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Home » British Airways » Airlines Raiding Desert Boneyards as Passenger Traffic Increases
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Airlines Raiding Desert Boneyards as Passenger Traffic Increases

Matthew August 17, 2010 Leave a Comment

Last week I booked a Sunday night redeye from Los Angeles to Chicago on United and was pleasantly surprised to see that the flight would be operated by a 747-400. Like Kevin’s experience last week, the aircraft featured the old configuration with recliner-style business class seats and the small economy cabin in front of UA’s Economy Plus. Though I ended up canceling the trip, it is great to see 747’s flying domestically and gives me hope that recovery is around the corner for the airline industry.

And United is not the only airline dusting off 747s from the scrap heap. British Airways and Cathay Pacific have also recalled 747s into service this summer. In fact, BA is bringing back a second 747 this winter after recalling one in late spring for the JFK-LHR route. Lufthansa also plans to bring back a jumbo jet in the coming months.

Airlines must be careful, however, not to move too swiftly. International passenger traffic was up 12% in June, but it still has not rebounded to pre-recession levels. Infusing the market with a glut of new seats would not be advantageous to airlines struggling to make a profit.

I know that a few extra 747s during the busy summer travel months doesn’t necessarily translate to recovery, but I think it is at least an encouraging sign.

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About Author

Matthew

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 120 countries over the last decade. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, BBC, Fox News, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, Al Jazeera, Toronto Star, and on NPR. Studying international relations, American government, and later obtaining a law degree, Matthew has a plethora of knowledge outside the travel industry that leads to a unique writing perspective. He has served in the United States Air Force, on Capitol Hill, and in the White House. His Live and Let's Fly blog shares the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs and promotions, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel. His writings on penandpassport.com offer more general musings on life from the eyes of a frequent traveler. He also founded awardexpert.com, a highly-personalized consulting service that aids clients in the effective use of their credit card points and frequent flyer miles. Clients range from retirees seeking to carefully use their nest egg of points to multinational corporations entrusting Matthew with the direction and coordination of company travel.

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