Gannet is absolutely right - an editor gets the assignment, has a 2 day turnaround and gets most, if not all of the story from a few industry sources sometimes using "interviews" set up by these same sources. That is especially true when reporting a seemingly benign story like this.

The system isn't as innocuous as it seems. Although most editorial staffs are fiercely independent and unbiased, there is a constant behind the scenes battle between editorial and publishing (who is responsible for generating income). Publishing often has at least some say in what gets published - but to a point.

Airlines spend big ad dollars and media is hesitant to piss them off. Still, the best way to deal with misinformation promulgated by corporate spinmeisters is to deluge the paper with letters. This will sometimes tell them that there is more to the story and will spur an additional article. It will also get the attention of a higher up - like the managing editor or Ed. in Chief. Bottom line, someone get the papers email address and let's give them a slightly different and more realistic perspective...