Official data also showed the 2008-09 recession was deeper than originally thought and the worst downturn since the second world war.

The 1981-82 recession was the worst downturn since the Depression.

Even before Sept. 11, the airline industry was facing one of its worst downturns ever.

"This allows us to get through the worst downturn you can imagine."

Boeing's introduction of the 777 program comes as the airline industry is facing perhaps its worst downturn ever.

Also, clubs may continue to hire women even during bad economic downturns.

American, the world's largest airline, is struggling to cut costs during the industry's worst downturn.

The rule for recessions has been the worse the downturn, the faster the recovery.

But this could be risky; Quebec is experiencing its worst economic downturn since the 1930's.

It would turn out to be the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.