1.   After raising fares a half-dozen times last year, airlines have seen a steep drop in the numbers of their bread-and-butter business passengers as the economy has cooled.

2.   Airline profits were already tumbling after a spectacular drop in the number of business passengers.

3.   British Airways, which introduced seats that convert to beds in first class, will soon offer them to business class passengers as well.

4.   Business passengers can plug their laptop computers into overhead outlets.

5.   Business class passengers, especially tall ones, will soon notice a difference on Japan Airlines flights to Tokyo from New York, London and Paris.

6.   Business passengers are also less sensitive about flight costs than leisure travelers, who tend to cut back on their discretionary spending and skip a trip, he said.

7.   Continental cited improved service and a rising percentage of high-paying business passengers.

8.   First and Club World business class passengers will be allowed two carry-on items.

9.   Full-fare travelers, many of whom are business passengers, are expected to feel the increase in air fares the most.

10.   In addition, US Airways lost some lucrative business passengers who shied away from the airline because of the threat of a strike by its flight attendants.