Southwest Airlines at some of its most active airports this month is rolling out dedicated security-screening lanes for its highest-tier frequent flyers and buyers of high-yield fares. The Fly By Priority Security Lane Access gives A-List loyalty program members and holders of Business Select tickets front-of-the-line access at Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles International and John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif. American Airlines last month also rolled out a similar program, giving elite status members, First and Business Class passengers and full-fare Economy Class travelers "dedicated PriorityAAccess check-in, security screening lanes (where available), and exclusive boarding lanes at the gate." American said Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Los Angeles, New York JFK, New York La Guardia and San Francisco, among others, will offer the expedited services.
Analysts Rethink Air Profit Views Amid Oil SwingsThough the International Air Transport Association assumed an average $113 per barrel of crude oil in its $5 billion loss projection for North American airlines this year
(BTNonline, Sept. 22), a few U.S. airline analysts suggest profits are attainable in 2009. With fuel recording wild price swings throughout much of September, the question of carrier profitability into 2009 hinges on where fuel settles. JPMorgan airline analyst Jamie Baker in a September research note said, "assuming a more uniform crack spread and looking at the forward curve, it is growing increasingly possible that 2009 industry fuel expense could be lower than in 2008 (before hedging losses)." Baker said a 6 percent capacity reduction coupled with steady demand puts profits in sight for major U.S. airlines. Of course, fuel remains the critical X-factor. UBS airline analyst Kevin Crissey said the domestic industry has "priced itself for break-even at $100+ oil."
Spinetta To Say Au Revior To Air France-KLM CEO RoleAir France-KLM CEO Jean-Cyril Spinetta in January will pass the chief executive role to Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, who currently serves as the deputy CEO of the group. Spinetta, who has been Air France CEO since 1997 and took the chief executive title of the merged Air France-KLM Group in 2004, will retain his role as non-executive chairman of the group's board of directors. Gourgeon has served as president and COO of Air France since 1998 and became deputy CEO of the merged group in 2004. Gourgeon also serves as vice chairman of Amadeus Global Travel Distribution, which is owned in part by Air France-KLM. "After 11 years as chief executive of Air France, and then Air France-KLM, I felt it necessary to propose an internal solution that would guarantee continuity of governance, in view of the difficult economic climate facing us," Spinetta said in a statement. "This way, we will protect the group's interests while abiding by the principles which have underpinned its constitution and will remain relevant going forward."