KADS,
Actually they are not. Many other airlines offer excellent Atlantic connections and are in the the unfortunate position of having to compete without the benefit of huge bailouts, free insurance or chapter 11 protection. They are also bearing the additional costs of security unlike the USA.
Many of these airlines receive MUCH better customer satisfaction ratings too.
I would imagine that the likes of Southwest would love to compete on the Atlantic, unfortunately all the slots are sewn up by the "big 6". If a couple of them were to go under it would release slots for someone who knows how to run an airline.
Whilst I would hate to see the "front line" staff of any airlines losing their jobs a thorough overhaul is required.
It ought to start with the fat cats in the board room, huge salaries are only justified if the company is making money.
Oh yes, a final point. Airlines are struggling mainly because Americans are too frightened to fly. Personally I find it amazing that a nation which has achieved such collective greatness can be made up of so many individual wimps!