While it might be true in general that the
more things change, the more they stay the same, it might not be true when it
comes to the airline industry. 2013 promises to be a year of continued change
for the business travelers and the airlines.
Airlines are on the front pages
again, with the increased government scrutiny on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Recent mishaps including a fire, cracked windshields and oil leaks have
prompted a comprehensive safety review of the new (2011) wide body series. As I
write this, the news is reporting an emergency landing by an ANA Dreamliner
flight after an alarm signal sounded on the battery (the component involved in
the earlier plane fire). Touted for innovative design, materials and fuel
efficiency, industry observers caution that the Dreamliner's troubles are not
atypical. The Airbus A380 suffered early difficulties that led to its temporary
grounding not long after its debut. The fate of the Dreamliner will no doubt
hold our attention for a while. But other stories are also sure to garner
headlines in the travel and tourism sector. Merger mania will be in full swing
this year. If American Airlines merges with US Air, it will surprise absolutely
no one. Other merger announcements are anticipated as well.
