Explore stories from Atlantic Canada.
CHICAGO - United Airlines' plan to navigate the operating constraints dogging U.S. carriers is simple – bigger planes.
"The country is just not building a lot more runways and that's just going to cause us to need to upgauge our aircraft to respond to growing demand," United's Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said Tuesday, using an industry term for a shift to larger planes. He added that travel demand cannot be met without bigger planes.
Similarly, the 60 Airbus A321neos that United is buying can accommodate up to 30% more seats than some of Boeing's 757s that it has been flying.Data from industry body Airlines for America shows larger planes holding more than 120 seats now account for about 68% of domestic U.S. scheduled flights compared with 58% before the pandemic.
JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes last month said it would take five years for staffing levels to catch up even if the Federal Aviation Administration doubled controller hiring. As a result, the airline expects to operate fewer flights in the short to medium term and has warned of a hit to its third-quarter revenue.
Flying bigger planes is more profitable for airlines even if that means fewer flight options for travelers. Carriers can sell more seats on each flight and operate with fewer planes and staff.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cape Breton woman living in motorhome at campground due to no affordable housingExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »
Blue Jays beat themselves and go meekly into off\u002Dseason after being swept by TwinsExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »
Pharmacists limiting refills of diabetes drug Ozempic in Nova Scotia because of worldwide shortageExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »
What does the seasonal flu mean for the workplace?Explore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »
Cape Breton\u0027s Bruce Guthro earns Order of Nova Scotia honourExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »
NATURE CONSERVANCY: Be thankful for nature and nature will thank you backExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »