19/03/2002
Airline sector exhibits first signs of recovery in traffic
Tentative signs of recovery in the airline sector have been bolstered by British Airways’ decision to restore part of its transatlantic services.
From April, BA is to reinstate its transatlantic Concorde flights during the week, which will see Heathrow-US air traffic levels back to normal after the events of September 11.
However, while the company has shown a revival in economic fortune, BA confirmed there were no plans to halt a restructuring programme which will entail 13,000 redundancies
Speaking to BBC Online, a BA spokesperson said: “The job losses are part of a planned programme, designed to ensure the security of remaining employees.
“Just because our services are back to normal does not mean the number of passengers we are carrying is back to normal as well.”
The situation echoes the encouraging signs seen in the American airline industry, where many carriers are reporting increased profits for the first time since the attacks.
Airlines have managed to increase passenger numbers by reducing prices for leisure travellers, with holidaymakers now expecting to see ticket prices which are around 20-25 per cent lower than before.
However, business customers have not seen any increase in ticket prices, which suggests that firm evidence of an upturn in economic performance could be slow in coming.
The airline industry depends in part on the revenue stream from profits made from business travel – much of which is booked at the last minute and at high premium.
(CL)
From April, BA is to reinstate its transatlantic Concorde flights during the week, which will see Heathrow-US air traffic levels back to normal after the events of September 11.
However, while the company has shown a revival in economic fortune, BA confirmed there were no plans to halt a restructuring programme which will entail 13,000 redundancies
Speaking to BBC Online, a BA spokesperson said: “The job losses are part of a planned programme, designed to ensure the security of remaining employees.
“Just because our services are back to normal does not mean the number of passengers we are carrying is back to normal as well.”
The situation echoes the encouraging signs seen in the American airline industry, where many carriers are reporting increased profits for the first time since the attacks.
Airlines have managed to increase passenger numbers by reducing prices for leisure travellers, with holidaymakers now expecting to see ticket prices which are around 20-25 per cent lower than before.
However, business customers have not seen any increase in ticket prices, which suggests that firm evidence of an upturn in economic performance could be slow in coming.
The airline industry depends in part on the revenue stream from profits made from business travel – much of which is booked at the last minute and at high premium.
(CL)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 September 2001
Opec opts to hold steady on oil prices
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) has chosen to hold prices steady in order to avoid criticism of profiting from current tensions between the West and the Middle East.
Opec opts to hold steady on oil prices
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) has chosen to hold prices steady in order to avoid criticism of profiting from current tensions between the West and the Middle East.
03 April 2002
German firm to create 50 new jobs for Waterford
Up to 50 new jobs are to be created in Waterford over the next four years following a €10 million investment by German firm, Guehring oHG Albstadt.
German firm to create 50 new jobs for Waterford
Up to 50 new jobs are to be created in Waterford over the next four years following a €10 million investment by German firm, Guehring oHG Albstadt.
25 September 2001
Ryanair calls for common sense not state aid
Ryanair, one of Europe’s leading budget airlines, has spoken out about the need for smart economic strategies rather than state aid as the solution to the current crisis facing the airline industry.
Ryanair calls for common sense not state aid
Ryanair, one of Europe’s leading budget airlines, has spoken out about the need for smart economic strategies rather than state aid as the solution to the current crisis facing the airline industry.
07 March 2002
Halifax report continuing rise in house prices
House prices in the UK have risen by almost 17 per cent according to the latest survey figures released by the Halifax. The report, published on Thursday 7 March, has shown that in February, property prices rose by more than one-sixth on the same time a year earlier – representing the fastest annual rate of growth in 12 years.
Halifax report continuing rise in house prices
House prices in the UK have risen by almost 17 per cent according to the latest survey figures released by the Halifax. The report, published on Thursday 7 March, has shown that in February, property prices rose by more than one-sixth on the same time a year earlier – representing the fastest annual rate of growth in 12 years.
05 January 2010
OFT 'Wrong' Over Ryanair Criticism
Irish budget airline Ryanair has attacked a British fair trading watchdog which said that its payment policy was "puerile and childish".
OFT 'Wrong' Over Ryanair Criticism
Irish budget airline Ryanair has attacked a British fair trading watchdog which said that its payment policy was "puerile and childish".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.