Airline business hit by Gustav

The airline industry took a hit from Hurricane Gustav this Labor Day weekend. By disrupting travel to and from the Gulf Coast, the airlines didn’t get critical holiday revenue. Airtran Airlines canceled 23 flights, Delta Airlines 21. Flights could resume to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport in Mississippi today. It’s unclear when flights will resume to Armstrong New Orleans International.

Delta to cut jobs, domestic routes

Atlanta-based Delta Airlines says it plans to shed 2,000 jobs and 5 percent of domestic service to cut costs. Yesterday, the company offered buyouts to 30,000 employees – more than half its workforce. Most job cuts are expected through voluntary severance and early retirement. The move comes as Delta struggles to keep up with record high fuel costs and a slowing economy. It is the first mass job cut by Delta since the airline entered bankruptcy in 2005.

Macon to D.C. airline

Macon has hired an aviation company to fly between Middle Georgia and Washington D.C. The Macon Telegraph reports that last night the Macon City Council voted to hire an Atlanta-based company to operate “Southern Skyways” airline. One-way fares between Dulles International Airport and Macon’s Middle Georgia Regional Airport will range from $110 to $179 dollars. Once flights get underway, city officials and employees will be able to fly for free.