American Airlines waives change fees as United braces for new flight cancellations

WASHINGTON - American Airlines Group Inc said on Sunday it was waiving change fees on all newly purchased tickets amid declining air travel demand because of the new coronavirus outbreak.

The largest US airline said it would waive change fees up to 14 days before travel for customers who purchase tickets between Sunday and March 16.

JetBlue Airways Corp said last week it would suspend change and cancellation fees for new flight bookings between Feb. 27 and March 11.

American Airlines shares have fallen 37 percent since Feb. 13.

United Airlines Chief Executive Oscar Munoz told employees the US airline would likely need to cut additional flights in the wake of sagging demand because of the coronavirus outbreak, the airline confirmed on Sunday.

In an email late on Saturday to employees, Munoz noted the carrier had cut flights to Asia and suspended service to mainland China and Hong Kong through April 30.

"We are strategically managing our Atlantic and domestic service, mindful of travel directives from the federal government, fluctuating demand and of course, the advice of public health experts. Based on current trends, it is likely that additional schedule reductions will be necessary," Munoz said. The email was reported earlier by CNBC.

On Friday, United canceled its investor day that was set for March 5, saying it is not "practical to expect that it can have a productive conversation focused on its long-term strategy next week.” It will reschedule for September.

Chicago-based United already withdrew its 2020 guidance last week because of the uncertainty over the duration and spread of the virus. It warned that near-term demand to China has almost disappeared, with demand for the rest of its trans-Pacific routes down by 75 percent. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Billionaire Warren Buffett invests in 3 big US airlines

NEW YORK - Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has taken stakes in three large US airlines, in a $1.3 billion bet that marks a sharp U-turn of his antagonistic views on the sector.

Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. invested $797 million in American Airlines, $249 million in Delta Air Lines and $237 million in United Continental Holdings, according to a regulatory filing reviewed Monday by AFP.

Berkshire Hathaway also took a stake in Southwest Airlines, CNBC television network reported Monday.

The financial guru was known for his dislike of the airline industry after his disastrous bet on preferred shares of US Airways in 1989, calling the sector a "death trap."

The surprise Berkshire news pushed airline shares sharply higher in after-market trades. American Airlines jumped 3.5 percent, Delta was up 2.9 percent and United Continental, parent of United Airlines, gained 2.6 percent.

Buffett, the head of the massive Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate, is the world's third wealthiest person.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

American Airlines pilot dies during US flight

NEW YORK - An American Airlines pilot become ill and died during a flight from Phoenix to Boston Monday but the co-pilot was able to safely land the plane, the US carrier said.

The aircraft, an Airbus A320 with 147 passengers and a five-member crew on board, was diverted to Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York state.

"Unfortunately, our pilot passed away. We are incredibly saddened by this event, and we are focused on caring for our pilot's family and colleagues," American Airlines said in a statement.

American did not provide any details on the cause of death.

Flight 550 left Phoenix, Arizona at 11:55 pm local time and landed in Syracuse at 7:13 am local time.

A replacement crew was sent to Syracuse to shuttle the passengers to Boston.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Alec Baldwin asked to leave flight for playing game

LOS ANGELES - Actor Alec Baldwin was involved in a dispute with an American Airlines flight attendant on Tuesday and was asked to disembark an airplane because he was playing a smartphone word game before departure.

"Alec was asked to leave the flight for playing 'Words with Friends' while parked at the gate. He loves WWF so much that he was willing to leave a plane for it, but he has already boarded another AA flight," Baldwin's spokesman Matthew Hiltzik said in a statement.

Baldwin took to Twitter with several posts addressing the incident, as well as supporting rival United Airlines.

"Flight attendant on American reamed me out 4 playing WORDS W FRIENDS while we sat at the gate, not moving," tweeted the "30 Rock" actor.

He also tweeted "Last flight w American. Where retired Catholic school gym teachers from the 1950's find jobs as flight attendants."

Baldwin's tweets and his spokesman's statement came after a passenger on the flight from Los Angeles International Airport to New York City posted on Twitter, "On an AA flight at LAX. Alec Baldwin removed from the plane We had to go back to the gate. Terrible that everyone had to wait."

An official with American Airlines declined to comment citing customer privacy. - Reuters

source:gmanetwork.com