ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, April 16, 1996 TAG: 9604160065
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
Airlines rated higher, but USAir drops spot
The nation's airline service got better in 1995, the first improvement in five years, a research group says. The industry "seems to have turned a minor corner in performance and quality," said researcher Dean Headley of Wichita State University.
Southwest Airlines turned in the best performance, taking over the top spot from American Airlines, according to the analysis released Monday by Headley and Brent Bowen of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Overall, the rankings were: Southwest, American, United, Delta, America West, Northwest, USAir, TWA and Continental. USAir dropped from fifth place to seventh despite an improvement in lost baggage.
The report rates airlines on 19 factors ranging from on-time performance to age of fleet to lost baggage. Most airlines showed improved performance and there was less difference between the best and worst.
The major airlines had a much safer year in 1995 than 1994. Three people died in accidents last year, compared with 239 in 1994.
- Associated Press
Apple loses its research head
Apple Computer Inc., in the midst of a corporate makeover, said Monday its longtime head of research and development has resigned.
David C. Nagel is leaving Apple after eight years to head the newly formed AT&T Laboratories.
Nagel described the move as a good career opportunity rather than a flight from troubled Apple.
- The New York Times
Coal output down
U.S. coal production fell 7 percent in the week ended April 6, to 19.3 million tons from 20.7 million tons the week before, the Department of Energy said Monday. The industry produced 19.5 million tons in the same week last year.
Production so far this year is 278 million tons, 1 percent behind last year's at this time.
- Associated Press
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