The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has introduced that just one.2 p.c of the 16.3 million flights scheduled final yr had been canceled, the bottom flight cancellation fee in no less than a decade. Cancellations had been almost minimize in half in comparison with 2022, when the speed was 2.3 p.c. The large lower didn’t occur accidentally. The USDOT has toughened its oversight of the airline business, headlined by its $140 million effective in opposition to Southwest Airlines for the low-cost service’s December 2022 meltdown.
Southwest’s record-shattering effective was 30 occasions greater than any earlier airline penalty. The service was additionally compelled handy out $600 million in refunds and reimbursements to passengers. The federal authorities strongly signaled that it was taking a extra lively position in defending prospects, and the airways responded by offering extra dependable service. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated in an announcement:
“Thanks to the tireless work of our nation’s aviation safety professionals, millions of travelers were able to fly safely and without disruption last year. We are glad to see this 10-year low rate of cancellations, and our Department will continue to take every step to ensure air travel is smooth and safe for passengers in the new year.”
The final yr has confirmed that airline customer support requirements are solely maintained by threats from the federal government. The bidding conflict for Spirit Airlines, ultimately received by JetBlue, has proven that carriers are keen to purchase their competitors and make flying worse. JetBlue’s personal inside evaluation discovered that its ticket costs would rise by 30 p.c if it merged with Spirit. The merger’s antitrust trial has concluded, however a choice has but to be made.
Federal governance over business aviation hasn’t been good. There’s nonetheless a extreme scarcity of air site visitors controllers, and horrendous working circumstances aren’t making the place engaging to most people. The Boeing 737 Max is but once more proving to be a headache for regulators. The airliner had a door plug blow free at 16,000 toes, only a month after a nut was found lacking on a rudder management linkage on two 737 Max plane.
Source: jalopnik.com