. At a recent shareholders meeting, an American Airlines flight attendant questioned the company's policy of offering valuable travel privileges to friends and extended-family of employees, the New York Times reports. Executives said they would consider revamping the system. The company has asked employees to take large pay cuts, and has eliminated many perks to save money. May 23, 2005

American strikes maintenance agreement with Latin American carriers. American Airlines said it will maintain 29 jetliners for Latin American airlines, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. The agreement arrives as other airlines increasingly outsource the maintenance of their jets.

May 19, 2005

American markets Chinese flights a year ahead of service: American Airlines is working to boost demand for its service to China, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. The airline's inaugural flight is more than a year away. American officials say if the flight is successful, it may lobby for more flights to China. The flight will depart from Chicago. May 19, 2005

North Dallas Chamber to support lifting Wright law, report says. The North Dallas Chamber of Commerce is expected to support lifting the Wright Amendment, which restricts flying out of Dallas' Love Field, the Dallas Morning News reports. Officials will hold a news conference Thursday but would not offer further details. Southwest Airlines wants the law repealed, but American Airlines and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport want it to remain in place. May 19, 2005

Discount airlines lift fares, following lead of larger rivals. Discount airlines have boosted fares, following their larger rivals, the Wall Street Journal reports. American Airlines led the latest fare increase on Wednesday. Since then, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines and JetBlue Airways have lifted their prices by varying amounts. May 16, 2005

Wright debate heats up as homeowners support law. The Wright amendment debate is intensifying, the Dallas Morning News reports. People who own homes near Dallas Love Field say the law protects them from traffic, pollution and other hazards. The Wright amendment limits flights out of the airport. Southwest Airlines wants the law lifted, but American Airlines and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport believe it should stay in place. May 15, 2005