Not less than a week after the Transportation Department acquiesced to archaic Liberal demands for the protection of domestic airline carriers from foreign competition (who wouldn't be "astronomically" content to pay for a seat on a Richard Brawnson-operated airline?), the recent rise of the airline stocks has nearly single-handily buoyed the NYSE. Carey and Trottman of the Wall Street Journal on Thursday let it be know that the "hats-off" (my quotes) performance of US Airways has caused other merger target acquisitions' stock prices to rise.
The US Airways-American West combination has undoubtedly caused long overdue speculation in the mergers-and-acquition market. However, every rose has its thorn, and this case its Delta who is sore like a thumb (isn't enough that they've gotten government approval to send their pilots on longer flights this past week? By the way, who benefits from the extended retirement age proposed before the Democratic Congress yet this week?). Delta doesn't seem to think that the all of the madness should continue while they're sidelined from bankruptcy and have voiced their opposition to the threatening competition. Nothing is set in stone, as Leslie Nielsen (in the 1980's Airplane) might say: "...don't call me shirley."
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Foul Forecasting?
Supply and demand dictates that consumers, who have the means to purchase a good, may only absorb so much of a product within a particular time period. Similarly, the human body, albeit not immune to exceptions, processes 2 - 3 quarts of water per day through normal functioning. What does this have to do with cars? Honda Aircraft Co., a unit of Honda, is implementing a strategy to lead the private aircraft sector into new frontiers by introducing a fuel efficient jet which is uncommonly luxurious. Rather than the traditional bargain jet known to most air-taxi operators, Honda plans to sell a more expensive fuel efficient aircraft with a lavatory on board, uncommon in the growing private jet market.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, December 7, 2006 the auto-makers intention to produce micro-jets, which, in laymen terms are those small aircraft weighing 10,000 pounds maximum with a price tag of $1.5 million to $4 million. Honda, which primarily sells competitive, fuel efficient cars, has projected 2010 to be the date of release for their Honda Jet. Take a deviation from our blog to http://www.honda.com/ and behold, Honda's intention to redefine the private aircraft industry: a looming image of this jet on the main page. Certainly, the air-taxi business is faced with a potent competitor, who has gained market share in America's auto sector with a nearly indistinguishable campaign to American consumers. Honda understands the demand for an aircraft capable of maximally utilizing increasingly costly fuel (30% more fuel efficient, to be exact), all the while maintaining the need for a lavatory rather than the added (and possibly unaccommodating) read seat. Designed for flights less than 500 miles, it is still unclear whether this approach might be the sought product to get the job done in the sky.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, December 7, 2006 the auto-makers intention to produce micro-jets, which, in laymen terms are those small aircraft weighing 10,000 pounds maximum with a price tag of $1.5 million to $4 million. Honda, which primarily sells competitive, fuel efficient cars, has projected 2010 to be the date of release for their Honda Jet. Take a deviation from our blog to http://www.honda.com/ and behold, Honda's intention to redefine the private aircraft industry: a looming image of this jet on the main page. Certainly, the air-taxi business is faced with a potent competitor, who has gained market share in America's auto sector with a nearly indistinguishable campaign to American consumers. Honda understands the demand for an aircraft capable of maximally utilizing increasingly costly fuel (30% more fuel efficient, to be exact), all the while maintaining the need for a lavatory rather than the added (and possibly unaccommodating) read seat. Designed for flights less than 500 miles, it is still unclear whether this approach might be the sought product to get the job done in the sky.
Friday, December 8, 2006
Disappearing GA Airports
Like a receding fog, GA airports are disappearing. Are our country’s general aviation airports disappearing like a misty fog in the morning light? In the early 1970’s there were close to 7,000 GA public use airports around the country. Today that number has shrunk to about 5,000. We are losing a GA airport at the rate of two per month.
If not for the GA where would the approximately 620,000 registered pilots fly/land? Where would aircraft like the Monneys, and Maules, hangar, not to mention the Cessnas and Pipers? What about the jobs of the thousands of FBO employees, airport managers and maintenance workers?
With myopic vision, many cities and smaller towns are eagerly allow urban sprawl to crowd around the long standing airports and then complain about the noise, traffic and lack of a strip mall close by. Many GA are neglected by the city and dying a slow death because of lack of funding and thus proper maintenance. Many surrender to technology advances and operating restrictions.
How important are these GA airports to the community? Besides convenient computer service, mail service, let’s not forget to mention life-saving services like Angel Flight, Wings of Hope and the Civil Air Patrol, jobs and significant tax revenue. GA is a vital part of our transportation system and global economy. Take notice!
If not for the GA where would the approximately 620,000 registered pilots fly/land? Where would aircraft like the Monneys, and Maules, hangar, not to mention the Cessnas and Pipers? What about the jobs of the thousands of FBO employees, airport managers and maintenance workers?
With myopic vision, many cities and smaller towns are eagerly allow urban sprawl to crowd around the long standing airports and then complain about the noise, traffic and lack of a strip mall close by. Many GA are neglected by the city and dying a slow death because of lack of funding and thus proper maintenance. Many surrender to technology advances and operating restrictions.
How important are these GA airports to the community? Besides convenient computer service, mail service, let’s not forget to mention life-saving services like Angel Flight, Wings of Hope and the Civil Air Patrol, jobs and significant tax revenue. GA is a vital part of our transportation system and global economy. Take notice!
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