I saw some truly incredible comments on this British aviation site in a piece on U.S. airline woes.

Yes, there’s plenty to be “woeful” about — but what do you think about this suggestion from Ray Neidl, a Calyon Securities airline analyst? Here’s what he said:

“The best thing that could happen to the industry is to have one or two of the major airlines fail.” — Ray Neidl, airline analyst

He went on to say, that failure would result in the liquidation of the busted airline’s seat inventory, and that would enable the “survivors” to raise ticket prices to “economic levels”.

My first thought? What a crock.

My second thought? Keep reading…

Here we go again another summary of a 3rd party “financial ratings” report on airlines where I have to ask myself “did they actually read the entire report”?

CNNMoney.com this time with “Bankruptcies Loom for Airlines” which purports to summarize the latest Fitch Ratings Report entitled “Airline Credit Navigator Summer 2008″.

I took the time to read the report this evening cover to cover (all 23 pages — the last 10 of which were piles of financial numbers) and it appears this summary article did a mighty good job of cherry picking the salacious bits — imagine that.

Lets breakdown this doom & despondency piece and maybe shed some light on things …

OUCH. It hurts. Every time we fill up our tanks. But are the airlines hurting as much as we are?

I thought it would be interesting to see what the airlines are actually paying for jet fuel now, compared to what they were paying in 2000.

We’re going to stick to domestic costs for the moment (international prices are even higher).

Keep reading to see what the airlines are actually shelling out…for jet fuel.

This is one in a series of reports on the soaring cost of oil; look for more items on this topic each week as we continue to present “Fuel Watch 08″ items, specials and exclusives.

The U.S. Treasury Secretary said Sunday that we can’t expect a quick fix when it comes to high oil prices.

It’s simply, said Sec. Henry Paulson, an issue of supply and demand.

Paulson was speaking in Qatar, where he was, according to the Associated Press, to “deliver a message to officials of Saudi Arabia and other oil-producing nations that soaring oil prices are putting a burden on the global economy.” He is urging those nations to “open up their oil markets to investment that can boost yields, exploration and production.”

In the meantime? Expect more fuel surcharges on your airline tickets. What else is new?

This is the first in a series of reports on the soaring cost of oil; check back here each week for more “Fuel Watch 08″ specials and exclusives

This week, Congress voted overwhelmingly to order the White House to stop depositing oil in a national reserve. The reserve has been getting 70,000 barrels a day.

That’s the proverbial drop in the bucket since Americans have been going through about 20-million barrels a day. But to many in Congress (the measure passed 97 to 1) it’s a gesture to constituents who are getting burned at the pump.

It’s a gesture alright, according to Rep. Joe Barton — a meaningless gesture.

“If all the members of the House would go out onto the steps and clap our hands three times and say, Down prices, down prices,’ that would have as much impact as passing this bill.” — Rep. Joe L. Barton