Notams

The global airline industry is on pace to lose $2.3 billion this year, according to the International Air Transport Association. Record oil prices have burdened the industry with $40 billion in additional costs this year. The IATA had previously projected a $4.5 billion industry profit for 2008.

Upside of downsizing

Virgin America says capacity cuts among major U.S. competitors could open new opportunities for the fledgling low-cost carrier to break into busy airports such as New York's JFK and Chicago's O'Hare. "You're seeing capacity cuts of 15 to 18 percent," said David Cush, chief executive at Virgin America. "These capacity cuts are a great opportunity for airports to regain control of their facilities and airspace." Cush said competition from Virgin America will lead to better service and lower consumer prices in the long run.

AirTran says no thanks to more 737s

Atlanta-based AirTran Airways deferred deliveries of 18 new Boeing 737s and cut its growth plans for the next four years to reduce costs in the face of record fuel prices. AirTran CEO Bob Fornaro said the airline is reducing planned growth for September 2008 through at least 2009 "from 10 percent to no more than flat." Rival discount carrier JetBlue announced in May it was deferring delivery of 21 Airbus A320s.

Career-related news is updated weekly on AOPA Online.