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BP PLC will pay $50.6 million in fines to settle 270 of the 709 charges brought against in October 2009 for failing to resolve safety issues at its Texas City, Texas, oil refinery after a 2005 explosion that killed 19 worker. BP will also invest $500 million to improve safety at the facility.

After canceling merger negotiations with United Airlines, Continental Airlines announces it will remain independent without discarding the possibility of future mergers or alliances. Article discusses Continental's financial standing, investor relations, recent losses, and increased costs due to high fuel prices.

Byline: SUSAN CAREY AND MELANIE TROTTMAN; Paulo Prada and Dennis K. Berman contributed to this article Continental Airlines Inc. said it wouldn't merge with another carrier at this time, removing [...]

In the wake of a series of aircraft safety investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration, American Airlines is expected to cancel more flights to redo aircraft safety inspections. Article discusses the FAA's investigation of all U.S. airlines, expected economic losses from flight cancellations, and the airlines' efforts to meet safety standards.

Rising fuel prices and a stumbling economy may result in the restructuring and financial consolidation of airlines. Article discusses airlines' revenue, cost controls, and a proposed merger between Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines Co. voluntarily grounds airplanes and cancels flights over possible safety inspection irregularities. Article discusses the airline's safety controls, recent safety-related government probes, and customer relations.

Byline: MELANIE TROTTMAN AND ANN KEETON; Paulo Prada and Susan Carey contributed to this article Concerned about high fuel costs and the impact of a slowing economy, several big U.S. [...]

Byline: MELANIE TROTTMAN AND SUSAN CAREY The latest head scratcher for airline executives: Is it possible to peel off one of your more profitable components - your frequent-flier program - [...]

Major U.S. airlines, which are coming out of a five-year slump, are having difficulty replacing aging equipment. L arge aircraft manufacturers like Boeing Co. and Airbus S.A.S. are sold out until 2011, and the new single-aisle planes that the carriers prefer have yet to be designed .

US Airways Group Inc. has increased its hostile merger offer for Delta Air Lines Inc. by 20%, to $10.2 billion. The bankrupt Delta Air Lines is trying to raise enough money to be a standalone airline.

Consolidation talks are underway in the airline industry, with the proposed merger of UAL Corp. with Continental Airlines Inc., and the proposed acquisition of Midwest Air Group Inc. by AirTran Holdings Inc.

US Airways is trying to build support amongst bondholders and creditors for its hostile takeover of bankrupt Delta Air Lines. In order to succeed, US Airways needs the support of at least one third of Delta's creditors. US Airways contends that such a takeover would not affect airline industry competition.

Delta Air Lines Inc. of the United States is trying to prevent an $8.76 billion hostile acquisition offer from U.S. Airways. The airlines is determined to emerge from bankruptcy on its own and is currently meeting with creditors.

Passengers on United States airlines seem unphased by a recent foiled terrorist plot from London, England as airplane capacity is up. It is unclear whether new rules for carry on luggage will effect passenger numbers. In Europe there has been a greater negative impact with London's largest airports cancelling up to 30 percent of flights.

A worldwide investigation has been launched into price fixing by air-cargo services, after complaints from some customers that carriers have raised their rates without reason. Offices were raided by regulators in the United States, Europe and Asia. The investigations focuses on surcharges for security and fuel.

Jet fuel prices in the United States are increasing with the increasing price of crude oil, translating into higher costs for airlines. Crude oil rose an average of 39.7 percent per barrel to $51 while jet fuel rose 49.1 percent to more than $62, from 2004.

Airlines are experiencing increased competition through internet ticket sales, budget airlines and inexpensive long-haul carriers which is eating into their market share. One bright spot is luxury class where select groups, particularly petroleum industry workers, are looking to pay high fares for comfortable and convenient service.

GE Capital Aviation Services, a subsidiary of General Electric Co. has been bailing out troubled airlines which many have een as preventing much needed consolidation in the airlines industry in North America. GE Capital Aviation Services generated $3.2 billion in 2004, double the revenue of 1999.

Continental Airlines Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc. see little hope of a turnaround soon, as the pressure of higher fuel prices and fare wars cause losses to mount.

Continental Airlines Inc. reports a decline in revenue between 4.4% and 5.5 %, indicating to industry analysts that a fare-price ware may be imminent.

Gerard J. Arpey, chief executive officer of American Airlines Inc., comments on the financial stresses and managerial concerns facing the airline industry, and American Airlines in particular.

Continental Airlines executive Larry Kellner has helped transform the company for the better in recent years, and will hopefully continue in his new role as CEO.

Airlines are increasingly filling up on fuel in lower-cost cities in order to minimize costs.

Discount airlines, AirTran Holdings Inc. and America West Holdings Corp. all reported sharp drops in earnings while ATA Holdings Corp., amid bankruptcy filing reveals a weaker financial position than previously reported.

Southwest Airlines reported a 12% rise in earnings for the third quarter. Much of the success was due to fuel hedging, which softened the impact of increased fuel costs.

Online travel reservation services are pushing Northwest Airlines Corp. to drop fees it imposes on certain bookings by travel agents. The airline also charges customers who used online booking services other than the company's official Web site.

Airlines are under growing economic pressure, due to the rising price of oil. The break even point for airlines is $31 to $33 a barrel. Recently the price has increased to over $47.

Decreased travel, increased competition and a rise in discount air carriers have combined to cause a narrowing of the gap between high and low air fares.