Fuel Crisis Driving Airlines to Close
During the past year, fuel prices have shot up to hefty triple digits, making it impossible for many people to travel on vacations the way that they used to. As a result, many are simply staying home.
Add to this scenario the fact that jet fuel isn’t exactly inexpensive, so that puts the world’s airlines in a dilemma, as well. They say they can’t lower ticket prices because they cant afford to. However, because ticket prices are so high, travelers can’t afford to buy them. As a result, airlines have been closing operations and many have gone out of business during the past year or two. In fact, more airlines have gone out of business during the past year than after 9/11 when people were afraid to fly.
At least 26 airlines have gone out of business and nearly 200,000 jobs have been lost in the airline industry during the past year. Airlines that had been hoping to hold on until fuel prices and other economic factors settled, could not hold on long enough and had to close their doors.
Some of the airlines are major international carriers, such as Alitalia, the Italian airline that has been a staple in travel to and from Italy for decades. Part of the dichotomy is that travelers who could still afford to fly to their vacation destinations but cannot afford the fuel for a rental car to explore the destination once they arrive there.
There are ideas on the table about how to make things work and how to keep other airlines afloat. Researchers are looking for ways to create biodiesel jet fuel and feel that it is a real possibility, but it will take time and money.
Meanwhile, the fuel situation in the world has forced us to look at the obvious problems and search for realistic solutions. Researchers must look for alternative fuels, lawmakers must work with airlines, manufacturers and others to find ways to produce and distribute those fuels. Individuals must do what they can to conserve.
It is important to note that when the world’s airlines are going out of business, this is no small crisis. For now, if you want to fly on vacation, watch for specials, go on EBAY or one of the discount travel sites, find a good price, and go for it while you can!