The ability to compare fares easily on the Internet has driven down ticket costs but also helped airlines to sell the very last seat.

The guarantees are intended to help airlines that cannot obtain reasonable commercial loans because of the terrorist attacks, which caused passenger traffic to plunge.

He had worked at the company since graduating from high school, most recently helping airlines that owned Boeing jets solve mechanical problems.

On the one hand, it's good news," he said, "because it helps other airlines that are seeking concessions.

The United States is spending billions to help airlines and considering billions more for insurance companies.

The bill freezes until the new fiscal year the $10 billion loan guarantee program Congress created to help airlines after the terrorist strikes.

The panels in both houses added money for domestic security and $3.5 billion to help airlines.

But they are clearly eager for the Government to take a stronger hand in helping new low-cost airlines.

I would like to know what kind of initiatives the Commission is preparing to help and encourage airlines to switch over.

This could help airlines struggling to cope with high fuel costs and make the aircraft more attractive to buyers as the American airline industry restructures.