Airline Cuts Uncertain At Local Airports
United and Continental Airlines announced major service cuts due to rising fuel prices. But, that shouldn't ground a lot of planes in Sacramento or Reno.
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(Sacramento, CA)
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Local airports say they won’t lose much business due to cutbacks announced this week by United and Continental Airlines.
Both United and Continental plan to layoff thousands of workers and ground older model gas guzzling planes because of rising fuel prices. It’s not yet certain where the airlines will cut flights.
Sacramento Airport spokeswoman Gina Swanke says those airlines only book a few dozen flights in Sacramento each day…so there probably won’t be big revenue losses.
Reno-Tahoe Spokesman…Brian Kulpin…anticipates there won’t be a big shake-up at his airport either. But, he says it could get worse…
“Its going to be a turbulent summer in the aviation industry and people should be prepared and educated travelers…when they’re taking to the air this summer. There’s just going to be day by day changes with these fuel prices we’re facing today…”
The cuts by United and Continental shouldn’t be a setback for modernization projects at Sacramento or Reno-Tahoe airports.
Officials at both facilities say money was set aside for construction long before fuel prices went sky high.