In the US, Delta is famous for its decision to keep old aircraft flying, and has purchased second hand aircraft into its fleet. The most prominent of recent purchases include the 717 and the MD-90. We, like others, have thought…
With the US airline industry consolidated, we would expect at least a short term discipline as the oligopoly finds its “natural” equilibrium. As we have said before over the long term, there is always going to be a breakdown because…
The recent drop in oil prices has not resulted in an equivalent drop in air fares, as airlines are attempting to keep additional profitability from lower costs whenever they can. Perhaps the most egregious indication of this trend is Qantas,…
The US airline industry has rebounded solidly, showing its best profit margins since 1999. With fuel prices dropping, the potential for even better airline financial performance appears on the horizon, positively impacting airline equities. Historically, there has always been either…
We developed the AirInsight Index as a method to study airline operational performance. The tool has proven useful and generates intriguing looks at the operational performance among US carriers. Let’s take a look at 737 use among US-based airlines. The…
Recently a number of airlines flying Boeing 737s have switched to the latest Aviation Partners’ (APB) winglet. The new device is called Split Scimitar, as shown in the image. Its shape is quite different from the previous blended winglets seen…