United Phasing Out First Class: Airline Pulse News and Notes for June 7, 2016

United to Phase Out First Class
United Airlines has announced an overhaul of its business class cabins. The airline has also said that it will phase out first class on international routes, opting instead for the two-class setup that is already favored by Delta.

Democrats Question Airlines on Racial Profiling
Members of the House Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus have sent a letter to trade organization Airlines for America asking for clarity on airlines’ plans to combat racial profiling. The letter comes after a series of reports about Muslim and Arab American travelers being removed from planes because of unfounded terrorism fears.

Chicago Aldermen Move to Block Anti-Mayor Airport Referendum
Chicago’s City Council is divided on a referendum that could strip Mayor Rahm Emanuel of control over the city’s two main airports. The Department of Aviation, which is controlled by the mayor, currently oversees airport operations. The referendum would let voters decide who should oversee O’Hare and Midway Airports.

Few Qatar Airlines Passengers Actually Travel to Qatar
Delta has criticized Qatar for launching a Atlanta-Doha flight even though there was very low demand for the route. However, few Qatar Air passengers actually travel to Qatar. Most simply use the small Gulf state for connecting flights to other destinations in Africa and Asia.