Winter Storms Strike

With ICAO reporting the worst ever decline in passenger traffic and FlyGlobespan the 26th carrier to fail this year, 2009 is not ending quietly. British Airways cabin crew balloted for a 12 day strike, that was deemed illegal due to voting irregularities leading to a new ballot being scheduled for early next year. This has created a significant PR issue for the airline and has led to bonus BA miles being rewarded to customers still traveling during the originally proposed period of industrial action. Interestingly, social media has played an increasingly significant role in the development of the action and the airlines PR.

Misery continues for Christmas travelers with snowstorms on either side of the Atlantic and the collapse of Allbury Travel Group. FlyGlobespan collapsed while reportedly being owed £36m by E-clear. EasyJet, amongst other airlines, were quick to offer support to stranded passengers.