Welcome To The 'Troubled Skies'
Allegiant Air's Success Comes With No Frills()
April 17, 2009 Allegiant Air is a rare success story in the troubled airline industry. Its ticket fares are often some of the lowest on the market — but they are available mostly to travelers who live in smaller towns and don't mind paying extra fees for some basics.
Numbers Game: Dip In Air Traffic Hurts Las Vegas()
April 17, 2009 The recession has hit every part of the airline industry hard. There are fewer tourists dragging suitcases past the ringing slot machines and glitzy billboards that line the terminals at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, where air traffic is down 15 percent.
Corporate Jet Business Struggles With Bad Image()
April 16, 2009 Business aviation became a symbol of corporate greed last November, when Detroit's chief executives were shamed for flying private jets to Washington to ask for financial help. Since then, the industry has been slowing production, laying off workers and looking for a strategy to repair its image.
Next FAA Chief Will Face Turbulent Climate()
April 15, 2009 If confirmed to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, Randy Babbitt would have two tall orders on his agenda: resolve labor issues among a disgruntled work force of air controllers, and goose a long-delayed update to the nation's navigation system.
Online Booking Woes Turn Many Travelers Off()
April 15, 2009 Purchasing a product from an online retailer can be a snap. But when it comes to airline travel, it isn't always a joy ride. Since 2007, there's been a steady decline in the percentage of travelers who actually like using the Internet to research and purchase any kind of travel.
Funding Debate Stalls Air Traffic Control Upgrade()
April 14, 2009 The radar system used to guide U.S. flights is more than 40 years old, but Congress and the airline industry are at odds over how to fund a new satellite-based system.
To Save Money, Airlines Grounding More Aircraft()
April 13, 2009 The airline industry has always been a tough place to make money. In 2009, the industry expects to lose almost $5 billion. The weak economy means fewer people are flying and companies are sending less air freight. To save money, airlines are grounding more aircraft than at any time since 2001.
Creating A Passengers' Bill Of Rights()
April 10, 2009 As legislation makes its way through Congress and as Morning Edition explores the troubles with the airline industry, we'd like to know what you think should be on the Passengers' Bill of Rights.
Series Overview: Troubled Skies()
April 12, 2009 Even in the best of times, airlines struggle. Planes are expensive; labor is highly skilled and mostly unionized; and online search engines make it easy to shop for discounts. Now the great recession is squeezing the industry even harder.
Your Comments: Troubled Skies()
April 9, 2009 Morning Edition is exploring the many problems facing our aviation system. Commercial airlines are slashing flights as bookings collapse; corporate-jet makers are firing workers as orders plunge; and the FAA is hoping to regroup under a new leader. In "Troubled Skies," NPR reporters look at how economic and political turbulence are battering the airline industry and travelers.
