What we’re reading: Disney Cruise Lines go to Alaska, travel poised to rebound, why are Delta and American wooing JAL

Disney Cruise Line announces new cruises to Alaska. Travel demand appears to be returning according to analysts. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are both discussing an ownership position in JAL.

Disney Cruise Line heading to Alaska in 2011

Beginning May 3, 2011, Disney Cruise Lines will be offering Alaska itineraries.

The 7 night Alaska cruise starts in Vancouver and after day at sea will take guests to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, followed by another sea day before arriving back in Vancouver.

The cruise will be offered on board the Disney Wonder, their 964 foot long, 2400 passenger vessel. The Disney Wonder offers guests three pools, 6 youth clubs, 7 lounges and bars, 9 restaurants and of course a whole host of Disney themed entertainment.

Travel demand poised to revive, analyst says

Analysts say that the demand for air travel could begin growing again late this year or early next year according to Wall Street Journal analysts.

Year-over-year traffic declines among a group of 13 airlines worldwide shrunk to 2.5% in August, down from 8.8% in May and the third consecutive monthly improvement. The trend suggests that traffic growth among the group could be back in positive territory within several months, says the analysis by Jefferies & Co. “While we remain concerned about the market for aircraft financing and weak airline yields and profitability, a continued improvement in the trend for air traffic would enable airlines to more effectively price their product and could support maintaining narrowbody production at current rates,” Jefferies analyst Howard A. Rubel wrote in a Sept. 14 research note.

Why are Delta and American courting JAL?

Both Delta and American are trying to get permission to invest in JAL. This may result in an operational alliance. Why do they want to do it? Reuters gives you the answer.

WHY IS JAL SEEKING OUTSIDE INVESTORS?

JAL is headed for its second straight annual loss in the year to March 2010, hit along with other airlines by a downturn in global travel in the wake of the financial crisis.

By forming a capital tie-up with either Delta or American it could also secure a viable business partner to help it weed out unprofitable routes and lower its operating costs.

(Photo: hubsterdisney/Flickr Creative Commons)

Tagged as: Alaska, american, delta, Disney Cruise Lines, Disney Wonder, JAL, travel