“Airlines are in survival mode. Cutting costs and conserving cash are the priorities,” says Giovanni Bisignani, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). “Even if we look beyond the crisis, it is difficult to see a return to business as usual. This crisis is re-shaping the industry.”

Thus, the global financial crisis continues to hit the airline industry hard. Data released by IATA show a continued decline of passenger demand by 9.3% in May 2009. The IATA estimates that the global impact of

The passengers of US Airways Flight 1549, which ditched into the Hudson River in New York City on January 15, 2009, were saved from sudden death. But a number of them suffered injuries and losses.

The airline is insured and most passengers will also have some form of insurance, so they will be compensated.
Or is it not that simple?

For the third time in 10 years, Cathay Pacific has been named the world's best airline, winning the 2009 Airline of the Year title in the latest World Airline Awards. Asian airlines dominate the top-10 as the 2009 ranking below shows.

Half of the top-10 are Asian airlines. Three are Arab airlines and the other two are the Australian and New Zealand airlines.

An Air France flight has gone down into the Atlantic Ocean on its way from Brazil to France. It had 228 people on board, 216 passengers and 12 crew members. An electrical storm may have been to blame for the disaster although this would be extraordinarily exceptional.

Lightning usually stays on the outside. Pilots and passengers should not experience anything more than a bright flash and loud noise. But if lightning finds a way into an airplane, it can destroy electronics and ignite fuel.

Over 90,000 bags are mishandled on any given day. This is 1.4% of all checked bags. However, only 0.03% fails to show up at all.

Nearly half (49%) of all mishandled bags are in transfer from one aircraft to another. Thus, by choosing a non-stop flight you can considerably reduce the chance your bag will go missing.