DOT to create panel to fix airline industry
 

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/fligh...ne-panel_N.htm

"...Ed Wytkind, president of the AFL-CIO's transportation trades department, said he doesn't expect the Obama administration to attempt a return to the kind of regulation that existed before 1978 where the government set fares and routes. But he said he'd like the government to tighten requirements for new, low-cost airlines seeking to enter the marketplace.

A parade of low-cost carriers have at times driven air fares below cost, Wytkind said. That causes economic chaos for mainline carriers until finally the new entrants go bankrupt [or their costs mature (my comment)] in a process that hurts the entire industry, he said..."

One simple way to begin stabilizing the industry is to quit issuing 121 certificates for the next decade. If we have a glut of seats on the market, why add to them.

Yawn.........

At least someone has noticed that the problem needs to be fixed. Of course it should be the execs who get millions of dollars to be retained as "top talent". But it beats a blank as my mom used to say.

To a point. Problem is the FAA needs to get behind not giving out Operating Certificates like candy at Halloween. A panel cannot do it, nor is one required to see how we need to fix this industry. The government and industry need to make the barriers to entry much higher.

Wasn't de-regulation just a GRAND idea? :rolleyes:

Here's a thought

Each certificate must fly under thier own paint, only one certificate per company (holding company if you prefer), and no outsourcing to another certificate.

If you buy a ticket on brand X you fly on brand X.

I think that's a great start.

Wholeheartedly agreed... and bloody unlikely.

De-regulation didn't have to be such a bad thing. But we as humans have no sense of self control. As a fairly junior regional pilot I always say that my job really shouldn't exist. I'm flying at the expense of someone's potentially well secured, great QOL, high paying flight crew position. I would be ok if I lost my job...........only if I knew that the position would NEVER be filled again.

Or better yet, make illegal the bribes, subsidies and hand outs that airports give to new entrants which anti competitively harm the established carriers.

Level playing field.