REPORT ON US AIRLINE INDUSTRY
According to the Aviation Industry Performance Report by the Department of Transportation Inspector General Calvin Scovell, the US airline industry is still adjusting to a volatile 2008-11 period with mergers, new passenger fees and reduced flights. The report observes that while in the year 2000, 10 major airlines accounted for 90 per cent of total domestic passenger traffic, in 2012, that has reduced to five and could drop to four if the US Airways and American Airlines merge. According to the report, airlines reduced the number of scheduled domestic flights by 14 per cent between 2007 and 2012, which has led to increased passenger loads and higher fares on regional flights. High fuel prices and slow economic recovery have greatly influenced the newer business models being introduced by airlines. Fuel costs peaked at 40 per cent of airline operating costs in 2008, a 30 per cent increase from 2000, when it was just 10 per cent. “The trends suggest that the changes in the number of airlines controlling the industry, fare increase and capacity reduction that began in 2008, are signs of a greater shift in the industry that will remain for years to come,” the Inspector General said. to handle B747 class of aircraft. The apron is suitable for parking 14 aircraft (2 B747, 1 B-767-400, 11 AB-321 type of aircraft), in push back configuration.
The airport at Varanasi has a runway suitable for operation of A320 type of aircraft in all-weather conditions. The apron is suitable for parking five B767 and four AB-321 type of aircraft. The airport Tiruchirapalli is suitable for operation of A320/B-737-800 type of aircraft in all-weather day and night conditions.
Bajpe Airport at Mangalore, equipped with instrument landing system, is suitable for Airbus 310 and B737-800 type of allweather day and night operations. Currently, international flights are also operating.
Coimbatore airport, equipped with navigational and visual aids including CAT-l instrument landing system, is currently handling limited international operations. The airport is suitable for all-weather day and night operation of B-767-400 type of aircraft.