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Liz Claiborne CEO Flies Coach to Cut Costs

And he may soon have company

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 30, 2008 12:47 PM CST

(Newser) – Like most CEOs, William McComb is a jet-setter, flying 200,000 miles a year, give or take. But unlike most CEOs, he does it in the cheap seats, flying exclusively on commercial jets, and almost always in coach. “Every penny counts,” he reasons, given that his company, Liz Claiborne, has posted a loss for four straight quarters.

Given the public’s mood and the current economic conditions, other CEOs may soon have to join McComb, the Wall Street Journal reports. Twenty-eight companies have recently sold or announced plans to sell their corporate jets, which cost upwards of $2,000 an hour to operate. “I don’t hear anyone complaining,” said a spokesman for E*Trade, which is among the jet-sellers. “We’re not flying as much these days.”

In this undated handout photo released by Liz Claiborne Inc., new CEO William L. McComb poses.
In this undated handout photo released by Liz Claiborne Inc., new CEO William L. McComb poses.   (AP Photo/Liz Claiborne Inc.)
United Airlines passengers wait for their luggage at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 4, 2008.
United Airlines passengers wait for their luggage at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 4, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
An American Airlines plane is the first to take off from the new fourth runway at Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008.
An American Airlines plane is the first to take off from the new fourth runway at Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Newser001
Dec 30, 2008 2:18 AM CST
Finally, a sign of corporate responsibility, in these unfortunate times; unlike Ford, GM, and Chrysler, when they first appeared before congress, panhandling - when they flew in on their corporate jets.
Newser001
Dec 30, 2008 2:17 AM CST
Finally, a sign of corporate responsibility, in these unfortunate times; unlike Ford, GM, and Chrysler, when they first appeared before congress, panhandling.

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