AIR FARES: The Carriers Want a Lift to Stay Aloft

AT the height of the air-travel boom the U.S. airline industry is moaning low. Though revenues for the first five months of 1957 hit a record $618 million, the airlines reckon their total net operating income at barely $14 million—down by a staggering 63.5% from last year. Five of the twelve major trunk lines—Capital, Northeast, Northwest, United and Trans World Airlines—reported that they were operating in the red, and airline shares have lost 30% to 40% of their market value since 1955. This week, after a long, bitter campaign, the airmen will present...