AA°/AS/B6/UA*/DL™/HA/QX/US*/VX/WN | United States-Based Carriers

[diablo234]

I don't know if I mentioned this already, but Southwest is expected to start new direct flights from Houston-Hobby to various destinations Mexico and Central America sometime around 2015, once the terminal expansion (mainly expanding the US Customs and Immigration capabilities at the airport) is complete, which will allow International flights (other than small charter planes) to operate here.

Hobby expansion approved, international flights planned for 2015

http://blog.chron.com/houstonpolitic...nned-for-2015/

City Council has approved a deal to have Southwest Airlines build a $100 million expansion of Hobby Airport to open it to international flights for the first time in more than 40 years.

The 16-1 vote authorizes five international gates and a Federal Inspection Services facility at Hobby. Southwest will pay for the expansion in exchange for control of four gates, an exemption from rent on the newly constructed facilities and a rebate linked to any increased sales at the airport once the airline starts its routes to Mexico and the Caribbean in 2015.

Houston Airport Director Mario Diaz promoted the expansion as having the potential to create 18,000 jobs and inject $1.6 billion a year into the local economy. He also predicted that the “Southwest effect” of lower fares would take hold if the airline were allowed to compete with United Airlines, which with its partners has a near monopoly on Latin American routes out of Bush Intercontinental Airport.

“Today’s historic vote is going to allow the creation of international and federal facilities at Hobby,” Councilwoman Melissa Noriega said.

United and Southwest engaged in a furious head-to-head battle over whether Houston should get a second international airport. They hired lobbyists, spent lavishly on print, broadcast and billboard advertising and repeatedly packed Council chambers with employees.

Council approved the plan under the assumption that Southwest’s entry into the international market will lower fares, increase the number of fliers, and create jobs. The expansion plan also assumes that Houston will be able to get the customs officers to staff a new Federal Inspection Services facility at Hobby.

The Federal Aviation Administration must also sign off on Southwest’s proposed new routes.

..........

Projected new initial international markets from Houston Hobby Airport:


Source: Center for Aviation

Projected schedule once all new international flights are introduced from Houston Hobby Airport:


Source: Center for Aviation

[sidney_jec]

Some spotting at the Boston Logan Airport



From here: flights taking off and landing (mostly landing) at the airport

[sidney_jec]

Jet Blue A320



United B757? (anyone)



AA B757



US Air A320 and another unidentified regional jet


SouthWest B737

[sidney_jec]

AA B757





United B737



All the above images CC: Self

[everywhere]

Union: United is removing 787 cockpit barriers
(WCARN.com/AP, June 19)

United Airlines is paying to remove a gate from some of its newest planes that's meant to protect the cockpit from intruders, according to the union for its pilots.

United is getting Boeing Co.'s newest plane, the 787, later this year. Those planes were to come with a folding metal gate that blocks the cockpit when the door is open, according to the Air Line Pilots Association.



But United is paying extra to have those gates removed, according to a letter from the union to the airline obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday.


Federal rules do not require the gates, although United has them on its 777s. Most planes flown by U.S. airlines do not have the gates.


Cockpit security became a huge issue because of the hijackings of Sep. 11, 2001, prompting airlines to strengthen all of their cockpit doors.


However, the doors still need to be opened during flights, especially on longer flights when pilots need to use the lavatory or go to bunks while other pilots fly the plane. The secondary barrier blocks access from the passenger cabin to the cockpit even when the door is open.


"It makes no logical sense for a safety and security conscious airline with the history of United to pay for the removal of this device that further protects the flight deck from those with hostile intent," the letter dated Monday said.


United spokeswoman Christen David said secondary barriers are just one component of flight security, and the combination of security measures can vary from one type of plane to the next.



She declined to discuss the barriers in detail, but said "we are thorough in carrying out our security responsibilities for every flight. The safety and security of our employees and customers are our top priorities."


United expects to get at least five 787s this year. The airline is part of Chicago-based United Continental Holdings Inc.

http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/19/19841.html

[everywhere]

American Airlines pilots reject contract offer
(AP/WCARN.com, June 20)

The pilots' union on Wednesday rejected the latest contract offer from American Airlines, which is awaiting a judge's ruling on whether it can impose its own terms for cutting costs that include eliminating thousands of jobs.

The union's board voted 11-5 to reject the company's offer.
A federal bankruptcy judge is scheduled to rule Friday on whether American can break its current contracts with pilots and other union workers. The pilots' union wants in that ruling delayed.


American and parent AMR Corp., filed for bankruptcy protection in November. American is the nation's third-biggest airline behind United and Delta.


Its attempt to fix itself has been complicated by US Airways, which has taken steps toward a potential takeover of AMR - something that AMR executives don't want to talk about yet. US Airways won the support of American's unions by promising fewer layoffs and even some wage increases if it buys AMR.


American wants to emerge from bankruptcy as an independent company. To do that, it says it must cut labor costs by US$1.25 billion per year - mostly by eliminating nearly 12,000 union jobs. American has about 75,000 employees including nearly 55,000 union members.


While pilots would bear only 400 of the immediate job losses, they have complained bitterly about other changes sought by American. A key ingredient to the turnaround plan is boosting revenue by selling seats on other U.S. airlines as if they were American flights.


American can't do that under the current contract with pilots, who fear that so-called code-sharing would mean fewer pilot jobs at American. But federal law lets companies in bankruptcy scuttle their union contracts if it's essential to their survival.


After several days of last-ditch negotiations, American made a new contract proposal to the pilots' union last week. Neither side disclosed the offer's specific terms. The union said there were "clear improvements" over American's original plan but that some areas, such as scheduling, which affects a pilot's pay, were too vague.


"This is still a concessionary contract," said union spokesman Tom Hoban.
Still, Hoban said the two sides were "very close in many areas." He said that union President David Bates asked AMR CEO Thomas Horton to seek the judge's approval for more time to negotiate by pushing back Friday's deadline.


American had no immediate comment on the union vote or the request for a delay in the judge's ruling.

http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/19/19862.html

[everywhere]

Delta in "dogfight" to become NYC's dominant airline
(WCARN.com/USA Today, June 21)

From its rapid build-up at LaGuardia Airport to becoming "the official airline of Madison Square Garden," Delta Air Lines is going all out to win the New York market.

Delta, which already has developed a big international hub at New York's JFK airport, hopes that the 100 new nonstop flights and 26 new destinations it has added at LaGuardia will make it an even bigger overall player in the U.S.'s most lucrative air travel market.


Reuters takes an in-depth look at Delta's efforts, writing that the carrier's "aggressive expansion positions it to woo business travelers from No. 1 United Continental Holdings, the dominant carrier at New Jersey's Newark airport, while also challenging bankrupt American Airlines and discounter JetBlue Airways, which are investing millions in their Big Apple hubs."


Delta's expansion at LaGuardia -- enabled by a unique Washington-New York "slot swap" with US Airways -- has made Delta the biggest carrier there. And, at JFK, Delta is in the midst of a US$1.2 billion terminal upgrade at its second-biggest hub. Atlanta is its busiest.


"New York is a dogfight, and it's really the holy grail for many of the competitors out there," Chuck Imhof, Delta's managing director for New York sales, says to Reuters.


At LaGuardia, Delta -- which gained most of US Airways' flight rights there -- thinks it can make money where US Airways could not.


Reuters writes "Helane Becker, a New York-based airline analyst with Dahlman Rose & Co, says LaGuardia will prove more profitable for Delta than it was for US Airways because of the use of larger planes.



Delta is using two-class regional jets that carry 70 passengers on many of its new flights, while US Airways had flown lots of smaller turboprops that seated 50 or fewer."


Delta claims it already is seeing an increase in high-fare business passengers on its LaGuardia flights.

http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/19/19887.html



United expects first Dreamliner in September
(WCARN.com/Chicago Tribune, June 22)

United Airlines reportedly expects to take delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplane in September.

United, which will be the first North American airline to receive the long-awaited and highly anticipated plane, has long said it expects to take delivery in the second half of 2012. A spokeswoman on Friday repeated that statement.


However, a Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspaper blog on Friday cited internal communications at United specifying September as the anticipated delivery month. United and Boeing are both headquartered in Chicago.


The Dreamliner, the first of which was delivered last fall to Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways, is a twin-aisle plane that offers the best fuel economy and range for a craft its size and offers passengers greater comfort while flying.



However, the plane is just as well known for incurring lengthy production delays. Boeing delivered its first 787 about three years late because of design and construction problems.


United, the most dominant airline at Chicago O'Hare and in the region, has said in the past that it would "likely" use a 787 on routes through Chicago, possibly as soon as the fourth quarter of this year. However, it hasn't announced a flight schedule for the aircraft.


LOT Polish Airlines was the first airline to officially announce that it will offer a Chicago O'Hare flight aboard a 787. LOT will begin service in January 2013 between Chicago and Warsaw, Poland.


The Dreamliner is made of a lighter, largely composite structure, which provides greater fuel efficiency and the ability to fly long range.


For passengers, the aircraft has the industry's largest windows and overhead bins. The smoother-riding and quieter plane has wider aisles and seats, and cleaner air using a filtration system to remove offensive odors. The windows are dimmable, via electrochromatic window shades rather than physical pull-down shades.


A recent survey of 787 passengers by ANA showed nine in 10 said their overall experience met or exceeded expectations. A similar number expressed a preference for flying in the Dreamliner over other aircraft, and a quarter of passengers said they would go out of their way to book a flight on the 787 again.

http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/19/19895.html

[everywhere]

Delta sees Q2 unit revenue rise, fuel hedge loss
(WCARN.com/Reuters, June 26)

Delta Air Lines Inc said a key revenue measure should rise in the second quarter, but it will record fuel hedge losses due to declining oil prices as well as staff cut charges.

The carrier said in a federal filing on Tuesday that passenger revenue per available seat mile, a widely watched metric called unit revenue, would be aided by business travel and its flight expansion in the New York market.


Delta said it expects an operating margin of 8 percent to 10 percent for the period, compared with 6.9 percent a year earlier. But including adjustments tied to hedges and US$170 million in charges for voluntary retirement and severance programs, it expects an operating margin of be about negative 1 percent.


The company said the rapid fall in fuel prices changed the value of its open fuel hedges, which run through June 2013. It said it expects a US$155 million loss for fuel hedges that settle in the second quarter.


U.S. oil prices have fallen to around US$79 a barrel since peaking at US$110 in March.

http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/19/19960.html

[hkskyline]

Source : http://pic.feeyo.com/posts/565/5655908.html

[everywhere]

Delta to sponsor London soccer club
(WCARN.com/The Wall Street Journal, June 26)

Delta Air Lines Inc. signed a sponsorship deal with London's Chelsea Football Club, becoming the first U.S. airline to partner with a top-ranked English Premier League soccer team.

Soccer's huge popularity in much of the world and its fast-growing following in Asia have already made it a magnet for international carriers looking to raise their profile.


Etihad Airways of Abu Dhabi and Dubai-based Emirates Airline already have sponsorship deals with some of Europe's biggest professional clubs.


U.S. airlines have long-established links with American sports, buying up stadium-naming rights in business centers such as New York and Los Angeles. But while AMR Corp.'s American Airlines has been the official trans-Atlantic airline partner of the Premier League's lower-ranked Fulham FC since 2006, they have had little presence in soccer.


"Airline advertising [in club soccer] is an area that's growing," said Simon Rines, editorial director at International Marketing Reports Ltd., a sponsorship analysis firm. "It's driven by the Middle Eastern carriers, and I suspect it will be driven by emerging airlines in Asia."


Delta's two-year deal with Chelsea, the newly crowned European club champions, is a relatively small step compared with the deals signed by its rivals in the Middle East and Asia.


Etihad sponsors the shirts of Manchester City FC, this year's English Premier League champions, while Emirates switched its marketing allegiance to Arsenal FC from Chelsea, and also bought the naming rights to the north London club's new stadium.


Tony Fernandez, owner of Malaysia's AirAsia, last year bought control of Queens Park Rangers FC, another London club.


Emirates has used sports sponsorships to fuel its aggressive marketing plans, and already has deals with six soccer clubs in Europe. As part of its U.S. strategy, it is considering plans to advertise during next year's Super Bowl broadcast.


The pricey TV spots would follow the pattern of advancing the brand that Emirates has successfully employed in Europe and Asia, backing everything from soccer-club jerseys to polo tournaments.


"The rationale for Emirates was they wanted to grow their branding quite quickly," Mr. Rimes said. "They were playing catch-up and now they've clearly caught up."


Chelsea's shirts will continue to be sponsored by Samsung Electronics Co., with Delta becoming "official airline sponsor," a deal that will put its logo on display at the Stamford Bridge stadium and at club events. The team is currently examining plans for a new stadium.


"It strengthens our brand in the U.K. and around the world," said Katie Hulme, a Delta spokeswoman. "There was an opportunity to work with Chelsea, and we've taken it."


As far as an initial push into European soccer, Delta is confident in its choice. Chelsea is hugely popular in London, a major Delta destination, and the team will be playing four exhibition matches this summer in the U.S., creating immediate overlap between domestic and international exposure.


Although the terms of Delta's deal weren't disclosed, analysts agreed that it probably didn't involve a major outlay of advertising funds and a way for Delta to get its name in front of soccer-loving European and Asian consumers for the carrier.


"The airlines have been very judicious in spending their money, because they don't have a lot of money to spend." said Helene Becker, analyst at Dahlman Rose & Co. "But they can't afford not to be associated with world-wide sport."

http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/19/19941.html


Faster 50-seater withdrawal could save Delta US$473-million
(WCARN.com/Aviation Week, June 25)

Delta Air Lines could save close to US$500 million in engine maintenance, Bombardier CRJ200 ownership and Delta Connection contract costs if its pilots ratify a new collective bargaining agreement they are voting on this month, the union's contract negotiating team says.


The proposed new pilot contract includes terms that would enable Delta to drop almost 200 50-seat aircraft from its network by the end of 2015 -- faster than it can under the current contract -- and do so shortly before many of them are due for expensive engine overhauls.


If the agreement is ratified (voting started June 15 and ends June 29) Delta will save about US$184 million in "above normal run rate CRJ200 engine maintenance costs," negotiators for the Delta Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association said in a note to members.


Delta also will save about US$289 million in Delta Connection contract and CRJ200 ownership costs, they added. That provides for a total net savings of $473 million over the life of the new collective bargaining agreement, which would become amendable at the end of 2015.


A union spokesman says the savings calculations "were aggregated from costing discussions between our negotiating committee and Delta management and published to our pilots with Delta's permission."


The negotiators' argument in favor of the contract is that -- on an ongoing basis -- Delta will be spending more than it saves on items that matter to pilots, such as higher pay and growth in the mainline fleet by the subleasing of 88 Boeing 717 aircraft from Southwest Airlines.


Delta did not have any comment.

http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/19/19949.html

[everywhere]

Delta to offer international Wi-Fi service
(USA Today/WCARN.com, June 28)

Delta Air Lines will offer Wi-Fi on international flights starting early next year, the carrier announced today.


Internet service will be available on Delta's long-haul international fleet of more than 150 aircraft, which include its Boeing 777, 767, 747, Airbus 330 and the transoceanic Boeing 757, starting in early 2013. The airline already offers WiFi on its entire domestic fleet of 550 mainline aircraft.


By the time installation of the international Wi-Fi service is completed in 2015, Delta will be operating about 1,000 Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft worldwide.


U.S. airlines have been quick to provide Wi-Fi on domestic flights but not so much on international routes because they've been constrained by technology. Most airlines use a system that involves stations on the ground that transmit signals to the aircraft. Those stations are not installed in the water.


But Delta's international Wi-Fi service will be made possible through the use of satellites being developed by service provider Gogo. The company is using high-bandwith Ku-band capacity satellites to provide coverage over water. Delta is the first airline that will be using this technology.


The satellite technology tends to be more expensive, but Gogo and Delta both say that passengers are eager to stay connected at all times, even while flying over the ocean.


"Delta's advancements in technology have been a key component to our improvements in the customer travel experience and have been cited by J.D. Power and Associates and PCWorld magazine as important aspects of travel," said Tim Mapes, Delta's senior vice president of marketing, in a press release.



"With our expansion of international Wi-Fi options across our fleet, Delta customers will be able to stay connected throughout their journey."


Brett Snyder, author of the Cranky Flier aviation blog, notes that other airlines are experimenting with the Ku-band satellite technology, in particular Southwest Airlines.


"The speed is adequate for now, but it is expected by many that [the] technology will be faster and cheaper when it becomes commonplace," he says.


United Airlines has previously said that it is exploring ways to offer international Wi-Fi.

http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/19/19991.html

[everywhere]

Delta to offer international Wi-Fi service
(USA Today/WCARN.com, June 28)

Delta Air Lines will offer Wi-Fi on international flights starting early next year, the carrier announced today.


Internet service will be available on Delta's long-haul international fleet of more than 150 aircraft, which include its Boeing 777, 767, 747, Airbus 330 and the transoceanic Boeing 757, starting in early 2013. The airline already offers WiFi on its entire domestic fleet of 550 mainline aircraft.


By the time installation of the international Wi-Fi service is completed in 2015, Delta will be operating about 1,000 Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft worldwide.


U.S. airlines have been quick to provide Wi-Fi on domestic flights but not so much on international routes because they've been constrained by technology. Most airlines use a system that involves stations on the ground that transmit signals to the aircraft. Those stations are not installed in the water.


But Delta's international Wi-Fi service will be made possible through the use of satellites being developed by service provider Gogo. The company is using high-bandwith Ku-band capacity satellites to provide coverage over water. Delta is the first airline that will be using this technology.


The satellite technology tends to be more expensive, but Gogo and Delta both say that passengers are eager to stay connected at all times, even while flying over the ocean.


"Delta's advancements in technology have been a key component to our improvements in the customer travel experience and have been cited by J.D. Power and Associates and PCWorld magazine as important aspects of travel," said Tim Mapes, Delta's senior vice president of marketing, in a press release.



"With our expansion of international Wi-Fi options across our fleet, Delta customers will be able to stay connected throughout their journey."


Brett Snyder, author of the Cranky Flier aviation blog, notes that other airlines are experimenting with the Ku-band satellite technology, in particular Southwest Airlines.


"The speed is adequate for now, but it is expected by many that [the] technology will be faster and cheaper when it becomes commonplace," he says.


United Airlines has previously said that it is exploring ways to offer international Wi-Fi.

http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/19/19991.html

[nomarandlee]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,6980555.story

American looking at 5 airlines for merger partner

Reuters

6:16 a.m. CDT, July 11, 2012

The bankrupt parent of American Airlines said on Tuesday it will press ahead with evaluating potential mergers and will reach out to interested parties, a move set to satisfy some creditors less than impressed with its stand-alone restructuring plan.

A source familiar with the situation said AMR sees itself as an acquirer in potential mergers and at least five airlines -- US Airways Group Inc., JetBlue Airways Corp, Alaska Air Group, Republic Airways' Frontier Airlines, and Virgin America -- will be considered.

Any merger proposals would be weighed against the standalone restructuring plan being developed, the source added............

US Airways said in a statement it was pleased with the development.

"All we have asked for is a fair and balanced opportunity to present our plan versus others, and we are hopeful this is the beginning of such a process," US Airways said. "We remain confident that our plan will maximize value for all stakeholders."

The source also said private equity firms, other legacy U.S. carriers and even foreign airlines may show interest in a potential deal or investment once American starts the evaluation work...............
.

...

[Momo1435]

United Airlines has chosen for the Boeing 737 MAX and placed a firm order today for:

100x 737 MAX 9
50x 737-900 ER

Boeing Announces Historic 737 Order From United Airlines

CHICAGO, July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today an order by United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) and its wholly owned subsidiary, United Air Lines, Inc., for 150 737 airplanes, including 100 of the new 737 MAX 9. United, the world's largest airline by traffic, is the latest carrier to choose the newest member of the 737 family, which today eclipsed 10,000 orders overall.

The deal, worth $14.7 billion at list prices, also includes 50 Next Generation 737-900ERs (Extended-Range).

"This order is a major step in building the world's leading airline, and we look forward to offering our customers the modern features and reliability of new Boeing airplanes, while also making our fleet more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly," said Jeff Smisek, United's President and CEO. "New aircraft deliveries support our flexible fleet plan, permitting us to tailor future capacity up or down, based on changes in demand or other market conditions."

United is the North American launch customer for the 737 MAX 9. The order continues the momentum for the 737 MAX, which now has more than 1,200 orders and commitments from 18 customers. Counting all variants, the 737 program now stands at 10,039 orders, further cementing the 737 as the undisputed best-selling jetliner in the world.

"United and Boeing share a rich history together and we are delighted United has chosen the 737 for its future fleet, renewing our partnership for decades to come," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We believe the 737 provides unsurpassed quality and value in the market and will provide efficiencies and other benefits to United's operations."
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2342

image hosted on flickr

Boeing Announces Historic 737 Order From United Airlines by The Boeing Company, on Flickr

image hosted on flickr

Boeing Announces Historic 737 Order From United Airlines by The Boeing Company, on Flickr

[everywhere]

United passengers revolt after stranded for 3 days in China
(WCARN.com/ABC News, July 16)

A United Airlines flight from Shanghai, China, to New Jersey should have taken just 13 hours, but it took some folks three days to make that trip, after a firestorm of protests, threats, even violence.

United Flight 87 was scheduled to leave Shanghai Wednesday and bring 225 passengers to Newark Airport in New Jersey. The flight didn't land until Saturday morning after three days of cancellations, causing tense moments between passengers and United Airlines. "You get the runaround by these airlines," said passenger Steve Borowka.

"You're so powerless, just so humiliated and frustrated and you get so upset." The flight was canceled twice because of maintenance on the Boeing 777, and a third delay came because the flight crew had been on duty too long. As passengers grew frustrated by miscommunications, tempers boiled over and a fist fight broke out.

more: http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/20/20346.html


Needles found in sandwiches on 4 Delta flights
(WCARN.com/Associated Press, July 16)

Delta Air Lines Inc. and the FBI are trying to figure out how needles got into turkey sandwiches served aboard four flights from Amsterdam. One passenger was injured.

The airline said that what appear to be sewing needles were found in six sandwiches on Sunday. One passenger on a flight to Minneapolis was injured, but the passenger declined to get medical attention, according to Delta spokeswoman Kristin Baur. The other needles were on two flights to Atlanta and one to Seattle.

The FBI's Atlanta office has opened a criminal investigation into the matter, the agency said in a written statement. An FBI spokesman in Atlanta did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

more: http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/20/20345.html

[diablo234]

http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Spirit-Airlines

[everywhere]

Is that the first low-cost carrier in the US?

[Benn]

Low cost carriers have been around in the US in one form or another since airline deregulation in 1978, and Southwest has been providing low cost, low quality service since 1971. Spirit has been pushing more and more of there revenue into bag fees, optional beverages, removing lavatories for more seating etc, but definitely not the first in the US. Jetblue and (the recently purchased by Southwest) Airtran are big name low-cost airlines. Theres also Allegiant, Sun Country and probably a half dozen others.

[bozenBDJ]

AmericanAirlines introduces New Planes and Modern Comfort
(aa.com, July 23)

more: http://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/newplanes.jsp?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=newplanes

[everywhere]

United Airlines profit plunges 37 percent
(WCARN.com/AFP, July 26)

The parent of United Airlines, the world's biggest airline, reported Thursday a steep fall in second-quarter profit on weak revenue growth. United Continental Holdings, Inc. said it had net income of US$339 million in the April-June period, compared with US$538 million in the year-ago period.

Earnings of US$1.41 per share, excluding special items, fell far short of the US$1.70 expected by analysts. The company, known by its ticker symbol UAL, said revenues edged up 1.3 percent, to US$9.9 billion, missing estimates of US$10.0 billion.

The biggest airline by traffic also was hit by higher fuel prices, a major driver of a 4.0 percent increase in operating costs. Passenger revenue increased 2.3 percent to US$8.8 billion, while cargo revenue tumbled 16.1 percent to US$265 million.

more: http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/20/20555.html


U.S. ups the pressure on European Union in airline row
(WCARN.com/Reuters, July 26)

Washington will ratchet up the pressure next week to find a global solution to a bitter row over an EU law that makes airlines that use European airports pay for carbon emissions. In the U.S. Senate, the powerful commerce committee will hold a vote on Tuesday on a bipartisan bill that would make it illegal to comply with the EU law.

"We hope it will further signal to the EU that there continues to be deep opposition in the U.S.," said Nancy Young, vice president of environmental affairs for lobby group Airlines for America (A4A). At the same time, the U.S. State Department and Department of Transportation will hold a two-day meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday to try to accelerate efforts within the U.N.'s aviation body -- the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) -- to come up with a solution acceptable to all sides.

The meeting will bring together 17 non-EU nations opposed to the EU law, which since the start of this year requires all flights in or out of Europe to pay for their emissions, using the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). U.S. sources said the meeting will take a different tack from previous gatherings of ETS opponents, referred to as the coalition of the unwilling, because rather than drawing up lists of retaliatory threats, it is seeking an alternative way forward.

more: http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/20/20556.html