Airline passenger news and views

Airline members of the global airline representative body IATA have had a bad year dealing with increasing costs, airspace closures and a weak economic environment. They were in no mood to celebrate when they met in Berlin earlier this week.  For them, the action by the Unite union is one of suicidal stupidity. Sacrificing passengers and reputation at a time when the airlines are struggling for survival is just idiotic.

The IATA Director General, Giovanni Bisignani, opened his address saying "Pilots and crew must come down to earth. Strikes at this time are short-sighted nonsense”. He went on to lambast the unions and criticize management.

There are signs of recovery but the situation is still very fragile and has not been helped by the volcanic ash cloud that hit Europe in April.

The strength of the attack on the unions surprised many members. The strident "… just stop picketing and cooperate" demand highlighted the problems caused for thousands of travellers stranded and inconvenienced by staff demanding higher wages or more job security.

We see the effects of the BA cabin crew strike on a daily basis but it is not just a UK problem. Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa lost almost EUR€50 million when its pilots went on strike in February. Interestingly, that strike was stopped by the German courts whilst negotiations continue.

Back here Willie Walsh continues to take the tough line that cuts are essential to preserve the airline's future a view supported by US airline chiefs who have used Chapter 11 protection to slash costs.

Clearly, IATA will be watching the outcome of the BA-Unite battle and the current is running with Walsh.