P.M. BRIEFING : World Airlines Meet on Fares

Representatives of the world’s major airlines today opened a three-day meeting to discuss fare increases in light of the Persian Gulf crisis and consequent rise in fuel costs.

The conference is expected to result in approval of at least a 5% fare hike worldwide by Oct. 1.

Gunter Eser, director-general of the International Air Transport Assn. which called the meeting, told a news conference before the session he “would not be surprised” if a 5% hike in worldwide fares is the result.

He said, however, that participating airlines might settle for a lower figure. Such a rise could take effect as of Oct. 1 once governments have approved it, he said.

Fifty-eight of IATA’s 200 member airlines are represented at the meeting scheduled to last through Friday. IATA spokesman John Brindley said the carriers represent “pretty much the top level” of the world’s airlines