Discount airlines grow amid downturn
— -- Nimble discount airlines here and around the world are growing and opening new routes even as the recession forces traditional carriers to cut flights and jobs.
"These airlines' common denominator is their agility and cost structures that are compatible with today's economic reality," says Mo Garfinkle, a Virginia-based consultant. "The good news is growth and opportunities in the industry aren't dead."
Discounter Ryanair, Europe's biggest passenger carrier, will take delivery of 40 new Boeing jets this year and is negotiating with Boeing and Airbus to buy at least 200 more. It hopes to carry 67 million passengers starting April 1, up from 58 million last year by pitching cheap fares.
Others are branching out, too:
•JetBlue Airways isn't growing overall, but it's launching new routes. Most notable: daily non-stop service starting in June between New York's John F. Kennedy Airport and giant Los Angeles International (LAX), as well as Boston-LAX. JetBlue now flies to Burbank and Long Beach, Calif., airports, but the move into Southern California's top business and vacation gateway is a major step.
•Discounter WestJet will expand flying 5% this year and take delivery of nine new jets. This summer, it starts service between Calgary and San Francisco, Calgary-San Diego and Montreal-Fort Lauderdale.
"This is a year for us to steal market share," says Executive Vice President Bob Cummings.
"This is a place where we see opportunity," says AirTran CEO Bob Fornaro. AirTran will grow by at least 40% in Milwaukee this year, flying to Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis and St. Louis.
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