Travelbeat
Aviation News
Update: July 03, 2009 [5 Stories]
Canada
WestJet Announces Resignation Of Board Member
Calgary-based WestJet has announced the immediate resignation of board member Murph Hannon.
Mr Hannon, one of WestJet's original shareholders, cited personal and health reasons for his departure.
WestJet Chairman of the Board Clive Beddoe, said ... "This is indeed a disappointment both for me and WestJet.
"Murph has been a board member and part of our WestJet team since our start in 1996.
"His contributions to the board have benefited WestJet greatly and we are a better airline thanks to his guidance and wisdom.
"I have been fortunate to have not only a valued business mind at the table but also someone who has become a good friend."
Murph Hannon said ... "I wish to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to serve as a director over the years to Clive, Sean, the WestJet management team, the WestJet shareholders and all the incredible employees of WestJet.
"It has truly been an honour for me. I resign my duties with the comfort that WestJet is in good hands."
(WestJet)
Belgium
EU Looks Into Acquisition Of Austrian Airlines
The European Commission is investigating the proposed merger of Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines amid concerns that the deal could result in higher fares and fewer choices.
The commission has 90-days to make a decision on the merger, seen as crucial to Austrian Airlines' survival.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Australia
Sydney Welcomes Two New Airines
Sydney Airport today welcomes the launch of services by two carriers - Delta Air Lines and Tiger Airways.
Delta is the world’s largest airline and will commence a service from Sydney to Los Angeles.
Tiger will commence flying on the Sydney-Melbourne route.
As well as being Australia’s busiest route, this city pairing is one of the busiest routes in the world with more than seven million passengers flying between the cities last year.
The CEO of Sydney Airport, Russell Balding, said the launch of two new carriers on the one day was great news for Sydney and a vote of confidence in the future development of Sydney Airport.
“Delta’s entrance into the Australian market is a real win for Sydney. It will boost tourism to Sydney and provides travellers with more choice when travelling between North America and Australia.
“It demonstrates again the benefits for the community of having Sydney Airport as the nation’s gateway.
“Tiger will be expanding its network by adding the Sydney-Melbourne route and this is another win for Sydney.
“Sydney is Australia’s biggest tourist attraction and the extra choice Tiger Airways provides will give people from Melbourne an extra reason to visit Sydney.
“The entry of Tiger Airways into the Sydney market is a real boost for domestic tourism.
“Sydney Airport is a major contributor to Sydney’s economy and the arrival of two new carriers is very good news for all those people employed in Sydney’s tourism, hospitality, and related industries,” Mr Balding said.
(Sydney Airport)
Australia
A Hula Of A Time For Agents
Hawaiian Airlines and Viva Holidays recently hosted seven agents from Victoria and Tasmania on a 5-day familiarisation visit to Oahu, Hawaii, visiting iconic attractions including the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbour, and experiencing fine dining in Honolulu.
The group also participated in customary celebrations during a visit to Paradise Cove, home of one of Hawaii's best known Luau, where they learnt the art of Hawaiian craft making, played island games, tasted traditional foods, and were entertained by some of Hawaii's finest performers.
Pictured in traditional lei's and Hawaiian attire at the Paradise Cove Luau back row from left: Caryn Severino (Jetset Ballarat), Marina Mattioli (Pellegrino Travel), Jodie Creek (Canadian Bay Travel), Paula Gannon (Viva Holidays), Helen Clarkson (HWT Doncaster) and Elizabeth McHenry (Brighton Travelworld).
Front row: Sharon Zerafa (Jetset Williamstown), Yendi Benitez (Hawaiian Airlines), Althea Harrison (RACT Launceston).
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
China
China Southern's New Australian Schedule
China Southern Airlines has announced a new Australian schedule for flights between August and October.
Under the new schedule, the airline will operate five weekly, nonstop flights from Sydney to Guangzhou and increase to three weekly, one-stop services from Melbourne - via Sydney - to Guangzhou.
"The new schedules are part of a network wide strategy to respond positively to reduced demand due to the economic downturn," said James Liu, Regional Manager Australia for China Southern Airlines.
"In difficult times these changes minimize the impact on Australian travellers by maintaining schedule frequency and choice from both Sydney and Melbourne," said Mr Liu.
Flights from Sydney will depart each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday departing mid-morning with a flight time of just over 9-hours.
Melbourne operations will depart every Monday, Thursday and Saturday morning, arriving - via Sydney - in Guangzhou, at 5:00pm.
China Southern Airlines operates modern Airbus A330-200 aircraft from Australia.
From Guangzhou, the airline offers onward connections to over 100 destinations throughout China.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Update: July 02, 2009 [1 Story]
Australia
New Jobs And Opportunities With Tiger Services
Tiger Airways will today announce new flights from Melbourne to Sydney.
NSW Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay said the new services will create an extra 20 jobs for ground-staff and could bring an estimated 250,000 additional visitors to the State every year.
“Tiger Airways’ investment in Sydney as a new destination for low-cost flights will make it even easier for domestic visitors from Victoria to holiday in NSW.
“A visit to Sydney and NSW has never been more accessible and affordable for interstate holiday and business visitors.
“These new services will provide Victorian residents with an added incentive to visit NSW and experience all that our State has to offer without stretching the budget.
“It is also pleasing to see this investment will create additional jobs during what is a difficult time for the tourism and aviation industries not only in NSW and Australia but globally.”
Ms McKay said that Tiger Airways will begin flights between Melbourne and Sydney from July 2, 2009, with a schedule of up to four flights between both destinations daily.
“It is estimated that the new Melbourne to Sydney flights will increase capacity along the route with an extra 250,000 possible seats available each year,” Ms McKay said.
“This demonstrates confidence in the enduring appeal of Sydney and NSW as a holiday destination.
“Sydney is a major drawcard for domestic tourists all year round and Tourism NSW is working with a number of airlines on campaigns to encourage more visitors to extend their
stay and explore more of our great State.”
(Government of New South Wales)
Update: July 01, 2009 [2 Stories]
France
Plane's Black Box Located
One of the black box flight recorders from the Yemeni plane which crashed in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday has been located.
Efforts to retrieve the recorder will begin during the day, the official added, quoted by AFP news agency.
The plane came down in bad weather with 153 people on board. Only one survivor, a 14-year-old girl, has been found.
There were 66 French nationals on board the plane, which was flying from the Yemeni capital Sanaa to the Comoros.
Most of the plane's passengers had flown on a different Yemenia aircraft from Paris or Marseille before boarding flight IY626 in Sanaa.
"The black box's signal was located Tuesday at 1630 local time by an aerial patrol, 40 km from Grande Comore," said a spokeswoman for Cooperation Minister Alain Joyandet.
A French vessel has been sent to the site to start recovery operations, she added.
The French transport ministry earlier said the Airbus 310 plane had been banned from France because of "irregularities".
The crash was the second involving an Airbus aircraft in recent weeks.
On June 1an Air France Airbus 330 travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Paris plunged into the Atlantic, killing all 228 people on board.
(BBC World News)
Australia
WA Government Guarantees Regional Air Services
State Transport Minister Simon O’Brien has announced that regional Western Australia will be guaranteed regular passenger air services.
Mr O’Brien said the State Government believed it more important to put regional WA’s need for regular passenger air services ahead of wholesale deregulation of intrastate air routes.
“Securing air routes for regional communities, which may have lost their regular passenger services if deregulation was allowed to proceed, is the government’s main priority,” he said.
“Airlines around the world and domestically are struggling; for example, since 1960, 43 WA based regular passenger transport airlines have collapsed. Deregulating the system in the current environment does not secure the best outcome for regional WA.
“The airline industry is in a delicate state, it needs certainty where presently there is uncertainty.”
The Minister said he offered the two existing main regional network operators, Skywest and Skippers Aviation 12-month extensions while arrangements for long-term contracts were negotiated - and both companies had accepted.
“I will immediately set about working with the aviation sector to negotiate appropriate long-term arrangements that will give airlines and passengers the security and certainty they need for the future,” he said.
“The way to guarantee future services will be to give airlines the long-term certainty they need to invest in new aircraft and other infrastructure.”
The Minister said as soon as long-term arrangements had been agreed, the 12-month extension would be annulled, with the new arrangements beginning immediately.
(Government of Western Australia)
Update: June 30, 2009 [1 Story]
Australia
Qantas Cancels Order For Dreamliners
Qantas has put aerospace giant Boeing on notice over the troubled 787 Dreamliner by cancelling 15 orders and deferring the delivery of another 15 planes.
Chief Executive, Alan Joyce, said ... "The agreement wil provide greater certainty in terms of our fleet renewal and growth strategies as well as broader resource planning and matching capacity with demand."
(Aviation International)
Update: June 28, 2009 [3 Stories]
USA
AirTran Brings Back Akron-Canton To Florida Service
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., has announced nonstop service between Akron-Canton Airport and two popular vacation destinations in Florida, Fort Lauderdale and Ft. Myers.
AirTran Airways will offer flights to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport four times per week and flights to Southwest Florida International Airport in Ft. Myers five times per week initially and then daily beginning in mid-November.
"This return of more Florida service complements AirTran Airways' existing popular year-round flights from Northeast Ohio to Orlando and Tampa," said Tad Hutcheson, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for AirTran Airways.
(AirTran Airways)
USA
AirTran Service Between Charleston And Orlando
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., has launched daily nonstop flights between Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, and Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida.
"AirTran Airways continues to bring low fares to overpriced and underserved markets across the country," said John Kirby, Senior Director of Strategic Planning for AirTran Airways.
"We are pleased to begin service from West Virginia's capital city to Orlando, a premier family vacation destination. West Virginia residents will love our high quality, high value service."
"AirTran Airways will revolutionize air travel in West Virginia with the beginning of non-stop service to Orlando," said Rick Atkinson, Yeager Airport Director.
"A true low cost airline that provides excellent service and value will enable travelers to take advantage of the convenience of air travel to visit both Florida and West Virginia."
(AirTran Airways)
USA
AirTran Expands Service From Flint To Florida
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., has announced nonstop flights between Flint's Bishop International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport beginning November 4, 2009.
The carrier also announced the resumption of daily nonstop flights between Flint and Tampa (flown once weekly during the summer) beginning on October 6, 2009 and the resumption of daily flights to Ft. Myers beginning November 4, 2009.
"With nonstop service to more Florida cities than anyone from Flint, the only thing that covers the state better than AirTran Airways is the sunshine itself," said Tad Hutcheson, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for AirTran Airways.
The flights are scheduled to begin just in time for the busy winter travel season.
"AirTran Airways bringing back their nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale is a testament to their dedication to the economic growth of our region and of our community's loyalty to the airline," said Jim Rice, Airport Director, Bishop International Airport.
(AirTran Airways)
Update: June 27, 2009 [3 Stories]
Switzerland
Passenger Decline Stabilizes
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced international scheduled traffic results for May showing passenger demand declining 9.3% compared to the same month in previous year.
International passenger load factors stood at 71.2%, down from 74.5% recorded in May 2008.
International passenger demand weakened from the -3.1% recorded in April to -9.3% in May.
But both of the past 2-months have been slightly stronger than the 11.1% decline reached in March, even after adjusting for the distortions caused by the timing of Easter.
This indicates that a floor may now have been reached.
However, the capacity adjustment of -5.0% in May did not keep pace with the fall in demand during the same month.
Moreover, although the impact of the recession appears to be stabilizing, strong headwinds from debt and low asset prices are expected to weaken and delay any significant recovery.
“We may have hit bottom, but we are a long way from recovery,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
“Capacity is not aligned with demand. Passenger load factors dropped 3.3 percentage points over the last 12-months.
"The impact on revenue is dramatic. After a 20% fall in international passenger revenue in the first quarter, we estimate that the drop accelerated to as much as -30% in May.
"This crisis is the worst we have ever seen,” said Bisignani.
(International Air Transport Association)
USA
New Flights To Allentown, Pa.
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., has launched nonstop flights from Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, Pa., to both Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Fla., and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The carrier will fly to Orlando 4-days per week, and to Fort Lauderdale 3-days per week.
To celebrate the inaugural flight, the airline hosted an event at the airport featuring Michael Andretti, Pennsylvania native and retired race car driver and co-owner of the Andretti Green Racing team.
"We are thrilled to bring high quality, low fare service to travellers in Allentown," said Matthew H. Klein, Director of Pricing and Distribution Planning for AirTran Airways.
"Allentown will be city number 63 on our route map and a strong addition to our expanding network.
"We've worked closely with the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority and business leaders in the area to bring AirTran Airways and America's youngest all-Boeing fleet to the area."
The airline also demonstrated its support for the community with a donation of flights to local organization Dream Come True Inc., which grants wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.
(AirTran Airways)
Australia
A Night In Hawaii Down Under!
Hawaiian Airlines has joined the American Australian Association in celebrating the birthplace of US President Barack Obama at the “Aloha to Hawaii” event.
Over 150 guests enjoyed a night of traditional Hawaiian entertainment and cuisine at the Sydney residence of Judith Fergin, the US Consul General in Australia.
Major sponsor Hawaiian Airlines and the Hilton Hawaiian Village provided the grand prize of two return tickets to Hawaii and 3-nights accommodation.
Pictured dressed for the Hawaiian themed occasion are: front row from left: Sherilyn Robinson, Loxley Manuma, Judith Fergin, Debbie Nakanelua, Candy Golden.
Back row from left, Dwight Kanae, Kawika Trask, Keao Costa.
Hawaiian Airlines operates three weekly services between Sydney and Honolulu with onward connections to neighbour islands and beyond to the U.S. mainland.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Update: June 26, 2009 [2 Stories]
USA
FAA Calls For Commitment To Regional Airline Safety
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt has announced an expedited review of flight and rest rules and called on U.S. airlines and unions to respond, by July 31, with specific commitments to strengthen safety at regional and major airlines by insisting that airlines obtain all available FAA pilot records, among other actions.
On June 15, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Babbitt met with airline safety executives and pilot unions to strategize on how best to reduce risk at regional airlines while promoting best practices from major airlines.
The full story ... FAA Calls For Commitment To Regional Airline Safety
(U.S. Federal Aviation Administration)
Australia
Flight Centre Formally Ends Negotiations
Flight Centre Limited (FLT) will continue to sell Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) fares but has formally ended 2009/10 preferred contract negotiations with the airline.
After 4-months of negotiations, FLT has advised SIA’s management that the airline's preferred supplier agreement would not be renewed.
Managing Director Graham Turner said FLT’s decision was based on unattractive contract offerings that would have led to uncompetitive customer offerings.
As a non-preferred airline, he anticipated SIA would lose more than half the business FLT previously expected to generate for it during the 2009/10 financial year.
During 2008/09, FLT’s 1,000 Australian leisure and corporate travel outlets generated more than $300-million in revenue for SIA.
By shifting potential SIA business to other airlines, FLT expects improved profit under its new mix of preferred carriers.
“We would like to work proactively with SIA but unfortunately its final offer for 2009/10 was inferior to agreements that are in place with its major competitors in this market,” he said.
“We have decided on this basis not to promote SIA as a preferred carrier.
“SIA’s use of fuel surcharges was also a factor, with these confusing and seemingly excessive charges now making up more than 30% of SIA’s base airfares.
"For a flight to London, SIA’s fuel surcharges are, in fact, among the highest in the world.”
(Crook Publicity)
Update: June 25, 2009 [3 Stories]
USA
IAM District 142 Ratifies Tentative Agreement
Southwest Airlines has announced that its Customer Support and Services and airport Customer Service Employees represented by the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and Aerospace Workers District 142, voted to ratify the tentative, 4-year contract both parties reached last month.
The new contract is active through October 31, 2012.
"Customer Service is in our DNA," said Mike Van de Ven, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Southwest Airlines.
"Our hard working Customer Support and Services Representatives in the call centres and our airport Customer Service Agents provide outstanding service each day.
"I'm also proud of the Negotiating Teams for their nine months of effort and for delivering this contract during challenging economic times."
IAM represents more than 5,300 Southwest Airlines Employees.
(Southwest Airlines)
USA
Frontier Acepts Buyout Offer From Republic
Frontier Airlines has agreed to a $108.75 million buyout by Republic Airways Holdings, allowing the Denver-based carrier to emerge from bankruptcy with much of its business intact.
The deal is subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York, with hearings scheduled for next month.
"This agreement represents a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to position Frontier to emerge from bankruptcy as a competitive, sustainable airline," said Frontier CEO Sean Menke.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Germany
Lufthansa To Buy British Midland Airways In Stages
As the airline industry struggles through a severe downturn, Deutsche Lufthansa has agreed to acquire British Midland Airways in stages.
Lufthansa executives have been negotiating with BMI co-founder Michael Bishop since October.
Since then, the two sides have been discussing sale price and terms.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Update: June 24, 2009 [3 Stories]
Malaysia
AirAsia Abolishes Admin Fee
AirAsia today became the first airline in the world to abolish its administration fee, making budget air travel in the region an even more affordable option during the current tough economic climate.
Operating in Australia from the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth, AirAsia’s decision is aimed at stimulating travel and tourism in the region by further reducing flying costs.
The decision will see administration fees abolished forever and will apply to bookings made for all AirAsia flights from today - June 24.
The No Admin Fee decision is timed to coincide with an incredible regional fare promotion which includes flights from the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth to Malaysia.
“Once again AirAsia is leading the way in making air travel as affordable as possible for our customers,” said AirAsia Group CEO Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes.
“We were the first airline to remove the fuel surcharge (in November 2008) and we are proud to once again lead the industry by becoming the first airline in the world to remove our administration fee.
“This will distinguish us from our competitors as we go the extra mile to live up to our brand promise of providing the lowest fares to the market.
“Our recent Q1 result recorded a surge of more than 21% in our passenger growth compared to last year, which goes to prove people appreciate true value - particularly in these difficult times.”
(Crook Publicity)
USA
Southwest Announces Flights To/From Milwaukee
Beginning November 1, 2009, Southwest Airlines will connect Milwaukee to the nation's largest airline network, beginning service with a dozen daily nonstop flights to six destinations: three to Baltimore/Washington, three to Kansas City, two to Las Vegas, two to Orlando, one to Phoenix, and one to Tampa Bay.
Teresa Laraba, Southwest's Vice President of Ground Operations, said ... "While other airlines have taken away options and added fees, our new Milwaukee service
will stand apart in many ways.
"Milwaukeeans should know that we're here to serve and we're here to stay!
"We can't wait to introduce our legendary Customer Service, as well as our low fares and on time flights to new Customers across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois who've been asking for Southwest service for many years."
In addition to the twelve daily nonstop flights, Southwest Airlines' new service out of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport will offer direct (same plane) or connecting service to 49 other destinations throughout the Southwest Network.
Southwest Airlines will operate from two gates in Terminal D at Mitchell, and will have about 40 fulltime Employees.
(Southwest Airlines)
USA
Boeing Postpones 787 First Flight
Boeing has announced that first flight of the 787 Dreamliner will be postponed due to a need to reinforce an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft.
The need was identified during the recent regularly scheduled tests on the full-scale static test airplane.
Preliminary analysis indicated that flight test could proceed this month as planned.
However, after further testing and consideration of possible modified flight test plans, the decision was made late last week that first flight should instead be postponed until productive flight testing could occur.
First flight and first delivery will be rescheduled following the final determination of the required modification and testing plan.
It will be several weeks before the new schedule is available.
The 787 team will continue with other aspects of testing on Airplane #1, including final gauntlet testing and low-speed taxiing.
Work will also continue on the other five flight test aircraft and the subsequent aircraft in the production system.
Scott Carson, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said a team of experts has already identified several potential solutions.
(The Boeing Company)
Update: June 23, 2009 [4 Stories]
Australia
Air Pacific Ups Capacity Through Melbourne
Higher demand from both the leisure and business market has prompted Air Pacific to increase capacity out of Melbourne during August and September.
General manager Australia Victor Sharan said the airline would operate a Boeing 747 aircraft on Friday flights between Nadi and Melbourne and return flights to Nadi early Saturday morning for all of August and the first 2-weeks of September.
He said the change in schedule would almost double the economy seats available on the usual Boeing 767 flights, as well as provide an additional ten business class seats.
There will be minor changes to departure times with the flight leaving Nadi on Fridays at 2025hrs and Melbourne at 0115hrs on Saturdays.
Mr Sharan said that the additional demand was very encouraging and followed the release of a raft of highly competitive fares provided by the only full service airline on the route.
He said the airline would closely monitor demand for the second half of September and following months and had the ability to continue to offer additional capacity if required.
(David Baker & Associates)
South Africa
SAA Builds Capacity In West Africa
South African Airways (SAA) has added capacity to its African network in keeping with its African strategy, while strengthening its network with additional flights from Perth, Western Australia and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
According to Thevan Krishna, SAA’s Head of Australasia, the changes are in line with changes to passenger demand in the current environment.
“We have assessed off-peak flights on several domestic African and international routes, reducing flights in keeping with a decline in demand,” Thevan said.
“However we are continuing to take up new opportunities in line with our plans to grow our extensive African routes and as a result, SAA’s presence in West Africa has been strengthened while more flights have been added on routes from Australia and Argentina.
"Further increasing our footprint in West Africa, three extra flights have been added to the popular West African destination of Lagos, Nigeria. This increases the number of frequencies on this route from four to seven per week.
“On four of these days, SAA will use a Boeing 747-400 on this route due to increased demand as well as the requirement for a first class service on this route.
“Also in West Africa, flights to Douala, Cameroon, will increase from two to three per week.”
As previously announced, SAA is going daily out of Perth on September 1, increasing the number of flights from five to seven per week, while flights from Johannesburg to Buenos Aires, Argentina, will increase from two to three per week.
(Jarvis Public Relations)
USA
American And Qantas Expand Codeshare
American Airlines and Qantas have grown their existing codeshare to include American-operated flights to Atlanta, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Detroit, Tampa, Cincinnati, New Orleans and Memphis.
Flights from these cities connect with existing Qantas codeshare flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to American's hubs at Dallas and Chicago.
Qantas operates its own U.S. service from Australia to Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Honolulu.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
USA
Airlines' A la carte Fees Continue To Grow
Airlines are striving to deal with the economic downturn and a decline in demand by expanding their roster of a la carte fees for everything from checking baggage to using a pillow.
The fees are a continued source of frustration to many passengers who complain that the charges are misleading and make it difficult to compare air fares.
"There's an increasing feeling among consumers that they're being taken advantage of," said William Maloney, President of ASTA.
"Consumers have more rights when they buy a hammer at a hardware store than when they buy a $1,000 airline ticket."
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Update: June 22, 2009 [1 Story]
Indonesia
Garuda Moves To Purchase Star Air
Unsuccessful in its bid to reach an agreement that would allow the purchase of 100% of the shares of Linus Airways, the national air carrier Garuda Indonesia is reported to be near finalizing an agreement to purchase Star Air.
Both Linus Airways and Star Air ceased operations in 2008.
Garuda is seeking to purchase the operating licenses of an existing Indonesian carrier as a "fast track" solution to the lack of an airline operating license and other licenses needed for its low-cost subsidiary Citilink.
Quoted in Bisnis Indonesia, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Herry Bakti S.Gumay, said ... "at this moment, Garuda is processing the purchase of Star Air, an airline deemed to fit the criteria set by Garuda."
In selecting Star Air over Linus Airways, Herry explained that the state-owned Garuda considered the purchase of Star Air as a cleaner purchase, less encumbered with debts and in possession of a route system that can be used by Citilink.
Herry said he supports the acquisition of Star Air, providing the purchase can be finalized before June 25, 2009.
"Because on June 25 the Airline Operating License (Surat Izin Usaha Penerbangan) of Star Air will be automatically revoked after one year on non-operation," he explained.
The Civil Aviation Department is reportedly poised to finally revoke the operating licenses of 17 long-grounded Indonesian airlines, including the Bali-owned Air Paradise International.
(Bali Discovery Tours)
Update: June 20, 2009 [4 Stories]
Australia
Name It And Win!
All Australian travel agents have the chance to win a holiday for two in Hawaii simply by naming the new Hawaiian Airlines newsletter.
"We have had a great response to our naming competition but there's still plenty of time to send us your ideas," said Sherilyn Robinson, Sales and Marketing Manager Australia for Hawaiian Airlines.
The deadline for entries is June 30, and the lucky winner, who will be announced in the July edition of the newsletter, will receive two return flights to Hawaii and 4-nights accommodation in a deluxe Ocean Room at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa.
To participate in the naming competition, agents need to simply submit their suggestion and subscribe to the newsletter by forwarding their name, company, and email address to hawaiianair.sales@worldaviation.com.au.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Australia
BA Committed To Australia & New Zealand
British Airways has reassured travellers from Australia and New Zealand that it remained committed to providing competitive service to both markets, and determined to emerge from the global economic crisis as a stronger, more confident international airline.
The airline emphasised that its new cost reduction programme which includes the Chief Executive, Mr Willie Walsh, forgoing one month’s salary - was intended to develop innovative ways of reducing expenditure, while enabling the carrier to return to profitability.
In a message yesterday to the airline’s staff around the world, Mr Walsh said British Airways was not alone in facing serious challenges from the global economic downturn.
“All airlines face some major challenges in the current economic climate, but at British Airways we have a plan in place to survive this downturn,” he said.
“Our Business Response Scheme has made headline news but, in fact, many other companies including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and Finnair are running similar schemes in response to the economic crisis.”
Mr Walsh said British Airways was continuing to invest in quality products and services, while driving out unnecessary structural costs and taking some short term cost-cutting measures including reducing capacity, parking aircraft and - as publicised this week introducing a voluntary scheme in which employees can opt to reduce their take-home pay.
“This isn’t a gimmick,” said Mr Walsh. “We’re working hard to reshape our business to make it fit for the future.
“We have made it clear that the employee cost-saving initiatives at BA are all voluntary, and we’re pleased with the response we’ve had - more than 3,000 have already signed up."
(Red Agency)
Australia
Master Plan Approved
Sydney Airport has welcomed the Australian Government’s approval of its 20-year Master Plan 2009.
The approved Master Plan outlines the vision for the operation and continued development of Australia’s leading airport to the year 2029 and is based on ...
No changes to the curfew; No changes to flight paths; No changes to the aircraft movement cap; No new runways; No change to access arrangements for regional airlines
The approved Master Plan 2009 forecasts that passenger numbers will gradually increase by an average of 4.2% each year to reach 78.9-million passengers in 2029.
The CEO of Sydney Airport, Russell Balding, said that the approved Master Plan 2009 demonstrates that Sydney Airport will sustainably manage the forecast growth in airline travel.
“Airport facilities including terminals, hangars, aprons, freight facilities, car parking and airport roads will all be progressively upgraded over the next 20-years.
“Importantly, the forecast noise footprint for Sydney Airport in 2029 has been reduced relative to that forecast for 2024.
"This is because new aircraft are larger, quieter, cleaner and more fuel efficient, a trend that will continue over the next 20-years,” Mr Balding said.
“I’d like to acknowledge the commitment and expertise that Sydney Airport’s professional staff demonstrated with the preparation of the Master Plan 2009.
"Work on the Master Plan commenced in 2007 and also involved contributions from internationally recognised experts in their particular fields of aviation and airport planning,” Mr Balding said.
(Sydney Airport)
USA
The Southwest Porch At Bryant Park
Southwest Airlines, the country's largest domestic airline, has announced the opening of The Southwest Porch at Bryant Park, a brand new al fresco lounge that will provide New
Yorkers and visitors alike with a fun seasonal venue to enjoy summer evenings in the centre of one of New York City's most beloved public parks.
The Porch opened to the public yesterday - complete with porch swings, rocking chairs and Adirondack chairs - and is part of the airline's campaign to celebrate its new
service into and out of LaGuardia Airport beginning June 28.
Southwest will offer eight daily nonstop departures for New Yorkers - five daily nonstop flights between Chicago Midway and LaGuardia and three daily nonstop
departures between Baltimore/Washington and LaGuardia.
The new service at LaGuardia will create over 40 new jobs for New Yorkers - from managers and marketers to gate agents and baggage handlers.
In addition, Southwest is promoting travel and tourism to New York in print and out-of-home media, radio, on-line, in-flight and non-traditional marketing, with particular focus in Chicago and Baltimore/Washington.
(Southwest Airlines)
Update: June 19, 2009 [7 Stories]
Fiji
Air Pacific Outsources Telephone Reservations
Fiji’s national carrier Air Pacific and its domestic subsidiary Pacific Sun will outsource their telephone reservations handling to the global contact centre specialist Mindpearl on November 1.
The airline’s current telephone reservations centres in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji will be closed and all calls from those countries will be routed to Mindpearl’s 24-hour, 7-day a week Call Centre in Suva.
Subsequently, calls from points in the South Pacific will cutover and in 2010, when the current North American Call Centre contract expires, calls from North America will also be routed to Mindpearl in Fiji.
Call Centres in Australia, New Zealand and USA contracted by Air Pacific to third parties will cease to function and these tasks will transfer to Fiji. The Air Pacific/Pacific Sun Call Centre in Nadi will also close.
The new Call Centre will give Air Pacific and Pacific Sun customers access to make new reservations, queries on travel, alterations to bookings and ticket purchases to provide greatly enhanced service levels for existing customers in Fiji and improved services across all Air Pacific destinations.
The MD & CEO of Air Pacific, John Campbell said ... “We welcome Mindpearl to Fiji and are excited by the opportunities that their new facility presents.
"A competitive tender to manage Air Pacific’s Call Centre activities was undertaken with companies from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji submitting their bids as well as consideration by Air Pacific to establish an in-house Call Centre facility.
“The techniques, tools, service and expertise provided as well as their cost effective service delivery has resulted in the contract being awarded to Mindpearl.”
(David Baker & Associates)
Belgium
Approval Expected For Acquisition Of Brussels Air
European Regulators are expected to grant appoval for Lufthansa to purchase Brussels Airlines after the German carrier pledged to give up some airport slots.
According to an industry spokesman ... "Lufthansa will be giving up some slots in Brussels and make slots in Germany and Switzerland available to other airlines which want to enter the markets there."
Both the European Commission and Lufthansa declined to comment.
The acquisition, worth up to 250-million euros ($347 million), is expected to broaden Lufthansa's network and add premium travellers.
Lufthansa is also believed to have offered to address competition concerns included mutual recognition of passenger tickets and opening its frequent-flyer programmes to travellers on airlines that take the slots it surrenders.
The Commission, which regulates competition in the 27-country European Union, had started an investigation in January into Lufthansa's planned takeover.
July 1 is the deadline for the review.
The Commission is also looking into Lufthansa's proposed buy of indebted, loss-making Austrian Airlines, with the deadline for that review also set for July 1.
(Aviation International)
USA
Regulator Focuses On Air-speed Sensors
The European Aviation Safety Agency is considering whether to require airlines to replace air-speed sensors on all Airbus A330 aircraft following the recent crash of an Air France jetliner.
"I would expect that toward the end of the week, we will have a pretty clear idea of whether we go down the airworthiness directive route or not," said Daniel Holtgen, an agency representative.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
England
Staff Asked To Work Without Pay
British Airways (BA) has urged its staff to work for nothing to save the company money.
BA is struggling to come up with ways to save cash after reporting its biggest full-year loss since the former national national airline was privatised in 1987.
BA Chief Willie Walsh said he would not draw a salary for the month of July, and urged other employees to work for blocks of time without being paid.
"I am looking for every single part of the company to take part in some way in this cash-effective way of helping the company's survival plan. It really counts," he said.
BA said it meant employees would effectively volunteer to take a cut in base pay, with the lost income spread out over several months.
The UNITE union, which represents thousands of BA ground and cabin crew, has given the proposal a chilly reception.
(Aviation International)
Singapore
Four Daily Flights Between Singapore and Manila
Singapore Airlines will add a 4th daily flight between Singapore and Manila from July 10.
The increase from three to four daily flights - which will all be operated by the Boeing 777 family of aircraft - will expand capacity between Singapore and Manila, by more than 20%.
This has been made possible as a result of recent bilateral air services consultations between Singapore and the Philippines.
SQ916 will depart Singapore at 1410hrs and arrive in Manila at 1745hrs (all times local).
The return flight SQ921 will depart Manila at 1850hrs and arrive in Singapore at 2220hrs.
To give customers more flight options to suit their travel needs and to reduce transit times for onward departures from Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore Airlines will reschedule one of its present Manila services.
SQ912 will be resceduled to depart Singapore at 1210hrs and arrive in Manila at 1545hrs, while the return flight, SQ919 will leave Manila at 1650hrs and arrive in Singapore at 2020hrs.
“The frequency increase on this route underscores the strong and growing economic, business and tourism links between Singapore and the Philippines. It also improves the connectivity of Manila to the rest of the world,” said Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Marketing and the Regions, Mr Huang Cheng Eng.
“The scheduling of the four services to depart and arrive at various times during the day between the two cities, gives our customers more options to choose a flight which better suits their travel needs.”
(Weber Shandwick)
USA
Final Assembly Begins On First 787 For ANA
Final assembly has begun on the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner destined for delivery to launch customer ANA (All Nippon Airways) of Japan.
ANA and Boeing launched the 787 programme with a firm order for 50 of the all-new composite jetliner.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2010.
Boeing and ANA celebrated the occasion with a traditional "Kagami wari" ceremony, the breaking open of a wooden "Taru" (sake barrel) lid with wooden mallets.
"This is a great day for the 787 team," said Scott Fancher, Vice President and General Manager of the 787 Dreamliner programme.
"In 2004, ANA demonstrated great faith in Boeing and the 787 by placing the largest launch order for any new airplane in Boeing history.
"Since then, the ANA team has been an integral part of developing the 787 family of airplanes.
"Speaking for our entire global 787 team, including our partners, I'd like to say we are honored by ANA's commitment to the Dreamliner," Fancher said.
"We look forward to our continued partnership as we prepare the 787 to enter commercial service."
The 787 Dreamliner has 865 orders from 56 airlines, making it the fastest-selling all-new jetliner in aviation history.
(The Boeing Company)
Canada
WestJet And Pilots Reach 4-year Deal
WestJet and the WestJet Pilots Association (WJPA) have announced the ratification of the 2009 Pilot Agreement effective July 1, 2009.
With 91% of eligible pilots voting, 89% have voted in favour of the new agreement.
WestJet Pilots Association Chair Dave DeVeaux said ... "We are very pleased with this new agreement and the overwhelmingly positive response from our pilots.
"We are being provided with fair and market-driven pay scales over the term of the agreement. Our pilots continue to be equity stakeholders in our airline and now have been given the ability to choose within their share ownership which has been very well received as evidenced in the vote results."
Sean Durfy, WestJet President & CEO, said ... "This demonstrates the power of open and collaborative bargaining. We have spent many nights at town hall meetings with our pilots discussing this agreement and developing an understanding of our mutual needs.
"It was through this process that we gained the common ground that will benefit WestJet and our guests as we continue our strategic march towards becoming a top five international airline by 2016.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the WJPA Executive for their engagement and efforts."
Dave DeVeaux said ... "The WJPA believes that this 4-year agreement will provide both the pilot group and WestJet with the stability required to overcome the challenging economic times we currently face and allow our airline to continue growing strongly when the industry recovers."
(WestJet)
Update: June 17, 2009 [7 Stories]
England
Airline Industry Protests UK Tax Plan
With demand for travel already falling, airlines are warning that a doubling of the UK's passenger tax could lead to a 10% drop in flights at the nation's airports.
British carriers have launched a series of newspaper ads to protest the tax plan, and the U.S. government has asked Prime Minister Gordon Brown to reconsider.
The Air Transport Association has charged that the taxes will raise revenue "under the guise of environmental protection," in violation of the Chicago Convention.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
France
AirAsia X Purchase 10+5 A350s
AirAsia has announced a firm order for ten Airbus A350 XWB aircraft by its low-cost long-haul affiliate AirAsia X.
AirAsia X has selected the A350-900 variant for its fleet, which will be configured to seat 425 guests in a 2-class layout.
The announcement was jointly made by AirAsia and Airbus at the Paris Air Show today.
AirAsia Group CEO Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes said ... “Business is all about timing and long-term strategy.
"At AirAsia we have always planned for the long term. By buying the Airbus A350, AirAsia and AirAsia X have now got its strategy fixed all the way to 2020.
"The vision of creating the world’s first long-haul and short-haul low cost airline is complete and we are all very excited."
Valued at a list price of US$ 2.2-billion, the deal comes with an option of another five A350 aircraft.
Deliveries are scheduled between 2016 and 2018, which will further complement AirAsia X’s fleet of A330s.
The airline has ordered 25 A330s that are due to be delivered through 2015, of which two aircraft have delivered so far since October 2008.
The purchase indicates AirAsia X’s ambition to fly further afield and to serve more destinations than it currently serves that include London (UK), Melbourne, Perth and Gold Coast (Australia) and Tianjin and Hangzhou (China).
Firm orders for the A350 XWB now stand at 493 from 31 customers worldwide.
(Crook Publicity)
Australia
Etihad Supports Melbourne's Newest Arts Hub
Etihad Airways has announced sponsorship of Melbourne’s newest arts hub, Melbourne Recital Centre (MRC), becoming the official international airline partner, in support of its new services into the city which commenced in March this year.
In its first year, MRC will host a number of international and local artists for its Opus concert series, with a focus on 'chamber' music, 'acoustic' performance and the 'handmade' ensemble traditions of many different cultures.
Commenting on the sponsorship, State Manager Jon Marshall said ... “We’re delighted to be in partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre.
"The centre is a wonderful asset for Melbourne and is set to introduce Melburnians to some of the world’s most remarkable performers.
“Through our MRC sponsorship, we’re keen to align Melbourne, as the cultural capital of Australia, to the other cultural centres in our network including Paris, Abu Dhabi and London.”
(Edelman)
USA
AirTran Moves To Concourse A At Memphis
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., has moved from Concourse C at Memphis International Airport to Concourse A.
The move will allow more efficient check-in for passengers while offering a dedicated security checkpoint to the low-cost carrier.
"We are always looking for ways to better serve our customers," said Tad Hutcheson, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for AirTran Airways.
"When this space was vacated by Delta Air Lines, we jumped at the chance to take it over. Having a larger ticket counter area and dedicated security checkpoint will make travel much easier for our passengers."
The new location will house the airline's five daily flights to Atlanta and will be easier for passengers to locate.
AirTran Airways also announced that it has completed installation of Wi-Fi on all of the company's Boeing 737 aircraft and is well on the way to completing installation on all of its aircraft by mid-July.
(AirTran Airways)
France
Etihad's Record-Breaking Aircraft Engine Order
Etihad Airways has chosen GE Aviation, Rolls-Royce, Engine Alliance and International Aero Engines (IAE) to power the new Airbus and Boeing aircraft that it ordered at last year’s Farnborough International Airshow.
The Farnborough deal included 100 firm orders and options and purchase rights for a further 105 aircraft, which will be delivered between 2011 and 2020.
The Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the United Arab Emirates announced firm orders at the Paris Air Show for ...
• 78 GEnx engines, to power its 35 new Boeing 787 aircraft;
• 45 Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, to power its 10 new Airbus A380 aircraft;
• 44 IAE V2500 engines, to power its 20 new narrow-body Airbus A320 aircraft.
Rolls-Royce and GE Aviation will supply engines for the airline’s new Airbus A350 fleet and future Boeing 777 aircraft deliveries, respectively, as previously announced at Farnborough ...
• 50 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, to power its 25 new Airbus A350 aircraft;
• 22 GE90 engines, to power its 10 new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
The firm orders for 239 engines, including 19 spares, is worth US$7-billion at list prices, including maintenance contracts.
If all options and purchase rights are exercised, the total number of engines will be 469, at a list price value of US $14-billion, including maintenance contracts.
This represents the largest engine order in commercial aviation history.
(Edelman)
Singapore
Singapore Airlines May Operating Results
In May 2009, Singapore Airlines’ systemwide passenger carriage (measured in revenue passenger kilometres) recorded a year-on-year decline of 22.8%, which outpaced the reduction in capacity (measured in available seat kilometres) of 13.9%.
As a result, passenger load factor (PLF) declined by 7.8 percentage points to 66.9%.
The number of passengers carried decreased 23.7% over the same month last year, to 1.21 million.
(Weber Shandwick)
USA
Second 787 Dreamliner Moves To Flight Line
The second Boeing 787 Dreamliner has moved to the flight line to begin fuel testing.
This is the second of six 787s being used in the all-new airliner's flight-test programme,
"Momentum continues to build with each milestone achieved," said Scott Fancher, Vice President and General Manager of the 787 Dreamliner
programme.
Each of the six flight-test planes will be used for a specific set of tests during the flight-test programme.
This aircraft, designated ZA002, will focus on systems performance.
Like its predecessor, ZA001, this aircraft has successfully completed a rigorous series of tests while still in the factory.
Fuel testing began immediately when the plane entered the fuel dock.
ZA002 features the livery of the Dreamliner's launch customer, ANA (All Nippon Airways) of Japan.
"ANA will be the first to fly the 787 Dreamliner in commercial service," Fancher noted.
"We are honoured to fly in ANA livery throughout the flight-test programme as a tribute to our partnership in bringing this all-new aircraft to market."
The 787 Dreamliner has 865 orders from 56 airlines,
(The Boeing Company)
Update: June 16, 2009 [2 Stories]
Australia
London Is Top Travel Spot For Aussies
London has reclaimed its title as Australia’s most popular international flight destination, according to leading travel and lifestyle website, lastminute.com.au.
After several years of holding the top spot on lastminute.com.au, London was relegated to the number two position for international flights from the end of 2008 until early this year.
London regained its place as Australia’s most wanted international flight destination during April and May this year.
Mia Carter, spokesperson for lastminute.com.au said ... “Aussies have always loved London, but late last year the tough economic climate caused many travellers to choose cheaper short-haul destinations and put their UK travel plans on hold.
“Since April, London has made a huge come back and Aussies are travelling there in droves.”
Carter said London’s bounce back may be due to the spectacular bargain airfares resulting from airline price wars, the recent stimulus bonus, lower interest rates and the favourable exchange rate with the UK.
Other European cities such as Birmingham, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin and Frankfurt have also appeared in the top destinations list this month.
The top international flight destinations on lastminute.com.au during May 2009 ... (1) London; (2) Bali; (3) Bangkok; (4) Auckland; (5) Manila; (6) Singapore; (7) Kuala Lumpur; (8) Jakarta; (9) Manchester; (10) Paris; (11) Amsterdam; (12) Phuket; (13) Dublin; (14) Hong Kong; (15) Birmingham.
(lastminute.com.au)
Thailand
Upcountry Customs & Immigration Services
Sweden now allows SAS passengers from overseas to clear customs and immigration at ten upcountry airports for flights connecting via Stockholm.
The new service follows trials in April and May and is effective immediately.
SAS passengers will no longer have to pick up their luggage in the international terminal at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport and transfer it to the domestic terminal for upcountry flights.
The ten airports that now offer customs and immigration clearance are Gothenburg, Kalmar, Kiruna, Lulea, Malmo, Ronneby, Sundsvall/Harnosand, Umea, Are/Ostersund, Angelholm/Helsingborg.
"SAS has worked very closely with the Swedish authorities to make the travel experience easier for our transiting passengers," said Mr Hakan Olsson, Director and General Manager for SAS in Southeast Asia.
Only Skelleftea in the north of Sweden is exempt from the new service due to a lack of customs facilities at the airport.
(ScottAsia Communications)
Update: June 13, 2009 [7 Stories]
USA
AirTran Launches New Service In Knoxville
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., has launched daily nonstop flights from Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida.
"AirTran Airways is pleased to connect residents of Knoxville with Orlando, one of the family vacation capitals of the world," said Tad Hutcheson, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for AirTran Airways.
"Our expansion to Knoxville adds to our unique blend of business class seating on every flight, wi-fi on our entire fleet by midsummer and low-fare, high-quality service between key business and leisure markets."
"The launch of AirTran Airways' new low-fare service in our community will be a benefit for both our business and leisure travellers," said Fred Forster, Vice Chairman of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority.
"The direct flight into Orlando International Airport makes accessing attractions, entertainment and downtown businesses much easier. We look forward to working with AirTran Airways on this and future air service opportunities."
(AirTran Airways)
Singapore
A380 To Fly To The Pearl Of The Orient
Singapore Airlines will fly the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, on the Singapore-Hong Kong route from July 9, 2009.
Hong Kong will become the fifth international destination and second city in Asia to be serviced by the Singapore Airlines superjumbo, which commenced operations in October 2007 on the Sydney-Singapore route and has subsequently added services to London, Tokyo and Paris.
The daily A380 flights will replace an existing daily B777-300ER service to Hong Kong.
The operation of the 471-seat A380 to Hong Kong represents an increase of 10% in seat capacity to the city.
“The operation of the A380 to Hong Kong shows our confidence in the demand for both business and leisure travel between Singapore and the famed Pearl of the Orient," said Mr Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President, Marketing and the Regions.
“Hong Kong is a vibrant business hub and at the same time it has much to offer leisure travellers looking for great places to shop, eat and play.”
Following the commencement of the A380 service, SQ862, from Singapore to Hong Kong, will be re-numbered SQ856.
SQ856 will depart Singapore Changi Airport at 0945hrs and arrive in Hong Kong at 1330hrs.
On the return leg, SQ861 will depart Hong Kong International Airport at 1600hrs and touch down in Singapore at 1940hrs.
Singapore Airlines currently has eight A380s in service, a further 11 on firm order, and options on six more.
(Weber Shandwick)
USA
DoT Urged To Delay Antitrust Immunity Decision
Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee have asked the Department of Transportation to wait until a review of trans-Atlantic carrier competition is completed before it makes a decision on antitrust immunity for the Star Alliance.
"It remains our view the DoT should only grant antitrust immunity to airline alliances sparingly and only upon a determination that the immunity sought will not harm competition," the senators' letter said.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
USA
Service Between Santa Fe & Los Angeles
American Eagle will begin new daily, roundtrip air service between the Santa Fe Municipal Airport and Los Angeles LAX beginning on November 19, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announced.
He revealed news about the flight at the Santa Fe airport during a press conference held after the first of American Eagle's direct service flights between Dallas and Santa Fe landed.
"I am thrilled that American Eagle is leading the way in returning commercial air service to Santa Fe with flights now to Dallas and soon to Los Angeles," said Governor Richardson.
"Commercial air service is key to the economic development of the area and to growing New Mexico’s thriving tourism and film industries.
"This will be an important connection to the West Coast from Santa Fe. It's not just about tourism and the culture of Santa Fe, it will also benefit New Mexico's film industry.
"There are 8 films being shot in New Mexico today and Los Angeles is the second most requested connection after Dallas."
The first Eagle flight from Dallas touched down at Santa Fe's Municipal Airport with a full load of passengers.
It then loaded back up with a group, including Santa Fe Mayor David Coss, and returned to Dallas.
American Eagle's non-stop service between Dallas and Santa Fe uses the 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jet.
The $20-million aircraft cruises at 500+ mph and 40,000 feet. It is, "one of the newest and most modern planes in the fleet," according to American Eagle's Managing Director of Sales, Brian Coutts.
(LOCAS Communications)
USA
AirTran Airways Anters Asheville, N.C.
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, inc., has launched nonstop flights between Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville, North Carolina, and Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida.
The airline will offer three nonstop flights to Orlando each week.
"AirTran Airways recognized the need for a low fare carrier in Asheville, and we are happy to step in and provide a cost-effective airline option for residents," said Roger Morenc, Director of Revenue Management for AirTran Airways.
"Travellers in Asheville can now fly nonstop to Orlando, one of the prime vacation destinations in the country, while enjoying XM Satellite Radio and Gogo(R) Inflight Internet service."
Asheville Regional Airport Director David N. Edwards, Jr., A.A.E. said ... "We are thrilled that AirTran Airways has chosen to serve Western North Carolina.
"This new route to the Sunshine State demonstrates the economic vitality of our vibrant community and gives passengers the low-fare carrier they have been seeking."
To demonstrate its support for the community, AirTran Airways donated flights to the Health Adventure, a local museum dedicated to educating children about science and technology, and officials were on hand at the inaugural to receive that donation.
(AirTran Airways)
USA
AirTran Expands Service Into Atlantic City
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. has launched daily nonstop flights from Atlantic City International Airport in Atlantic City, N.J., to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Ga.
The low fare carrier will also begin nonstop flights from Atlantic City, N.J. to Orlando, Fla. beginning June 12.
To help celebrate the inaugural flight, the airline hosted an event at the airport featuring legendary musical group Earth, Wind & Fire.
The six-time Grammy Award winning band entertained the crowd by performing their 1981 hit "Let's Groove."
"We are pleased to add another world class destination to our route network," said John Kirby, Senior Director of Strategic Planning for AirTran Airways.
"Our high-quality, low fare service will stimulate tourism with direct access to Atlantic City's sandy beaches and gaming attractions.
"In addition, South Jersey residents gain entry into our extensive route network with service to more than 40 destinations through Atlanta."
(AirTran Airways)
USA
Nonstop From Atlanta To Portland And Harrisburg
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings,Inc., has launched nonstop seasonal service between Atlanta, Ga., and the following destinations: Portland, Maine, and Harrisburg, Pa.
The airline will operate one daily nonstop flight from Atlanta to Harrisburg through September 8, and one daily flight from Atlanta to Portland through November 3.
The expanding low-fare carrier will offer service between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Aatlanta, Ga., and both Portland International Jetport Airport and Harrisburg International Airport.
AirTran Airways has also launched daily nonstop flights between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., and General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wis.
With these nonstop flights, travellers will be able to connect to more than 40 destinations nationwide.
"Our goal is to make traveling more convenient for our customers with great features like Business Class seating on every flight and the newly installed Gogo(R) Inflight Internet service."
(AirTran Airways)
Update: June 11, 2009 [3 Stories]
Malaysia
AirAsia To Fly To Colombo
AirAsia continues to boost its international connectivity by launching another route between Colombo, Sri Lanka and Kuala Lumpur, further expanding its already vast network in the region.
The Colombo - Kuala Lumpur route will begin on August 15, 2009 with direct daily flights between the two capital cities.
AirAsia Regional Head of Commercial, Kathleen Tan said ... "Colombo is an important destination for AirAsia to break into the South Asian market.
"The low fares AirAsia is offering will create new demand and stimulate travel.
"We are working closely with Sri Lanka Tourism to boost the market because low fares will allow more people to travel.
"We are very excited about Colombo - Kuala Lumpur because there is a strong pent-up demand for the route."
AirAsia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to two destinations in South Asia - Dhaka, Bangladesh that started in March 2009, and Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) in South India that commenced in December 2008.
Colombo will thus be AirAsia's third destination in South Asia.
The Kuala Lumpur-Colombo route is part of AirAsia's expansion plans for the year.
While other airlines are cutting down operations amid financial difficulties in the current economic climate, AirAsia is expanding and registering growth.
In the first quarter of 2009, AirAsia's passenger volume grew by 21% year-on-year to 3.1 million.
(AirAsia Communications)
Australia
BA Offers Emerging Talent Scholarships Of A Lifetime
British Airways is again proudly supporting British Council’s Realise Your Dream Awards and will be assisting Australia’s best up and coming creatives with a rare opportunity to work with industry leaders in the UK.
Currently in its 7th successful year, the 2009 Realise Your Dream entries are open to candidates in creative fields such as visual arts, fashion, design, advertising, architecture, music, animation, digital media, performing arts and computer games.
The scheme awards excellence in Australia’s creative industries by providing financial and professional support to help winners make lasting connections and expand their horizons in one of the world’s most vibrant cultural settings.
Five awards will be offered to outstanding finalists in the early stages of their career, who will be flown Club World business class to the UK courtesy of British Airways and receive an $8,000 NAB Cash Passport.
Entries are online are currently open and close Friday, July 3, 2009.
Visit the Realise Your Dream website for more details: www.realiseyourdream.org.au
(Red Agency)
USA
FAA To Inspect Pilot Training At Regional Airlines
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt announced Tuesday that they have ordered FAA inspectors to immediately focus inspection on training programmes to ensure that regional airlines are complying with federal regulations.
“I have no greater obligation than to ensure the safety of airline travelers in this country,” Secretary LaHood said. “One fatality is one too many.”
Secretary LaHood and Administrator Babbitt also will gather representatives from the major air carriers, their regional partners, aviation industry groups and labor in Washington, D.C. on June 15 to participate in a “call to action” to improve airline safety and pilot training.
This review will address pilot training, cockpit discipline and other issues associated with flight safety.
“It’s clear to us in looking at the February Colgan Air crash in Buffalo that there are things we should be doing now,” said Administrator Babbitt.
“My goal is to make sure that the entire industry - from large commercial carriers to smaller, regional operators - is meeting our safety standard.”
Department of Transportation and FAA officials said that while they look forward to receiving the results of the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation of the Colgan Air crash, there is no time to lose in acting upon information that is already available.
(U.S. Department of Transportation)
Update: June 10, 2009 [4 Stories]
New Zealand
Jetstar Commences Domestic Operations
Jetstar has today commenced operations as New Zealand’s newest domestic airline, unveiling its innovative product offering to consumers travelling within New Zealand by reasserting its commitment to delivering the lowest every day fares of any of its competitors.
Jetstar will become the second largest airline in the domestic New Zealand market in capacity terms with a modern fleet of three 177 seat Airbus A320 aircraft serving four destinations and operating a future 5-route network of 84 weekly return flights.
Jetstar’s domestic New Zealand network will offer almost 30,000 weekly seats providing significant new levels of capacity by the Qantas Group and increased access to affordable, hassle-free and convenient travel for both leisure and business flyers.
The new services highlight Jetstar’s ongoing investment in the New Zealand market having also recently commenced trans-Tasman operations from Auckland, which combined with its Christchurch trans-Tasman services now total 42 weekly return flights.
The airline will reintroduce Qantas Group operations between Christchurch-Wellington from June 24.
(Jetstar Airways Pty Limited)
Australia
Pacific Blue Boosts Flights To New Zealand
A week after announcing international direct services from Brisbane and Sydney to Hamilton, New Zealand, low fare airline Pacific Blue said today it will add new direct services from Australia to Queenstown, Dunedin and Wellington from September.
The airline has the following new flights on sale from today ...
Sydney-Queenstown: Two flights a week
Brisbane-Dunedin: Three flights a week
Sydney-Wellington: Three flights a week
Virgin Blue Group Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said ... "Travellers from both sides of 'the ditch' have made it clear they want the same access to low fares and the convenience of direct international flights that the people from the major cities often enjoy and our announcement today goes a long way to achieving that."
Pacific Blue will make changes to its trans-Tasman, Pacific and domestic schedules to accommodate the new routes.
This includes reducing capacity on domestic services by around 1% of available seat kilometres and retiming some domestic flights to offer a more 'business friendly' timetable.
Pacific Blue's foray into Queenstown will mark the first time a low-fare airline will fly internationally into Queenstown, which to date had been served only by full-service carriers.
(MediaNet)
USA
Airline On-Time Performance Improves In April
The nation’s largest airlines had a rate of on-time flights this past April that was higher than both the same month last year and the mark posted in March 2009, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT).
According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DoT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 19 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 79.1% in April, better than both the 77.7% on-time rate of April 2008 and March 2009’s 78.4%.
The monthly report also includes data on lengthy tarmac delays, flight cancellations and the causes of flight delays by the reporting carriers, as well as reports of mishandled baggage filed with the carriers, and consumer service, disability and discrimination complaints received by DoT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division.
This report also includes reports of incidents involving pets traveling by air, as required to be filed by U.S. carriers.
Detailed information on flight delays and their causes is available on the BTS site at www.bts.gov.
(U.S. Department of Transportation)
Malaysia
New IATA Chairman
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that Cathay Pacific Airways CEO Tony Tyler has started his one-year term as the Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors.
Tyler succeeds Samer Majali, CEO of Royal Jordanian Airlines, who served as Chairman from June 2008.
Tyler is a 32-year veteran of the air transport industry who has served as Cathay Pacific CEO since 2007.
He worked for Cathay Pacific and the Swire Group in many cities across the globe and has been on the airline’s leadership board since 1996.
Tyler takes on the IATA Chairman duties at a difficult time as the airline industry works to weather a global economic recession, which has affected passenger and cargo demand.
Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO said ... "First, we must thank Samer Majali for a job well done. His leadership over the past year helped us navigate the industry through many challenges from record high fuel prices to today’s economic crisis. Under Samer’s leadership we had some major achievements.
"The deadline for IOSA registration was met by 225 IATA airlines and we built an even stronger consensus and commitment on the environment. I look forward to working closely with Tony in the coming year to meet our growing challenges with continued strong industry leadership.”
IATA also announced that the Board of Governors agreed to appoint David Bronczek, President and Chief Executive of FedEx Express, to serve as Chairman following Tyler.
The 65th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit concluded in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
(International Air Transport Association)
Update: June 09, 2009 [2 Stories]
Indonesia
Garuda Eyes Purchase Of Linus Airways
Garuda Indonesia is considering a possible purchase of defunct Linus Airway as a short-cut to obtaining the needed operational certificates for their subsidiary Citilink.
The Director General of Civil aviation, Herry Bakti S. Gumay, told Bisnis Indonesia that Garuda plans to buy the domestic carrier forced by financial difficulties to stop flying on April 27, 2009.
"I heard that Garuda intends to buy Linus who already hold an aviation business license (SIUP) and an air operators certificate (AOC) for the scheduled air services," he explained.
Herry said his office supported Garuda's plans to purchase the majority shares of Linus because foreign parties are not allowed to buy more than 49% of Linus' shares.
Herry admitted to the press that he did not know the latest developments in Garuda acquisition plans.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the national carrier, Emirsyah Satar, refused to comment on plans for the acquisition of Linus.
Bisnis Indonesia quotes a government official close to Garuda as confirming that the state-owned airline's Board of Commissioners is in the process of exploring the feasibility of purchasing Linus as a means to obtain its operating licenses.
In purchasing Linus the national airline would also acquire its operating licenses issued before February 2008, pre-dating new regulations that require Indonesian airlines to operate a fleet of at least ten aircraft.
On Saturday, June 6, 2009, the Indonesian Department of Civil Aviation formally stripped Linus Airways of all its route permits in accordance with rules mandating that any airline failing to fly for more than 30-days lose its route rights.
(Bali Discovery Tours)
Malaysia
Loss Forecast Increases To US$9-billion
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revised its airline financial forecast for 2009 to a global loss of US$9-billion.
This is nearly double the association’s March estimate of a US$4.7-billion loss, reflecting a rapidly deteriorating revenue environment. IATA also revised its loss estimate for 2008 to US$10.4-billion from the previous estimate of US$8.5-billion.
The full story ... Loss Forecast Increases To US$9-billion
(International Air Transport Association)
Update: June 08, 2009 [2 Stories]
England
oneworld Reports Record Revenues
Airlines in oneworld® generated record revenues from the alliance's sales activities in the past year - ending the grouping's first decade on a new high.
More than 8-million passengers transferred between the airlines' flights in 2008 producing interline revenues within the alliance of US$2.4-billion, up 10% year-on-year in both cases.
Revenues from oneworld fares and sales activity in 2008 totaled more than US$850-million, a 25% increase.
These oneworld revenues grew significantly faster than member airlines' overall passenger revenues, which collectively edged up just 3.5%.
Alliance sales in oneworld's key European target markets of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland - all home countries of airlines in or joining rival alliances - were particularly strong, with the number of accounts registered for its businessflyer corporate sales product for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) rising 12% to almost 10,000.
Revenues from this sector in France soared by more than 50%.
Yields from oneworld sales overall also remained solid, with a record 75% of revenues generated by the alliance's fares coming from tickets sold for travel in premium cabins.
(oneworld)
Malaysia
Reshaping To Build A Stronger Industry
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for a major resizing and reshaping of the entire air transport value chain as airlines battle the ongoing global economic crisis.
Airlines are expected to post losses of US$9-billion this year with an unprecedented 15% revenue drop that will see industry revenues shrink by US$80-billion to US$448-billion.
The full story ... Reshaping To Build A Stronger Industry
(International Air Transport Association)
Update: June 06, 2009 [5 Stories]
England
Corfu, Funchal And Maldives Join oneworld Network
Three of the world's most popular holiday islands are lining up to join the network served by oneworld®, with Iberia Regional Air Nostrum launching flights to Corfu and Funchal in Europe and British Airways opening service to the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean.
Iberia Regional will fly to Corfu from both Madrid and Barcelona from July 26 throughout the peak summer season, to September 6.
From Madrid it will fly twice-weekly with a single weekly rotation from Barcelona.
It will serve Funchal from both Bilbao and Valencia, with two round trips a week from both mainland gateways during the peak summer season, from July 24 to September 6.
It is also opening routes from Valencia to both Dubrovnik and Marrakesh, and resuming services to Venice, all during the July 24-September 6 period.
It will serve Marrakesh also from Bilbao and Malta from Madrid with three flights a week also during the summer peak.
Dubrovnik, Malta and Marrakesh are already on the oneworld network.
British Airways will add the Maldives to the oneworld map from October 25, with flights to its capital Male from London Gatwick with an initial three round trips a week.
BA will at the same time to resume services to Sharm El Sheikh and serve both destinations with 3-class Boeing 777s.
(oneworld)
Canada
WestJet Expands Service To Mexico
WestJet has announced it will fly to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas from more than twice the number of Canadian cities next winter, beginning this November.
The announcement comes in advance of the airline releasing its full winter schedule in early July.
WestJet will fly new non-stop service to Mexico from Moncton, Toronto, Montréal, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Kelowna, Prince George, Abbotsford, Victoria and Comox.
Non-stop service already exists from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Halifax.
"WestJet and WestJet Vacations are quickly becoming the dominant force in Mexico," said Bob Cummings, Executive Vice-President of Guest Experience and Marketing.
"As part of our strategy, we continue to deploy our fleet effectively with the expansion of our service internationally, increase the number of non-stop routes and increase market share in Mexico and elsewhere.
"While we recognize the realities of the current economic downtown, we will not be deterred from following our strategic plan, driving strong results and bringing the WestJet experience to more Canadians than ever before."
(WestJet)
USA
Southwest Airlines Presents Mr Destination
The word “destination” has a double meaning in Spanish - it can describe a travel destination or your future.
For Southwest Airlines, destination is more than just a word, it is the friend who is watching out for you, your business, and never lets you miss an opportunity.
In the spirit of this innovative concept, Southwest Airlines has launched Mr. Destination, its summer Hispanic ad campaign that will be featured on television, radio and online.
The ads reinforce Southwest’s strength in offering dependable and affordable, worry-free travel.
“Mr Destination is your ultimate travel companion, who doesn’t let you miss the significant things in life, like the big business deal or seeing your family enjoy a summer vacation,” said Monica Gattoni, Senior Manager of Advertising for Southwest Airlines.
“Southwest Airlines is Mr Destination, making travel possible by offering the lowest fare and exceptional customer service for which we are known. We make your destination the ultimate travel experience.”
The Mr Destination campaign will run on Univision, Telemundo, Azteca, Galavision, CNN Español, ESPN Sports, national Hispanic radio stations and internet portals like Univision.com.
The campaign will introduce Mr Destination, a personification of the importance of travel.
(Southwest Airlines Co.)
Malaysia
TAP Launches IATA’s Carbon Offset Programme
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched its global Carbon Offset Program with TAP.
The IATA-administered industry-wide scheme is a ready-made tool enabling airlines to offer their passengers the ability to compensate for their carbon emissions with contributions towards carbon reduction projects in developing countries.
“I am delighted that TAP is the launch airline for the IATA carbon offset programme,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
The air transport industry is committed to environmental responsibility with a comprehensive four-pillar strategy including improved technology, effective infrastructure, efficient operations and positive economic measures.
“The IATA Carbon Offset Programme sets a good example of industry leadership in economic measures. The industry standard approach is a cost-effective means for all airlines to offer their customers the option to offset emissions resulting from their air travel,” said Bisignani.
The IATA Carbon Offset Programme only invests in the most credible projects - UN approved Certified Emissions Reductions projects and voluntary credits which comply with the recognised Gold and or Voluntary Carbon Standards.
Airlines participating in the IATA Carbon Offset Programme pay for all administration costs.
The passenger contribution therefore goes to the sponsored project.
“These are important reassurances that will help build passenger confidence in carbon offsets,” said Bisignani.
The IATA programme calculates carbon emissions based on a methodology developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
(International Air Transport Association)
USA
No Extraordinary Measures Needed Against Swine Flu
While flight attendants on some Asian carriers are wearing protective face masks and replacing pillows to battle the spread of the H1N1 flu virus, airlines in the U.S. have resisted taking such unusual steps.
A spokesman for an airline trade group said that screening for sick passengers and filtering the air in cabins is precaution enough against swine flu and other illnesses.
"We take our guidance from the professionals (such as the CDC) who tell us the precautions that are needed to prevent the spread," he said.
"We're not taking the type of precautions that are unnecessary."
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Update: June 04, 2009 [6 Stories]
Malaysia
Aviation Leaders Gather In Kuala Lumpur
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 65th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from June 7-9, will feature participation from two important world political leaders.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib will address delegates as part of the meeting’s formal opening.
Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew will hold a special dialogue session with delegates on Monday, June 8.
“The air transport industry is once again meeting in crisis—this time as a result of the global financial meltdown. We are honoured that the Prime Minister and the Minister Mentor will provide their insights at this critical time,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
This year's AGM takes place during a deepening global recession that is challenging airlines everywhere.
The impact of falling demand leading to plummeting revenues is re-shaping and re-sizing the air transport industry.
In this difficult environment, over 500 industry leaders will discuss and debate prospects and strategies to ensure the industry emerges stronger with a focus on safety, security, environment, technology and liberalization.
The event is being hosted by Malaysia Airlines.
The carrier’s CEO Dato’ Sri Idris Jala is a member of the IATA Board of Governors.
The last time that this event was hosted in Malaysia was in 1995.
(International Air Transport Association)
USA
Statement On SWAPA "No" Vote
Southwest Airlines has released a statement in response to the "no" vote released by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association on the tentative agreement it had with
the Company.
"We are naturally disappointed and acknowledge it was a very close vote," said Chuck Magill, Vice President of Flight Operations for Southwest Airlines.
"We reached a tentative agreement in good faith, and both sides put a lot of effort into getting to this point.
"We have an outstanding and highly productive group of Pilots, and we appreciate their active involvement in the voting process.
"We welcome the opportunity for our negotiating teams to re-engage and work toward an agreement that best meets the needs of our Company and our outstanding Pilots during these challenging economic times."
(Southwest Airlines Co.)
Canada
WestJet Announces May Load Factor
WestJet has announced May traffic results with a load factor of 74.1%.
Revenue passenger miles (RPM) declined 5.8% year-over-year and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASM), grew 1.2% over the same period.
"Seasonally adjusting our capacity makes May a challenging month for WestJet," explained Sean Durfy, WestJet President and CEO.
"Transitioning over 20% of our capacity back to our domestic schedule in the May shoulder period, coupled with the tough demand environment, impacted our revenue per
available seat mile (RASM) performance."
"During this difficult part of the business cycle, our strong culture, brand and financial health shield us from the full impact of the downturn," added Sean Durfy.
"I thank our WestJetters for their relentless commitment to providing a high-value guest experience, while at the same time focusing on reducing costs."
Last year WestJet benefited from a healthier Canadian economy and a fuel surcharge that contributed to its RASM.
Sean Durfy commented on RASM expectations for the second quarter of 2009 by saying ... "A continued weakened economy and aggressive pricing are leading to
reduced fare levels, making it a difficult quarter.
"RASM in the second quarter is showing significant declines, with an anticipated drop of 16 to 18% year over year.
"While these challenges are comparable with what the North American airline industry is experiencing, we believe we are better positioned than most to return to stronger RASM results when the economy begins to rebound."
(WestJet)
USA
Southwest Airlines Reports May Traffic
Southwest Airlines Co. has announced that the Company flew 6.4-billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in May 2009, a 3.6% decrease from the 6.7-billion RPMs flown in May 2008.
Available seat miles (ASMs) decreased 3.2% to 8.6-billion from the May 2008 level of 8.9-billion.
The load factor for the month was 74.6%, compared to 74.9% for the same period last year.
For May 2009, passenger revenue per ASM is estimated to have decreased in the 9% range as compared to May 2008.
For the 5-months ended May 31, 2009, Southwest flew 29.8-billion RPMs, compared to the 30.5-billion RPMs recorded for the same period of 2008, a decrease of 2.2%.
Available seat miles decreased 3.4% to 41.3-billion from the 2008 level of 42.7-billion.
The year-to-date load factor was 72.3%, compared to 71.4% for the same period last year.
(Southwest Airlines Co.)
USA
Not All U.S. Airlines Assured Of Survival
Virgin Atlantic Airways President Richard Branson believes this year will be the "worst in the history of aviation" and that even U.S. carriers will not emerge unscathed.
"You have to prepare for these cycles," Branson said at a Tokyo press conference on Tuesday.
"You reap the harvest and you build up a nest egg for the bad years."
In a separate interview with Reuters, Branson said several U.S. airlines could fail in the next 12- to 18-months, and he doubts the government will step in.
"I don't think that the American government will yet again put more billions into the airline industry. They've learned their lessons from the car industry."
(American Society of Travel Agents)
France
Military Planes Locate Debris From Air France Jet
Debris from Air France Flight 447, which disappeared Sunday over the Atlantic, has been located, and Brazilian and French naval vessels have made their way toward the wreckage.
Officials are still trying to determine the cause of the crash.
"Today, we don't know what happened. It's all pure speculation. Let's let the real experts get to work," said Paul-Louis Arslanian, head of the French government's inquiry into the incident.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
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