Inadequate management response and severe staffing shortages were blamed for the holiday tie-up that impacted more than a half million passengers, says a government report.
The US Transportation Department’s finding conflicted with the view of US Airways Chief Executive Officer Bruce Lakefield, who blamed sick calls among some employees.
As a result of the staffing problems, US Airways canceled 405 flights and delayed another 3,900. There were 72,000 baggage complaints during the Christmas travel period, according to The Chicago Tribune.
The meltdown went on for several days, with 55% of calls to reservation and service centers going unanswered.
“Hoping to avoid a repeat of the holiday problems, Us Airways is now trying to hire more people in Philadelphia,” said the Tribune.
But with the airline in bankruptcy, the US Transportation Department’s inspector general said: “We have no way to determine whether those actions will prevent a similar form occurring in the future.”
Report by David Wilkening
