Articles tagged “southwest airlines”

Federal Auditor to Investigate FAA’s Safety Oversight of Southwest Airlines

Federal Auditor to Investigate FAA’s Safety Oversight of Southwest Airlines

Brian Sumers, Skift

The Department of Transportation's inspector general has several ongoing audits trying to measure the effectiveness of the Federal Aviation Administration. That's probably a nuisance to the FAA, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. Oversight is important.

2 days ago

Southwest Tries to Poach Customers Loyal to Other U.S. Airlines

Southwest Tries to Poach Customers Loyal to Other U.S. Airlines

Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg

This strategy is nothing new for major airlines. They all try to steal passengers from their competitors using lucrative frequent flyer promotions. But Southwest has played this game less often, because in the past, it wasn't much of a competitor to Delta, American and United. But times change, and Southwest apparently is betting it can play in the big leagues.

2 weeks ago

Why the Threat of U.S. Airline Strikes Might Be a Thing of the Past

Why the Threat of U.S. Airline Strikes Might Be a Thing of the Past

Justin Bachman and Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg

The U.S. aviation landscape has changed a lot over the last decade with a series of mergers cutting the number of carriers. Not only has this shored up their financials, but it has also made strike action less likely. A good thing for management maybe but not so good for employees looking for a better deal.

2 weeks ago

Hawaiian Airlines CEO on Staying Small While Withstanding Competition

Hawaiian Airlines CEO on Staying Small While Withstanding Competition

Brian Sumers, Skift

In the airline industry, bigger is almost always better. But Hawaiian Airlines is betting its unique niche will help it as more competitors add capacity in its markets. Still, the airline could someday be a takeover target for another airline that wants to grow.

2 weeks ago

Airlines Aren’t Passing on Higher Fuel Costs to Passengers Because of Competition

Airlines Aren’t Passing on Higher Fuel Costs to Passengers Because of Competition

Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg

Remember when airline CEOs argued mergers would benefit consumers because it would create more formidable competitors? It's looking like they were right — at least short term. Fuel prices are surging, and airline executives would love to raise fares. But it's hard for one airline to pass on added costs to travelers if the pack doesn't follow. For now, the pack isn't following.

1 month ago

Hawaiian Airlines Promises It’s Ready for Whatever Southwest Plans

Hawaiian Airlines Promises It’s Ready for Whatever Southwest Plans

Brian Sumers, Skift

Hawaiian Airlines executives are talking a big game about how they're ready for competition from Southwest Airlines. Is it true? Or are Hawaiian's executives nervous behind the scenes as they prepare for Southwest's Hawaii expansion?

1 month ago

Investors Are Giving Up on Gogo Even as Airlines Add Wi-Fi

Investors Are Giving Up on Gogo Even as Airlines Add Wi-Fi

Brian Sumers, Skift

Poor Gogo. Its stock is getting pummeled in public markets, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of hope among investors. How will the company respond?

1 month ago

Southwest Will Fly Routes Between Hawaii Islands in Major Challenge to Hawaiian Airlines

Southwest Will Fly Routes Between Hawaii Islands in Major Challenge to Hawaiian Airlines

Brian Sumers, Skift

Southwest began its life in 1971 as a short-haul airline shuttling commuters around Texas. So perhaps it is fitting that it will try to do something similar in Hawaii. But expect Hawaiian Airlines to vigorously defend its turf.

2 months ago

Southwest Hoping Its ‘Lovable’ Reputation Will Help It Bounce Back

Southwest Hoping Its ‘Lovable’ Reputation Will Help It Bounce Back

Brian Sumers, Skift

Southwest has built a reputation as a safe, reliable, and customer-friendly airline over nearly five decades. That has helped Southwest recently, as it has faced one of the biggest tragedies in its history.

2 months ago

How Strong Are Airplane Windows?

How Strong Are Airplane Windows?

Brian Sumers, Skift

Is Southwest having what might best be described as a United problem? The airline faced one major incident a couple of weeks ago, and now passengers are paying much more attention to what ordinarily would be minor events.

2 months ago

U.S. Requiring More Aircraft Engine Inspections After Southwest Failure

U.S. Requiring More Aircraft Engine Inspections After Southwest Failure

Alan Levin, Bloomberg

It's probably a good idea to broaden inspections. This will make things more arduous on airlines as the busy summer travel season approaches, but safe is better than sorry.

2 months ago

Passenger Sues Southwest Airlines Over the ‘Horror’ of Engine Explosion

Passenger Sues Southwest Airlines Over the ‘Horror’ of Engine Explosion

Edvard Pettersson and Christopher Yasiejko, Bloomberg

Southwest engine failure last week was a tragedy. It's far too soon to know if any entity was at fault. But it's probably no surprise a passenger already filed a lawsuit. That's how the U.S. system works.

2 months ago

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