Strong euro helps put European airlines in better position than U.S. carriers LONDON -- With the dollar down and fuel prices up, U.S. airlines are fighting to stay afloat. But they're also fending off another challenge: increasingly powerful European rivals. Analysts say European airlines are in a much better position to weather the current storm because of a strong euro, newer fleets and a recent wave of consolidation. And it shows. As many U.S. airlines put expansion plans on hold, British Airways launched a premium subsidiary, OpenSkies, with direct flights between Paris and New York. European airlines also might be in position to offer better deals to passengers, analysts say.
LONDON -- With the dollar down and fuel prices up, U.S. airlines are fighting to stay afloat. But they're also fending off another challenge: increasingly powerful European rivals.
Analysts say European airlines are in a much better position to weather the current storm because of a strong euro, newer fleets and a recent wave of consolidation.
And it shows. As many U.S. airlines put expansion plans on hold, British Airways launched a premium subsidiary, OpenSkies, with direct flights between Paris and New York.
European airlines also might be in position to offer better deals to passengers, analysts say.
