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Jun30
Northwest Airlines Lost $88 Million in May
Struggling Northwest Airlines has posted a $88 million dollar loss for May.  The airline has been struggling of late as they have scored significantly below other airlines in a passenger survey, have been trying to rid themselves of massive debt loads and have had long and larborous battles with their employees over wage and benefit cuts.  One bright spot, the loss is not as large as some of the other airlines that have been in similar positions.  However, if airlines can't make money in the heavily traveled summer season, airline's can't make money at all. 
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yyyyyyy.JPGBankrupt airline, Northwest, on Friday posted an $88 million net loss for the month of May and ended the period with $1.4 billion in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, the carrier said.

In an update of its finances required by the bankruptcy court on a monthly basis, Northwest also said it paid $312 million for fuel and $230 million in labor-related costs.

Northwest reported an operating profit of $72 million but recorded an $88 million net loss after factoring in interest expense, restructuring liabilities, and other costs.

Yahoo! News

Jun30
JetBlue and Continental Top J.D. Power Survey
As much as the other airlines harp on JetBlue, a recent J.D. Power and Associates survey has given the airline top marks in seven categories.  Passengers in the survey were asked to rank check ins, airplanes, and other services.  Jetblue... Continue Reading
Northwest Airlines Ranks Second to Last in Survey; Slightly Better Than AirCanada
In a recent J.D. Power and Assoicates survey, passengers ranked Northwest Airlines at the very bottom just slightly above AirCanada.  This does not boast well for the carrier which is trying to reorganize itself back into profitability.  And in order... Continue Reading
AirTran to Add 2,500 Jobs in Next 5 Years
AirTran is planning on adding 500 jobs a year for the next 5 years in Georgia as their continued effort to expand and gain more market share.  AirTran which is one of the largest low-cost carriers currently operates a hub... Continue Reading
Jun29
Hawaiian Airlines Files Another Suit Against Mesa Air (go!)
Hawaiian Airlines filed a lawsuit the other day in court to stop go! airlines from issuing tickets for a year.  The lawsuit says that go! obtained information that stated plans regarding Hawaiians 2004 reorganization plans after exiting bankruptcy.  go! offers... Continue Reading
Delta Air Lines Increases International Economy Services
Delta Air Lines is apparently learning that the key to keeping passengers on their planes is to offer just more an a seat to their destination.  International passengers on Delta's trans-Atlantic flights to Europe and flights to India in coach... Continue Reading
Jun28
Brazilian Carrier, TAM, Buys $3 Billion in Jets from Airbus
Amid the collasping Varig Airline, Brazil's largest domestic carrier is placing a massive order with Airbus for new aircraft.  TAM has placed orders for 37 Airbus planes worth 3 billion dollars.  A huge blow for home country aircraft manufacture, Embraer,... Continue Reading
Northwest Airlines Speeds Retirement of DC-10s
With one of the oldest fleets in the US (17 years), Northwest Airlines will begin replacing their remaining 12 DC-10 planes with newer, more modern aircraft that will help save the company on fuel expenses.  The two types of aircraft... Continue Reading
Union Wants To Tie Management Bonuses with Flight Attendants
Tired of your management team earning bonuses while you get nothing?  Tired of your airline not making money, you losing a fifth of your salary, and your management team earning stock options?  Union leaders at Northwest Airlines want to tie... Continue Reading
Cathay Pacific continues to expand their Hong Kong hub in regards to freight and this comes as they placed orders for six additional  planes, the Boeing 747-400ERF, Extended Range Freighters.  The airline wants to make sure they keep a hold... Continue Reading
China's Largest Airline Signs Up with SkyTeam
The largest airline in China, China Southern, signed an agreement the other day stating that they will be joining the SkyTeam Alliance.  An important member, China Southern will allow passengers to connect throughout China's many growing destinations.  As Asia, and... Continue Reading
Jun26
Jetstar Australia Sells 5,000 Tickets at $5 In Honor of World Cup
With the heartbreaking loss of the Australian SocceRoo's today to Italy, the Jetstar sale has begun.  Now (5pm Central) til 10pm (Central Time Zone) Jetstar will be selling selected fares and travels dates for only $5 Australian dollars.  (Roughly $4... Continue Reading
Virgin Atlantic Doubles Yearly Profit
The key to making profits?  Business Travelers, Business Travelers, Business Travelers!  Virgin Atlantic has reported a doubling in yearly profits after attracting more business travelers.  Some airlines are recognizing this and adding premium services into their fleet but will it... Continue Reading
Jun24
"We Will Get It" Says Qantas CEO As He Refers to Compensation for A380
Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Geoff Dixon, has said the airline will be receiving compensation from Airbus over their scheduled late delievery of 12 Airbus A380s.  "We won't just seek it, we will get it," he said.  "We have contracts... Continue Reading
Jetstar Australia Gives Up Open Seating Policy
With some of the recent comments seen on the Southwest Airlines blog about how customers are demanding the "cattle call" return and not to assign seats, the opposite is actually happening in the "Land Down Under."  Jetstar, Qantas' low cost... Continue Reading
Verizon Airfone to Stop Services by Year's End
Verizon Airfone to stop services on nearly 1,000 aircraft operated by Continental, Delta, United and US Airways by the end of this year.  Verizon Airfone which exited early from an auction of nationwide airwaves by the Federal Communications Commission that... Continue Reading
Jun23
United Airlines to Stop Domestic Mail Service
United Airlines will stop domestic air mail services on June 30.  The air carrier failed to meet the US Postal Services on time needs between October of 2005 and March 2006.  No word on who will pick up the routes... Continue Reading
Trans-Atlantic Fares to Keep Rising
Even though the price fixing probe into British Airways and other carriers continues to unfold don't expect fares between the US and the UK to fall any time soon.  International destinations seem to be a bright spot for American carriers... Continue Reading
British Airways Involved in Price Fixing Probe
British Airways has suspended two executives as the airline was raided the other day by US and UK authorities over alleged price and fuel surcharge fixing.  Other airlines involved but not a direct target include American Airlines, United Airlines and... Continue Reading
Jun22
Mesaba Airlines to Ask Judge to Throw Out Contracts
If Mesaba gets the contracts thrown out and any one of the union groups go on strike, Northwest could be looking for another feeder.  Thus resulting in no routes for Mesaba Airlines to fly.  The death of an airline, something... Continue Reading
JetBlue Heading to Cancun
Jetblue is heading to the land of Mexico via New York.  Jetblue won over other carriers to have non-stop service between New York and Cancun, Mexico.  Delta Air Lines and USA3000 Airlines both applied along side Jetblue but did not... Continue Reading
Jun21
Qantas Expects 25% Drop in Profit; Still Making Profit This Year
Qantas' workforce of some 37,000 was put on notice this week as the carrier has said that profits will fall and the airline is struggling to keep spirling fuel costs down.  Earning forecasts for the carrier were slashed by 25... Continue Reading
Emirates "Given No Thought to Canceling" A380 Order
And the team over at Airbus all collectively breathed a sigh of relief after their largest customers for the A380 has said  "it had given no thought to canceling its USD$13 billion order, but is looking at compensation for manufacturing... Continue Reading
Southwest Airlines HQ to Stay in Dallas
The announcement from Southwest is no surprise coming after a compromise on the Wright Amendment.  Southwest has decided to keep their HQ in Dallas.  Southwest looking into cities like Phoenix or Baltimore for possible locations but has decided to stay... Continue Reading
Southwest Airlines to Test Assigned Seating in San Diego
Lucky Southwest passengers traveling out of San Diego will get to be test subjects starting in July.  Southwest Airlines will be testing assigned seating.  The airline is currently upgrading their computer system in order to assign seats and international travel... Continue Reading
Jun20
NWA Asks Court for More Time
Northwest Airlines the fifth-largest U.S. airline, asked for an additional three months to complete a reorganization plan as it negotiates pay cuts from flight attendants. "Much more remains to be done to complete the task at hand, including the resolution... Continue Reading
ComAir to Head Back to Judge Again...
When you can't reach an agreement with the people you are trying too, what makes better sense than running to the judge to see if your offer is fair enough to impose on the group.  Flight attendants for ComAir and... Continue Reading
American Airlines Flt. 1740 Lands Safely After Landing Gear Problem
A Chicago Department of Aviation spokesperson said the landing gear problems were "not completely unusual".  What?  How often does this sort of landing gear problem occur?  Is it worth looking into fixing the issue instead of just saying it's not... Continue Reading
Jun19
Northwest Airlines Changes Boarding Policy
Another airline is changing their boarding policy and it's not Southwest, it's Northwest Airlines.  The airline is getting rid of the "Row-by-Row" boarding because it slowed the boarding process by up to 10 minutes depending on type of aircraft.  Northwest... Continue Reading
Employees Group Purchase of Varig for $449 Million Approved by Judge
Employees Group ended up buying the highly debt heavy Varig Airline but only for half of what the judge was requiring.  The airline should be able to shed its debt under Brazilian laws.  The airline which is part of Star... Continue Reading
Delta Air Lines Takes Page from United, Adding Premium Transcontinental Service
Ben over at USAtoday has reported that Delta Air Lines looks to be focusing more on the high end customers as it has said it will revamp 100 of their 477 long haul jets in order to entice those travelers... Continue Reading
Airbus and EADS Nose Dive Even More
With the recent announcement of the A380 delays, Airbus is trying to figure out how it will cope with the situation without upsetting anymore clients and pushing forward with new projects.  More specificially it wants to avoid the situation that... Continue Reading
Jun18
Kuwait's Jazeera Airways Flying Women Home FREE to Vote
Being able to vote is one of the most important and most honoring symbols.  For the first time women in the Kuwait will get the chance to vote and Kuwait's no-frills Jazeera Airways will help women who are abroad come... Continue Reading
Jun17
Delta Air Lines to Dump Pilot's Pension Plan on Monday
More obligations for the tax payers as yet another company dumps their pension plans on the government in order to relieve themselves of massive debt.  Delta is not the first airline to do this.  US Airways (old) and United have... Continue Reading
Chicago May Offer Fuel Tax Cap for United
United Airlines has use the threat of moving their HQ out of Illinois to their benefit.  United is seeking tax breaks on jet fuel in the city of Chicago.   United is looking to save money in any fashion and fuel... Continue Reading
Did NWA Executives Lie About Bankruptcy Threat?
Did Northwest Airlines use the threat of bankruptcy to make workers take concessions?  Did executives sell stocks before the company filed for bankruptcy protection?  Did Northwest Airlines pay nearly $1 million dollars for advice from bankruptcy lawyers before the company... Continue Reading
Jun16
Australian Government Says NO to Singapore Airlines
The Australian Government has said no again to Singapore Airlines to gain access to the very profitable, very lucrative US-Australia route.  Singapore has said that more competition on the route would help bring in tourism dollars to Australia.  However, Transport... Continue Reading
Another Round of Price Increases
Airlines are hoping to cash in on the highly traveled summer season, but fuel prices are keeping any hopes of a profit down this year.  Another round of airfare hikes were passed onto fliers who travel with the top carriers... Continue Reading
Jun15
American and Southwest Agree on Love Deal
If approved by Congress both airlines would get something but little is seen to benefit travelers.  American Airlines would get to keep limits of long haul flights from Love.  Southwest would be able to sell "through tickets" from distant cities... Continue Reading
JetStar Australia Offers Amazing World Cup Ticket Prices
World Cup fever has hit Australia.  Qantas' low cost carrier, Jetstar is offering something special for all Socceroo Fans in Australia.  In support of the Qantas Socceroos, Jetstar is offering you an exclusive Spectacular Soccer Sale! Fares to selected Jetstar... Continue Reading
Delta Air Lines- Northwest Airlines Merger?
Fresh off the week long series on airline mergers here at the AirlineHub, the Royal Dutch carrier's chief executive, Leo van Wijk, said a merger between SkyTeam Alliance partners, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines is a "real possibility."  He... Continue Reading
Jun14
Singapore Airlines "Unhappy" at Airbus; Signs Deal with Boeing
A crushing blow came today for Airbus as Singapore Airlines said it would purchase Boeing 787's instead of Airbus' A350s.  Could this switch by Singapore to Boeing aircraft hurt Airbus as other airlines continue to eye Boeing jets over Airbus. ... Continue Reading
Houston's Bush Interncontinental Airport Sees 9% Jump in Traffic Due to Continental Airlines
Even though former CEO Gordon Bethune is gone, the mentality that he left behind still continues today.  He said in his book, From Worst to First, that instead of "adding more hubs, which would have spread [Continental Airlines] thinner... Continue Reading
United Airlines Cutting 1,000 Jobs
Many experts have continued to stress that United Airlines must cut more in order to turn a profit.  Well today United is cutting 1,000 salaried jobs at the airline.  The only good news is that none of the job cuts... Continue Reading
Jun13
I believe that bloggers don't give enough credit to other bloggers, especially ones that write about the same subject material.  When I was doing my daily reads, I saw some amazing pictures posted at one of my favorite sites.  Aviation... Continue Reading
Air New Zealand and Qantas Working On Intra-Country Code Share
The only problem I have with this possible code sharing between ANZ and Qantas is that the services are different between the companies.  If I bought a ticket on ANZ's website, would I receive the services that I paid for... Continue Reading
More Delays for Airbus A380
More delays for the new Airbus A380 Super Jumbo Jet.  Airbus has said that they have had industry problems that have shifted their delievery dates to the right by 6 or 7 months.  ---------------------------------------------------------------European aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced on Tuesday... Continue Reading
Mesa's go! Airline in Hawaii Creating Pricing Wars
With the arrival of Mesa's "GO" airline in Hawaii, the pricing wars have been nasty for the airlines but great for fliers.  GO is offering $19 one way fares between Honolulu and Lihue, and Kahului and Kona.  In order to... Continue Reading
Jun12
Varig Employee Group Bids for Debt-Ridden Airline
A Brazilian judge approved on Monday an offer by a Varig employee group to buy the debt-ridden carrier with conditions, throwing what was once Latin America's largest airline a lifeline that could save it from collapse.  The employee group, known... Continue Reading
Flight Attendants and NWA Return to Talking
After stating that the airline, "does not have the luxury of returning to the bargaining table," they have after their flight attendants voted down a contract that would have slashed their pay by nearly a fifth and would have changed... Continue Reading
Plane Refuelers at Detroit Metro Airport May Strike
Nearly 300 workers who refuel airplanes at Detroit Metropolitan Airport say they could strike during the summer travel season after their employer stopped recognizing their union. The members of Teamsters Local 299 say Aircraft Services International Group Inc. cut their... Continue Reading
Jun11
Negotiations Between Pilots and AirCanada Break Down
Our pilot neighbors to the north are having trouble with Canada's largest airline.  Pilots are trying to renegotiate with the airline after pre-arranged reopenings of the contract failed to produce any results.  The reopenings of the contract come as the... Continue Reading
Continental Airlines Orders $3 Billion in Aircraft
Continental Airlines became one of the first legacy carriers to order the next generation of Boeing aircraft.  Last Tuesday Continental ordered 10 more 787 aircraft from Boeing, along side their 24 more next generation 737s.  Continental Airlines has been replacing... Continue Reading
Fuel is the second biggest expense behind labor, so when fuel prices continue to remain high, the chances of fuel surcharges will continue to hang over the airlines.  Just the other day, Delta Air Lines raised surcharges crossing the Atlantic... Continue Reading
Varig Airlines Ordered to Return Planes to Boeing
A New York State Supreme Court on Friday ordered troubled Brazilian airline Varig  to turn over a number of aircraft to various plaintiffs including Boeing Co.  injunction called for Varig, which declared bankruptcy a year ago, to stop operating the... Continue Reading
Jun10
Frequent Fliers Take Back Seat When Airlines Merge
Being that the "Is United Merging with Continental or Delta" series has stretched the entire week, I thought i would wrap it up with what really matters, the people who fly the airlines that keep them in business.  Back in... Continue Reading
Jun 9
Singapore Airlines Will Use A380 on Singapore-Sydney Route
Want to be the first to travel on the Airbus A380?  Singapore Airlines (Australia site) will be the first airline in the world to put the monster aircraft into service when it starts service on their Singapore-Sydney run, in late... Continue Reading
Jun 8
Is United Airlines Merging with Continental or Delta Part 6
Delta’s Super Hub and Those “Other Hubs” It’s pretty obvious that Delta focuses on their super hub, Atlanta.  Much of their attention has been focused on another new and emerging hub, JFK.  But Delta does have two other hubs, Cincinnati... Continue Reading
Flight Attendants at NWA Reject Agreement; NWA Heads to Court
Eighty Per cent of flight attendants voted together to stop the plundering of employee's salaries and benefits.  Flight attendants at NWA voted down a tentative agreement that would have saved the airline $195 million dollars at the cost of over... Continue Reading
Is United Airlines Merging with Continental or Delta Part 5
Continued from Part 4 Though there are other Delta hubs too.  Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, and even now New York’s JFK Airport are apart of Delta’s network.  In recent months however, Cincinnati has been scaled back.  Operations at JFK have... Continue Reading
Jun 7
FareCast Gives Fare History and Direction
Mark, over at Upgrade: Travel Better, has given me an invite to a program that is just entering beta.  Take a look at Mark's review of FareCast."It promises to go a step further than FareCompare's graphical plotting of the past... Continue Reading
Is United Airlines Merging with Continental or Delta Part 4
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines:  A Southern Key Delta Air Lines is something of a long shot when it comes to a merger partner; though their strong hold on that key southern airport, Atlanta, makes them a valuable option. ... Continue Reading
Jun 6
Two Engines Just as Safe as Three or More
US regulators are near to concluding that passenger jets with two engines are as safe as those with three or four engines and should have the same flexibility in flying long-distance routes, a report said on Monday. The Federal... Continue Reading
Bush Adminstration Imposes FAA Contract on Air Traffic Controllers
The Bush administration imposed new contract terms on more than 14,500 US air traffic controllers on Monday after failing to reach a negotiated agreement with the controllers' union, officials said. The Federal Aviation Administration plans to phase in pay cuts... Continue Reading
Is United Airlines Merging with Continental or Delta Part 3
Continued from 2 Previous Entries Part I  &  PartII Meshing Employees When two companies merge together there are always difficulties with meshing to two groups of employees.  Seniority, benefits, and jealousy create issues.  However US Airways and America West have... Continue Reading
Jun 5
Virgin America's First Flight Delayed Again til Late '06 or Early '07
Virgin America chief executive officer Fred Reid reportedly said that rival airlines like Continental Airlines Inc. have submitted numerous objections to the US Department of Transportation about Virgin America’s application for flight certification. Those objections have bogged down the review... Continue Reading
Is United Airlines Merging with Continental or Delta Part 2
Continued From Previous Entry Fleet Similarities Make Sense After recently finishing the book, Flying High, about current CEO of JetBlue, David Neeleman and his thoughts on how to run an airline, I have concluded alongside with him that a simple... Continue Reading
Jun 4
Is United Airlines Merging with Continental or Delta?
Airline experts continue to say that United Airlines needs to cut more in order to keep their advantage over the competition.  Even today there seems to be a buzz in the air whether or not United is preparing itself for... Continue Reading
Japan Airlines to Join oneWorld Alliance
Japan Airlines will join oneworld, the airline alliance led by British Airways and American Airlines in early 2007. Asia's biggest carrier first announced plans to join the global network in October, seeking to bolster its services and operations after a... Continue Reading
Jun 3
US Airways Moving to Subsitute Peanuts
US Airways is giving the axe to serving peanuts on their flights.  US Airways will still serve mixed nuts and pretzels but is giving up peanuts in order to help those passengers that are allergic to them.  Many carriers now... Continue Reading
Delta Air Lines Plans to Terminate Pilot Pension Plan "Fairly Soon"
Delta Air Lines Inc. will file a request to terminate its pilots' defined benefit pension plan "fairly soon," Chief Executive Gerald Grinstein said in an interview Friday in which he also talked about employee pay cuts, his future and whether... Continue Reading
Jun 2
April On-Time Performance
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has released the stats for the top 20 US Airlines for the month of April.  Canceled Flights:  The consumer report includes BTS (Bureau of Transportation Statistics) data on the number of domestic flights canceled by... Continue Reading