The international airline industry is feeling the global credit crunch, and it is estimated that 450 000 fewer flights will take off in the last quarter of 2008, reports Travel News Weekly.   This translates into 46,3 million fewer airline seats being filled, a 5 % reduction.The South African Board of Airline Representatives states that South Africa’s airline industry is more stable, yet sees a rationalisation of routes and flights to maximise capacity.   The weak Rand against the dollar, rather than fuel prices, would influence pricing on the South African routes.    The Board anticipates an airline price war, particularly in the low season next year.

The first flight cutbacks and cancellations to/from South Africa include Zambian Airways, Malaysia Airlines, China Eastern, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates.