A discussion about the airline industry, airline employees, and all things related

In the spirit of the traditional year end countdown, I have comprised my top ten aviation stories of 2006.  Looking back this was a turbulent year in the airline industry.  From last minute deals averting strikes to the first commercial jet air crash in years to bankruptcies and hostile takeover bids, it has been a year full of a lot of ups and downs. 

#10:  Independence Air Ceases Operations. 

This carrier born out of regional service for United and Delta decided to go at it on its own.  With more than 10 Airbus 319 planes and 38 CRJ-200 planes, the carrier was focused on providing service to eastern coastal cities for a fair price.  The carrier served over 37 destinations from their hub airport Washington DC Dulles.  The carrier ceased operations on January 5, 2006 after operating since 1989.  US Airways and especially United Airlines benefited from this.  United took over Independence Air gates in Dulles. 

#9:  Northwest Flight Attendants Nearly Strike Several Times.  

It was a crazy turbulent summer for Northwest Airlines as they battled their union groups for wage concessions, even though the unions were showing no signs of giving in.  The flight attendants were staging informational pickets; they even rolled out a scary website.  Even though the union has settled on a contract I doubt all is well at the airline.  Much disgust still hangs around that company for management.  It will be interesting to see what goes on at the company in the next 6 months.  Rumors are flying about a NWA-Delta hook up and a NWA-American hook up.  Who knows, but it’s interesting that Delta and NWA went into bankruptcy protection on the same day within hours of each other. 

#8:  Qantas Airways Being Sold to Private Group: 

With the national carrier of Australia being sold to a private group of investors, it makes Qantas only one of a few airlines to go private.  In my opinion it can not be a bad thing.  However a lot of people in Australia see this as a way to just make more money and it is being seen as a selling off of Australian culture.  The Australian carrier was sold for $11 billion Australian dollars.  It still needs to be approved by a vast 90% or more of the stock holders, but the deal is expected to go through. 

#7:  Southwest Airlines Seat Controversy.  

The philosophy at Southwest Airlines is simple, move as many people, as quick as possible for the lowest cost.  When they started to mess with assigning seats, the uproar was big.  People posted comments on the Southwest Airlines Blog demanding the company keep the open seating policy.  People liked to pick their seats as they walked on the plane in order to keep their family together, keep away from screaming kids or avoid having to sit next to someone they didn’t want to sit next to.   

#6:  Comair-Delta Pilots Nearly Strike.  

It would have sent the airline into liquidation.  It would have cut pilots pay by a tremendous amount.  It was a game of chicken between the two sides.  Eventually the sides agreed on a contract but it was down to hours before the sides stopped talking and started walking. 

Next entry will be the top 5…..