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.
(continue reading…)

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.
(continue reading…)

Frequent travelers on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air can now download mobile applications for the iPhone, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile smartphones. The free apps allow travelers to review flight schedules, check arrival and departure times, add mileage plan numbers, receive flight alerts and more.
(continue reading…)

Southwest Airlines is celebrating 15 years of LUV in three cities today. On Oct. 4, 1994, the airline began service to Tucson International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, and Boise Airport. In celebration of this special occasion, Southwest Airlines’ Employees and Customers will enjoy food and FUN at each of these airports.
(continue reading…)

Officials at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport are expected to consider a package of expanded incentives to entice new and existing airlines to add or expand service.

Airport Director Dick Hrabko plans to unveil an expanded incentive program for airport commissioners to consider and possibly adopt at their meeting Wednesday.
(continue reading…)

Southwest Airlines is adding a new nonstop daily flight from Reno to Phoenix beginning in January.

The midday flight on a 136-seat Boeing 737 will be the third daily flight between the two cities.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport President Krys Bart says it’s an important sign that at a time of growth for Southwest, Reno is “an important part of their future plans.”
(continue reading…)

Southwest Airlines Co. said Tuesday it won approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for plans to replace parts on flap exhaust gate assemblies on 82 of its Boeing Co. 737-300 and 500 series aircraft without grounding flights. Southwest said in a statement that it has already replaced parts on 43 aircraft, and the remaining replacements will be made by Dec. 24. Customers won’t experience any impact on their flight plans as a result of the replacements, the airline said

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is allowing Southwest Airlines to fly with unapproved parts used to repair some of its jets, according to several published reports. FAA officials say that the parts, used by a maintenance company hired by Southwest, are not considered an “immediate safety threat,” the Huffington Post reported. (continue reading…)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating Southwest Airlines after a routine inspection found that the airline had installed unauthorized parts on 46 of its planes.

The Dallas-based carrier grounded those planes for several hours Saturday after the FAA’s inspection.

The unauthorized part, known as a hinge fitting, goes on the airplane’s wing, FAA spokesman Les Dorr said. (continue reading…)