U.S. airline group sees pickup in summer air passengers Thu May 16, 2013 2:12pm EDT "Our carriers' international competitiveness and their ability to tap emerging markets, where GDP growth rate is outpacing the U.S. or outpacing some of the European countries, is really what it's all about," said John Heimlich, chief economist at Airlines for America. Staff furloughs at U.S. air traffic control towers during a week in April caused flight delays at some airports. Airlines for America estimated that the furloughs disrupted about 7,200 flights over the six days they were in place, affecting travel for 600,000 passengers and costing U.S. airlines about $50 million in lost revenue and other expenses. The staff cuts were suspended by the Federal Aviation Administration after passage of legislation allowing the agency to shift money within its budget to end them. The industry group said air travel was being aided by lower energy prices, increased corporate profits and higher household net worth.