US Airways Jumps 12 percent to Lead Airline Sector Higher

US Airways Group (LCC 8.50, +0.69, +8.84%) shares jumped almost 12% to $8.73 in early trading on Wednesday to lead a broad advance in the airline sector after J.P Morgan Chase & Co. upgraded the stock. The NYSE Arca Airline Index rose 4.7% to 37.39 points and has now gained 11% since the beginning of the year. All 13 components in the benchmark were in positive territory, with AMR Corp. (AMR 7.54, +0.40, +5.53%) gaining 9% and Continental Airlines (CAL 21.18, +1.26, +6.33%) up more than 7%.

New Airline Rules “Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections”, Good News for Passengers

Federal government rules called “Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections” will take effect. Visit the official website (airconsumer.dot.gov) for details, including the 22-page discussion published in the Federal Register – not as much of a yawn as you might think. It shows the government’s thought process.

In any case, the title sounds reassuring, but what will the rules actually do?

Worst-case scenario: For us, the worst possible situation (well, after crashing, I suppose) is being stuck in an airplane on the tarmac. We’ve all read about the horrific experiences of people trapped on a delayed airliner with no food, water or toilets for up to 12 hours. (more…)

Sojern Travel Network Partnership with U.S. Airways Travelers Destination-Specific Content on Boarding Pass

Sojern, the first company to bring customized, destination-oriented content to travelers on airline boarding passes, today announced its partnership with US Airways.

Destination-specific advertising and travel information provided by Sojern will be available via US Airways’ online and printed boarding passes for all 155 domestic destinations starting this month. Sojern’s proprietary technology provides US Airways’ passengers who check in at www.usairways.com a wide range of useful content including weather reports, restaurant options, activities and special discounts on both their online and printed boarding passes.

“US Airways is continuously seeking ways to add convenience and improve the travel experience for our customers,” said Andrew Nocella, US Airways’ senior vice president, marketing and planning. “Our partnership with Sojern allows us to offer destination-specific travel information that our travelers will find useful and relevant on their boarding passes and during their Web check-in process — requiring no additional time or expense from our customers.”
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U.S. Air Passenger Growth Slows in Sluggish Economy

U.S. airline passenger numbers will reach 1 billion in 2023, two years later than projected, because of slow economic growth, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

The revision in the agency’s annual forecast follows an “unprecedented” drop in operations last year, when take-offs and landings fell 10.4 percent, said Nan Shellabarger, the agency’s director of aviation policy and plans.
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Southwest Airlines Puts Storm Revenue Loss at $15M

Southwest Airlines Co. says that winter storms along the East Coast last month cost it $15 million in lost passenger revenue.

Southwest’s estimate on Friday came after two other airlines said earlier this week that the poor weather cost them about $55 million in lost revenue.
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US Airways, Delta Lead Traffic Decline on Storm Cancellations

US Airways Group Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc. led the six largest U.S. carriers to a 1.7 percent drop in February traffic as storms caused thousands of flight cancellations.

US Airways had the widest traffic decline at 4.7 percent, and said the storms reduced its revenue by about $30 million last month. UAL Corp.’s United Airlines said yesterday its traffic slid 0.5 percent in that time, and that the storms lowered revenue by $40 million.
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