INDEPENDENCE AIR (see ABTN 21 June) is looking shaky. What was Atlantic Coast Airlines, a feeder for United and Delta, is now a stand-alone hubbing operation out of Washington Dulles. It is reputably getting some really poor loads, often less than 50%. The airline says it is cutting capacity in some markets and negotiating with lenders in order to preserve cash necessary to avoid bankruptcy. Parent company, FLYi Inc, announced third-quarter losses of $83m compared with a $23m third-quarter profit this time last year. Perhaps the innovation of pre”recorded cabin announcements by so-called ”celebrities” is putting people off. Would you want to hear Wogan welcoming you on every BA flight!
http://www.flyi.com