The WSJ recently presented data suggesting that united Airlines was not covering its costs on flights from San Francisco to Washington D.C. The article quoted analysts saying that United should discontinue this service. The costs per flight (presented in the article) included the costs of fuel, pilots, flight attendants, food, etc. used on the flight. They also included a share of the costs associated with running the hubs at the two airports, such as ticket agents, building charges, baggage handlers, gate charges, etc. Suppose that the revenue collected on the typical United flight from San Francisco to Washington does not cover these costs.
Does this fact imply that united should discontinue these flights? Explain.