Airlines prepare for discount madness

STRUGGLING airlines are set for a future of massive discounting as they try to woo back passengers.

Aviation experts predict many big-name carriers will be forced into a battle with their no-frills rivals if they are to survive the expected downturn in bookings worldwide.

“This is a desperate situation for airlines and the rest of the aviation industry, where profit margins are already very tight,” said Kieran Daly, editor of Air Transport Intelligence.

“We are likely to see mainline carriers trying to match fares of low-cost airlines. It will be interesting to see how the no-frills operators cope in their first recession.”