The 9/11 attacks left a major impact that the airline industry is yet to recover from. The prolonged recession, fluctuations in oil prices and an imminent global slowdown are other debilitating factors that are affecting the growth of the airline industry. Airlines have to cope with declining passengers, high fuel prices, competition from low-cost airliners, labor demands and soaring operating and maintenance costs. In addition, events such as the recent Malaysian airline disappearance, is also adversely affecting the global airline industry.