The promo fever has spread to other carriers, though fares should rise during the Easter holidays in April. Airlines hope the cost-cutting and other measures they are taking, including more Western passengers from alliance members, can help keep fares at normal levels. But they may have to rethink their strategies if other jurisdictions follow Japan's lead and move on deregulation. Pierre Jeanniot, director general of the International Air Transport Association, told Asiaweek he was traveling to Asia to tell governments the recession is an opportunity to open their markets in preparation for stiffer competition when the good times return. But I'm trying to send a message that it is wrong to close yourself off.
Tourism can be a real boost.
Then came deregulation and they cut back tremendously. Now, Delta is just like any other airline. That need not happen in Asia. Eckes says airlines can use the current slump to improve operations. If it slows, that is not a bad thing.