No argument on the oil prices coming down, but the economy returning to life? I don't see that happening right now or any time soon. The airlines took a 1-2 punch this year. First it was the oil, now it's the economy. I could reference many articles that say this is only the beginning of a possible long-term economic downturn. Corporate travel is largely expendable and when doing budgets for 2009, I fear many companies will make big reductions in business travel which could have a heavy negative impact on the airlines.

I hope and pray this article is an accurate representation of things to come and would love nothing more than to see things improve around here, but I just don't see the airlines flourishing in a deep recession when many other businesses are struggling. Here's to hoping!