Cloudy Deals

With operating costs continuously climbing, airline companies are now seriously entertaining merger proposals from competitors.

CNN has been running short features or segments on the matter as a number of established airlines are planning to join forces with competitors. I’m sure you’re already familiar with U.S. Airways’ bid to take over Delta. Then there’s the proposed Air France-Alitalia deal across the Atlantic.

I’m not sure if I could validly claim that I’m a jetsetter or a frequent flyer, but I do fly around several times each year. This issue concerns me since many suspect that a monopoly in the industry would blow up airfares. I’m also worried about some safety concerns since the dominant airline might not have a sterling track record as far as maintenance is concerned.

I’m not sure if the skies are safe anymore, especially since airlines are cutting down on some expenses, including spare parts and mechanics. I guess I have to check out some of the airline companies’ court records and see if they’ve been previously charged for mishandling goods, or for endangering the lives of their passengers due to faulty aircraft repairs.