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US Airways Group Inc.’s decision Wednesday to drop its hostile bid for Delta Air Lines Inc. has damped speculation that a wave of consolidation is about to sweep the industry.

Airline deals may still be in the offing this year, analysts said. But the failure of US Airway’s high-profile effort sends a strong signal that the number of big domestic carriers is unlikely to shrink in the near future.

“‘I would say it’s now much less likely that we’ll see significant consolidation in 2007,'” said Jim Corridore, airline analyst for Standard & Poor’s in New York. “‘I had thought it was imminent. Now, I think it’s still possible but not really in the cards.'”

source: Los Angeles Times

Another airline is circling the proposed takeover of Delta Air Lines by US Airways, hoping for a shot at some airport gates.

JetBlue chief executive David Neeleman, in a speech to investors, said his airline would be interested in buying flight slots at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., and New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Both Delta and US Airways operate shuttle flights between Washington, New York and Boston.

source: Business Courier

Bankrupt Delta Airlines raised its fares in some markets by $5 each way, making it the third time in recent weeks that airlines have tried to push through fare increases.

source: Reuters

Delta Airlines, attempting to increase its share of lucrative international corporate travel, announced a new round of expansion to emerging markets, including flights to Dubai and to Bucharest, Romania, while laying the groundwork for future expansion to Asia.

source: The Wall Street Journal

Delta Air Lines Inc. said Tuesday it planned to begin introducing lie-flat seats in business class in 2008 as the bankrupt carrier works to lure high-end international travelers.

“We think (the new seats along with improved food, wine, and in-flight entertainment features) will attract more premium customers,” said Delta spokeswoman Betsy Talton.

In-flight amenities have become a hot battleground, especially for Delta and other traditional U.S. airlines, which are expanding international routes in the face of intense competition domestically from low-cost carriers. But this in turn has created an arms race for cabin comforts.

source: CNN