Airline Competition:
Industry Competitive and Financial Problems
T-RCED-92-28: Published: Feb 21, 1992. Publicly Released: Feb 21, 1992.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
Contact:
GAO discussed problems with competition in the airline industry and the effect of the industry's financial problems on competition. GAO noted that: (1) the degree of concentration of airlines in certain areas has affected fare increases and decreases; (2) financial weaknesses of several large airlines could lead to additional failures and more industry concentration; (3) slot restrictions that limit airport access, limited access to airport gates and facilities, and existing airlines' use of frequent flyer plans, computerized reservation systems, travel agent commissions, and agreements with other airlines for connecting flights constitute barriers to competition and the entry of new airlines; and (4) airlines' heavy reliance on debt financing and federal restrictions on airlines' access to foreign capital serve to weaken airlines' financial positions. GAO believes that the most appropriate approach to resolving the competitive and financial problems of the airline industry is to focus on long-term strategies to enhance competition.
Oct 3, 2018
Positive Train Control:
Most Passenger Railroads Expect to Request an Extension and Substantial Work Remains Beyond 2018GAO-19-135T: Published: Oct 3, 2018. Publicly Released: Oct 3, 2018.
Sep 13, 2018
-
Positive Train Control:
Most Railroads Expect to Request an Extension, and Substantial Work Remains Beyond 2018GAO-18-692T: Published: Sep 13, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 13, 2018.
Sep 5, 2018
-
Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway:
Assessing Risks and Measuring Performance Could Improve Maritime TransportationGAO-18-610: Published: Sep 5, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 5, 2018.
Jul 30, 2018
-
Public Transit Partnerships:
Additional Information Needed to Clarify Data Reporting and Share Best PracticesGAO-18-539: Published: Jul 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 30, 2018.
Jul 26, 2018
-
Aviation Security:
Basic Training Program for Transportation Security Officers Would Benefit from Performance Goals and MeasuresGAO-18-552: Published: Jul 26, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 26, 2018.
Jul 19, 2018
-
Highway and Transit Projects:
Better Data Needed to Assess Changes in the Duration of Environmental ReviewsGAO-18-536: Published: Jul 19, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 19, 2018.
Jul 12, 2018
-
Aviation Security:
Actions Needed to Better Identify and Track U.S.-Bound Public Charter Operations from CubaGAO-18-526: Published: Jul 12, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 12, 2018.
May 31, 2018
-
Capital Investment Grants Program:
FTA Should Address Several Statutory ProvisionsGAO-18-462: Published: May 31, 2018. Publicly Released: May 31, 2018.
May 29, 2018
-
Interstate Pipeline Inspections:
Additional Planning Could Help DOT Determine Appropriate Level of State ParticipationGAO-18-461: Published: May 29, 2018. Publicly Released: May 29, 2018.
May 24, 2018
-
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems:
FAA Should Improve Its Management of Safety RisksGAO-18-110: Published: May 24, 2018. Publicly Released: May 24, 2018.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here
Explore our Key Issues on Transportation
Explore our other Key Issues here
