Avion

Early Sunday morning around 7:50 a.m., an Airbus A-310, belonging to the Russian airline S7, slid off a wet runway in the Siberian city of Irkutsk, killing at least 124 passengers and sending 68 more to hospitals. According to airline spokesman Konstantin Koshman, the flight, which originated in Moscow, was carrying 201 people including eight crewmembers and 14 children under the age of 12.… Post the First Comment

After 35 years of a controversial yet often-lauded open seating system, Southwest Airlines announced that it is conducting trials to test out a more conventional way to board passengers. In an experiment starting July 10th at San Diego International, passengers on about 200 flights will have assigned seats; the experiment is estimated to last four to six weeks.… Post the First Comment

American Airlines employs a micromanagement business strategy to minimize their fuel consumption. For an airliner that has about 2,500 domestic and international flights per day, these measures can save up to three billion gallons of fuel per year. For instance, pilots were instructed to taxi around the airport with only one engine turned on, a measure that would save about $4 million a year.… 1 Comment

Delta is repackaging its services for long-distance routes after reviewing customer service surveys from its competitors and its former low-cost carrier Song. Data appears to show that a better flight experience would attract more consumers, even at a slightly higher fare.… Post the First Comment