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US carriers to slash fourth quarter trans-Atlantic capacity as Europe's outlook dims

Increasing economic uncertainty in Europe has resulted in US carriers pulling back capacity to the continent later this year to proactively contain losses and a drop-off in traffic that could result from the increasing likelihood of Greece’s exit from the euro zone and the Euro falling to a two-year low against the US dollar. Delta has already stated its goal to reduce capacity 5% across the Atlantic during the fourth quarter, while United has already instituted schedule changes that show a pull-down in secondary European markets. US Airways, which during the last year has enjoyed marked success in its trans-Atlantic business segment, has not declared any plans regarding its capacity to Europe later in the year. But the carrier is launching several seasonal services on the back of its strong performance in the European market.

Trade group Airlines for America (A4A) estimates that during the fourth quarter of this year US carriers will reduce their capacity to Europe by 7.8% as they attempt to better manage seasonality and stave off effects of a recession on the continent. This change is significant as Western Europe is still the largest international market from the US.

Europe's fringe carriers look for partners to overcome financial crisis; Cyprus Airways latest

Airlines on Europe's southern and eastern periphery are becoming more precariously positioned, but are looking for for partners to help overcome the growing financial crisis. Cyprus Airways is the latest such carrier, and reported a widening in first half losses in the six months to 30-Jun-2011, as lower top-line revenue fell and higher fuel costs squeezed the airline in the period. Cyprus Airways is also turning to implementing a raft of measures aimed at stemming operating losses.