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American is back on schedule: Sky Harbor docket stabilizes despite industry turmoil(Tribune, The (Mesa, AZ) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Apr. 12--MORE INSIDE U.S. airline industry turbulence continued Friday as one airline got back in the air while another slipped into bankruptcy. Despite a fourth day of massive flight cancellations, almost all American Airlines flights to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were back on schedule. Of a combined 32 American arrivals and departures at Sky Harbor, only three of each were still grounded, said Claire Simeone, Sky Harbor spokeswoman. It's a turnaround from a day earlier when American only flew six flights to and from the local hub, and passengers scrambled to find a way to their planned destinations. American cancelled 595 flights nationwide Friday, as the beleaguered airline tried to find and fix improperly secured wire bundles in the wheel wells of its MD-80 planes. Officials expect to cancel 200 flights today, the vast majority in the morning, and hope to have their full schedule back in the air by late afternoon. All planes and flights are expected to be back in service by Sunday. ATA, Aloha and Skybus have already ceased operations. Minnesota-based charter Champion Air said it will shut down in May. Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group has also been plagued with major financial difficulties. Hawaiian Airlines sued Mesa and won a judgment that amounts to nearly $90 million in compensation and court costs. Delta Air Lines, which uses Mesa to fly its small connecting flights, said it is dumping the Phoenix-based carrier for not living up to contract terms. Mesa is fighting both in court, but the company has asked shareholders to let it issue more stock to help pay the bills for the short-term. Airline industry analyst Michael Boyd said some "fringe" airlines don't have the wherewithal to withstand the economic downturn that has so far resulted in soaring fuel costs and plummeting consumer confidence and discretionary income to spend on travel.But even giant American has taken a huge financial hit from the latest debacle. American hasn't toted up the costs, but the company lost "tens of millions," CEO Gerard Arpey said in a briefing. And the company potentially lost more in future business, as stranded passengers voiced their frustration with the airline. To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.eastvalleytribune.com. Copyright (c) 2008, The Tribune, Mesa, Ariz. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |