New York (AirGuide - Airport News)

U.S. Muslims face extra security after overseas trips.
As the federal government expands its terrorism watch lists, some advocacy groups say U.S. Muslims are finding it harder to return home after traveling abroad. The Muslim American Society reports about 16 cases per month of lengthy security delays at foreign airports, an increase of 50% since the Christmas Day bombing attempt on a U.S. jetliner.

White House scraps quarantine rule for sick travelers.
Tough new quarantine rules for travelers have been quietly scrapped by the Obama administration, USA TODAY reports. The rules, first proposed during the avian flu scare of 2005, would have required airlines to report sick passengers to the Centers for Disease Control while giving federal health officials the power to detain travelers for up to three business days if they were deemed too ill to fly.

More targeted airport screening procedures
White House to unveil more targeted airport screening procedures. The White House today is set to announce new airport security procedures that will screen passengers based on personal characteristics and intelligence reports rather than their country of origin. The system is designed to weed out U.S.-bound travelers who do not appear on terrorism watch lists but do fit descriptions -- age, ethnicity, travel patterns and the like -- gleaned from current intelligence.

American, JetBlue hint at deeper alliance in the future
Wednesday's surprise announcement of a limited partnership between American Airlines and JetBlue Airways could be just the first step in a broader alliance. In a news conference, American CEO Gerard Arpey hinted that code-sharing and reciprocal frequent flier recognition might be in the future. As for JetBlue joining American in the Oneworld alliance, JetBlue CEO David Barger said that both airlines "are open to the path forward, whatever that may be."

More security worries in Nigeria after man crashes car into airplane
A man in eastern Nigeria drove through two security gates before crashing his car into a commercial airliner on Wednesday, raising fresh concerns about aviation security in the country where the alleged Christmas Day underwear bomber apparently began his mission. The Boeing 737 was empty when the unnamed man rammed his Audi into the plane's underbelly. Police said there were no injuries, and no explosives were found in the car.

DHS seeks greater cooperation with science, engineering bodies
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano met with top science and engineering leaders this week to discuss further cooperation in creating technologies to prevent terrorist attacks. "DHS is committed to working closely with our colleagues across the science and technology community to leverage private, non-profit and government expertise to help prevent and deter terrorism and recover from natural disasters," she said Monday after meeting with the presidents of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering.

New high-speed rail link between two major Chinese cities has resulted in the suspension of all flights
Within less than two months after launch, a new high-speed rail link between two major Chinese cities has resulted in the suspension of all inter-city connecting flights. The new express train travels between Zhengzhou and Xian, running at a top speed of 350 km per hour has reduced travel time between the two cities from more than six hours to less than two. It takes just over an hour to fly, but Xian's airport is also located at least an hour away by road from downtown.Subsequently, only 48 days after the railway began operations, all Zhengzhou airport flights to and from Xian have stopped.

Update of its list of airlines banned from operating within EU borders
European Commission's 13th update of its list of airlines banned from operating within EU borders includes all carriers from the Philippines and Sudan as well as Iran Air. Philippine Airlines currently operates to five North American destinations but neither it nor its affiliates fly to Europe, while Iran Air does serve the continent. The EC said it "acknowledges the recent efforts launched by the competent authorities to reform the civil aviation system in the Philippines" and that PAL and Cebu Air have taken measures. However, it said it would "follow the principle of precaution" and impose a full operating ban. Sudan, the EC said, was guilty of "persistent noncompliance with international standards in the area of oversight." Ramp checks of Iran Air aircraft serving the EU, along with "serious incidents and accidents suffered by the carrier and insufficient oversight from the authority over the past year," led the EC to ban certain aircraft from operating. It said it plans a visit to Iran "over the next months" to verify safety oversight. It did not indicate which aircraft are banned. The EC lifted some restrictions on TAAG Angola Airlines and Air Koryo. The North Korean airline, banned since March 2006, will be allowed to operate two specially equipped aircraft into the EU, while TAAG will be allowed to fly to any EU destination "under certain strict conditions with specific aircraft." Other Angolan airlines remain banned. The commission said it is "closely monitoring" airlines from Albania and Egypt. The blacklist still includes Ariana Afghan Airlines, Siem Reap Airways International, Silverback Cargo Freighters and all airlines from 17 countries including Indonesia.

TSA vacancy is politically dangerous for Obama.
Political experts say the pressure is on President Barack Obama after a second nominee for TSA chief was forced to withdraw from consideration last week due in part to ethical questions. "TSA can continue to tread water while it awaits a leader," says Rand Corp. terrorism expert Brian Jenkins. "But the threat is dynamic, and treading water isn't good enough." If the U.S. were to suffer a major terrorist attack on its transportation system while the TSA is without a permanent leader, it would be "a political disaster that could mortally wound a President's hopes for a second term," according to this analysis.

Regulators and airline groups from around the world to share safety data
Global airlines to share safety data under "milestone" pact. Regulators and airline groups from around the world have signed a "declaration of intent" to share safety data such as government audits, pilot errors and air-traffic control mix-ups. Historically, such data have been jealously guarded by individual countries, making comparison and improvement difficult. The new agreement, hammered out this week in Montreal, is being hailed as a "milestone" and "the first time the global aviation community has come together to work on a global safety information exchange."

Unions push for permanent leader at TSA
Federal employee unions say morale within the TSA is flagging due to a lack of permanent leadership at the agency. "Because of the importance of the TSA administrator to our nation's security, the administration has got to make it a priority to find a nominee who is above reproach and can win a confirmation bid," said John Gage, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which is vying with the National Treasury Employees Union to organize TSA workers in anticipation of collective bargaining. 

Aviation links have seen the two regions agree to expand cooperation on safety and security
Phase two of the EU and US talks to deregulate aviation links have seen the two regions agree to expand cooperation on safety and security, as well as increased protection on US carriers from night flight laws in European skies. In theory, the two parties have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for further liberalization in the trans-Atlantic market.

Philly K9s never tire of bomb-sniffing "game"
Newspaper columnist Stu Bykofsky profiles the bomb-sniffing dogs of the Philadelphia Police Airport Explosives Detection K9 Unit, pointing out that the first rule for handlers is this: "Trust your dog." The dogs are trained to sniff out a variety of suspect odors, and new scents are added as new threats are discovered. Handlers say the job is like a game for the dogs, and suspicious items are sometimes planted to keep the game from getting boring. "For them, it's hide-and-seek. It's a game. We hide something, they find it," one officer explains.

Study: Arizona airports need nearly $2B in funding
A study commissioned by the Arizona Department of Transportation shows the state's 83 public-use airports will need an additional $9.7 billion in funding to keep up with demand over the next two decades. Much of the money is needed for safety and security projects: For instance, the study noted that only 60% of state airports meet FAA guidelines for runway protection zones. Finding the $486 million needed each year will be difficult, experts say, in part because lawmakers are diverting tens of millions of dollars from the state aviation fund into projects unrelated to aviation.

Air China, Shenzhen Airlines
Shenzhen Airlines transferred its PEK operation from Terminal 2 to Air China's Terminal 3 in order to facilitate the shuttle operation. Shenzhen Marketing Director Zhu Yixin noted that the carriers will announce similar services on additional routes in the coming days. They also are discussing other areas of cooperation including codesharing and cargo. Through its impending takeover of Shenzhen, Air China will increase its share of the South China market to 43 percent. CZ holds 30 percent.

Air Cuenca
Ecuador's domestic market could see the entrance of a fifth major carrier in the second quarter as Air Cuenca plans to launch services with a single Boeing 737-500.

Air Jamaica
Air Jamaica is offering one-way fares for travel between New York and Kingston, Jamaica, for USD129 each way. The special fare is available for travel between April 13 and April 28 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tickets must be purchased at least 14 days in advance. The USD129 fare is one-way and subject to government taxes and fees. Government taxes and fees are additional. Conditions regarding cancellations and other charges apply. Fares are per person, one-way and valid for travel in Lovebird Economy Class on Tuesday or Wednesday from April 13 to 28. U.S. and foreign government imposed taxes and fees of up to USD105 per person are additional and due with final payment. A September 11th security fee of USD2.50 per person per U.S. enplanement is additional and due with final payment.

American Airlines
American Airlines will operate four-times-weekly Miami-Buenos Aires service July 2-Aug. 23 aboard a 777-200.

American Airlines, Cape Air
American Airlines and Cape Air announced a codeshare deal under which AA will place its code on Cape flights from Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Quincy and Marion, Ill., to St. Louis, allowing Cape Air passengers to connect to an AA flight on a single ticket.

American Airlines, Jetblue Airways
American, JetBlue announce agreement, slot arrangement. JetBlue Airways and American Airlines on Wednesday both announced a slot transfer arrangement that will allow JetBlue for the first time to offer service at Reagan Washington National Airport, while American will offer 23 new flights from New York LaGuardia and JFK. JetBlue expects to start its DCA service in November, pending regulatory approval, with at least eight daily departures. The moves are part of a larger agreement between American and JetBlue.

American Eagle
DCA flight ordered to land at IAD due to suspicious passenger. An American Eagle regional jet bound for Reagan National Airport was diverted to Dulles late Monday after "suspicious information" was received about a passenger on the flight. American said the passenger's name was not on any federal watch list, but TSA ordered the plane to land at Dulles as a precaution. Passengers were interviewed by law enforcement officials, and there were no arrests. 

Boeing
Checklist design and procedures featured on the agenda of this weeks high-level ICAO safety conference following the fatal loss of a Boeing MD-82 at Madrid, and the extraordinary escape of an MD-83 in a near-identical incident a year before.

Bombardier
Spanish investigators believe that the Bombardier CRJ200 crew involved in a gear-up landing at Barcelona forgot to lower the undercarriage after becoming distracted by a problem with the jet's flaps.

British Airways
British Airways and its cabin crew members have not reached a resolution over pay and staffing levels, but the carrier expects to operate most of its flights from its base in London's Heathrow airport today. Flight attendants have spent seven days on strike, forcing BA to cancel hundreds of flights.

British Airways
British Airways to operate most flights from Heathrow as strike ends. British Airways and its cabin crew members have not reached a resolution over pay and staffing levels, but the carrier expects to operate most of its flights from its base in London's Heathrow airport today. Flight attendants have spent seven days on strike, forcing BA to cancel hundreds of flights. "We are quickly coming into the high season, so they have to solve this issue before then," said Yan Derocles, an analyst at Oddo Securities. "They don't have a lot of time to resolve this strike."

British Airways
British Airways said Monday that it has flown more aircraft during the second strike by its cabin crew so far, adding that its full-year profit outlook remains unchanged by the walkouts. BA said that the first two days of the current four-day strike -- over the weekend -- had cost the airline around 5.5 million pounds (USD8.2 million). That's less than the 7 million pounds per day it estimated for last week's three-day day walkout.

British Airways
Airline insider to face terror trial in London. The British Airways employee suspected of planning a terrorist attack had his first court date on Friday, though a full trial will not take place until next year. Bangladesh-born Rajib Karim allegedly used his position inside the company to advise foreign terrorist groups on airport security procedures and to recruit suicide bombers. Authorities reportedly are probing Karim's ties to groups in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Yemen.

British Airways
British Airways cabin crew strike forces 30% cut of flights. In the second day of the British Airways cabin crew's strike, 30% of the airline's flights from Britain on Sunday were canceled. Unite, the union representing the cabin crew, said it would plan for another phase of strikes after Easter if a breakthrough was not achieved. The dispute between British Airways and its cabin crew revolves around the airline's cost-cutting plans.

Carpatair
Carpatair will launch flights from Bucharest Otopeni to Bergamo (five-times-weekly), Venice (six-times-weekly), Bologna (thrice-weekly) and Verona (thrice-weekly) on May 17.

Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific Airways will launch thrice-weekly Hong Kong-Moscow Domodedovo service on July 13 aboard an A340-300.

Cleveland Hopkins International
NFL player arrested for concealed weapon at Cleveland Hopkins. Shaun Rogers, a nose tackle for the NFL's Cleveland Browns, was arrested Thursday when TSA screeners found a loaded handgun in his carry-on bag at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Rogers, who has a concealed carry license issued in Michigan, told police he forgot the .45-caliber gun was in his bag.

Continental Airlines
Continental executive discusses Asia's importance to U.S. airlines. Continental Airlines is about to relaunch service between Hong Kong and Guam. Walter Dias, Continental's managing director for Greater China and Southeast Asia, explains why Asia is so important to airlines in the U.S. "If you want to be a player, you have to be looking to Asia," Dias said.

Continental Airlines
Continental Airlines launched daily Newark-Munich service Saturday aboard a 767-200ER.

Cuba
House may soon pass bill lifting ban on travel to Cuba. The U.S. House of Representatives is poised to pass legislation as soon as next month that would lift a ban on travel and ease restrictions on agricultural imports to Cuba, according to the bill's sponsor. The bill, known as the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, would end a 47-year prohibition on Americans traveling to Cuba, and President Barack Obama has said he envisions a "new era" in relations with Cuba. But he criticized "deeply disturbing" humans-rights violations by its government.

Delta Air Lines, Midwest Airlines
Delta Air Lines and Midwest Airlines will end their frequent-flier partnership on June 7, according to an announcement on Delta's website. Delta inherited the Midwest alliance when it took over Northwest Airlines, a part-owner of Midwest. But Midwest was subsequently acquired by Republic Airways, which is seeking to establish its own branded airline apart from the regional services it offers for several carriers -- including Delta. 

Delta Air Lines, WestJet
Following swirling media reports of a potential codeshare deal between Delta Air Lines and WestJet, Southwest has warned a potential codeshare agreement between the two carriers "could be inconsistent" with the agreement it has to codeshare with WestJet.

Emirates Airlines
Our regular source from the Emirates office in Kampala has informed this correspondent that nonstop flights between Dubai and Tokyos Narita airport have now started. Travelers from Uganda and other East African destinations can now connect within a short period of time in Dubai.

Emirates Airlines
Middle Eastern carrier Emirates is to deploy Airbus A380 aircraft on services to Manchester in the northern UK. Emirates will begin operating one of its two daily Dubai-Manchester flights with a 517-seat A380 on Sept. 1, replacing the 777 that normally operates the route. "We have invested close to GBP10 million in upgrading the airfield and terminal. . .to accommodate the aircraft," MAN MD Andrew Cornish said. Emirates operates eight A380s to London Heathrow, Toronto Pearson, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Jeddah, Bangkok, Incheon, Sydney and Auckland.

Etihad Airways
Etihad has become the first Middle Eastern airline to operate from the Japanese capital Tokyo - with Emirates coming a close second. The airline launched its inaugural flight between Abu Dhabi and Tokyo on March 27, the first of five regular flights between the two cities every week; 10 first class, 26 business class and 164 economy seats will be available on each flight.

EVA Air
EVA Air launched nonstop passenger flights between Toronto and Taipei on March 29, expanding its service in Canada and giving travelers from Ontario and Eastern Canada a new choice in cabin service. In addition to EVAs Premium Laurel business and Economy cabins, passengers can book the airlines Elite Class premium economy. EVA Air was the first airline to roll out a distinctive premium economy cabin in-between economy and business in 1992 when it introduced the first edition of its Elite Class to travelers on its first flight to North America. Elite Class passengers travel in wider seats with deeper cushions, leg- and foot-rests, a 38-inch pitch and individual seat-back mounted audio/video on-demand entertainment systems with a choice of movies, features, music, games, duty-free shopping and more.

Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) this week will begin accepting applications for USD115 million in planning and construction project funds for high-speed intercity passenger rail. These solicitations will make available USD50 million in planning project funds appropriated under the FY 2010 DOT Appropriations Act, and approximately USD65 million in residual construction project funds appropriated under the FY 2009 DOT Appropriations Act. “We are excited to move forward the President's vision on high-speed rail and are working quickly to get funding in the hands of states,� said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

GOL Transportes Aeros
Gol will launch weekly Rio de Janeiro Galeao-Sao Paulo Guarulhos-Caracas-Punta Cana service on April 3 aboard a Varig 737-800.

GOL Transportes Aeros
GOL Transportes Aeros the largest low-cost and low-fare airline in Latin America, will launch scheduled flights to a new international destination -- Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic. The flights, which have already been approved by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and other authorities, will begin on April 3. The company has already been flying chartered flights to Punta Cana. The flights will take place weekly on Saturdays, from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo international airports at 9 a.m. and 11:05 a.m. (local time), respectively, arriving in Caracas, Venezuela, at 3:30 p.m. (local time) for a short stop over before taking off at 4:10 p.m. (local time,) and arriving in Punta Cana at 6:15 p.m. (local time). On the return trip, the aircraft will leave the Dominican Republic at 9 p.m. (local time), arriving in Caracas at 10:05 p.m.(local time), before flying on to Brazil where it will arrive in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro at 10:45 p.m. and 7 a.m. (local time), respectively.

GOL Transportes Aeros
Gol launched a new fare structure featuring four categories--Comfort, Flexible, Scheduled and Promotional--with varying features and prices. Comfort is available on Varig-branded flights to Bogota, Caracas and Aruba and includes more comfortable seating, a mileage bonus, check-in and boarding priority and lounge access. Flexible allows for flight changes and offers boarding priority, lounge access and a mileage bonus, Scheduled "offers the best prices for those booking in advance" and Promotional is for those "seeking to take advantage of offers and obtain the lowest prices," Gol said.

Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines has long-range expansion on its radar as it prepares to take delivery of the first of nine A330-200s next month. The first A330 will be used on flights to Los Angeles. Increasing its Sydney service from thrice-weekly is a priority, but other Australian cities are on the radar. HA currently operates the 767-300ER on long-haul flights to SYD, Manila, Papeete and Pago Pago.

Iceland
Officials in Iceland say the opening of a second fissure and constant lava flow are not putting in danger hordes of tourists seeking a glimpse of a rare volcanic eruption.

Icelandair
Icelandair increased service to Norway with flights to Stavanger, Bergen, Oslo and new service to Trondheim (starting June 10). Icelandair has also recently extended the seasonal flight schedule to Norway with service to Trondheim through Oct. 8 and service to Bergen and Stavanger through Oct. 10. For additional flight schedules and information, check GDS or contact The Icelandair Sales Support Team at 800-757-7242, ext. 313, or visit www.icelandair.is.

Insel Air
Insel Air is lowering its special promotional fare to USD233 per person, roundtrip between Miami and Bonaire. This fare is now valid and will be available for travel through Friday, June 4. The fare includes government taxes and fuel charges; it excludes departure taxes and the rate is subject to availability. Those wishing to take advantage of this special can book Insel Air flight 71908, departing Miami every Saturday at 3:15 p.m., arriving into Bonaire at 6:55 p.m. The return flight is Insel Air flight 71907, which departs Bonaire every Saturday at 11:25 a.m., arriving back into Miami at 2:25 p.m. These flight times allow for easy connections in Miami from a variety of U.S. or Canadian gateways. Insel Air utilizes an MD 82 jet aircraft which carries 152 passengers. The booking window is flexible, and tickets can be booked at (5999) 737-0444 or via www.fly-inselair.com . For Bonaire destination information, call 800-BONAIRE or visit www.tourismbonaire.com.

Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines will drop 29 international flights by the end of this fiscal year, more than the 16 route cuts its had previously announced, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, without citing anyone.

JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways recent access to Reagan National is part of an agreement with American Airlines announced today and through which JetBlue will also acquire slots for additional daily service at Westchester County Airport in suburban White Plains, N.Y. Terms of the slot transfer were not disclosed, and regulatory approval is not required for this transaction.

JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways and American Airlines on Wednesday both announced a slot transfer arrangement that will allow JetBlue for the first time to offer service at Reagan Washington National Airport, while American will offer 23 new flights from New York LaGuardia and JFK. JetBlue expects to start its DCA service in November, pending regulatory approval, with at least eight daily departures. The moves are part of a larger agreement between American and JetBlue. 

JetBlue Airways, Airbus
The US FAA is downloading the digital flight data recorder of a JetBlue Airbus A320 that experienced a tailstrike on departure from New York's JFK airport in gusty crosswind conditions on the evening of 28 March.

Jetstar
Jetstar will reintroduce direct flights between Cairns in far north Queensland and the Japanese city of Osaka this week. The airline cancelled the service late in 2008, blaming the high Australian dollar and record oil prices. The four weekly services between Cairns and Osaka will begin again on Thursday.

Kenya
On Monday in the late afternoon, reportedly during a heavy rain storm, another light aircraft destined for Wilson Airport crashed into a residential building in Nairobis Dagoretti estate, while enroute from an upcountry airstrip to the capital.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
The Dutch national airline KLMs office in Kampala confirmed that every Thursday they are now operating a 5th weekly flight between Amsterdam and Entebbe, making it the European airline with the most connections between Holland and Uganda.

Malev Hungarian Airlines
Malev Hungarian Airlines' summer schedule launches today and features flights to 50 destinations in 35 countries, including new service from Budapest to St. Petersburg (four-times-weekly starting next month), Malaga (weekly from May), Split (four-times-weekly from May, increasing to five-times-weekly in June) and Dublin (daily, start date undetermined).

Midwest Airlines
To celebrate the launch of nonstop service between Milwaukee and both Raleigh/Durham, N.C. and St. Louis on April 1 aboard EMB-135s, Midwest Airlines announced special pricing on the new routes: USD79 one way to or from Raleigh Durham and USD49 one way to or from St. Louis. Tickets must be purchased at least 14 days in advance and by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, April 15, for travel through June 9, 2010.

Milwaukee General Mitchell International
Airlines capitalize on opportunities in Milwaukee market. Milwaukee is becoming increasingly important as an alternative airline hub to Chicago, providing an opportunity that carriers are happy to jump on. Analysts agree the Milwaukee area is poised for growth. "For its population size, Milwaukee has been underserved," said analyst Darryl Jenkins, founder of the aviation economics Web site Airline Zone 

New York
Most-delayed flights in 2009 traceable to NYC airports. New York's airports accounted for more than 80 percent of the most-delayed flights in the U.S. last year, new figures from the Transportation Department reveal. Nearly half of all delays among the 35 largest airports are traced back to New York, even though the city's three airports account for only 12 percent of flights, according to the Air Transport Association, which estimates delays cost the industry up to USD17 billion last year. New York airports are undertaking various efforts to improve those statistics, including a major runway construction project at JFK. "We understand how much flight delays impact our passengers, which is why we've invested billions" in improvements, says a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, adding that an updated air-traffic control system remains the best long-term solution.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
Northwest Fla. airport readies bag scanner for opening day. Testing has begun on the "state-of-the-art" baggage system at the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Officials want to ensure there are no hang-ups when passengers begin using the automated system, which tests suspicious bags multiple times. The new airport, near Panama City, is scheduled to open May 23. 

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
Florida airport begins testing of inline baggage system. The TSA is preparing to start up to four weeks of tests on the $4 million baggage-screening system at the nearly completed Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport near Panama City. The 16,000-square-foot system will be tested with up to 200 bags at a time, some containing fake explosives. The airport is due to open May 23.

Orlando International Airport
Behind the scenes at OIA lost and found. Last year, the lost-and-found office at Orlando International Airport took in 54,380 items -- and returned 55 percent of them. Ron Lewis, director of airport operations for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, says it is "amazing" what travelers can lose: a wedding dress, a set of car tires, a USD28,000 watch. The passenger screening area is one of the busiest sources for the lost-and-found department. "I guess they close their laptop, put it on the [Transportation Security Administration screening] belt and walk away," Lewis says of absentminded passengers. The airport will hold an item for 60 days; if no one claims it, the item goes to auction. 

Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines is launching year-round service between Sudbury and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The schedule includes one daily non-stop roundtrip flight. The inaugural flight touched down in Sudbury, met by a traditional water cannon salute from the airports fire service. Connecting flights provide numerous travel options within Porters growing network. By flying through Porters Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport base, travelers can continue on to such destinations as Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, New York, Boston, and Chicago.

Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines will operate twice-daily Moncton-Ottawa-Toronto City service June 25-Sept. 7, after which route will be flown four-times-weekly.

Royal Jordanian
Royal Jordanian launches online check-in today. Service is available 24 hr. prior to departure for passengers leaving Amman for all international destinations except those in the US. The remainder of the network will be added "at a later stage," RJ said.

Royal Jordanian
Royal Jordanian won the Punctuality Award 2009 in the "Intercontinental" category at Schiphol Aviation Awards that Amsterdam Airport Schiphol hosts every year in recognition of the exceptional performance among airlines. RJ was awarded the prize for the most punctual airline at peak hours. RJ President/CEO Hussein Dabbas pointed out that the on-time departures and arrivals exceeded 90%, but the company seeks to bring it to 95% through a series of practical and efficient procedures applied at Queen Alia International Airport and the international airports where it operates. Royal Jordanian, which has been operating regular flights to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport since 1975, is currently operating five weekly flights, using Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft. The aircraft are outfitted with the best modern and technical equipment to achieve the highest levels of comfort and convenience for passengers.

Ryanair
Ryanair works on plan to charge passengers to use lavatory. Ryanair is aiming to encourage passengers to use airport restrooms before they board the plane. The airline is working with Boeing on a coin-operated door release system that would require passengers to deposit either a euro or a British pound to use the bathroom on flights that last less than an hour.

Ryanair
Ryanair yesterday opened its 37th base at Oslo Rygge, from which it will operate three aircraft to 27 destinations. It intends to serve 1.7 million passengers per year at the airport.

Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines customers traveling to Tokyo now have a greater choice, with the launch of two daily flights to Tokyo Haneda Airport. These new flights are now available for booking, through singaporeair.com. Flights to Haneda will be operated from Oct. 31 with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft featuring Singapore Airlines latest product offerings. The flights will complement the current twice-daily Tokyo Narita services, bringing total frequency to Tokyo to four times daily. SQ634, departing Singapore Changi Airport at 3:40 p.m., will arrive at Haneda at 11:05 p.m., while SQ633, the return flight, will depart Haneda at 12:15 a.m. and arrive in Singapore at 6:40 a.m. The second flight, SQ636, will depart Singapore at 10 p.m. and arrive at Haneda at 5:45 a.m. the next day. The return flight, SQ635, will depart at 6:55 a.m. from Haneda and arrive at Changi Airport at 1:20 p.m. The timings for both flights are subject to regulatory approval. Haneda Airport offers an extensive range of domestic flight connections. For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com.

Skyservice Airlines
Skyservice Airlines announced on Wednesday that it is shutting down its operations following the appointment of a receiver by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Southwest Airlines
After three years of retooling and retraining, Southwest Airlines will flip the switch next week on a cockpit software upgrade designed to cut down on fuel burn, noise and delays. Starting April 6, about two-thirds of the Southwest fleet will begin using satellite navigation as they approach for landing at airports equipped for Required Navigation Performance, a key piece of the NextGen air-traffic control system. Southwest has invested USD175 million in the technology upgrade -- an investment it claims it can earn back by cutting just one minute of flying time from each flight. About 20 airports served by Southwest will be approved for RNP by the end of the year. 

Southwest Georgia Regional Airport
Security officers checking the perimeter of the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport in Albany early Tuesday morning found a suspicious bag near the terminal, forcing an evacuation. The bomb squad destroyed the bag, later determining that it did not contain any lethal items. Airport officials said the bag was left by a local man returning his rental car Monday night.

Spirit Airlines
Passengers increasingly frustrated as airlines launch more fees: The announcements that Spirit Airlines will charge for carry-on luggage and Ryanair is looking to charge passengers to use the lavatory are prompting outrage among travelers. Airline passengers are wondering what other kinds of fees they will be subjected to as airlines seek new revenue streams. "There are basic necessities that are expected on flights -- air to breathe, a seat and a restroom. I think it's ridiculous to charge passengers to use the toilet," a CNN.com user wrote.

Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines to charge for carry-on luggage. Passengers on Spirit Airlines will be charged $45 for carry-on bags at the boarding gate, $30 if the fee is paid in advance, the carrier said. The move makes Spirit the first U.S. airline to charge for carry-on luggage. "Since these bag fees started, the overhead bins have become really crowded and it can delay boarding and deplaning," said Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor at Travelocity.com. "Besides making money, Spirit seems to be trying to find a balance between people checking versus carrying on bags. It'll probably entice people to check more bags."

St. Louis Lambert International Airport
College student detained, denied boarding in St. Louis. An Illinois college student says he was detained by police and investigated by the FBI after trying to board a flight at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Alfred Komolafe was one of 16 University of Illinois-Springfield students bound for a mock United Nations competition in New York. But when he checked in for his flight, Komolafe says he was detained and denied boarding because his name was on the federal no-fly list. TSA refused to comment on the case, while Komolafe says he was the victim of discrimination.

TAM Airlines, Star Alliance
TAM Airlines, the largest airline in South America, will become a full member of the Star Alliance on Thursday, 13 May 2010. Star Alliance, is the world ‘s largest commercial airline alliance with a current membership of 26 airlines. Events to mark and celebrate TAMs membership are being scheduled in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and will bring together the main executives from TAM and its Star Alliance partners, as well as aviation and government authorities and VIP guests. Once a full member of the Star Alliance, TAM will be able to share products and services at over one thousand destinations in the 175 countries currently served by the alliance. As from 13 May, members of the 'TAM Fidelidade' loyalty program, which currently has over 6.6 million members, will also be integrated with the Frequent Flyer Programs of the other 26 Star Alliance members.

Tulsa Airport
Tulsa Airport baggage system struggles to keep pace with TSA. Tulsa International Airport has completed a new inbound baggage conveyor system at a cost of $6.98 million, and now officials say they need millions more to replace an outbound conveyor system that is only six years old. The airport says changing TSA standards have rendered the current system obsolete, and replacing it could cost up to $30 million.

Tupolev
Russian investigators have determined that the Tupolev Tu-204 which crashed on approach to Moscow Domodedovo last week had adequate fuel on board at the time of the accident.

Turkish Airlines
Confirmation was at last received from Turkish Airlines that they intend to commence flights between Istanbul and Entebbe by the middle of this year, apparently starting with four flights a week.

Ukraine International Airlines
Ukraine International Airlines will operate seasonal service from Kiev Boryspil to Almaty (thrice-weekly), Tel Aviv (six-times-weekly), Geneva (thrice-weekly), Dubrovnik (weekly), Split (weekly) and Pula (weekly) as well as flights from Donetsk to Dubrovnik (weekly), Rome Fiumicino (twice-weekly) and Lviv (twice-weekly) to Oct. 30.

United Airlines
Fighter jets scrambled in "shoe bomb" scare. An Arab diplomat's surreptitious cigarette break in an airplane lavatory caused a major security scare on Wednesday, and two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to escort the United Airlines flight to Denver International Airport. The 157 passengers were held on the plane for about an hour, then questioned individually by the FBI before being released. According to published reports, two air marshals restrained the unnamed diplomat from Qatar after smoke was smelled coming from the fist-class lavatory. When questioned, the man reportedly joked about trying to light his shoes like "shoe bomber" Richard Reid. A statement from the Qatari ambassador recognized U.S. terrorism concerns but stressed that the diplomat was "certainly not engaged in any threatening activity."

United Airlines , US Airways
United, US Airways in merger talks, sources say. US Airways Group and UAL's United Airlines have been negotiating a possible tie-up that would alter the industry, sources said. Combining the carriers would result in the second-largest U.S. airline and put pressure on rivals, particularly American Airlines and Continental Airlines. "United and US Air are already in the Star Alliance, so that's a hurdle that's already been cleared," said Hunter Keay, an analyst at Stifel Nicolaus. "Both of their top executives are the biggest proponents of consolidation in the industry. And they tried twice before to merge."

United Airlines, Boeing
US National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating a near midair collision Saturday involving a United Airlines 777-200 departing San Francisco and a private aircraft that came within 300 ft. of each other. According to NTSB, the incident occurred at about 11:15 a.m. local time. UA Flight 889 carrying 268 passengers and crew was cleared to take off from Runway 28L and climb to an initial altitude of 3,000 ft. The first officer, who was flying the aircraft, reported that as the jet was at about 1,100 ft. the tower controller reported traffic at his 1 o'clock position. Immediately following the controller's advisory, the airplane's TCAS sounded a traffic alert. The pilots saw an Aeronca 11AC "in a hard left turn traveling from their 1 o'clock to 3 o'clock position. The F.O. pushed the control column forward to level the airplane. Both crew members reported seeing only the underside of the Aeronca as it passed to within an estimated 200-300 ft. of the 777," NTSB said. The 777's TCAS then issued an "Adjust Vertical Speed" alert, followed by a "Descend, Descend" alert. The first officer complied and the flight continued to Beijing without further incident, according to NTSB.

United Airlines, Brussels Airlines
United Airlines customers can get convenient new connections to cities in Europe and Africa under a new codeshare agreement with Brussels Airlines that was opened for sale April 1. Codeshare flights begin on April 6, 2010, and are in addition to Uniteds previously announced nonstop service between Chicago and Brussels that launched on March 28.

US Airways, United Airlines
US Airways Group and UAL's United Airlines have been negotiating a possible tie-up that would alter the industry, sources said. Combining the carriers would result in the second-largest U.S. airline and put pressure on rivals, particularly American Airlines and Continental Airlines. "United and US Air are already in the Star Alliance, so that's a hurdle that's already been cleared," said Hunter Keay, an analyst at Stifel Nicolaus. "Both of their top executives are the biggest proponents of consolidation in the industry. And they tried twice before to merge."

Virgin America, Virgin Blue, V Australia
Virgin America has partnered with Australias V Australia and Virgin Blue to allow each airline's loyalty program members to earn points when taking flights on the three Virgin-branded airlines. The partnership means that guests flying on Virgin America, V Australia, and Virgin Blue will all be able to earn credit for their flights that will be redeemable under any of the carrier's frequent flyer programs. As of today, guests will be able to earn points on any of the carriers they choose.

Viva Macau
Macau's Civil Aviation Authority has revoked Viva Macau's Air Operating Certificate after the carrier cancelled flights over the weekend due to its financial difficulties. Viva Macau canceled several flights starting from 26 March after it failed to pay for fuel, says the Macau government. Flights to Jakarta, Tokyo, Hanoi and Melbourne were cancelled, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded at the Macau International Airport. The government subsequently obtained resident carrier Air Macau's consent to terminate its sub-concession contract with Viva Macau, say Macau authorities. Viva Macau started operations in 2006 under a sub-concession agreement with Air Macau, which had previously held a monopoly on services from Macau.

Wataniya Airways
Wataniya Airways will use Airbus A320 to launch thrice-weekly Kuwait City-Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen service on May 2. Istanbul will be Wataniya's ninth destination overall and first in Europe.

Wyndham Hotels
Wyndham O'Hare closure leaves gift certificate recipients up in the air. When the Wyndham O'Hare hotel, near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, closed Jan. 1, the recipients of a gift certificate allowing them to enjoy a night away from their young children at the hotel found themselves out of luck, and another nearby Wyndham refused to honor the gift certificate. But with the help of a Chicago Tribune columnist, the couple finally got help from Wyndham Worldwide, which addressed the situation and promised to provide a replacement night's stay.

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