Recent crashes are reducing airline ticket sales

Two major U.S. airline CEOs have reported a drop in ticket sales following recent aviation disasters. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian highlighted incidents in Washington, D.C., and Toronto as significant factors causing fear among travelers. Bastian mentioned that these events have shocked consumers and impacted Delta's revenue. In January, a deadly crash involved an American Airlines flight that collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in the deaths of 67 people. A more recent incident in Toronto involved a Delta flight that flipped upside down while landing, but all 80 people aboard survived. Bastian stated that these crashes represent some of the worst aviation incidents in the last 25 years. He noted that many travelers today are unaware that such accidents can happen. There is also growing uncertainty about the economy and rising living costs, which have decreased consumer confidence in air travel. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom shared similar concerns, indicating that the Washington, D.C. crash has also affected his airline's revenue outlook. He stated that the airline is currently focused on supporting the victims' families. Both CEOs underscored the importance of addressing general economic instability alongside safety concerns as they try to restore consumer trust. Investigations into the causes of these crashes are still ongoing by the National Transportation Safety Board.