The half-yearly study published by Sabre highlights the main challenges facing airlines, according to their positive or negative impact on company profits. Unsurprisingly, it is once again the cost of fuel - and especially its instability - that is the main threat to airlines (81% of the managers questioned): a trend that Sabre believes has lasted for more than 18 months. Fuel is ahead of government regulations (72%), particularly in terms of taxes: a trend that prompts Sabre's CEO to warn those concerned: "Some governments are struggling to solve their economic difficulties: they should remember not to bite the hand that feeds them". Lastly, the third threat to airline profits would be airport and passenger safety (59% of those questioned), particularly in relation to their lack of fluidity. In this respect, Sam Gilliland was quick to advocate the "Trusted Traveller" programme, which is also supported by the main industry associations, including IATA. Among the challenges with a positive impact on airline resources are loyalty programmes (81%) and investment in new technologies (76%).
