Evening star., 1947-12-05
10 PEI. Fare Increase
In Prospect Dec. L
ION Most AirIines
By W. H. Shippen, Jr.
Ayiotion Editor of The Stor

1VtofIon cdifoF or Inc Sfor
A 10 per cent fare increase effec-
tive week hence appeared virtually
certain today on most airlines
operating out Of Washington.
Eastern Air Lines was the prin-
cipal exception as United, American,
Trans World and other big carriers
began filing applications for the
increase in the last few weeks, efec-
tive December IL.
A spokesman for the Civil Aero
nautics Board said today no serious
objection has been raised to the pro-
posed new fares at a rate approx
mately the same as that in force
prior to Pearl Harbor.
In the last few days, American
Airlines joined the move led off by
Northwest, which received its 10 per
cent increase the last of October
1t seemed certain today that unless
opposition arises the CAB will sane
ton the same general increase the
board already has granted North
west.
Three Lines Hold Out.
With Eastern, National and Co.
lonial airlines the chief holdoutS
fare increases on December IL have
been asked by Capital. Chicago &
Southern, Delta, Inland, Southwest,
Mid Continent and Pioneer, while
Braniff has asked permission to
make the raise December 18.
Most of the airlines contend they
are operating at a loss despite ag-
gressive campaigns to cut expenses.
The financial condition of many
larger airlines was further strained,
it was pointed out, by the recent
grounding of some 100 DC-6 Doug
las airliners of the latest type.
The grounding, which grew out of
two recent fires in the air, is tying
up at least $7O,0O0,00O worth of
equipment for an indefinite period.
While the CAB believes the prin-
cipal cause of the fires has been
located, the possibility that 'other
defects exist was still being explored
today and there was no indication
when the DC-6s might be returned
to service.
Pilots Strike Faces United.
United, one of the principal users
OF the dogs, also was faced today
with the possibility of pilots
strike some 80 days hence. Com
pany spokesman said management
and pilots were agreed on wages
hours and all working conditions
with the exception of the method ir
which grievances should be han
died. The pilots are taking a strike
vote expected to be completed over
the week end.
The contention, it was said, arises
over clause in the contract pro.
viding the pilots must first take ur
grievances with their immediate
superiors before seeking Other
means of settlement. Even if q
strike vote is taken, it was said
the pilots under the Railway Labor
Act have to wait at least 80 days
before walking off the job.
2 Million Loss Seen.
Meanwhile, United's f1nancia,
statements estimate loss of more
than $4,000 for the current veal
despite rigid economies.
The new rate will average roughly
SOC cents a mile as compared with
the present rate of approximately
cents. The rates were reduced
after the war and last April most
airlines were allowed a 10 per cent
increase.
The increase in April and the one
expected next Friday, spokesmen for
the Air Transport Association said
still will average out somewhat un-
der the rates in effect in 1941. II
was pointed out that payrolls and
cost of equipment have increased
tremendously since the prewar years