Ones and Tooze How Flying Got to be so Miserable
Jun 24, 2022
Flight disruptions and cancellations are now commonplace, driven by soaring travel demand and economic pressures on airlines. The hosts delve into the industry's financial struggles while coping with aftereffects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Low profit margins raise concerns over innovation in air travel. Shifting gears, they explore the cultural and economic implications of lengthy summer breaks for students and compare them to the limited time off for workers, highlighting deep-rooted socioeconomic inequalities.
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Airline Industry Unprofitability
- The airline industry is surprisingly unprofitable due to fierce competition and high fixed costs.
- Airlines struggle with fluctuating fuel prices, labor costs, and airport fees, often relying on government support.
Pandemic's Impact on Airlines
- The pandemic significantly impacted airlines, leading to workforce reductions and supply chain disruptions.
- Airlines struggle to rehire due to unattractive working conditions and competition from other sectors.
Airport's Role in Disruptions
- Airport ground staff shortages, caused by pandemic-era layoffs, contribute significantly to flight disruptions.
- Airports, often functioning as landlords to airlines through fees, can be quite profitable in contrast.