Hard Landing : The Epic Contest for Power and Profits That Plunged the Airlines into Chaos
Author: Jr. Thomas Petzinger
List Price: $18.00
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ISBN: 0812928350
Publisher: Three Rivers Press (24 December, 1996)
Sales Rank: 25,034
Average Customer Rating: 4.75 out of 5
Customer Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5
I wish I hadn't read this book...
because I would love to go through the experience of reading it for the first time again.
I work in the Airline Industry in Australia in an operational role that has aspects of Industrial Relations associated with it. To read a book that relates so many interesting and insightful stories into the trials and tribulations of De-reg in the US and the power plays between the various airlines and the Unions was nothing but fascinating.
Well researched, well written and very enjoyable. I recomend it to anyone employed or aspiring to airline management
Rating: 5 out of 5
Powerful read about one of our major industries
Mr. Petzinger makes a very confusing, controversial, and always timely subject very accessible. As the son of a long-time manager in the airline industry, I was able to track events from my childhood by different labor strikes, airline births and deaths. The attention to the founding of the industry and the always unique position held by the airlines in making America what she currently is is exceptional.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Perhaps even more relevant today
Petzinger's examination of the airline industry is must reading for anyone with an interest in that industry, and probably should be required reading for airline executives. The book essentially recounts the history of the airlines, but it also very much focuses a magnifying glass on many of the players in this industry. But its more than a textbook history, it provides intimate details on the men who run the airlines and provides a great contrast of the various individuals' management styles.
I was enthralled by the history of Texas International and Eastern Airlines, in particular, and the recounting of the fall of Frank Lorenzo, a man so reviled that the mechanics union was willing to kill the airline just to defeat him.
While the book has been criticized by some for a perceived focus on airlines based in Texas, the fact of the matter is that even today three of the biggest players in the industry are based in Texas: American, Continental, and Southwest. And since they are three of the current survivors, and still three of the major players, the recounting of their histories is probably even more relevant.
The only suggestion I might have is that Petzinger update his book in light of airline history since his book was published.
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