I could have told ya that! Maybe I could be an airline CEO? Mark Bill Hough wrote: > =20 > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SF Gate. > The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: > http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2002/03/11/f= > inancial1933EST0358.DTL > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Monday, March 11, 2002 (AP) > Northwest CEO says airlines must focus on bringing back consumers > BREE FOWLER, Associated Press Writer > > (03-11) 16:33 PST DETROIT (AP) -- > Airlines must emphasize the importance of customer service and learn to > streamline security procedures in order to be successful in a post Sept. > 11 world, Northwest Airlines chief executive Richard H. Anderson said > Monday. > The terrorist attacks have resulted in increased anxiety about traveling > -- while before the attacks, the worst problem most of the traveling > public ever faced was losing their luggage, Anderson said at an Economic > Club of Detroit luncheon. > "There is one value you never compromise in the airline industry, and > that's safety and security," said Anderson, who added that he too has been > asked to remove his shoes and belt at security check points. > Anderson's speech came on the six-month anniversary of the attacks, in > which hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York and > the Pentagon. A fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. > Anderson said he and other Northwest officials are working with the > federal government to create a "Trusted Traveler Program." > As part of the program, the government would issue cards to frequent > travelers that are tied to some kind of biometric technology such as a > retinal scan. > Travelers would insert their cards into a machine, which would let them > pass through security faster. > "It would allow us to focus on potential threats, rather than those shoes > you are wearing," he said. > Eagan, Minn.-based Northwest cut 20 percent of its flights after the > attacks. However, the airline is seeing passenger numbers rebound > somewhat. Last week, officials announced they would restore dozens of > evening flights to and from it Memphis International Airport hub in > response to customer demand. > Northwest's business has come back about 7 percent since then, Anderson > said, and market forces will dictate when the company will get back to its > pre-Sept. 11 levels. > Northwest serves some 750 cities in nearly 120 countries, with other hubs > in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Tokyo and Amsterdam. > > On the Net: > Northwest Airlines: www.nwa.com > > =20 > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Copyright 2002 AP