U.S. largest low-fare carrier's June traffic declines, tickets on sale
- Source: Xinhua
- [11:12 July 08 2009]
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US largest low-fare carrier Southwest Airlines said Tuesday it's June traffic fell 2.1 percent from a year ago, and announced one of the biggest fare sales in the company's history to woo customers.
The Dallas, Texas-based carrier said in a statement that its June traffic declined 2.1 percent from a year ago to 6.7 billion revenue passenger miles. A revenue passenger mile is equal to one passenger flown one mile.
On the same day the company announced one of the biggest sales in its history that would allow customers to purchase one-way tickets for as low as 30 US dollars, 60 dollars and 90 dollars, based on how far they are traveling.
The special fares are available through Tuesday for flights booked for travel in the period running from Sept. 9 to Nov. 18 this year. The peak US travel season wanes in September.
"Southwest Airlines realizes customers are looking for great travel deals during this difficult economic time," said Kevin Krone, the company's vice president of marketing, sales and distribution. "We wanted to provide customers affordable airfare so they can punch this economy in the nose and travel for business or leisure this fall."
Southwest has cut capacity, added fees for unaccompanied minors and pets, and offered incentives for employees to leave the airline, in response to falling demand and weaker revenue.
Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said last month that he did not see signs of turnaround for the industry. "It's a very, very difficult time, and earnings are going to be very stressed until the economy changes."