AirTran’s innovative challenge to Frontier at Milwaukee. Be charitable and join us
The majority of North and South American carriers' shares were down on Friday (14-May-2010), pushed lower by the wider market. The Dow (-1.5%) fell on continued concerns over European debt issues, weak retailer earnings and Senate backing for a limit on credit card charges.
The Amex Airline Index (-1.1%) moved lower as a result, despite oil prices (-3.8%) continuing to fall, to USD71.61.
AirTran's innovative challenge to Frontier at Milwaukee. Be charitable and join us.
Innovation has always been part of the success formula for the new breed of airline. As part of an effort to win Midwest Airlines frequent flyers, AirTran (-1.3%) is trying to look magnanimous in a new charitable scheme. In the first shot across Frontier's (nee Midwest Airlines) bow, AirTran is tempting Midwest's frequent fliers by suggesting they donate their Midwest miles to charity in exchange for matching credits in the AirTran frequent flyer programme.
The 30-day promotion would benefit the American Heart Association, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the MACC Fund and others. Those donating 50,000 miles by 14-Jun-2010 would get 32 A+ Rewards credits, or the equivalent of one round-trip business class ticket or two coach tickets. Donations of 100,000 Midwest Miles will net travelers 64 A+ Rewards credits, good for two round-trip Business Class tickets or four coach tickets. These credits are valid anywhere AirTran flies.
"As AirTran Airways continues our Milwaukee expansion, we are constantly looking for ways to be a good community partner and give travelers opportunities to not only enjoy our award-winning service but to join us in giving as well," said Kevin Healy, senior vice president of marketing and planning. "This special offer helps Milwaukee charities and provides even more incentive for Milwaukeeans to experience the low-cost, high-quality service that has propelled AirTran's growth in the region." And…..it also wins the hearts and minds of its competitor's frequent fliers.
As an added bonus, AirTran Airways is also giving participants the opportunity to join Milwaukee Brewers all-star (and AirTran endorser) Ryan Braun at a VIP reception at his new restaurant, Ryan Braun's Waterfront, in Milwaukee's Third Ward.
The first 100 people with confirmed donations of 100,000 Midwest Miles and a guest will be invited to this unique fan experience. In addition, AirTran is offering A+ Rewards Elite status to any Midwest Airlines Aspire or Executive status holders in Milwaukee.
Delta Air Lines moves past 50-day moving average
Delta Air Lines (+3.7%) was one of only few to gain for the day. Over the past 52 weeks, Delta's stock price has ranged from a low of USD5.31 to a high of USD14.94. The carrier ended trading at USD13.74, moving above its 50-day moving average of USD13.29.
The carrier announced plans during trading to shift its New York-Chicago services from Midway Airport to O'Hare Airport, effective 14-Jun-2010 allowing the carrier to compete directly with American Airlines (-1.7%) and United Airlines (-1.3%) for business travellers on the O'Hare-LaGuardia route.
Expressjet (+2.0%) and Hawaiian Airlines (+0.7%) also gained, while Air Canada (-3.2%) and TAM (-3.0%) took the biggest falls of the session.
America Airline Daily is your one-stop shop for news, data and analysis from the dynamic North American, Caribbean and Latin American aviation markets. Other stories featured in today's issue include:
- Allied Pilots Association spent USD130,000 on lobbying in 1Q2010;
- Colgan Air receives extension on subsidy contract;
- Frontier Airlines launches four new markets;
- Ohio Attorney-General to lead a multi-state review of United/Continental merger;
- WestJet introduces Here to There in-flight entertainment;
- Foreign investors seek stakes in Brazilian carriers.
North & South America selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 14-May-2010
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Yahoo! Finance