As regular readers may have observed I am one to mull things over a while before offering up a slice of investment opinion pie. A few weeks ago Barron's (subscription required) ran a cover story titled "Open Skies" discussing the imminent deregulation of trans-Atlantic air routes.

In this context they reviewed the potential for airline mergers, (something I have written about before in Why no airline mergers? Finally the answer...) and they commented on who the winners and losers might be. The article highlights the fact that there has been a 30 year agreement in place, "the Bermuda airline agreement" that limited Heathrow-U.S. air traffic to just four airlines: two British and two U.S. Other foreign airlines were barred flying to the U.S. except from their own nation's airports.

Under terms of a new agreement cast last April U.S and European Union airlines departing 27 nations will be able to fly direct routes. Barron's does a fairly thorough analysis in my view of the potential success among various airlines and those that may come up short.

Continue reading Airlines: Open Skies or just that queasy feeling

Airlines: Open Skies or just that queasy feeling originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Just as airlines such as the new Skybus are taking the first steps on Southwest's no-frills template, Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is taking a step toward the mainstream. According to the Los Angeles Times, CEO Gary Kelly has stated the airline's intention to join in international code sharing. The move would allow Southwest to integrate its flights with those of other vendors, so that travelers could book flights that include domestic legs from Southwest. The company might also dip its toe into the international market by offering flights to other North and Central American destinations.

Southwest (LUV) hooks up with international flights originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.