Air Pacific Media Monitoring: Week of March 31st to April 4th, 2014

"US Air Switches to AA's Alliance"
Dallas News/ Dallas Morning News
March 30th, 2014
http://www.dallasnews.com/business/airline-industry/20140330-us-air-switches-to-aas-alliance.ece

• Summary: With US Airways switching alliances, it moves the Oneworld Alliance (American, British, Qantas, Malaysia are some of the big ones) from third to first in domestic travel in the United States. With this merge, Oneworld alliance flyers will see benefits like having access to over 600 lounges in airports and being considered elite with all of the Oneworld network. 
• Relevance: Air Pacific targets customers that are looking low cost, west coast travel. This merge could raise costs for any alliance flyers, meaning we need market media campaigns for low cost travel.

"Industry shake-up batters California's Ontario airport"
The (Palm Springs, Calif.) Desert Sun
March 31st, 2014
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/03/30/air-industry-changes-batter-small-calif-airport/7085601/

• Summary: Because of the rise in airline fuel prices, airlines are offering less flights to smaller or medium sized airports, especially in markets where there are bigger hubs like LAX. 
• Relevance: Air Pacific should look into flying into smaller to medium sized airports. This allows for convenience for passengers and could benefit these airports. 

"Alaska Airlines Cancels Service Between LGB and Portland, Oregon Starting August 23"
The Long Beach Post
March 31st, 2014
http://lbpost.com/news/2000003511-alaska-airlines-cancels-service-between-lgb-and-portland-oregon-starting-august-23#.Uzoc69y51BU

• Summary: Alaska airlines cancels their service between Long Beach airport and Portland airport. 
• Relevance: Air Pacific should look into offering direct routes like the one above as there are less competitors in the market. 

"United Airlines to install 500 device charging stations at airports"
LA Times
March 30th, 2014
http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-power-to-the-people-20140328,0,6173108.story#ixzz2xfwHKWdu

• Summary: United Airlines is adding charging stations in the airport hubs for customers. Charging stations will include two plug in outlets and two USB ports.
• Relevance: Air Pacific should configure their airport waiting areas to allow for charging stations. This is always a plus for customers! 

"Alaska Airlines to serve wine made for altitude"
Puget Sound Business Journal
March 11th, 2014
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/morning_call/2014/03/alaska-airlines-to-serve-wine-made-for-altitude.html

• Summary: Alaska Airlines has decided to serve local, Seattle and Portland Region, companies' alcohol on flights. All alcohol was made to be served on flights as things taste different in pressurized cabins. 
• Relevance: If serving beverages and/or alcoholic beverages on flights, Air Pacific should consider looking into beverages that are designed to be drunk in the air for ultimate customer satisfaction.