Top Letters And Comments, October 2, 2020

Another interesting aviation paradox. Cheap money to finance the late model used airplane, with a significant percentage of loans going to those who have the means to pay cash, more likely are an older demographic, and yet are harder and almost prohibitively expensive to insure. Or, if a younger demographic, less flight experience resulting in higher insurance rates.

All wrapped into an overall insurance 2020 package of wildfire losses, Covid-19 pandemic related national aircraft storage issues and aviation commercial company cash flow woes to pay for flying and non-flying airplanes, hurricane/wind/flood/storm damage in the remainder of the country not burning, and throw in a few city riots, Boeing MAX liability litigation, stir vigorously, for a insurance stew of incredible flavor. Not a good or palatable flavor though. This will take years to dig out from, if we can ever dig out from all this carnage, insurance or otherwise. The new insurance normal I am afraid.

Jim H.

The airline industry has always had highs and lows. While Covid-19 is a unique situation, furloughs are part of the risk people take when working for an airline. I’ve been furloughed twice, I survived both times and went on to a 30-year career in the industry. I know pilots that have been sitting at home since March, while collecting 14-15k per month paid by taxpayers. Some of them are not current anymore. I know operation employees that are working as few as 4 days a month at full pay. If the airlines want to keep paying employees for not working let them, but don’t ask taxpayers to pay for it.

Donald A. R.

It seems like all indications are that it will take 2-3 *years* for the airlines to return to pre-pandemic conditions. I have little doubt that they will eventually get there (or at least most of the way there), just as pre-9/11 travel did mostly return. But clearly it’s not the government’s job to support the airline industry for that long. I’d be willing to go half-way and give them half of what they want, so they can ease out of things. But ultimately the government can’t and shouldn’t continue to support them as long as necessary.

Gary B.

The airlines are essential, but assistance cannot go on forever. As difficult as this is, the airlines have burned through the piles of cash on hand, buying back stocks, and rewarding gains to executives and share holders. The real question is; “Should we provide additional government assistance for airlines, after they squandered their rainy day funds”...?

Tom O.