Good week - Bad Week

© United Airlines

FINE DINING Or at least eating, now that United Airlines has axed plans to charge transatlantic economy passengers up to $9 for a meal. The concept - an industry first - attracted what the carrier calls "direct, candid feedback", which Flight understands to have been at least as heated as the meals would be if they were served. The plan called for free drinks and "buy-on-board" meal options in business class. United lost $2.7 billion during the second quarter.

Bad Week

© Alaska Air

ALASKA PILOTS Capacity cuts of 5% this year and 5-10% next year mean the Seattle-based carrier may drop around 165 of its roughly 1,500 pilots - retirement, furlough and voluntary extended leave are options. A tenth of flight attendant positions will also go. At the start of this month, management was cut by 5%. Alaska affiliate Horizon Air, which reduced management by 13% earlier in the year, will also trim operational and management positions.