VOLUME 47 NUMBER 15 JULY 16, 1984
Up at the ·January in June High End by W. S. Brown In the airline industry that has evolved since deregulation - a snarling competi tive jungle with a growing number of hard sell cheapo flights that aro/eallylittle more than sky going bus rides- TWA decided a few years back that its smartest marketing position would be to offer not just the usual range of popular-priced fare bargains but a superior service product for the more de manding traveler as 'well. By carefully nurturing its high-end im age, up beyond reach of the perspiring hustlers, TWA reasoned it could attract, in addition to bargain-shopping leisure trav elers enticed by TWA'sreputation for qual ity, more than its fair share o( the more lucrative business-travel segment. Implementing such a strategy with lim ited resources, though, would require a series of carefully planned, affordable steps rather than an immediate and costly giant leap forward. Step One, then, was the announcement of a special widebody business section Wall-to-wall people crowded the service counter at JFK; some employees worked up to 18 hours straight trying to help known as Ambassador Class, featuring an passengers. - New York Times photos by Chester Higgins, Jr. innovative, generous six-abreast seating arrangement and a number of service ex by Anne Saunders plained, TWA could operate only three Cancellation of the regular schedule also tras, for a reasonable premium above coach For the first and only time anyone could eastbound (to Europe) flights. The only caused countless downline equipment and fare. - recall, Kennedy Airport was closed on ac aircraft available were two international crew scheduling problems. People were (Apart from Pan Am, a relative new count of rain Saturday, June 30. Mother lOl ls, which had landed before the sh.ut -stranded in Europe on Sunday because comer to the comfort game, TWA still has Nature dumped seven inche& on the airport down, and one 747, brought over from the there were no aircraft available overseas to the only authentic six-seat rows in the in that day, flooding access roads with up to hangar. operate those flights. Aircraft departing dustry for business fliers. What British 15 feet of wa,ter and backing traffic up to "Airport front -line people worked 12 to JFK on Surrd(!y suffered ATC gate-hold Airways currently offers, for example, is LaGuardia Airport. Because emergency 18 hours straight trying to help passen delays of up to two hours when everybody actually just a kind of adjustable bench with medical or firefighting equipment could gers," says Ray Reuter, manager-on-duty, wanted to leave at the same time. movable arms that can be spaced close not have gotten through if needed, the Port airport services, who was himself.on the. Ten TWA flights,- carrying 2,146 pas together in coach or spread wider apart in Authority, which operates JFK, shut down job until 4 a.m. Sunday. "Those people sengers, were diverted to Newark on Satur business class.) the entire facility from 1 p.m. until 9:30 who were involved in the operation did one day. Three of those aircraft, two 747s and TWA's Ambassador Class began as an that night. heck of a job," he says. "Saturday was a one 1011, were arriving from overseas. internationalproduct, but because many of For those eight -and a half hours no air peak day and we didn't move anybody out "Because of all the inbound international the widebodies so configured also serve craft arrived or departed JFK. TWA alone to speak of. There were about 5, 000 people .flightsdiverted to Newark, both TWA and domestic markets the. service was soon ' cancelled 85 flights- 66 domestic and 19 in our terminals overnight. Sunday was OAL, there were three to six-hour waits to extended to all widebodies in the fleet, international. Inbound flights, already en another peak day and those already holding clear customs," said Larry Costley, man domestic as well as international�in other route, were diverted to cities along the reservations for that day had priority. Re ager-airport services. Passengers on words, to about 70% of TWA's total fleet eastern seaboard from Bangor, Maine to booking passengers from cancelled flights TWA's last international flight got to cus capacity. Washington, D.C. Peak-period traffic, was difficult because space was already toms at midnight, after sitting on the with load factors averaging 90% on inter tight," Ray explains. ground, unable to leave the aircraft,for six By Far the Best national and 80% on domestic flights, hours. "We had agents who worked 30 hours straight dealing with passengers," But TWA's quality appeai was projected meant that the maximum number of TWA Larry added. "Many passengers stayed along a broader front than just outstanding passengers- estimated at 58,000 for the overnight at the airport." service in business class. Step Two was the three days through July 2 - would be affected. development of a truly superior first class Giant Parking Lot service product, Royal Ambassador, con CSA Bob Gordon said "I've been work tributing furtherto an overall prestige im ing here for 20 years and I have never seen it Some 900 inbound internationalpassen age. Part of the package: sleeper seats in all like this. It's going to take two days to gers were aboard three widebodies di wide body first class sections. With a whole straighten things out," he predicted, opti verted t9 Hartford's Bradley Field·. battery of consumer-research studies in_ mistically as it turned out. "We weren't able to get cu,stomsto clear hand, TWA can now proudly report the "It was wall-to-wall people on Saturday any of the aircraft," says Bob Phillips of verdict of experts on its first dass meal night," commented Bill Elsner, general airport services. "The t�o customs inspec service: far and away the best in the air. manager-operations control. Even when tors on duty couldn't handle all of the JFK finally reopened that night, he ex- Step Three was to include TWA's coach _ aircraft, from many carriers, which were customers in the party, with the installation parked in a remote ramp area for four to six ·of outsize overhead storage bins through Privilege Card promotion. hours. We refueled the aircraft, dumped the out TWA's 747 fleet. No longer did a home Step Four was completion of the project lavs, served sandwiches and tried to make bound traveler have 'to share limited seat to link all of TWA's overseas stations into the passengers as comfortable as possible, space with a pile of treasure amassed on the the airline's automated reservations net but they weren't allowed to get off the trip; now, there was ample storage space work •. extending the benefits of Airport aircraft," he explains. for all those goodies in a roomy convenient Express systemwide. Airport Express, Eight flights were diverted to Philadel ' ' catch-all overhead. ever since TWA pioneered it in the late phia. The 1,200 TWA passengers on in Coach passengers who were loyal par '70s, has proved itself a potent lure for bound transatlantic flights were able to go ticipants in TWA's Frequent Flight Bonus business travelers and others eager to avoid through customs there. A short runway was program were given a complimentary in long waits in line for seat assignments. converted into a giant parking lot for all troduction to·the delights of first and Am Advance seat selection is even more of a Jennifer Morgan, bound for· Greece, kinds of aircraft of many airlines. bassador Class service through special boon to internationaltravelers, though: the spent night at JFK along with 5,000 Other TWA aircraftwere sent to Bangor, upgrades and other extras as part of the FFB (to page B) others. (to page 3) North Africa, Sicily and Italy and was awarded the Air Medal and French Colo Bob Peak Designs Olympic Stamps nial Medal. Editor's Notes He received his discharge on August 9, 1945 and four days later - just a week �A.c'N1s behind Ed Betts - he was among the new Ray Dunn ·. .. . didn't plan on falling and break TWA co-pilot group attending ground �.Vio�--l. � ing a hip on Sunday, June 17. But what he school at Kansas City. did plan was having St. Luke's Hospital ool-D�_,· .., ..· · · "In a number of ways our TWA careers :. \ .... \\ � .\;�,.. t��·11· just a few doors away from home just in had a parallel," says Ed. "We both spent a case. Which is probably how he became_ lot more time in the right seat than TWA senior v. p. ancl'system general manager of had promi;ed; we both hated neckties; we TWA before taking himself out to pasture. both married flight attendants (Grenny Anyway, we're glad to feam he's "doing married Mary Billingsley in 1950) and we fine." While he's wiling away the time, no both eventually wound up in Los Angeles. doubt he would enjoy hearing from TWA "As I recall, Grenny was probably the friends. His phone number at St. Luke's is last to drop the DC-3 qualification and was (816) 932-2664, room 4408. In event he's assigl)ed to fly company personnel to the home by the time this issue hits the street, scene of the TWA-United collision over the his address is 4545 Wornall; Kansas City, Grand Canyon. Missouri 64111. "Grenny's career was otherwise rou tine, which was what he wanted. He was a Membsrs of the new Heart of America favorite with crew schedule because he was chapter of the TWA Seniors certainly aren't always available. If someone wanted to letting any grass grow under their feet. The trade he said yes before asking when. At other day 40 o{ 'em turned out for a golf 'TWA, as at USC, he was a team player. He . outing. Today (July 16) they're having an was dedicated to his wife and family and to all-you-can-eat-for-$3 .50 smorgasbord in TWA; tough but oh so gentle, a man among Blue Springs (and while in the area some men." plan to visit the Truman library or home). Next month they're off for a day at the Mel Warshaw, retired TWA scheduling races at Omaha's AK-SAR-BEN track. genius, writes to say he was saddened to And in September they've reserved all 3 74 read of the deaths of Jim Crimmins and seats at a dinner theater for a performance George Spater. of "My Fair Lady." "It is truly a sad coincidence that these two very fine gentlemen and leg!il minds The June 4 Skyliner reported the death on should leave us so close together," say_s . May 14 of retired Captain Grenville A. Mel. He recalled that in the 40s and 50s the "Grenny" Lansdell. He'd been on medical scheduling department worked closely leave since 1976, after 31 years of flying. with both men. "They asked much of us, Interest in the athletic competition at Los TWA stamp collectors and sports fans alike may enjoy "Golden Moments," a book including many long hours, but they were Angeles this summer prompted Captain Ed about the Olympic Games published by the U.S. Postal Service. Featured are the in there pitching. As a result, before dereg , Betts to reminisce about his old friend and 1984 Olympic Mint Set of 24 stamps as �ell as stories of many famous Olympic ulation TWA had a route structure that was fellow crew member. They had joined athletes, past and present. The book is designed so that the stamps can be mounted the envy of every other airline. TWA within a week of one another, in within. ''I'm sure that after George left to go to August of 1945. The theme of this commemorative issue is "Faster, Higher, Stronger." American he still had a warm spot for An all-around athlete, in his freshman The mint set as well as the illustrations for the book are the work of artist Bob TWA. The Chadbourne law firm- in the year at Pasadena Junior College in 1936 Peak, well known for his TWA menu covers and other designs for the airline early in person of Jim Crimmins- was of inesti Grenny led the football team to an unde his career. mable help. feated season. He became known as the In watercolors emphas.izing movement, Peak has provided illustrations in the "Their work may not have-been as excit "Pasadena Powerhouse." · book of the sports he has depicted on the postage stamps. The narrative was written ing as the image con jured up of a night mail ''This was when I first heard of Grenny, by sports writer Bob Hoobing and tells of such Olympic champions as Jesse Owens, pilot pitted against the elements, but its via the sports pages,'' Ed recalls. From Jim Thorpe, Paavo Nurmi, Billy Mills, Abebe Bikila, Mark Spitz, Harrison importance to TWA in the post-war growth 'Pasadena Grenny went on to the University Dillard, Wilma Rudolph, Fanny Blankers-Koen, Eric Heiden and many others. years cannot be over-stated." of Southern Californiawhere he starred for "Golden Moments" is available at U.S. Postal Service customer service three seasons and led the Trojans to two Anyone who has spent time in the waiting counters and costs $20. All 24. Olympic stamps are also available in blocks of four Rose Bowl victories. room of doctors or dentists who have tried for the regular price of the postage, 20¢ each, or all 24 for $4. 80. "I still have a lot of the old game pro to squeeze in one patient too many can grams," says Ed. In those days a player appreciate TWA's ad agency, Ogilvy & Stratoliner flight from Me�ks Field, Ice remained first in numt>er of passengers, played both offense and defense. There Mather. Having won the accounts of-Kan land to Washington, D.C. in August, 1944 42. 9 million. Atlanta was second with 37.9 were no special teams, no platoons. The sas City's Hallmark Cards plus AT&T In -40 years ago� of 21 hours, 16 minutes. million. "\ "triple threat" tailback was just that- he formation Systems, the agency has Frank Niswander was pilot, Ross Weaver did the running, p�ssing and kicking. In the declared a moritorium on accepting any co-pilot. My own longest Stratolinerflight east, Nile Kinnick of Iowa and Tom Har new business until it digests the new was from Prestwick, Scotland to Presque mon of Michigan rriade the headlines. In comers. "We're concerned about making Isle, Maine, during the war. June 8, 1942 to In Memoriam the west it was Grenny Lansdell. ·Follow be exact. Fred Richardson was captain. sure we can deliver to our current· clients,'' ing an undefeated season, he led the Tro says an O&M official. The time was 16:28. My longest DC-4 Alan Morgan, aviation pioneer who flew for Trans jans to a Rose Bowl win over Duke, which flight was fromStephensville, Newfound continental Air Transport (TAT), a TWA forerunner, hadn't been scored on all season. The next Re Gerry Miston's accQunt of a 1649A land to Nutts Corner, Ireland in February of died on June 22 at his home in Rancho Mirage, year they beat Te nnessee, which came to flight from London to San Francisco, "I 1944. That took 15 hours 30 minutes." California. He was 75. Morgan was a test pilot for Loughead Bros. Aircraft Co., later known as Lock the Rose Bowl with 23 straight victories. believe he's right and that still is a record,'' Earl adds in a P.S. that thanks to a recent heed. He joined Northrop Aircraft in 1940 and retired "Grenny was human, and once fumbled says retired navigator Earl Korf. Gordon Skylinerarticle Captains Bob Gowling and in I 970 as a vice president. He won a gold medal in the on the UCLA two-yard line," Ed notes Granger was the captain, he adds. Dave Spain both ham radio operators, are 1932 Olympics as a yachtsman. -
parenthetically. · "Johnny Larsen and I were the naviga . new subscribers to Sparks Journal. Ralph H. Thomas, retired lead fleet service helper, Grenny spent one year with the New . tors aboard the inaugural polar flight from JFK, died on June 25. He was 75. Mr. Thomas retired One out of every five of 500 travel agents York Giants, . decided that pro football Paris two days later," says Earl. "Rupe 10 years ago this month, after 33 years with TWA. polled by Sentry Insurance said they think wasn't for him and early in 1941 enlisted in Loehner, Mel Kassing and Charlie Adams There were no immediate surviving family members. airline deregulation is ''the worst thing that the Army. Three months later he reenlisted were the cockpit crew, and I believe Swede Jan Zorge, retired Los Angeles rnechanic, died on ever happened" to them. June 20 at age 67. Mr. Zorge was with TWA 12 years, in the Army Air Force. He completed pilot Golien was an ACM. We made a planned retiring in 1982. He is survived by his wife, Lyntje. training five days afterPearl Harbor. stop in Winnipeg for fuel; the time from Of 187 commuter and intrastatecarriers in "Little did he realize, then, that for the Paris was 16 hours, 55 minutes. operation at the start of deregulation four next 35 years his career would be in the ''I don't know if anyone else is interested years ago, only 79- or four out of 10- cockpit," says Ed. these days, but if you don't read it in. the are still in existence, according to the Civil Grenny was assigned to the Troop Car Skyliner I guess you never will ... Among Aeronautics Board. rier Command. He flew 78 missions over other long nonstqps I recall there was a Atlanta · _ _ has overtaken Chicago's O'Hare Published for Employees by the as the world's busiest airport in terms of Public Affairs Department scheduled operations. ATL handled 605 Third Avenue, New York 10158 486,210 commercial takeoffs and landings Printed in U.S.A in 1983 compared to ORD's 481,123. BUY U.S. SAVINGS BOND·s Dan Kemnitz, Editor 0' Hare, however, remained busiest in total Anne Saunders, Associate Editor flight movements with 652,245. Atlanta was second with 597,406. O'Hare also
2- July 16, 1984 came across the letter recently among his Wins MVP Award deceased father's personal effects. He had In it framed and presented it to general sales the News manager Gary Ravan. In his letter, Len Koster promised Am bassador passengers that in the new 707 June Traffic they would fly high in quiet luxury; four TWA flew 3.08 billion rpms in system magnificent engines delivering 52,000 scheduled service during June, an increase pounds of thrust would lift them into the air of 8.5% from the 2.84 billion rpms it flew at a thousand feet per minute; and at 40,000 in June of 1983. Capacity was up by 6.6%, . feet they would speed aJong at 600 miles an and the month's load factor rose 1.'2 per hour - "as smooth as silk." centage points to 72.4%. For the first half of 1984, TWA flew The 5 O'Clock Rush 12.45 billion rpms, a decline of 1.7% from Operational delays caused by air traffic last year's comparable period. congestion were up 55% in the first four Domestic traffic was down 3.4% from a months of 1984 coq1pared to the same per year ago; with a 2.5% decline in capacity, iod in 1983, according to the Federal Avia the result was aload factor of 67.5%, down tion Administrat-ion. The situation 0.7 percentage points. worsened as travel neared the summer International traffic in June rose 22.3% peak. from a year ago and is running 18.6% ahead of the first half of 1983. With·capac A delay is officially defined as a takeoff ity up 18.2%, the international load factor or landing that is 15 minutes or more be in June reached 77 .5%, up 2.6 percentage hind schedule. As of June 26, there were points. 183,000 such delays so far this year out of Cargo traffic showed a 21.3% gain in about four million flights. June and is up 30.5% for the first half of this Seven airportsin the U.S. accounted for year. 60% of the delays. New York's three major airports - LGA, JFK and EWR- were June'84 YTD'84 RPMs vs. '83 vs. 83 the worst. The oth�r most congested air Domestic - 3.4% -13.5% ports are ORD, DEN, ATL and STL, in Int'l +22.3% +18.6% that order. System + 8.5% 1.7% The FAA says the airlines are trying to ASMs put too many flights into peak periods and� Domestic 2.5% 2.0% Int'l +18.2% +25.7% the system can't accommodate the de System· + 6.6% + 7.7% mand. It also cites the proliferation of new Load Factors airlines und�r deregulation, all wanting Nicole Sandstede, 16, daughter of Don Sandstede, Tucson sales manager, helped her Domestic 67.5% ( -0.7 pts) 54.5% ( -7.3 pts) equat'airways and airport access. team, the Sahuaro High Cougars, win the Arizona state high school championship in Int'l 77.5% (+2.6pts) 63.2% (-3.8pts) �fast-pitch softball. As pitcher, Nicole had .a 13-0 record, including one one-hitter. Sh� System . 72.4% ( + 1.2pts) 58.1% (-5.6pts) also played rightfield and batted -.364. Nicole was named to the All-Metro team and
Rainy Day•.• won the MVP award in district playoffs. Nicole also played on the school volley ball 'Smooth as Silk' (from page one) team; ruim�rs up in the state championship, and has been on the honor roll every The Pittsburgh Ambassadors Club has on semester. "Our whole family is very proud of Nicole," says her proud father. display this month a unique memento to Maine; Washington-Dulles and Boston. mark the 25th anniversary of the ·first jet Most passengers seemed to understand the second quarter, its first profit in several service there. The historic item is a letter · that it wasn't TWA's fault and were remark years. The disappointing results this year heralding TWA's start of 707 service to ably good natured under the circum Industry News are attributed to an expired pay freeze, air ·Chicago and Los Angeles on July 25, 1959. stances. traffic delays, phase-out of charter busi What's unusual is that the announcement is Things were getting back to normal at ness, the strong U.S. dollar and frequent printed in red lettering on white silk to carry JFK by Tuesday, July 3, with loads of over Air Florida on July 3 became the third. travelers' redemption of free mileage bo outthe theme, "Smooth as Silk." It was the 100% forecast for· that evening on both major airline to go bankrupt since d�regu nuses. idea of veteran district sales manager Len domestic and international flights out of lation, joining Braniff and Continental. Koster, who unfortunately passed away not JFK, but there were still 45 weary travelers People Express is expected to start flying The grounding left holiday travelers long afterward. who had been trying to get to Lisbon since _ between Newark and Chicago late this stranded and 1 ,200 employees out of work. A TWA passenger, Joseph Alexander, Saturday. summer or early this fall. It was granted 10 Like Braniff and Continental, Air Florida slots·at O'Hare and must start service by expressed the hope of flying again once its October or give them up. TWA Plays Growing Role in Columbus financial affairs are in order. But industry observers expressed doubts: The airline Next logical step for Transworld Corp., lost nearly $135 million in the past three now that it is rid of its money-losing airline, years and has virtually no cash. is to get out of the real estate business, · Air Florida was once one of the ·success namely CentUry 21, Lester Pollack of Od stories of deregulation, expanding rapidly yssey Partners told Christian Science Mon and even proposing to take over Western itor. TWC treasurer Nick Moren responded Airlines. Recession, fare wars and a fatal that TWC plans no further divestitures, crash at Washington National Airport were adding, "We believe we can make them all costly blows. The airline sought to cut costs continue to grow.'' TheM onitor noted that by shrinking, but this strategy didn't work. Hilton lnternational has taken its lumps It was receiving the revenue of a smaller recently due to the worldwide recession operation while still having to meet the and strong U.S. dollar, and its 1983 earn obligations of a larger airline. ings were off 23%.
United Airlines is expected to order at Load factor on People Express' Newark least 30 new jetliners - and possibly as London flights is running about 99%. many as 100- befqre the end of the year, (Some 40,000 summer seats that went on according to Reuters, the British news sale in May were sold out in four hours.) In agency. The choice will be either the 130- its first week of service, Virgin Atlantic seat Boeing 737-300 or the 140-seat Mc achieved a load factor in the upper 80s on Donnell Douglas MD-80. . flights from the U.K., and about 70% from Newark. Braniff started a new round of promo tional fares as much as 40% below regular Frontier confirmed a report that it plans to coach fares to 14 of 20 cities it serves from eliminate service to 20 of its 78 cities effec Dallas/Ft. Worth. The·Wall Street Journal tive October 1. Frontier said it needs to ; Mayor Dana "Buck' Rinehart presents Malcolm Read, TWA's new general sales observed that the cuts come at a time of restructure and strengthen its route system · manager-Ohio, with a commemorative book on Columbus. The two were about to peak summer travel, suggesting that to compete at Denver against -pnited arid depart for New York along with Rick Hickman, manager-airport services, and four Braniff "could be having trouble." Continental. The cutbacks will affect some top Columbus aviation and development officials. There they met with Neil Effman, 350 employees, including about 150 at its senior vice president-marketing & plan�ing, a�d Jesse Liebman, staff vice president Although load factors were up signifi reservations center in Kansas City. scheduling & planning, to discuss future air service plans for Columbus. TWA cantly, so were labor costs in June, so Pan marked 55 years of service to the Ohio capital July 8th and now has 15 daily Am expects an unexpected second-quarter People Express plans to start daily service departures, _carrying 30,000 passengers per month. TWA has added service to loss, according to Wall Street Journal. A by November between Newark and Boston, O'Hare and LaGuardia since June 1. year ago the carrier earned$1 0. 4 million in Stansted, London's thi-rdairport.
July 16, 1984 3 ate members are $20. This includes a sub Munich Staff Greets New Service Golf Tourney scription to TARPA Topics, published ---- -, International At St. Louis quarterly, and a membership directory which also details the organization's pur St. Louis will hold the "TWA Hub pose and by-laws. Classic" golf tournamenton Monday, Application for membership may be. August 27 at the Bogey Hills Golf & made by writing to A.T. "Rocky" Hum Country Club. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. bles; Route 2; Box 152; Belhaven, North A $45 fee includes -golf and cart; Carolina, 278'10 or to Captain Derickson at locker and shower facilities, swim RO. 2; 6 Fredonia Court; Newton, New ming pool, buffet and prizes. Guest Jersey 07860. banquet fee $15. Howard Johnson's Airport West will· offer a $29 rate, double or single; Industry News National car rental at a $15 daily rate, The new United-lAM contract will place unlimited mileage. the airline on an even-footing cost-wise Entrants should contact Lawrence with new entrant carriers and rival Ameri Kavanagh (STL tech services) at 2327 can Airlines, according to Aviation Daily. Seven Pines Drive; Creve Coeur, Mis New hires will have to work five years souri 63146. (Give name, station, before receiving top pay, compared to the foursome, handicap, Calloway infor present 15 months, and they'll start at mation.) about half the wages. The contract is said Entries must be in by August 13. also to offer termination or early retirement Set to welco�e TWA passengers to Munich are (from left) CSA Mechthild Schneider; The field is limited to 108 golfers,· so it incentives. would be wise to phone Larry at (314) manager-airport services Roland Glaab, and CSAs Chin-Fang Yang-Schaarschmidt, The cost of living and other realities are Rodion Dreschsler and Barbare Kroener. 878-4549 for reservations and infor catching up with deregulation's wonder mation. children. Average yield for new airlines People Express used the opening of a new peaked in 1981 at 13.3¢ per passenger $20 million international arrivals terminal Honor Cliff Abbott mile but has dropped steadily since, to 9. 86 at Newark (Terminal C) to announce. its by year's-end 1983. TARPA Solicits plans for nonstop service to Los Angeles. New Members _u.s. airlines hired nearly 11 ,000 flight The dedication. was attended by the gover attendants in the year ending April 30, nor of New Jersey, the mayor of Newark Besides their participation in and support according to Futu,re Av iation Professionals and the head of the Port Authority, and as of the TWA Seniors, TWA's pilots have an of America (FAPA). Nearly six of every 10 the ceremony began, by strange coinci ancillary organization called The Active were taken on by airlines that have sprung den<;:e, aPE 747 with 400 passengers ar Retired Pilots Association- better known up since deregulation. rived from London. as TARPA. American International Airways, Phila Russ Derickson of Newton, New Jersey Britain and the Netherlands have agreed to delphia-based charter airline that began ex is the president of TARPA this year, and he lower the round trip· fare between London panding last fall to scheduled service, has has launched a drive for new members, and Amsterdam to as little as $67, com laid off 10% of its work force and cut pay particularly associate meml;>ers- that is, pared with the current fare of $119. The 10%. The carrier lost $17.4 million over a · current flight deck crew members age 50 agreement is a major breach of Europe's 15-month period. and over. tightly regulated cartel system. The interest in building associate mem Braniff has set up a $2.5 million trust fund Continental hopes that its striking pilots bership is to aid that age group with pre to assure travelers and travel agents that will return to the fold when they see how retirement planning. they'll get their money back if the born vibrant and growing the airline is, along "Our over-all goal is to help members to again carrier fails. with its various stock ownership and profit maintain the friendships and associations sharing plans. formed over the years, to make retirement a The Air Line Employees Association more productive and rewarding experience (ALEA), representing 6,500 clerical, re� Shareholders of Northwest Airlines have and to assist active pilt¥s approaching re ervations and passenger service personnel, approved formation of a holding company, tirement with the problems that are inher has joined other unions at Republic Air NWA, Inc. ent in the transition from active-to retired lines in extending a 15% pay cut and wage Pan Am's Labor Council, representing· status," says Captain Dericksop. freeze until the end of 1986 in return for a five unions, is bitter over the way the com Annual dues for both retired and associ- profit-sharing and stock ownership plan. pany formed a holding company over their objections, and threatened strike action. The council went "on record" that 10 mil Belgians Love New York- and TWA lion employee-owned shares ·were voted against the proposal which, however, was approved at a speci�l stockhol�ers meeting A highlight of this year's annual on June 27. Seniors meeting in Kansas City was a special tribute to the club's first American Airlines announced plans for president, Captain Cliff Abbott. nonstop service to Paris and Frankfurt from Cliff, whose. pilot's seniority goes .Dallas/Ft. Worth in 1985. Delta, which back to February 16, 1930, received began nonstop service DFW-FRA in May, a standing ovation as he received the said its flight has been operating with an / Rex Werner-designed award. 80% load factor. The proposal for a new mid-field terminal Celebration at PiUsburgh received a setback when US Air, the major carrier at Pittsburgh, said it and other airlines neither need nor can afford it. USAir suggested more efficient use of present gate space as an alternative.
Pan Am is selling its nine remaining 727- 100s to Intercredit Corp. in a move to simplify and standardize its fleet. PAA had earlier traded its DC-1Os to American for 747s and grounded its 747 freighter air- · craft.
License Plate Frames
An "I Love New York" show sponsored by TWA attracted more than a thousand The Skyliner continually receives inqui Belgian travel agents and customers. It was the first time that any airline had ries whether the ''FLY TWA''license plate organized such a successful event. Pictured on stage afterwardare (from left) Roger frames are still available. Yes, they are, Hers, sales manager for Belgium and Luxembourg; Harry Schaible, general man from Hammerhead Aero; 7701 West 101st ager-France & Benelux; Laurie Jo Miller, director of tourism research and develop Street; Overland Park, Kansas 66212. The ment, New York Convention and Visitors Bureau; Clifford Thiess, deputy price is $7 a pair, including postage and Phoenix CSAs David Leach (left) and commissioner of the division of tourism, State of New York Department of Com handling. Make check payable to Ham Lee Holcomb recently marked 20-year merce, and Richard Lowe, general manager-Kennedy International Airport. merhead Aero. TWA anniversaries.
4 July 16, 1984 Desert Rescue Saves Crew by Robert J. Saunders Stan rushed· back through the cabin door to Mr. Saunders is now retired aftera 40-year join the wireless operator and the navigator }lying career with the Royal Air Force and as they flung open the main cargo door. I various civilian carriers. pushed open the safety hatch above my On Saturday morning, January 10, 1948, head and pulled myself out onto the fuse the letters "T. W. A. " meant little to me. lage to look at the fire. That night they were letters I shall never ':The fire's out," I shouted, as Stan and forget. the others came out of the rear of the plane. I was co-pilot on a Royal Air Force "The sand put it out." D. C. -3 (Dakota) ferrying from Singapore "Get everything out, in case it ex to England. On January 9th we night plodes," Stan ordered. I hurried back to stopped at R. A. F. Station Fayid, on the assist in moving our baggage and supplies west bank of the Great Bitter Lake, in the clear of the fuselage. Suez. Canal Zone of Egypt. As I jumped down from the plane, a flash The following morning, with the cap in the sky caught my eye. Looking up, I tain, Flight Lieutenant Stan Martin, at the saw a black speck moving rapidly towards controls, we took off for El Adam on the the eastern horizon. Libyan border. "There's a plane up there," I yelled, At 7,000 feet I heard a bang. The plane dashing back into the cockpit to get the shuddered and shook so much I couldn't signal pistol and cartridges. I fired the gun read the cockpit instruments. in the air, but as the flare curved up across the sky� the black dot disappeared from Above the noise Stan shouted "Feather Awaiting rescue in the Egyptian desert. Author R. J. Saunders in middle; Capt. Stan the starboard engine. " I quickly carried out� sight. Martin at right and navigator at left. the drilL Looking out the side window I "I don't think anyone up there saw that saw that the propellor had stopped turning, signal," the navigator said. We agreed and D.C.-3 with T. W. A. painted on the tail. English. TWA reported the crash so they but the shaking continued. continued unloading and checking sup "Who the devil are they, and where did had assumed we were Americans. The sol "Unfeather the engine," Stan shouted. plies. - Two flasks of fresh water had bro they come from?" shouted the wireless diers, very tall and looking ferocious, with As I started the drill a tremendous explo ken, and the emergency supply proved sour operator. · tribal markings incised on each cheek, sion ripped through the plane. The nose and undrinkable. "That's Trans World Airlines,,· I yelled. rushed over and shook our hands while shot up in the air, then whipped away to the Later, on inspecting the plane, we real "It's an American company. But where are chattering excitedly to us in Arabic. left. The cockpit filled with smoke and ized just how lucky we had been to get they based?" After the soldiers were detailed to guard · fumes. down alive. The right wing was nearly "They're based at Cairo West," Stan the plane and we'd loaded our kit in the Stan regained control as the plane went burnt through. · added. "They must think we're Ameri truck, we set off f(_)rCairo. into a steep dive. I looked out my window cans. Anyway, now someone knows where Later, we learned the T. W. A. airplane Prospects Were Grim we are." returned to drop supplies to us at the crash to assess the damage. · "The engine's gone, Stan. " So that no band of marauders could ap!' The plane circled two or three more · site. "I know it has," he shouted back. proach us without being seen, I checked the times, we waved, then, with a_waggle of its That night, on the roof of our hotel in the. "No! It's gone completely, and the local terrain, for the only purpose of their wings, it disappeared towards the west. Its heart of Cairo, we toasted our friends in wing's on fir.e." All that remained was the visit would be robbery and murder. At this departure leftus stunned as the v�st silence T. W. A. , who found us and were thoughtful bulkhead full of twisted metal pipes. The time, the Egyptian and British authorities of the desert returned. But even that enough to go back and drop supplies in case landing gear was hanging loosely below were not on good terms and we'd heru:d of couldn't dampen our spirits. We'd been we were still there. the burning wing. · crews, rescued by some Egyptian forces, found! We returned to the Canal Zone next day As the plane plummeted towards the languishing in local jails for months while Later, some R. A.F. airplanes flew over, and shortly arrived in England. desert, Stan hauled the nose parallel with the two ·governments bickered over their so we were convinced rescue must be near. Over the years I've spoken to many the ground. Then we hit! The plane rico release. As I walked back to the plane I But, as twilight approached, we thought of T. W. A. crew members asking the name of the night we were going to spend out here in that pilot.· When I finally did learn his cheted off the hard sand in a long, low thought our rescue prospects were grim. · bounce, finishing with a massive crunch as Suddenly, without warning,the stillness the hostile desert. name, on a TWA flight from New York to we slid to a stop in a shower of sand. was shattered by the roar of engines as a We had started moving everything back Las Vegas in 1972, I was al�o told he had Shocked, everyone remained perfectly plane swooped over the crash sit� and into the plane when a small truck came died. I never had a chance to thank him still for seconds. Then we sprang to life. climbed to circle our position. It was a racing through the sand dunes and skidded and now I find I have forgotten his name. to a stop in front of us. Out jumped an Whenever I see T. W. A. on the tail of an· officer and six soldiers of the Egyptian airplane it takes me back to that day in 1948 Frontier Force. The officer introduced when I was lucky enough to be spotted by himself, showing surprise that we were friends.
Bonds Pay If/lore substantially higher than the announced interestrate.- Like a prize fighter returning to the ring Savings Bonds also offer tax advantages after a long hiatus and knocking out ap. that allow you to shift a portion of your opponent, U.S. Savings Bonds have child's college costs to Uncle Sam. Simply staged a remarkable comeback in the finan ,buy bonds in your child's name, with you cial arena. as beneficiary rather than co-owner. The The resurgence of bonds can be attrib first year, file a_ tax return in the child's uted, by and large, to the market-based name listing bond interest as income. This variable interest formula. Under this for establishes intent, and no further returns mula, all Series EE Savings Bonds held at need to be fil�d unless the child's income in. least five years earn 85% of the average any one year exceeds the $1,000 limitation market yield on five-year Treasury securi established by the Internal Revenue Serv ties, compounded semi-annually. New ice. When the child wishes to redeem the bonds held less than five years earninterest bonds for college, or any other reason, on a fixed, graduated scale, as in the past. there is no tax liability. With market-based interest, bond own ers receive higher rates when the market is St. Louis Seniors to Meet up, with no limit on how high the rates can TheTWASeniorsClub, St. Louis Gateway go. Savings Bonds held. five years or longer chapter, will hold a luncheon meeting at have the added protection of a guaranteed 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25, at the minimum return of 7.5 %, even if market Flaming Pit Restaurant, 55 Village Square averages fall below that amount. Shopping Center, Highway 270 and Lind The payroll savings plan allows a person bergh, Hazelwood, Missouri. Cost is $7 in to set aside money from each paycheck to advance or $7.50 at the door, cash bar. buy bonds. You decide the amount. Just fill Members of the Seniors Club, active em out an authorization card available through ployees witn at least 30 years' seniority, TWA. The bond is issued when the pur and their spouses or guests, are welcome to chase price is met. attend. For information contact Opal Interest on bonds is exempt from state Thomas, chapter president, at 4004 �d lo�al income tax, and federal income Geraldine, St. Ann, MO 63074 (314) 429- tax may be deferred. until bonds are re 7521, or Winnie Dalton, corresponding deemed or reach final maturity. These tax secretary, 4009 Engler, St. Louis, MO Changi, Singapore, 1946. Saunder� at right before a V. I.P. flight. breaks result in taxable equivalent yields 63114. Phone (314) 427-6059.
July 16, 1984 5 Easter Island lies in the Pacific Ocean, Flight to N�where is Something 2,200 miles west of Chile. The island is famed for the huge statues carved from its Travel Tips soft volcanic rock hundreds of years ago. Interline tours are now being offered to Easter Island, nine days priced at $989 to National Parks Tour $1,045 per person, double, 11 days priced at $1,259 to $1,315 per person, double,. TWA- Services, Inc. will offer a special including positive space air on Lan Chile discount to TWA employees, their parents _ from New York or Miami to Santiago. All and families only for a tour to three of TWA employees, their spouses, dependent America's most beautiful national parks children and parents are eligible for these Bryce Canyon� Zion and Grand Canyon. tours. For information and reservations � September 24-28. contact Interline Representatives, Ltd., 25 Only 30 frontiercabins are available for West 39th St., New York, NY 10018 (212) this tour and will be reserved on a first 840-6727.- come, first served basis. Rate of $225 per person, double or triple, $275 single, in- Round-the ..World tour of 21 days is being - eludes four nights' accommodations, all put together by Inflight Tours, Inc. Ex meals at the three parks, private motor pected departure date mid-September coach from Las Vegas to each park and 1984. TWAers, IDcluding retirees, can get return to McCarran International Airport details by writing to Inflight Tours, Inc., September 28 . 63-11 Queens Blvd., A-4, Woodside, NY The fall foliage color in these parks pro 11377 . vides unforgettable beauty and you will New Orleans: Hotel Inter-Continental have plenty of time to explore on your own. Elementary school children in Te cumseh, Michigan - about an hour and a half from New Orleans offers a specia1 75% discount To reserve space, mail a check for $225 Detroit - take imaginary "field trips" to the places around the world they are off regular -room rates of $95 to $135 sin studying. This year their destination was Hawaii. Although TWA no longer flies to for each person, pay�ble to National Parks . gle, $120 to $160 double, during July and Hawaii, they felt "Trans World Airlines" would.best convey wherever their studies Tour, to National Parks Tour, P. 0: Box August only. Children occupying their par take them, according to Tom-Sura, who doubles as principal of the two participating 50003, Henderson, Nevada 89016. In ents' room can stay free. The regular airline schools, Sutton and Tipton. The 707 (or it could be a 1011) they built protrudes from a clude TWA payroll number. Conf1rmation, rate of $99 sii}gle or double will be in effect corridor which they made into a passenger cabin. Drawings of cabin windows frame brochure and itinerary will be forwarded September 1 through November 11. The various travel scenes. by return mail. For information call (702) hotel is within walking distance of the 456-7897. French Quarter and Louisiana World Expo gust 31, depending on space availability. plus $3 U.S. departure tax. . Arizona: The Sheraton Tucson El Con sition. For reservations call (800) 327- Interline rates range from $21 to $28.50 per Area fa re II, from Miami to Madrid or quistador resort offers TWAers a $17.50 0020. In New Orleans, 525-5566. Or write person, double, and $34.50 to $57, single. Paris, is $120 roundtrip plus $3 U.S. depar ppd daily rate now through September 30 to: Inter-Continental New Orleans, 444 St. For reservations, contact the hotel drrectly ture tax. and just $25 October 1-December 31 . This Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130. at 616 West Seventh Ave., Tulsa, OK Areafare 111, from any point in U.S. or 74127 (918) 587-2176, or call Trusthouse Canada to any one Aeromexico destination is one of the finest resorts to be found in the Bahamas: Airline employees receive a ...... Southwest, with all the ingredients for a 50% discount on accommodations at Trea Forte Hotels at (800) 223-5672. In New within Central/South America, is $100 perfect vacation: golf, tennis, racquetball, sure Cay Beach Hotel and Villas on Abaco, York (212) 541-4400. roundtrip plus $3 U.S. departure tax. horseback riding, health spa; swimming, through Decelllber 16; 1984, subject to Fare valid only in coach/economy on a Prinair's Interline Hotel Packages: Prin fine food, etc. For reservations call (602) availability. space available basis, and for a maximum air (Puerto Rico International Airlines) of 742-7000. Special rates range from $39 per person of 30 days from day outbound travel be fers a wide assortment of Caribbean pack double in guest room to $80 pp in a beach gins. Los Angeles Airport: The Hyatt at LAX ages in To rtola, St. Thomas, St. Croix, villa. Treasure Cay recently completed an Any stopovers or additional flights be offers special rates to airline employees Santo Domingo, St. Maarten; St. Kitts,_ $11 million expansion, doubling guest ca yond area fare destination may be pur through December 31, 1984, except during Puerto Plata and San Juan. In addition, pacity to approximately 500. chased at 75% space available or 50% the Summer Olympics, July 27-August 13. TWA employees �ho present a valid com Present airline ID to get discounted positive reduced rate. Per room rate, single or double, will be $45 pany ID at any Prinair airport counter or the rates. Make reservations through Treasure To obtain tickets, submit a letter of appli Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday San Juan CTO, may obtain service charge Cay Beach Hotel and Villas, 2801 Ponce de cation along with certified check or money nights. The same $45 rate will be offered space available or 50% positive space tick Leon Blvd., Suite 410, Coral Gables, FL order to the nearest Aeromexico sales of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights ets. Parents and spouse of the employee 33 134. fice or to: Pass Office, Aeromexico, 8390 based on availability. (If bookings are may present their reduced rate ticket from N.W. 53rd St. , Miami, FL 33166. h�avy, an $80 rate will be charged.) For Portugal: The Interline Club of Portugal the originating point if traveling without information and reservations call (213) invites all TWAers to its "Grande Festa" employee. For a brochure with full infor Furs at Discount 670-9000 or (800) 22E-9000. October 18-21 at Figueira Da Foz. Bull mation write to Prinair Interpak, Ochoa Building, 500 Tanca Street PH, Old San fights, folk songs and dances and tours. Irwin Goodman Furs, which offers Hawaii: On Maui, the Whaler and Kana Juan, Puerto Rico 00901. Cost of the package is $170-$180, includ TWAers custom-made furs at · wholesale pali Shores condos. Ocean front, spectacu ing accommodations, meals and wine. For prices, will show its goods at the San Fran lar views. "I've enjoyed staying at both Exuma, Bahamas: Hotel Out Island Inn information contact Rui Barroso in Lisbon cisco Airport Hilton, Satur9ay, August 11 properties," says SFO account rep Bonnie offers a 50% discount to TWA employees, operations. through Tuesday, August 14, and at the Los Foley. For reservations and rate informa subject to space availability. "I've been Angeles-Sheraton La Reina Hotel (at the tion contact United Airlines' Capt. Stuart Thlsa: TWAers get a 50% discount at the there several times in the last three years," . airport), Wednesday, August 15 through Nunn at (4 15) 948-3501. luxury tulsa Excelsior Hotel through Au- writes Regina Volpi, St. Louis flight at tendant, adding "beautiful island, beauti-· Sunday, August 19. Most major credit ful people.'' The hotel is on the beach and cards accepted. For details call toll free Seniors Summit- Meeting in San Diego offers all water sports (snorkt>ling, diving, (800) 221-8826. sailing, windsurfing), plus tennis; and an excellent restaurant. Exuma is served by Bahamasair and Aero Coach. For information contact Ken Bowe, managing director, Hotel Out Island Inn, Seniors P.O. Box 49, Georgetown, Exuma, Baha mas (809) 336-2171. Thomas F. Sullivan, Jr. , JFK, Jun. l (43) Hawaii: Donald Blum, a United Airlines Lloyd W. Flaherty, LAX, Jun . . l8 (32) Richard E. Neuman, NYC , Jun. l (27) pilot, again offers TWAers discounts at 39 John M. Haley, STL, Jul. l (17) fully furnished condominiums on or near James A. Hankins, LAX, Jul. l (32) Waikiki beach. Studios range from $20 to M. H. Miller, LAX, Jul. l (32) $35; 1 bedroom $25 to $45; 2 bedrooms James V Sp otts, MCI, Jul. l (34) $45 to $60 per night. Contact Donald R. Salvatore Grasso, JFK, Jul. l (14) Blum, 2 Palomino Lane; Rolling Hills, Charles D. Barron, JFK, Aug. l (15) California-90274. Phone (213) 54 1 -8813. Shirley Carhart, LAX, Aug. I (30) David L. Cooper, LAX, Aug. l (27) Aeromexico has reinstated area fares, Michael L. Potter, JFK, Aug. l (16) effective September 6. Eligible are em lves W. Wortheam, MCI, Aug. l (16) S. Sarfati, TLV, Mar. 30 (17) ployee, spouse, dependent children under E. Mangeon, PAR, Jul. 31 (38) 21 and parents of employee. S. Haddad, PAR, Aug. 31 (28) Twopast, one present and one future president of the Southern California chapter of Areafare /, from any point in U.S. or J. Coustance, COG, Mar. 31 (21) TWA Seniors were photographed last month at a club meeting in San Diego. From left -Canada to any Mexican destination on a J. Garcin, COG, Aug. 31 (20) are: Ed Betts, current president; Jim Heimer, a past president; Russ Drosendahl, now nonstop or direct flight (no connections L. Tissier, COG, Jun. 30 (20) first vice president and slated to be next president, and Don Heep, pre�ious president . . permitted on Aeromexico) is $50 roundtrip
6 July 16, 1984 System Timetable
Effective August 1 through September 51 '984
m 'PI .,- PIN R. T EQ FJIED RtTO .,- (f(V FL TEO FR£0 Rt TO IPT flf1l FL T EQ RU m l'O 1FT flf1l f\.TEQFJ&Rtl'O1FTffiN FREQ FM TO 1PTT (f(V.A.. EQ RilED
� JFK 181511 :ESP 7'l2 L10 JFI( C(M". M CVG 1201!N 201P E4 7C7S sn. !XM". I'K:I aF 429P -108 1180 PI« 53SP 74:F 7't1 LUI CRD 131P 233P 594 7275 9..C 9E!!iP 1037P 743 L10 PIT 311P 4:BI '991 � CRD 44IP 541P 350 7G1S sn. 60Eifl 85a'l 566 7G1S X5 PIT 72!:P 902P 159 7G1S M5Y .R U!SP 591P 888 727S CRD 7SSP 859" 398 7G1S sn. 7eBA $ 6Sa' 132 7G1S SFO 80!:P 1122P 49 707 lAD 910f'l 434P 864 L10 PH.. 44IP 744P 108 7G1S sn. 3S!:P S28P945 L11 .JFJ( B30A4"I5P 8'l2 L11 PH..· 745P 1045P 446 L10 sn. 71SP 904P S79 707 .JFJ( 940ASS8P 48 L12 PI-« 8S0A $46 9..C � 816A 933A 7'l2 L10 SDF 7191 909A 226 1180 CRD S44P 6S9P 89 7G1S JFl( B30A 442P 840 L10 TI.L lOOSA 1040A 700 7G1S sn. 900A 1241P 704 7G1S SDF 1� 1156A 466 7G1S Bll. .JFJ( 525P 61!2' 423 7G1S sn. 6491 809l 223 L10 JFl( 1000A 616P 900 L10 TI.L 7SIP 823P4607G1S sn. 31�P 649" 172 m SDF lSIP 347P 30 M80 sn. 9391 110'1A 273 m . sn. 930A 1059A 31S 7G1S .JFJ( 10191 63IP 10 L12 SDF 741P 934P 210 7275 sn. 34EP S1!:P 261 m sn. 1230P 154P 450 m 6 JFl( 30SP 1112P 8 767 )46 SEA 900A 1110A 29 M80 sn. lOOP 224P 205mX67 JFl( 311P 1111P 8 L10 6 (1'1'1 sn. 720A 827A 478 7G1S . sn... AID 115SA 121P 123 7G1S SEA 620P · 83IP 375 M80 sn. 3S!:P S27P 269 707 JFl( 1000P SS9l 702 L10 � sn. 11391 1239" 114 1180 AID 63IP 7S8P 105 707 SEA 9SSP 2A 23 M80 1m OCA 1130A 156P 882 7G1S JFl( 1000P 602A 702 707 -6 sn. 23IP 334P 26 1180 )46 AID 9SSP 1117P 89 7G1S SFO 900A 1100A 223 L10 sn. 706A 803'l 'l29 1180 lH'! 51SP 1120A 760 747 sn. 230P 334P 26 m 6 Bil. 95SA 112P 146 m SFO 1200N 157P 177 L10 sn. 95M 105M 567 7G1S FCO A'lli 1130A 225P 840 7G1S CS7 MCI 820A 122P 456 7G1S sn.. 54SP 6S3P 54 7G1S xs Bll. 741P 10S!:P 318 m SFO 32!:P S27P 183 7G1S sn. 411P S11P 375 1180 A'lli 12E" 33llP 846 L12 MCI 11191 41!2' 158 727S IM 9491 10491 882 7G1S SFO 630P 833P 755 L12 OCI5 111P 3SIP 847 74L X12 a
July 16, 1984 7 Up at the High End ... (from page one) have so little to talk about in that respect, TWA has to carrythe ball solo-l onely at longer your flight, the more important it is the top. to be able to choose the exact seat you want ahead of time. TWA's busy marketers have been using One finishing touch was a major upgraa several parallel approaches to the usual ing for TWA's terminal facilities at JFK media advertising in order to help expand not only making major technical improve . product awareness, e.g., offering special ments facilitating better people-and-bag gift certificates to travel agents and ·FFB gage-handling, but also providing a fuller . customers encouraging them to "get ac array of terminal shops and services. An quainted. " FFBs have also been given the other service plus was free helicopter option of advance-ordering any of several service for Ambassador and first class special-menu meals. McHugh says the rev passengers between the terminal and mid enue return on the relatively minor cost town Manhattan. Similar facilities im investment in such promotional activities provements were part of a major rebuilding is on the order of 50-to-1. program at St. Louis. As for passenger perceptions of the vari Payoff ous service improvements over the past 18 months or so, McHugh says that every The upshot of all these actions, encom known service rating system is now show passing most of the past two years, is that Executive iilg TWA at historic all-time highs, in virtu TWA has earned the kind of reputation it ally every area. That doesn't mean we've was after in the first place, and is beginning touched perfection; it simply means TWA ColoringBook to gather objectiye evidence to prove it is functioning as well as· it ever has in the even though, ironically, some of the most history of such measures - lucky thing, valuable evidence can't be used. for a carrier that's set out to carve its niche For example, there's a highly regarded as a superior server. independent organization that rates airline Load factors are also in accord with services, to which most of the world's lead ing carriers subscribe in order to get an . those readings; especially on international flights , and most especially on those serv unbiased reading of the relative merits of their own service product vs. the competi ing TWA's most popular overseas des tinations. Despite this year 's major tion's. transatlantic capacity boost, TWA on the According to that authority's judgment, busiest days of the week is actually turning TWA is currently offering the highest qual away passengers seeking Ambassador ity service product of anyone - in first Class seats on flights serving London, class, in business· class, in coach - over Paris and Frarikfurt. That won't do - the Atlantic, over the Pac�fic, worldwide. which is why, as TWA announced the other (Better than- ? Ye s, better than them.) Number One in the air. But because the day, a study is now nearing completion on the feasibility of adding even more Ambas subscribers have an agreement among themselves that the results are intended for sador Class seats on at least the 747s, and internal use only, no one is al·lowed to cite maybe on lOl ls, too. the findings in consumer advertising. Nev ettheless, word's bound to get out eventu ally. Color their faces Hes comfortable and relaxed · Service Is Tops green with envy. in TWA's Ambassador Class. Not surprisingly, one frequent flier They didn't use Color him in the pink. Airport Express. who's totally convinced of TWA's clear superiority is one of the key architects of the program, TWA's vp for passenger mar keting, Pete McHugh , who says, "I really have to marvel that anybody who 'd spend the money for a transcon ticket would fly with anybody but us." -Marketing people have a way of thinking and speaking that way, but the question's a good one. Why would anyone fly with someone else when TWA's so much better? As is so oftenthe case, there s�ems to be a communication problem- partly related to the very fact of TWA'ssuccess in making its product better. There's a long-estab lished tradition, born in the regulatory DarkAges, that ''all airline.services are the same." These days, 'tain't so - but the , notion dies hard, and so it's difficult to create a true product differentiation and capitalize on it fully for competitive advan tage. It might be easier, in a way, if TWA's rivals were all strenuously trumpeting the specifics of their own business class serv ices as well, creating a broad general awareness of such things. But because they TWA -