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

With oil approaching $100 a barrel, the airlines are feeling the pinch.  American has already raised some prices $20.  However, United Airlines (UAUA) might be going one step further and grounding some of their fleet to cut costs. 

"Either the industry passes on the higher fuel prices or we're going to have to lower capacity, but you have to make the equation work," said United Airline’s Chief Financial Officer Jake Brace. 

The Chicago based carrier might ground up to 100 of their 460 mainline planes to cut costs.  Nearly a fifth of United’s fleet is debt free, giving them the option to ground those planes to cut capacity.    

United is looking at keeping capacity growth fairly flat at just 1 percent next year.  Cuts in domestic capacity will be offset by increases in international traffic. 

Maybe merge with Delta... apparently they are looking for a partner.   

The Boston Globe