Aviation News and Commentary: May 01, 2005

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May 07, 2005

Dnata buys out Changi equity

Dnata, part of the Emirates Group, is to buy a 21.6% stake in Singapore's Changi International Airport services, completing the 100% acquisition of the ground service provider. The $140m deal reflects a belief that Singapore will continue to grow and prosper as a major aviation hub for Asia, said officials. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 11:54 PM

Al Rais plans UAE airline

Al Rais Travels is planning to launch a passenger airline, the first private carrier in the UAE, to complement its existing cargo operations. Officials said everything was still subject to obtaining the necessary government approvals. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 11:51 PM

AD calls for $6.8bn airport bids

The committee charged with the $6.8bn redevelopment of Abu Dhabi International Airport has invited 10 global airport design groups for proposals. The shortlisted companies will then enter into a design competition from which the government will select the winner. Upgrading the runway to accomodate A380s is first priority. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 11:50 PM

15 Killed In Australian Plane Crash (KUTV.com)

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) An airplane carrying 15 people slammed into a hillside in remote northeastern Australia on Saturday, killing everyone on board in the country***s worst civil aviation disaster since 1968.

Posted at 11:18 PM

15 people aboard plane that crashed in northern Australia are dead (The Star Online)

CANBERRA, Australia: All 15 people on board a light plane that crashed in Australia's remote northeast have been confirmed dead, police said Sunday, in Australia's worst civil aviation disaster in almost four decades.

Posted at 10:08 PM

Australian air crash: all 15 dead (CNN.com)

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) -- All 15 people on board a light plane that crashed in Australia's remote northeast have been confirmed dead, police said Sunday, in Australia's worst civil aviation disaster in almost four decades.

Posted at 09:31 PM

Police confirm all 15 aboard plane that crashed in northern Australia are dead (AP via Yahoo! Asia News)

All 15 people on board a light plane that crashed in Australia's remote northeast have been confirmed dead, police said Sunday, in Australia's worst civil aviation disaster in almost four decades.

Posted at 08:05 PM

Sovereign taps Dini to pilot aviation finance unit (Boston Herald)

If you need to buy a jet, talk to Joseph Dini. Sovereign Bank recently grabbed him to head its aviation finance group. Dini, no stranger to the job, managed the aviation group at GMAC Commercial Fi...

Posted at 07:22 PM

Recruiter taps 3 for Miami airport job (Sun-Sentinel)

Miami-Dade County is one step closer to selecting a new aviation director to run Miami International Airport. On Friday, Korn/Ferry International, an executive recruitment firm that is conducting a national search, presented three possible candidates to Miami-Dade officials.

Posted at 05:45 PM

15 killed in Australian air crash (Stuff)

Fifteen people were killed yesterday when a plane crashed in far north Queensland, the worst air tragedy in Australia in 36 years. Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson pledged the "full force of federal aviation authorities" would investigate the crash, which left no survivors.

Posted at 04:21 PM

Aircraft Carrier Promotes London 2012 Bid (GamesBids.com)

The 22,000-ton Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious sailed up the Thames River passing London 2012 venues and flying a London 2012 flag. The aircraft carrier will remain in London until May 10, before continuing with a summer of activity.

Posted at 01:24 PM

Aviation Instruments Encrypt Engine-Monitor Data (Slashdot)

kitplane01 writes "Airplanes engines need to always work, and are monitored by engine monitors. JP Instruments' engine-monitor units have begun to encrypt the data output of its monitors so it can't be read by third-party software. Whether this is to protect itself liability-wise or to discourage competitors is unclear. It seems the company is working on a fix, which may require a fee from users

Posted at 01:12 PM

Economic Statistics (Canadian Business)

Sales of refined oil products in March were up 2.3 per cent from March 2004, says Statistics Canada. Sales increased in three of the seven major product groups, led by diesel fuel, up 7.0 per cent, and gasoline, up 2.8 per cent. Sales of aviation turbo fuels posted a 4.7 per cent decline.

Posted at 12:35 PM

15 killed in our worst air crash in 36 years (Sydney Morning Herald)

Posted at 08:34 AM

Airline adds options for airport (The Oklahoman)

May 07, 2005: The addition of a new airline carrier at Will Rogers International Airport will give travelers more options for western travel and could make fares more competitive.

Posted at 07:20 AM

ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET (Lexington Herald-Leader)

One morning this week, golfers Nick Price and Vijay Singh passed though Charlotte's corporate aviation terminal en route to the Wachovia Championship.

Posted at 06:23 AM

Sri Lanka Tigers getting more aircraft: Indian foreign minister (Khaleej Times)

NEW DELHI - India is concerned about information that a Tamil rebel group in neighbouring Sri Lanka has built an airstrip and acquired aircraft, Foreign Minister Natwar Singh said in remarks published on Saturday.

Posted at 04:06 AM

Sri Lanka Tigers getting more aircraft: Indian foreign minister (AFP via Yahoo! News)

India is concerned about information that a Tamil rebel group in neighbouring Sri Lanka has built an airstrip and acquired aircraft, Foreign Minister Natwar Singh said.

Posted at 02:45 AM

AIRLINE APOLOGIZES FOR CRASH: Parents' demand: `We're sorry' (The Charlotte Observer)

Parents' demand: `We're sorry' After their daughter died in the crash of Flight 5481 two years ago in Charlotte, missionaries Doug and Tereasa Shepherd said they would settle their lawsuit against Air Midwest only if the airline apologized.

Posted at 02:13 AM

Tax break would boost local aircraft makers (Rocky Mountain News)

Colorado's efforts to bolster its aviation industry and create hundreds of new jobs received a big boost this week. A bill that would allow airports to offer tax breaks to aircraft manufacturing companies has cleared both houses of the state legislature and now goes to Gov. Bill Owens.

Posted at 01:25 AM

Tax break would boost local aircraft makers (Rocky Mountain News)

Posted at 01:23 AM

Incentives crucial to aircraft project (Florida Today)

Complete FLORIDA TODAY coverage delivered to your door. Subscribe now. Local officials said Friday they may be at a disadvantage in offering incentives to compete for a proposed aircraft factory and engineering center that would employ more than 1,000 people in Melbourne.

Posted at 12:18 AM

May 06, 2005

Corsair fighter named state***s official aircraft (New Haven Register)

HARTFORD *** The Stratford-born F4U Corsair, a famous World War II fighter that earned the nickname "Whistling Death" from its Japanese foes, will soon become Connecticut***s official state aircraft.

Posted at 11:31 PM

Airline makes formal apology for 2003 commuter crash that killed 21 (KRON 4 Bay Area)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. A small airline apologized today for the 2003 crash of a commuter plane that stalled after takeoff and plummeted into a hangar in North Carolina, killing 21.

Posted at 08:34 PM

JF-17 offered for sale to Kuala Lumpur RECORDER REPORTKUALA LUMPUR (May 07 2005): Pakistan has offered to sell JF-17 (Business Recorder)

KUALA LUMPUR (May 07 2005): Pakistan has offered to sell JF-17 aircraft to Malaysia, which is being made in collaboration with China.

Posted at 07:01 PM

Airline Formally Apologizes for 2003 Crash (AP via Yahoo! News)

A small airline apologized Friday for the 2003 crash of a commuter plane that stalled after takeoff and plummeted into a hangar, killing 21.

Posted at 05:40 PM

(AFX UK Focus) 2005-05-06 21:35 GMT: Airline stocks end week in the green (Interactive Investor)

SAN FRANCISCO (AFX) -- The Amex Airline Index ended the week 2.4% higher but closed out Friday's session down 0.2% to 46.27. On Friday, American Airlines parent AMR Corp. rose 1.3% while Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines lost 1.2%. This story was supplied by MarketWatch.

Posted at 04:02 PM

`Airbus remarks not to hit IA order for 43 aircraft' (The Hindu)

THE top brass of European aircraft manufacturer Airbus Industrie can rest easy.

Posted at 03:01 PM

Sikorsky Aircraft Gets S-92 Pact From Korean Government (IWon - Money)

STRATFORD, Conn. -(Dow Jones)- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. said the Republic of Korea chose three S-92 helicopters for its presidential mission, which the company will deliver beginning in 2007.

Posted at 02:23 PM

Portugal Negotiates Airline Bailout (AP via Yahoo! Finance)

Portugal will give Brazil access to European markets in exchange for more Brazilian investments in the European country, Portuguese Foreign Minister Diogo Freitas do Amaral said Friday.

Posted at 01:45 PM

Embraer Thinks Small (The Motley Fool via Yahoo! News)

One of the biggest stories in the aircraft business recently has been about the world's biggest plane -- the Airbus double-decker A380. For its part, Airbus rival Boeing (NYSE: BA - News), which is building a new medium-sized jet, has scoffed at the A380, arguing that the market for such giants is limited. Now another plane maker appears to have taken a page from Airbus' playbook by catering to

Posted at 12:57 PM

Mesaba Aviation April Traffic Rose 12.9% (IWon - Money)

MINNEAPOLIS (Dow Jones)--MAIR Holdings Inc. (MAIR) said April traffic rose 12.9% at its Mesaba Aviation Inc. unit and load factor improved from the same month last year.

Posted at 12:50 PM

Mesaba Aviation, Inc. Reports Capacity and Traffic for April 2005 (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Mesaba Aviation, Inc., a subsidiary company of MAIR Holdings, Inc. , today reported capacity and traffic for April. Mesaba Aviation flew 253.5 million available seat miles in April, which was up 12.1% year over year.

Posted at 10:46 AM

Brazil's GOL airline completes global share offering (CBS Market Watch)

SAO PAULO (Dow Jones)--Brazilian no-frills airline GOL Linhas Aereas Intelgentes S.A. (GOL) announced Friday it has completed a global offering of shares totaling 593.7 million Brazilian reals ($1=BRL2.465).

Posted at 09:20 AM

CONFIRMED: "Aviation ministry" moved to castle (Ghanaweb.com)

The press secretary of President Kufuor, Mr. Kwabena Agyepong has confirmed that the aviation portfolio is no more under the supervision of the Ministry of Roads and Transport, but the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

Posted at 06:03 AM

Aviation museum proposed for Sky Harbor Airport (The Arizona Republic)

Lennee Eller is proud of Sky Harbor International Airport's 25 art exhibition spaces, of the more than 400 works of art and the countless local artists who have been showcased.

Posted at 03:55 AM

Polish airline wants Boeing 787 (5/6/2005) (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

Despite intense lobbying by France, Germany and Britain, the national airline of Poland will buy Boeing's 787 rather than a competing jet made by Airbus.

Posted at 02:28 AM

(AFX UK Focus) 2005-05-06 08:13 GMT: China's airline industry posts Q1 loss of 220 mln yuan (Interactive Investor)

BEIJING (AFX) - China's airline industry posted a combined loss of 220 mln yuan for the first quarter this year due to rising fuel costs, the Beijing News reported.

Posted at 02:17 AM

INDUSTRY REPORT: Aviation -- Metro sets flier record (Detroit Free Press)

Detroit Metro Airport set a record for passengers during the first three months of the year. Airport traffic was up 8.2 percent compared with the same time last year, with 8.5 million passengers arriving and departing from Metro Airport between January and March.

Posted at 02:13 AM

Emirates airline group reports 49-percent jump in net profits (Middle East Times)

DUBAI -- Dubai's airline Emirates Group made record net profits of 2.6 billion dirhams ($708 million) for the financial year to March 31, a whopping 49-percent rise on the previous year despite high oil prices.

Posted at 01:38 AM

Briefing - Asia Aviation - May 6, 2005 (Asia Pulse via Yahoo! Asia News)

An executive briefing on aviation for May 6, 2005, prepared by Asia Pulse (http://www.asiapulse.com), the real-time, Asia-based wire with exclusive news, commercial intelligence and business opportunities. INDIA'S SPICE JET INKS DEAL WITH IOC FOR AIRCRAFT REFUELLING

Posted at 01:35 AM

India's Spice Jet Inks Deal With Ioc for Aircraft Refuelling (Asia Pulse via Yahoo! Asia News)

NEW DELHI, May 6 Asia Pulse - Aviation company SpiceJet Limited today entered into a partnership with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) (NSI:IOC) for refuelling its aircraft and with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for maintainance support.

Posted at 01:30 AM

Airport a finalist for aircraft plant (Florida Today)

Complete FLORIDA TODAY coverage delivered to your door. Subscribe now. Melbourne International Airport is one of four finalists for a proposed $500 million to $600 million aircraft factory and engineering center that would employ more than 1,000 people.

Posted at 12:21 AM

May 05, 2005

Airline, pilots reach agreement on salary cuts (The Jamaica Observer)

Executive chairman of Air Jamaica Vin Lawrence (right) hands a copy of the agreement reached with its pilots yesterday, to president of the Jamaica Airline Pilots Association Ludlow Beckford, following the signing at Jamaica House.

Posted at 10:30 PM

U.S. to ask for more data from airline passengers (International Herald Tribune)

Airline passengers soon will be asked to provide their full names and birth dates when they buy tickets, a move the government says is needed for a new computerized screening system.

Posted at 07:11 PM

Russian airline employee on UN contract abducted in Haiti (The Jamaica Observer)

MOSCOW, Russia (AP) - A Russian airline employee working on contract for the United Nations' year-old stabilisation mission in Haiti has been kidnapped for ransom, the foreign ministry said yesterday.

Posted at 04:43 PM

(AFX UK Focus) 2005-05-05 21:49 GMT: Northwest, AMR, Continental can't prop up airline index (Interactive Investor)

SAN FRANCISCO (AFX) -- Rising shares of Northwest Airlines , AMR Corp. and Continental Airlines failed to push the Amex Airline Index into the green on Thursday. The Amex Airline Index lost 0.5% to 46.38 on Thursday.

Posted at 04:19 PM

Parker Signs Distribution Agreement with Aviation Power & Marine (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Parker Hannifin Customer Support Inc. announced the signing of a distribution agreement with Aviation Power and Marine of Boynton Beach, Fla.

Posted at 03:19 PM

SH&E Hires Aviation Economist and PhD Eric Amel for its New York Office (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Leading aviation consultants SH&E have added Eric Amel as a Director in the firm's New York office. Dr. Amel comes to the firm with over ten years of aviation experience in major passenger and cargo carriers.

Posted at 02:50 PM

Copa Airlines Reports 95.2% On-Time Performance for First Quarter 2005; Airline's Rate is Among the Best in the World (HispanicBusiness.com)

Panama City, Panama--(HISPANIC PR WIRE - BUSINESS WIRE)--May 5, 2005--Copa Airlines reported an on-time performance of 95.2 percent for first quarter 2005, one of the best on-time performance ratings in the airline industry worldwide.

Posted at 01:53 PM

Mississippi finalist for EADS aircraft plant (The Biloxi Sun Herald)

HANCOCK COUNTY - Stennis International Airport has beaten scores of other sites and is a finalist to host a $600 million aircraft plant that will employ 1,100.

Posted at 01:20 PM

India's airline sector set for 20 pc jump in next 5 years, says Praful Patel (Hindustan Times)

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has said that he expects the country's newly regulated airline sector to boom 20 per cent annually over the next five years on the back of surging investment and traffic.

Posted at 12:52 PM

Dassault's new Falcon 7X business jet makes first test flight (AFP via Yahoo! News)

The Falcon 7X, the latest high-end business jet made by French aerospace group Dassault Aviation completed its maiden flight from Merignac airport outside Bordeaux in southwest France.

Posted at 12:19 PM

Global Military Aircraft Systems To Demonstrate C-27J Military Transport in the United States (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Global Military Aircraft Systems , the joint venture of L-3 Integrated Systems and Alenia North America, Inc. , today announced that the C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft - a leading contender for the U.S.

Posted at 09:25 AM

Taylor has passion for WWI aviation (The West Elgin Chronicle)

Stewart K. Taylor of Dutton has dedicated his life to writing about World War I pilots. Aviation has filled the 74-year-old s life since he saw a Hawker Fury from the Royal Air Force perform aerial maneuvers over the CNE in Toronto in 1934.

Posted at 08:56 AM

Russian-Built Aircraft Crashes in Congo (ABC News)

Russian-Built Aircraft Crashes in Congo, Killing 10, Officials Say

Posted at 07:30 AM

Qatar Airways fleet expansion

Qatar Airways will operate a fleet of 110 to 120 aircraft by 2012-13, and will soon begin taking delivery of the first of 34 new Airbus aircraft under the terms of a $1.5bn agreement. The airline is also in talks with both Boeing and Airbus regarding further purchases of the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft, CEO Akbar al Baker told a news conference in Dubai. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 07:22 AM

Pilgrims Lift Airline Tickets (Ananova)

Irish no-frills airline Ryanair saw a rise in passenger numbers for April. There was a 24% rise on last April, to 2.7m. The carrier said in a statement its passenger load factor - a measure of how many seats it has filled on its planes - was 8!%, slightly down on the 82% of last year.

Posted at 05:48 AM

Embraer branches out into growing microjet sector (USATODAY.com via Yahoo! News)

Brazilian plane maker Embraer is planning a new line of relatively low-cost microjets to be sold to businesses and individuals. Embraer spokesman Doug Oliver said Wednesday the company, a major supplier of the 50-seat regional jets that have become a mainstay in commercial aviation, is seeking to diversify its products.

Posted at 05:20 AM

Emirates Congress Solutions

Emirates Airline has introduced Congress Solutions Dubai, a professional congress organiser to provide consultancy services to a range of institutions wanting to organise large scale meetings in the emirate. CSD can plan and execute major exhibitions from start to finish. The aim is to further promote Dubai as a global venue. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 05:17 AM

Burj Al Arab still the best

Dubai's Burj Al Arab was named Middle East hotel of the year at the DEPA Middle East hotel awards. The One and Only Royal Mirage, Dubai won the award for best resort property while the InterContinental Phoenicia, Beirut was named best business hotel. The awards were presented at a ceremony at Dubai's Madinat Jumeirah attended by more than 750 people from the international hotel and tourism sector. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 05:17 AM

Singapore Aircraft Leasing Plans S$80 Mln 2-Year Bond (Dow Jones via Yahoo! Australia & NZ Finance)

DJ Singapore Aircraft Leasing Plans S$80 Mln 2-Year Bond SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise plans to issue S$80 million of two-year bonds by the end of May to fund working capital needs, a company spokesman said Thursday. Proceeds from the bond issue will be used for pre-delivery payments for its earlier-announced purchase of 40 next-generation 737 aircraft from Boeing

Posted at 05:13 AM

Qatar Airways is set for *major aircraft deal** (Gulf Times)

DUBAI: Qatar Airways will announce a major order for new aircraft at the Paris Airshow next month.

Posted at 04:40 AM

India sees strong growth in aviation (Express India)

Aviation Minister Praful Patel said on Wednesday he expected the country's newly regulated airline sector to boom 20 per cent annually over the next five years on the back of surging investment and traffic.

Posted at 04:30 AM

Boeing mulls aircraft maintenance facility (SiliconIndia)

NEW DELHI: Days after bagging a $6 billion aircraft contract from Air India, U.S. based aircraft maker Boeing said it is considering setting up an aircraft maintenance facility in India.

Posted at 03:35 AM

Briefing - Asia Aviation - May 5, 2005 (Asia Pulse via Yahoo! Asia News)

An executive briefing on aviation for May 5, 2005, prepared by Asia Pulse (http://www.asiapulse.com), the real-time, Asia-based wire with exclusive news, commercial intelligence and business opportunities. GOV'T WORKING TO ATTRACT BUDGET AIRLINES TO CEBU: ARROYO

Posted at 01:21 AM

May 04, 2005

'Phukan panel is not entitled to use army aircraft' (Khaleej Times)

NEW DELHI *** The Phukan Commission, which had probed the Tehelka web site's expose of alleged irregularities in arms deals, was not entitled to travel in military aircraft, parliament was informed yesterday.

Posted at 11:40 PM

Qatar Airways takes delivery of 40th aircraft Web posted at: 5/5/2005 7:4:25 (The Peninsula)

DUBAI: Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways told reporters yesterday at the Arab Travel Market in Dubai that the airline took delivery of its 40th aircraft last week, a brand new Airbus A 330-300 featuring state-of-the-art interiors with one of the best Business and First Class cabins in the sky.

Posted at 11:31 PM

Airline's hole deepens (Pittsburgh Live)

US Airways Group revised its first-quarter results Wednesday to show losses increased to $282 million because the airline left out expenses from three worker groups' pension plans.

Posted at 11:19 PM

Crowne Plaza on DFC

Dubai Festival City is designing a 318-room Crowne Plaza hotel for business travellers. Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City will be built on the 1600-acre development on Dubai Creek at a cost of $68m. It is due to open in January 2007. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 10:00 PM

Pearl-Qatar, island sale

An investor has bought three islands for hospitality development on The Pearl-Qatar, the $2.5bn coastal development off the Doha coast, according to a company statement. The unnamed buyer plans to build a 450-room, five-star hotel on the island called Marsa Arabia, in the middle of Porto Arabia, and other projects on two other harbour islands. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 09:59 PM

Gulf Air, Oman-London frequency

Gulf Air is introducing four more non-stop flights between Muscat and London. The airline added the additional flights following a good response to the current daily non-stop flights between the cities. The service will be on the Airbus A330 aircraft, which are currently undergoing a major refurbishment as part of a $10m upgrade. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 09:55 PM

Qatar Airways rapid expansion

Qatar Airways will begin flights to Athens, Alexandria, and the Iranian holy city of Mashad in June, followed by Nairobi in October. The airline started flights to Tunis and Algiers earlier this week. The airline will add extra capacity to Tunis, Algiers and Zurich in the summer, is increasing frequency to Germany, and may also increase flights to Manchester. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 09:55 PM

TEXT-Singapore's China Aviation seeks to delay 2004 results (Reuters via Yahoo! Asia News)

Singapore - 5 May 2005 - Further to the Company's announcements on 20 January 2005 and 29 April 2005, the Company will also be seeking approval from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority for an extension of time to announce its financial results for the financial year ended 31 December ...

Posted at 09:27 PM

Airline Passengers to Be Asked for Data (AP via Yahoo! News)

Airline passengers soon will be asked to provide their full names and birth dates when they buy tickets, information the government says it needs for a new computerized screening system.

Posted at 06:42 PM

Aircraft crash simulation to take place at PDX on Thursday (KATU)

Portland, Ore. - If you see smoke or fire coming from the Portland International Airport on Thursday, don't panic. An emergency drill simulating an aircraft crash is scheduled to take place at the airport starting at 1:45 p.m.

Posted at 05:58 PM

No corruption in aircraft deals: Patel (Hindustan Times)

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel on Wednesday said institutional mechanisms were in place to check corruption, even as MPs cried foul over the aircraft purchase deals of the two state-run carriers.

Posted at 05:32 PM

Varig Airline in Talks on Rescue Plan (AP via Yahoo! News)

Varig, Brazil's flagship airline, is in talks with TAP Air Portugal on forming a rescue plan to prevent the South American carrier from collapsing under a mountain of debt, officials said Wednesday.

Posted at 04:40 PM

Association of Naval Aviation's Annual Meeting and Reunion Convening in Southern California (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)

An assembly of active and retired Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviators and friends of Naval Aviation will convene at their annual meeting and reunion in San Diego, CA, June 1 - 4, 2005.

Posted at 04:22 PM

Government to seek more airline passenger data (KRON 4 Bay Area)

WASHINGTON You may soon need more than money or a credit card to buy an airline ticket. In the coming weeks, the Transportation Security Administration plans to require airlines to get passengers' full names and birth dates when they make a purchase.

Posted at 03:38 PM

I never asked for a VVIP aircraft: Phukan (The Hindu)

GUWAHATI: Justice S.N. Phukan (retired) on Wednesday declined comment on the statement made by the Defence Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, in Parliament about the trip undertaken by him (Mr. Justice Phukan) in an IAF aircraft but denied that he was influenced by the trip.

Posted at 03:04 PM

Airline Passengers to Be Asked for Data (ABC News)

Airline Passengers Will Soon Be Asked to Provide Full Names, Birth Dates, Although Not Required

Posted at 02:44 PM

Airline Passengers to Be Asked for Data (ABC News)

Airline Passengers Will Soon Be Asked to Provide Full Names, Birth Dates, Although Not Required

Posted at 02:44 PM

First Aviation Announces Record Revenue and Gross Profit for the Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 2005 (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

First Aviation Services Inc. , one of the leading providers of supply chain services to the aerospace industry worldwide, today announced record net sales for the full year ended January 31, 2005 of $124.2 million, an increase of $18.5 million or 17.5% over prior years revenues.

Posted at 02:42 PM

Brazil's Varig Airline in Talks on Rescue (AP via Yahoo! Finance)

Varig, Brazil's flagship airline, is in talks with TAP Air Portugal on forming a rescue plan to prevent the South American carrier from collapsing under a mountain of debt, officials said Wednesday.

Posted at 02:35 PM

Airline Passengers to Be Asked for Data (AP via Yahoo! Asia News)

Airline passengers soon will be asked to provide their full names and birth dates when they buy tickets.

Posted at 02:25 PM

Airline Passengers to Be Asked for Data (AP via Yahoo! News)

Airline passengers soon will be asked to provide their full names and birth dates when they buy tickets. In coming weeks, the Transportation Security Administration plans to require airlines to solicit the information.

Posted at 02:20 PM

Portuguese Airline in Talks With Varig (AP via Yahoo! Finance)

TAP Air Portugal is in talks with Brazilian airline Varig on possibly taking a stake in the South American carrier, Prime Minister Jose Socrates said Wednesday.

Posted at 12:07 PM

Indian budget airline to fly passengers for less than a cent (AFP via Yahoo! News)

Indian budget airline Air Deccan has announced fares of one rupee -- less than a cent -- on its 106 daily domestic flights ahead of the weekend launch of low-cost rival Kingfisher Air.

Posted at 10:21 AM

Aviation Regulator delays charge decision (RT** News)

The Commission for Aviation Regulation is to delay its draft decision setting out the maximum level of airport charges for Dublin Airport. The draft decision had been due for publication this week, but the regulator says it will now be published no later than May 31.

Posted at 09:48 AM

Phukan was not entitled to use IAF aircraft, says Pranab Mukherjee (India Daily)

Union Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that Justice S N Phukan, who is probing the Tehelka expose on defence deals, was provided with a Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters to visit defence establishments, even though he was not entitled to do so.

Posted at 08:11 AM

Jordanian airline resumes flights to Baghdad (AlertNet)

AMMAN, May 4 (Reuters) - Jordan's national airline resumed daily flights to Baghdad on Wednesday after the U.S. military lifted a ban on commercial flights imposed three days ago on security grounds, an airline official said.

Posted at 08:10 AM

Fernandes okayed IAF aircraft for Phukan: Pranab (Sify News)

The controversial use of Indian Air Force aircraft by Justice S N Phukan, who probed various defence deals during George Fernandess tenure as Defence minister, was approved by Fernandes in December, 2003 though the head of commission of inquiry was not entitled to it, Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

Posted at 07:47 AM

I didnt ask for VVIP aircraft: Justice Phukan (Sify News)

Justice S N Phukan, who probed the Tehelka expose on defence deals, on Wednesday claimed that he had not asked for a VVIP aircraft from the Indian Air Force and neither did he give a clean chit to former Defence minister George Fernandes.

Posted at 07:45 AM

Airbus warns of delay for super-jumbo (CNN.com)

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -- Plane maker Airbus has warned of a delay in delivering the A380 double-decker, Singapore Airlines said on Tuesday, but the airline said it still aimed to begin flights in the second half of 2006.

Posted at 07:18 AM

'Fernandes approved IAF aircraft for Phukan' (Outlook India)

The controversial use of Air Force aircraft by Justice S N Phukan, who probed various defence deals during George Fernandes' tenure as Defence Minister, was approved by Fernandes in December, 2003 though the Head of Commission of Inquiry was not entitled to it, Parliament was informed today.

Posted at 07:11 AM

Phukan under fire over use of IAF aircraft (Hindustan Times)

The Phukan Commission, which had probed the now defunct Tehekla website's expose of alleged irregularities in arms deals, was not entitled to travel in military aircraft, Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

Posted at 06:34 AM

Sabre Airline Solutions strengthens ties with Southwest Airlines (eyefortravel.com)

The airline stated that the decision to focus more of its operations on Sabre's technology allows Southwest to eliminate disparate systems, increase performance and reliability, and further leverage the technology strengths of Sabre.

Posted at 05:58 AM

Etihad adds Geneva, Munich flights

Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways has announced it will offer an additional weekly flight between Abu Dhabi and Geneva and three non-stop flights per week between the UAE capital and Munich.

Chairman Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan said the airline is meeting the needs of its guests who prefer direct connections to Europe. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 05:35 AM

Phukan used IAF aircraft: Minister (Outlook India)

Government today said though members of Commissions of Inquiry were not entitled to use IAF aircraft, Justice S N Phukan, probing the Tehelka expose on defence deals, was provided with an Air Force aircraft and helicopters to visit defence establishments on approval by the then Defence Minister George Fernandes.

Posted at 04:29 AM

(AFX UK Focus) 2005-05-04 10:08 GMT: Singapore Air says Airbus to delay delivery of A380 aircraft (Interactive Investor)

SINGAPORE (AFX) - Singapore Airlines Ltd said it has been notified by European aircraft maker Airbus Industrie of a delay in the delivery of an A380 super- jumbo jetliner. "We have been notified by Airbus of a delay and are working with them to minimise it.

Posted at 04:26 AM

Js S N Phukan used IAF aircraft, says Defence Minister (Press Trust of India)

New Delhi, May 4 (PTI) Government today said though members of Commissions of Inquiry were not entitled to use IAF aircraft, Justice S N Phukan, probing the Tehelka expose on defence deals, was provided with an Air Force aircraft and helicopters to visit defence establishments on approval by the then Defence Minister George Fernandes.

Posted at 04:13 AM

Boeing Considering India Aircraft Maintenance Facility (IWon - Money)

NEW DELHI -(Dow Jones)- Aircraft maker Boeing (BA) said Wednesday it's considering setting up an aircraft maintenance facility in India.

Posted at 03:28 AM

Pakistan army aircraft goes down (BBC News)

An unmanned Pakistani army aircraft has crashed near a remote town in the southern province of Sindh.

Posted at 02:34 AM

Paine Field neighbors betrayed by airline-expansion plans (Seattle Times)

By exploring the possibility of scheduled airline service at Paine Field, Snohomish County is casting aside an agreement it made 27 years...

Posted at 02:19 AM

Low price airline wants to fly to Russia (The Norway Post)

Low price airline Norwegian has applied for permission to open a service to St. Petersburg in Russia. The Russian authorities have so far not responded to the application.

Posted at 02:09 AM

Indian Aviation Fuel Prices to Increase up to 8 PCT (Asia Pulse via Yahoo! Asia News)

NEW DELHI, May 4 Asia Pulse - Passengers travelling by the nation's airlines could now have to pay increased fares as the country's oil majors have decided to hike Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices in the range of 7.02-7.9 per cent.

Posted at 01:59 AM

Briefing - Asia Aviation - May 4, 2005 (Asia Pulse via Yahoo! Asia News)

An executive briefing on aviation for May 4, 2005, prepared by Asia Pulse (http://www.asiapulse.com), the real-time, Asia-based wire with exclusive news, commercial intelligence and business opportunities. ADVENT OF SUPERJUMBO TO DRIVE DOWN AIRFARES: QANTAS CHAIRMAN

Posted at 01:51 AM

Stuart Jet reneged on deal, Michigan aviation firm claims (Palm Beach Post)

STUART *** A Michigan aviation firm claims Stuart Jet Center backed out of a deal to sell the Martin County company, opting for a better offer from another buyer in Fort Lauderdale.

Posted at 12:37 AM

President urges growth of aviation technology sector (Viet Nam News)

HCM CITY President Tran Duc Luong praised the Ministry of Defence and air force, and asked them to continue with their successes and carry on developing the aviation sector into the future.

Posted at 12:18 AM

May 03, 2005

Accor to add 34 Mideast hotels

French hotel group Accor plans to add 34 hotels to its Middle East portfolio by 2009, bringing the total to 52. This will increase its regional room capacity by 10-13,000. A first wave of six new hotels in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Syria and Saudi Arabia will open in the second half of 2006. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 09:30 PM

Tecom hotel, 2,100 suites

A 2,100 room all-suite hotel will open in the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone early next year, German operator Bavaria Executive Suites announced yesterday. Twin 40-storey towers will be linked by an air-conditioned bridge, and interiors will be to a very high standard. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 09:28 PM

In Airline Shift, More Nonstops Make Schedule (New York Times)

PITTSBURGH, May 3 - An airport that was once worried about its future has become the latest battleground in the return of the direct flight. Three decades ago, most Americans could fly nonstop to many places.

Posted at 09:07 PM

Embraer Reaffirms Commitment to Business Aviation Market (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)

The Legacy marked Embraer's introduction in the business aviation market, where it intends to establish itself as a strong player. The Legacy enjoys worldwide market acceptance with 49 units in service in 12 countries.

Posted at 06:58 PM

Northwest Airlines CFO Bernard Han Resigns (AP via Yahoo! News)

Northwest Airlines Corp. chief financial officer Bernard Han has resigned, the nation's fourth largest airline company said Tuesday. It did not say why Han is leaving, and its shares fell below their low for the year in morning trading.

Posted at 03:30 PM

Aviation negotiators try to reach US-EU agreement (Financial Times)

The movie Groundhog Day, where the actor Bill Murray experiences the same day again and again, has resonance for negotiators who have spent years trying to forge a new aviation agreement between the US and the European Union.

Posted at 02:21 PM

Czech Airline Reports 280,000 Passengers (AP via Yahoo! Finance)

The Czech Republic's first budget airline said Tuesday it had carried 280,000 passengers in its first year of business. Smart Wings, which started operations May 1, 2004, flies regularly to several Mediterranean and European destinations, including London, Paris, Rome and Madrid.

Posted at 12:51 PM

National Institute of Aerospace Releases Congressionally-Requested Aviation Plan (SpaceRef)

The National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), along with the Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, is releasing to Congress today the report "Responding to the Call: Aviation Plan for American Leadership."

Posted at 12:30 PM

Aircraft missing, explosion reported (Stuff)

Rescue services were last night looking for the wreckage of a NZ Post Metroliner aircraft believed to have crashed east of Stratford in South Taranaki.

Posted at 12:28 PM

Moody Aviation's Ericson looks forward to retirement (Elizabethton Star)

Keith Ericson, quality control chief for Moody Aviation for the past 36 years, plans to retire June 30 when the school officially closes its doors. Ericson came to Moody in 1969 when the building was still under construction.

Posted at 11:50 AM

Fitch: Potential Airline Consolidation May Be a Mixed Blessing for U.S. Airports (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Recent news stories concerning a possible merger of bankrupt US Airways with America West Airlines suggests that the long awaited consolidation of the domestic airline industry may finally be beginning.

Posted at 11:32 AM

Flexjet Scheduled to Take 51 New Bombardier Aircraft (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)

In response to increased demand for Flexjet aircraft, Bombardier is reserving 51 aircraft positions with a value of approximately $829 million for delivery to Flexjet over the next three years.

Posted at 11:16 AM

Mohammed opens ATM

Dubai Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the biggest ever annual Arabian Travel Market in Dubai today. He said the emirate is now a true tourist city with all the required infrastructure to attract visitors and noted that its expertise could now be offered to other destinations. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 09:14 AM

Aircraft missing, explosion reported (Stuff)

An aircraft crashed east of Stratford in South Taranaki late yesterday, police say. The Maritime Safety Authority said a plane had been reported missing from radar by Christchurch air traffic control at about 10.20pm.

Posted at 09:12 AM

Gulf Air, Sixt tie-up

Car rental giant Sixt is to partner with Gulf Air Frequent flyer programme. As well as the standard 500 miles per rental, Gulf Air FFP Blue members are eligible for 10% discount on the total published rate, while silver members receive a 20% discount and Gold members enjoy a 30% discount plus a free upgrade to the next car category. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 09:09 AM

Aerospace Online News for aviation professionals (Aerospace Online)

Annapolis, MD - ARINC Engineering Services, LLC, the current prime contractor for Technology Development on the U.S. military***s JPALS Joint Precision Approach and Landing System, and Raytheon Company, which held the previous JPALS prime contract, today announced a teaming agreement.

Posted at 08:45 AM

Aerospace Online News for aviation professionals (Aerospace Online)

Annapolis, MD - ARINC Incorporated today unveiled a new airline passenger kiosk technology that puts self-service check-ins within the reach of today***s mid-size airlines and airports.

Posted at 08:43 AM

Aerospace Online News for aviation professionals (Aerospace Online)

EAA Aviation Center, Oshkosh, WI - Another aviation milestone will be reached at this summer's EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," which will be held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis. Eclipse Aviation will feature the world's first public flight appearances of the Eclipse 500, a new private jet that will revolutionize air travel when it

Posted at 08:42 AM

Texas Pacific Interested In Brazil's Varig Airline-Report (IWon - Money)

SAO PAULO -(Dow Jones)- The U.S.-based Texas Pacific Group (TPG.XX) is looking at a possible purchase of Brazil's largest airline, Viacao Aerea Riograndense SA (VAGV4.BR), or Varig, local newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo reported in its Tuesday editions.

Posted at 07:57 AM

Mohammed opens ATM

Posted at 07:14 AM

22-Year Age Limit on Aircraft Stays - Yuguda (This Day)

Aviation Minister, Mallam Isa Yuguda, has reminded airline operators that the 22-year age limit on aircraft operating in the country remains sacrosanct even as he maintained that the ban on single aircraft operators is still in force.

Posted at 06:56 AM

Etihad flys to Frankfurt

Etihad Airways is to commence daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt starting from June 1. Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Civil Aviation Department in Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Etihad Airways said this demonstrates our commitment to providing guests with greater access between Europe and the UAE. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 06:40 AM

Southwest Airlines and Sabre Airline Solutions Sign a Seven-Year Passenger Reservations Contract (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Southwest Airlines and Sabre Airline Solutions recently signed a seven-year agreement that promises the airline innovative and cost-effective technology. The new technology will continue to give Southwest Customers access to convenient and low-cost ways to plan, book and implement their travel plans.

Posted at 06:39 AM

EU-US aircraft talks on schedule (EU Politix)

EU and US trade negotiators have agreed to continue aircraft subsidy talks in a bid to end the trans-Atlantic row over handouts to Airbus and Boeing.

Posted at 06:34 AM

Governor endorses aircraft carrier museum plan (WPRI 12)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. Governor Carcieri has offered his support for a proposed museum ship at Quonset Point. The USS Saratoga Museum Foundation hopes to bring the aircraft carrier of the same name to Quonset and run it as a historical attraction.

Posted at 06:32 AM

Partnerships urged for aviation work (The Oklahoman)

May 03, 2005: Oklahoma companies need to do more to partner with the Air Force as it works to keep its aging airplanes flying.

Posted at 06:06 AM

Emirates adds Sydney flights

Emirates has added four additional weekly flights to its Dubai-Bangkok-Sydney service. Emirates flight EK418 now operates daily and extends onward from Sydney to Auckland in New Zealand and is served by new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with luxurious flat beds with privacy partitions and personal minibars in First Class.

[AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 06:04 AM

New airline democratizes Brazil's skies (The Christian Science Monitor via Yahoo! News)

In an age when airlines are going bankrupt faster than you can say Chapter 11, some might say that starting one in a developing nation like Brazil was a brave decision.

Posted at 03:10 AM

Airport plans museum for Ariz. aviation (The Arizona Republic)

City officials are hoping a new military aviation history museum will leave travelers with a positive impression of Arizona.

Posted at 03:04 AM

Cover Story: (Independent Record)

Students from the UM-Helena Aviation Maintenance Program carry the fuselage of a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter into their hangar at the airport campus. The helicopter is part of a $75,000 donation from Silver State Helicopters in Butte.

Posted at 01:56 AM

Helicopter donated to UM-HCT program (Billings Gazette)

The aviation maintenance technology department at the UM-Helena College of Technology received a gift Monday that will give students more applicable experience as they move toward the workforce - most of a Robinson helicopter to practice their maintentance skills on.

Posted at 01:54 AM

Briefing - Asia Aviation - May 3, 2005 (Asia Pulse via Yahoo! Asia News)

An executive briefing on aviation for May 3, 2005, prepared by Asia Pulse (http://www.asiapulse.com), the real-time, Asia-based wire with exclusive news, commercial intelligence and business opportunities. SINGAPORE'S TIGER AIRWAYS SEES INBOUND NUMBERS JUMP IN APRIL

Posted at 01:35 AM

UAV NEWS LockMart And Aerosonde Enter Alliance For Unmanned Aircraft System Solutions (Space War UAV News)

Lockheed Martin, Aerosonde North America and Aerosonde announced last Thursday the establishment of a multinational strategic alliance to provide Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) solutions for domestic and international markets.

Posted at 12:47 AM

Aircraft (The Charleston Gazette)

STATE government already has six aircraft a $5 million King Air 350 executive craft, two helicopters assigned to the Department of Environmental Protection, two more State Police choppers needing repair, and a leased plane at the disposal of West Virginia University.

Posted at 12:09 AM

May 02, 2005

Aircraft subsidies vex U.S.-EU trade talks (Jeffrey Sparshott / THE WASHINGTON TIMES) (The Washington Times)

Rob Portman, sworn in as U.S. trade representative last week, and his European counterpart yesterday said they would try to negotiate a settlement in a bitter trans-Atlantic trade fight over subsidies to commercial aircraft manufacturers.

Posted at 11:45 PM

Burj Dubai, 2,000-room chain

Emaar Properties is to build a total of eight hotels with 2,000 rooms in Dubai, officials said yesterday. The first is an Armani themed hotel, and other operators will be announced in the future. The centre-piece will be the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, which includes a hotel. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 10:57 PM

Air Arabia adds three routes

Air Arabia is adding Kabul, Sharm Al Shaikh and Luxor to its destinations. The Sharjah based low-cost carrier is offering one-way tickets to Kabul from $123, Luxor from $82 and Sharm Al Shaikh from $68. CEO Adel Ali also said the group would shortly launch Air Arabia Hotels. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 10:38 PM

Dubai suffers room shortage

Dubai is presently suffering from a serious shortage of hotel bedrooms, reported Gulf News. Last year hotel rooms grew by only 2.3% while average occupancy soared by 8.7% to 81%. There are now 26,154 rooms with 18,000 more due for completion by 2008. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 10:30 PM

U.S. and Europe Play Down Aircraft Dispute (New York Times)

PARIS, May 2 (Reuters) - The United States and the European Union played down their dispute over the aircraft makers Airbus and Boeing on Monday and instead joined forces to bring global trade talks back from the brink of crisis.

Posted at 09:23 PM

UAV NEWS LockMart And Aerosonde Enter Alliance For Unmanned Aircraft System Solutions (SpaceDaily)

Posted at 08:02 PM

Airbus to set up centre in Beijing (The Star Online)

AVIATION giant Airbus said on Saturday it would set up its fourth biggest engineering centre in Beijing to do aircraft design work for its super long-range passenger plane A350.

Posted at 07:59 PM

A look back at the Tri-City Airport Colton pilot joined Redlands couple to make aviation history (Redlands Daily Facts)

On the night of Nov. 24, 1928, Al DeRuiter, a 21-year-old Colton pilot, had just landed his airplane at fog-shrouded Tri City Airport. As he exited the airport onto Redlands Boulevard in his old Ford touring car he heard an airplane circling overhead.

Posted at 05:08 PM

'Airline' series puts Southwest back on the air (BizJournals)

It's back -- A&E's TV series "Airline," which features real-life situations aboard Southwest Airline flights, kicks off a new season Monday night.

Posted at 05:06 PM

Senators in center of airline flap (WOAI)

WASHINGTON (AP) - Texas Republican Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn may have to help broker a solution between North Texas-based airline giants Southwest and American.

Posted at 05:04 PM

(AFX UK Focus) 2005-05-02 21:32 GMT: Airline stocks dip in response to crude oil bounce (Interactive Investor)

SAN FRANCISCO (AFX) -- Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines led a mostly downbeat trading session for airline stocks Monday. An initial bounce from an overnight decline in oil prices flattened out when crude rebounded to almost $51 a barrel.

Posted at 04:05 PM

More funds for indigenous civil aviation projects (Deccan Herald)

The soaring economy only means that the nation may need nearly a 100 four-seater aircraft within a decade.

Posted at 03:38 PM

EU, US still pushing for accord on Airbus-Boeing row (AFP via Yahoo! News)

EU trade chief Peter Mandelson and his new US counterpart agreed to continue negotiations to resolve a row over state aid to rival aircraft makers, as opposed to taking legal action, officials said.

Posted at 02:24 PM

Supreme Court Declines to Review Rule Barring Pilots From Flying at 60 (Law.com)

The Supreme Court declined Monday to hear a pilot group's challenge to a U.S. government rule forcing them to retire at age 60. Justices let stand a lower ruling in favor of the Federal Aviation Administration, which says the retirement rule for commercial pilots is necessary for safety.

Posted at 02:18 PM

Chief trauma pilot resigns (Keynoter.com)

The chief pilot for the Aviation Division of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office has resigned, after being suspended earlier this month by Sheriff Rick Roth.

Posted at 01:29 PM

AeroCentury Corp. Announces Aircraft Transactions (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)

AeroCentury Corp., , an independent aircraft leasing company, today announced the purchase and lease of two deHavilland DHC-8-300 aircraft as well as the sale of its Fairchild Metro III aircraft.

Posted at 01:10 PM

New U.S. Trade Chief Meets EU Counterpart (AP via Yahoo! News)

New U.S. Trade Representative Robert Portman met his EU counterpart Peter Mandelson for the first time Monday to discuss attempts to reach a new global trade deal as well as tensions over aircraft subsidies.

Posted at 12:18 PM

EU, U.S. say seek accord on Boeing-Airbus (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

Both sides in a transatlantic row over subsidies to rival aircraft makers Airbus and Boeing stressed on Monday their preference for a negotiated solution rather than a showdown at the World Trade Organization.

Posted at 12:08 PM

Supreme Court won't look at pilots' forced retirement (Houston Chronicle)

WASHINGTON *** The Supreme Court declined today to hear a pilot group's challenge to a federal rule forcing them to retire at age 60. Justices let stand a lower ruling in favor of the Federal Aviation Administration, which says the retirement rule for commercial pilots is necessary for safety.

Posted at 11:57 AM

EU, US Trade Chiefs Seek "Negotiated" End To Aircraft Row (IWon - Money)

BRUSSELS -(Dow Jones)- European Union trade chief Peter Mandelson and his U.S. counterpart, the newly appointed Robert Portman, Monday agreed a long-standing row over aircraft subsidies should be resolved through negotiation rather than through a legal battle at the World Trade Organization.

Posted at 10:58 AM

Southwest Airlines Kicks Off Third Season of "AIRLINE" and Expands its Branding Strategy (PR Web via Yahoo! News)

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 2, 2005 -- The wait is over! A&E's hit series "AIRLINE," which was recently nominated for a People's Choice Award, launches another round of new, real-life, high-flying adventures. The season premieres with back-to-back half-hour episodes at 8:00 and 8:30 pm EDT/PDT and 7:00 and 7:30 pm CDT on Monday, May 2, 2005. Also, this week, "AIRLINE: SEASON ONE" is being released on

Posted at 10:56 AM

Falling crude lifts airline sector (CBS Market Watch)

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Airline stocks kicked off the week in positive territory Monday as crude oil prices continued their recent skid, touching $49.03 a barrel overnight.

Posted at 10:11 AM

Independence Air Makes Service Promise to Consumers Unique in the U.S. Airline Industry; Your Checked Bag Will Arrive (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)

As a way to highlight its growing reputation for excellence in customer service and operational performance, low-fare airline Independence Air is proud to announce a new service promise unlike anything that has ever been offered in the U.S. airline industry:

Posted at 10:08 AM

Court declines to review pilot retirements (Kansas City Star)

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a pilot group's challenge to a federal rule forcing them to retire at age 60. Justices let stand a lower ruling in favor of the Federal Aviation Administration, which says the retirement rule for commercial pilots is necessary for safety.

Posted at 10:00 AM

Skyservice introduces two new wide-body aircraft (CNW Group via Yahoo! Finance)

Skyservice Airlines, Canada's premier charter airline, has introduced two Boeing 767-300 aircraft to its fleet of 25 aircraft including Airbus A-319s, A-320s and Boeing B-757s. The first of these two aircraft enters service today on Skyservice flight 700 which is scheduled for an evening departure from Toronto to Puerto Vallarta with Sunquest Vacations.

Posted at 09:53 AM

Senators in center of airline flap (Daily Sentinel)

WASHINGTON *** Texas Republican Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn may have to help broker a solution between North Texas-based airline giants Southwest and American in the ongoing fight over Dallas Love Field flights.

Posted at 09:27 AM

EU, US trade chiefs meet on subsidy row, Doha doldrums (AFP via Yahoo! News)

Newly named US Trade Representative Rob Portman will hold his first official meeting here with EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, with a US-EU row over aviation subsidies high on the agenda, a spokesman for Portman said.

Posted at 08:58 AM

Senators in center of airline flap (Daily Sentinel)

Posted at 08:16 AM

Toxin could hamper Castle (Merced Sun-Star)

ATWATER -- A toxic compound seeping into the city's wastewater treatment plant from Castle Airport Aviation and Development Center could cost Atwater thousands of dollars in fees if it isn't purged from the area within the next few years.

Posted at 07:58 AM

New U.S. trade chief plays down EU plane tensions (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

New U.S. trade chief Robert Portman has played down tensions with the European Union over aircraft subsidies, saying trade relations between the two economic superpowers are healthy.

Posted at 07:49 AM

Senators in center of airline flap at Love Field (USA Today)

Texas Republican Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn may have to help broker a solution between North Texas-based airline ...

Posted at 07:47 AM

Netherlands bans Phuket Air from flying Bangkok-Amsterdam route (MCOT)

BANGKOK, May 2 (TNA) The Dutch civil aviation authorities have ordered indefinite suspension of Phuket Air service for the Bangkok-Amsterdam route on the ground that its aircraft does not meet safety standard requirements.

Posted at 07:42 AM

EU, US trade chiefs meet on subsidy row, Doha doldrums (AFP via Yahoo! News)

Posted at 07:41 AM

Airlines, cost sharing inevitable

Middle East airlines will rationalise operations and share back-room costs within the next five to 10 years, according to Gulf Air President James Hogan. Hogan told delegates at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference that airlines would come together to take some of the cost out of the industry and improve the bottom line, as seen in Europe and America. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 07:40 AM

The Economy: Why It's Not Deja Vu (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! News)

Suddenly a lot seems to be turning sour for the economy. Oil prices have soared: Despite a $3-per- barrel fall on Apr. 27, they've climbed nearly 20% in the past four months alone. Due to sharply higher prices at the gas pump, consumer confidence is cratering, falling to its lowest level in five months in April. Corporate execs also are turning more cautious as signs of weakness in the economy

Posted at 07:24 AM

Hilton expansion drive

Hilton is on a regional expansion drive with plans to open 11 hotels in the Middle East region. Included on the hotel group's agenda are the 50-suite Qasr Al Sharq in Jeddah; a second beachfront property in Ras Al Khaimah; the Hilton Jumeirah Beach Club in Dubai; the 324-room Hilton Doha; and the Gulf's first Conrad property in Dubai. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 07:17 AM

European Stocks Rise at Midday, Helped by Airline Shares (IWon - Money)

LONDON (Dow Jones) -- European markets remained in the green at midday Monday, helped by airline stocks that rose on the retreat in oil prices.

Posted at 07:03 AM

Senators in center of airline flap (Daily Sentinel)

WASHINGTON *** Texas Republican Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn may have to help broker a solution between North Texas-based airline giants Southwest and American.

Posted at 06:34 AM

New US trade representative voices cautious hope on US-EU subsidy row (AFP via Yahoo! News)

US Trade Representative Rob Portman has said he hopes his appointment, confirmed Friday, will mark "a fresh start" in efforts to resolve a US-European Union row over aviation subsidies.

Posted at 06:12 AM

(AFX UK Focus) 2005-05-02 11:02 GMT: EADS wins aircraft contracts worth 560 mln eur from Brazil military UPDATE (Interactive Investor)

(Updating with details of contracts) PARIS (AFX) - European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co said it signed two contracts worth a total of 560 mln eur with the Brazilian government to supply and modernise military aircraft.

Posted at 05:44 AM

New airline to Ithaca airport (News 10 Now)

A new commercial airline carrier is coming to Ithaca Airport. Northwest Airlines will fly its maiden voyage out of Ithaca today. $50 million is spent on airline travel by people in Tompkins County.

Posted at 05:36 AM

ATM, 1800 exhibitors

Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East's premier travel and tourism show which gets under way at the Dubai World Trade Centre tomorrow, has registered over 1,800 exhibitors from 63 countries. Exhibitors will occupy over 31% more floor space than last year with UAE developer Nakheel reserving more than 80,000 sqft. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 05:26 AM

(AFX UK Focus) 2005-05-02 10:30 GMT: EADS wins aircraft contracts worth 560 mln eur from Brazil military (Interactive Investor)

PARIS (AFX) - European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co said it has signed two contracts worth a total of 560 mln eur with the Brazilian government to supply and modernise military aircraft. ea/jad/nes COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2005. All rights reserved.

Posted at 05:15 AM

Airline says Bismarck-Las Vegas flight a success (AberdeenNews.com)

A regional airline says its round-trip flights from this city to Las Vegas has been popular. Allegiant Air spokeswoman Tyri Squyres said the airline has sold more than 29,000 seats on the route since it was announced a year ago.

Posted at 04:36 AM

Coral Oriental opens in Dubai

Coral International Hotels, Resorts and Spas has opened its second Dubai property, the 96-room Coral Oriental, bringing the group's total number of hotels to four. All properties under the Coral International banner are experiencing an upsurge in business with an average occupancy rate of more than 90%, according to a company statement. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 04:32 AM

Briefing - Asia Aviation - May 2, 2005 (Asia Pulse via Yahoo! Asia News)

An executive briefing on aviation for May 2, 2005, prepared by Asia Pulse (http://www.asiapulse.com), the real-time, Asia-based wire with exclusive news, commercial intelligence and business opportunities. AUSTRALIA'S MACQUARIE AIRPORTS UPBEAT ABOUT BRUSSELS AIRPORT

Posted at 02:58 AM

Interest in small aircraft takes off (Boston Globe)

BEND, Ore. -- Nancy Huntsman uses her small plane the way some parents use their Volvos.

Posted at 02:56 AM

All eyes on future of airline Fate of US Airways could affect industry (Whittier Daily news)

Whatever happens to US Airways Group Inc. in the coming months matters for its employees, shareholders and customers, and the rest of the airline industry as well.

Posted at 02:36 AM

Office de l'Aviation Civile et des A**roports (Zawya)

OACA is responsible to operate and develop Tunisia's seven international airports, under the tutelage of the Ministry of Transport. In 2004, some 9.5 million passengers flew through Tunisia's airports, out of which 80% used either the airports of Tunis, Monastir or Djerba - the country's busiest.

Posted at 02:27 AM

GE Rutland is a 'gem' among aircraft plants (Rutland Herald)

(Doug Folsom is plant manager for GE Aircraft Engines in Rutland. He was named to the position in April 2004, replacing Christine Callahan.

Posted at 02:18 AM

Qantas says March traffic up 12.6% (Sydney Morning Herald)

Qantas Airways Ltd on Monday total passenger numbers rose 12.6 per cent in March, compared to the same month last year. More than 2.88 million people travelled with the airline, with the majority or 2.08 million taking domestic routes.

Posted at 01:27 AM

US Airways loses $191 million on high fuel, weak revenue (Detroit News)

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) -- Bankrupt US Airways Group Inc.'s losses widened by 8 percent to $191 million in the first three months of 2005 as steep fuel costs and cheap fares undermined the airline's cost-cutting efforts.

Posted at 01:21 AM

May 01, 2005

Ramping up: Timco could add another 230 jobs in GSO (BizJournals)

Timco Aviation Services Inc., the jet maintenance giant, is adding 80 jobs in Greensboro to its existing operations and also is considering the Triad for a new jet engine overhaul shop that would add another 150 workers.

Posted at 11:58 PM

Both general aviation operators at RDU expanding (BizJournals)

MORRISVILLE - Raleigh-Durham International Airport's fixed base operators are developing plans for millions of dollars in facility improvements, ratcheting up the stakes in the general aviation competition between spirited upstart Southern Jet and entrenched power Piedmont Hawthorne.

Posted at 11:56 PM

Tourism needs rooms

Dubai will need 45,000 more hotel rooms in the next five years to cope with the expected tourism boom, reported Gulf news quoting industry sources. 72,000 new hotel rooms at a cost of $10.8bn will come into service by 2012 in the GCC, according to RSP Group. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 11:27 PM

Etihad set to buy 50 aircraft in five years (Khaleej Times)

ABU DHABI *** Etihad Airways, which has already placed two big orders to purchase 29 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, yesterday hinted at acquiring 50 more aircraft over a period of next five years, said a top official.

Posted at 11:04 PM

Agents reject Air India Express

The Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group will not sell tickets of just-launched budget carrier Air India Express, reported Gulf News. The group says that the airline failed to give clear information on reservation systems and did not consult it before starting flights. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 10:28 PM

ATM joins world body

Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East's premier travel and tourism show, has become the industry's first non-European exhibition to join the newly formed International Tourism Trade Fair Association. The body known as the European Tourism Trade Fairs Association changed its name since Dubai's entry into the association. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 10:20 PM

Emirates flies to Seoul

Emirates Airline has started daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Seoul. Emirates operates an Airbus 340-300 aircraft in three-class configuration on the route with a capacity for 267 passengers. The airline is offering passengers flying first or business class to Seoul complimentary hotel stays in Korea until 30 June. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 10:15 PM

Timeshare regulation needed

A seminar on timeshares has created a series of recommendations to create a regulatory framework for the industry in Dubai. Timeshares are becoming increasingly popular with the boom in tourism and real estate, but there is no proper regulation. Specific recommendations include a cooling-off period, strict rules on approaching prospective customers, and comprehensive contracts. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 10:12 PM

Airbus to Establish Large Engineering Centre in China (Asia Pulse via Yahoo! Asia News)

BEIJING, May 2 Asia Pulse - Aviation giant Airbus said Saturday it would set up its fourth biggest engineering centre in Beijing to do aircraft design work for its super long-range passenger plane A350.

Posted at 10:03 PM

Keeping That Special Glow Safe at Home (New York Times)

MOSCOW, May 1 - The man carrying the hidden radioactive material passed among airline passengers at Sheremetyevo Airport here on an afternoon this year. His briefcase, holding the contraband, was indistinguishable from anyone else's carry-on bag.

Posted at 09:36 PM

Farmer to use self-built aircraft for 6-day odyssey (The Star Online)

BEIJING: A young Chinese peasant plans to tour his home region in a plane he built himself from scratch, becoming the country's first farmer to do so, state media said yesterday.

Posted at 08:29 PM

AIRLINES: Airport's lazy days might be numbered with growth (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Looks can be deceiving, especially when it comes to airport traffic. If you drop by Richmond International at midday, you might find a slow, fairly leisurely pace -- the aviation equivalent of a Faulkner novel.

Posted at 07:53 PM

Young Chinese peasant plans six-day odyssey aboard self-built aircraft (AFP via Yahoo! News)

A young Chinese peasant plans to tour his home region in a plane he built himself from scratch, becoming the country's first farmer to do so, state media said.

Posted at 05:52 PM

Haaretz - Israel News (Haaretz Daily)

"Not everyone who says `open skies' understands its significance, and by that I include Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Tourism Minister Abraham Hirchson, who have expressed their views on the subject," says Udi Zohar, head of the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA).

Posted at 05:29 PM

Senate committee to probe A300 B4 deal By Hamid Waleed (Daily Times)

LAHORE: A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Defence Production and Aviation will visit PIA Headquarters in Karachi on Tuesday to investigate the sale of six A300 B4 aircraft to the Turkish companies MNG and Fly Air, said sources.

Posted at 04:59 PM

U.S. seeking long runway in Okinawa (Daily Yomiuri Online)

The U.S. government has requested the Japanese government secure a runway more than 2,500 meters long for large military transport aircraft in Okinawa Prefecture if U.S. Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, is returned to Japan under a 1996 bilateral agreement, government sources said Sunday.

Posted at 01:35 PM

Thai Airways Makes Aviation History with First Bangkok-New York Non-Stop (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited flew into the record books this morning when it completed its first non-stop flight from Bangkok to New York.

Posted at 01:33 PM

Diploma in Technology (aviation) (The New Zealand Herald)

Wanting to be a commercial pilot can come from a burning desire to fly for a living. It also burns through $75,000 in course costs in the two years it takes to graduate with the Wintec Diploma in Technology (aviation) for New Zealanders, or $100,000 for international students.

Posted at 12:12 PM

NORTHEAST FLORIDA (First Coast News)

-- Mayport Naval Station (Jacksonville), port for the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy and 20 other warships and home to six helicopter squadrons and the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command.

Posted at 11:48 AM

Aviation division sponsors series of public workshops (The Eureka Reporter)

The Humboldt County Aviation Division of Public Works is sponsoring a series of four public informational workshops this week for the Dinsmore, Garberville, Murray Field and Rohnerville airports*** master plan studies.

Posted at 11:26 AM

New airline to Ithaca airport (News 10 Now)

A new commercial airline carrier is coming to Ithaca Airport. Northwest Airlines will fly its maiden voyage out of Ithaca on Monday, according to the "Ithaca Journal".

Posted at 08:40 AM

U.S. And Turkey Sign Agreement To Upgrade Turkish F-16 Aircraft (The Watchman Herald)

The Watchman Herald - Christian Web Site Reaching the Nations with the New Testament Gospel Message. Welcome To The Watchman Herald Daily News! This is our new website for ministering to a hurting world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Posted at 07:40 AM

Prince AlWaeed, tourism award

Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Holding CEO Prince Al Waleed bin Talal has been given a lifetime achievement award for services to tourism at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference in Dubai. Known for his astute investments, the prince was recognised for his wide involvement in international projects and measured expansion plans in the Middle East. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 07:37 AM

Thai Airways to be the regions leading airline (MCOT)

BANGKOK 1 May, (TNA) Thailand s national carrier, Thai Airways International intends to become the region s leading airline. The company plans to implement a comprehensive reform package, ahead of the liberalisation of the region s air service sector, to achieve its goal.

Posted at 06:40 AM

Aircraft crash (ITV West News)

A man has died after his light aircraft crashed into a field in North Somerset yesterday. The plane had just taken off from a farm at Naish Hill near Clapton in Gordano. It's believed the aircraft clipped trees and power lines before crashing into the ground.

Posted at 06:32 AM

Grosvener House opens for summer

Le Meridien's Grosvenor House West Marina Beach is set to open at Dubai Marina next month. The hotel will have 422 apartments with views of either the sea or marina with the top 11 floors set aside for the Grosvenor Club's premium executive accommodation. The hotel will feature restaurants offering a wide range of international cuisine including Anglo-French, Indian and Ottoman. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 06:26 AM

Developer's vision combines airplanes and alfalfa -- and $300,000 lots (Peninsula Daily News)

SEQUIM -- What do tractors and airplanes, alfalfa and aviation gas, a view of eagles and an eagle's eye view have in common? Discovery Trail Farm, if Dave LeRoux has his way.

Posted at 05:44 AM

Airline merger could create sweet deal for frequent fliers (San Jose Mercury News)

If America West and US Airways merge and create a large low-cost carrier, the deal could be a victory for frequent fliers. The new airline could present travelers with one of the largest and most far-reaching frequent-flier programs of any budget carrier, including Southwest, JetBlue and AirTran. It could even have a program that rivals those of some of the largest international carriers,

Posted at 05:43 AM

Wanted: Volcano warning system (Saipan Tribune)

Majority of the 13 Northern Marianas volcanoes have no real-time, ground-based monitoring at all, despite the U.S. Geological Survey's assessment that at least four of them pose high threat to aviation and ground safety.

Posted at 05:16 AM

News Briefs: (The Pocono Record)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday approved extension of a runway at Philadelphia International Airport to 6,500 feet in order to make it usable by larger jets.

Posted at 04:03 AM

Chinese peasant plans 6-day odyssey on self-built aircraft (INQ7.net)

Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. BEIJING--A young Chinese peasant plans to tour his home region in a plane he built himself from scratch, becoming the country's first farmer to do so, state media said Sunday.

Posted at 04:00 AM

Interval to promote timeshare

Timeshare vacation exchange company Interval International is opening a branch in Dubai in readiness for an expected growth of vacation ownership in the region. Interval has affiliated resorts in Egypt and Lebanon, and recently signed a deal with The Royal Club at The Palm, Dubai. [AMEInfo.com]

Posted at 01:13 AM