Executives with U.S. airlines are expected to meet with leaders of the Transportation Department this week to discuss the state of the industry following approval of a $50 billion bailout package. The aid package requires airlines to not furlough employees for the next six months, while also maintaining service, to the best of their ability, to the cities the airlines currently serve. The problem with maintaining service is that many planes are virtually empty.
Executives with multiple airlines, who talked on background with CNBC, stress the idea has not yet been formally broached with the Transportation Department. CNBC has reached out to the agency for a comment on the possibility of flight consolidation. Industry executives say the move would not only require approval from the Trump administration, but also for carriers to negotiate to complex issues including scheduling and sharing costs.
Hell to the no. If I book a flight with Delta there is zero chance I will fly AmericanAir. I fly Delta for a reason. They are the best. Do not try to put me on an AA flight. I’ll just drive.