Do alliances and industry consolidation benefit the traveling public? Two recendy released reports by academic researchers, sponsored by United Airlines, make that assertion. Not surprisingly, consumer groups are skeptical. University of Illinois economist Jan K. Brueckner has rereleased a study at the behest of United on the customer benefits of airline alliances of any size. The other report, also paid for by United, was released by George Washington University Aviation Institute Director Darryl Jenkins. It predicts that competition among U.S. airlines will remain, as long as Southwest Airlines and other low-fare carriers continue to thrive.
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