Frontier's CEO Escalates Campaign for Fair Competition, Targeting Alliances and Loyalty Programs
Barry Biffle has escalated his campaign against what he calls an "exploitative oligopoly" by the four largest U.S. carriers, now urging European airlines to support his cause or risk their transatlantic Joint Ventures (JVs).
/https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2022/04/FRd0d-mX0AAwFkF.jpeg)
Frontier Airlines CEO, Barry Biffle, has escalated his campaign against what he calls an "exploitative oligopoly" by the four largest U.S. carriers, now urging European airlines to support his cause or risk their transatlantic Joint Ventures (JVs). The move follows his testimony at a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on airline competition.
In a series of public statements, Biffle outlined a seven-point plan to level the playing field for ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs). The proposals target regulations and business practices benefiting American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest, known as the "Big Four."
Biffle strongly criticized what he termed "basic economy price dumping subsidized by credit card revenues" from the Big Four's loyalty programs. Drawing a parallel to the breakup of AT&T ("Ma Bell"), he demanded that smaller airlines get access to the majors' frequent flier mileage inventory at the same internal cost they account for it. "It's fair. And consumers deserve it!" he stated.
In a more aggressive tactic, Biffle issued a direct message to European carriers. "Lufthansa, BA, Air France and KLM should all come out with support for the critical 7 steps," he wrote. "If not we should all demand their JVs be suspended with US Carriers."
Gate Access, Pilot Rules, and ATC
The core of Biffle's plan includes demands for an end to "gate squatting," with strict Department of Transportation (DOT) oversight to ensure fair airport access. He also advocates for the elimination of the 1500-hour pilot rule, proposing a system based on modern simulator training instead.
Furthermore, Biffle called for an end to Air Traffic Control (ATC)-related cancellations that he claims prioritize private jets over commercial airliners. "Plane loads shouldn’t be cancelled so a 1%er isn’t inconvenienced," he affirmed. The CEO confirmed he will meet with the DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) next week to advance these proposals.
Para comentar, debés estar registradoPor favor, iniciá sesión