Jul 20, 2006 06:47 AM (ET)
Denver Airport Traffic Passes 4 Million Passengers In May
TheDenverChannel.com (Colo.) - Jul 20, 2006 04:48 PM (ET)
The number of passengers traveling through Denver International Airport reached surpassed 4.15 million in May as competition grew more aggressive among the top airlines, providing more bargains in ticket prices.
DIA officials said Thursday it was the first time passenger traffic was higher than 4 million in May and marked the fourth-busiest month in Denver airport history.
DFW Airport Unveils Podcasts
AP - Jul 20, 2006 04:47 PM (ET)
Podcasts have landed at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Airport officials on Thursday announced a series of free podcasts in English and Spanish to provide travelers with information about parking, restaurants and shopping.
More Airport Just The Ticket For MAp
Australian - Jul 20, 2006 04:11 PM (ET)
Macquarie Airports will consolidate its control of Sydney Airport by paying $712 million to boost its stake by 15 per cent.
MAp announced yesterday it would exercise its pre-emptive rights on shares available from partner Ferrovial Infrastructure's 20.9 per cent stake in Sydney.
Sacyr Vallehermoso Mulls Bid For London City Airport
Forbes - Jul 20, 2006 04:09 PM (ET)
Sacyr Vallehermoso SA is studying a bid for London City Airport, La Gaceta de los Negocios reported citing unnamed sources close to the operation to sell the infrastructure in Central London.
La Gaceta cited the sources as saying that Sacyr Vallehermoso has approached Morgan Stanley, the bank hired to advise the airport's owner Dermot Desmond over the sale, and expressed an interest in a possible acquisition.
Grant To Help Airport Upgrade
Register-Guard (Ore.) - Jul 20, 2006 04:07 PM (ET)
The Eugene Airport received a $4.1 million state grant on Wednesday to expand its air cargo facilities.
The project was among $100 million worth of nonhighway transportation projects approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission under the Connect Oregon banner, passed by the 2005 Legislature.
Palomar To Unveil Airport Terminal Design Tonight
San Diego (Calif.) Union Tribune - Jul 20, 2006 04:06 PM (ET)
County officials are expected to unveil plans Thursday night for a new terminal building to replace the portable structures now serving airline passengers at McClellan-Palomar Airport.
Plans for the 18,000-square-foot terminal will be shown at a meeting of the Palomar Airport Advisory Committee at 7 p.m. in the Carlsbad City Council chambers at 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive.
Air France-KLM Put Under Investigation In Fraud Probe
World AFP - Jul 20, 2006 04:03 PM (ET)
Airline group Air France-KLM has been put under investigation by a French financial judge as part of a broadening probe into money laundering and illegal employment practices at a bankrupt airline security group, the company's lawyer said.
Under French law, a company can be treated as a legal entity and found responsible for crimes that a judge is unable to attribute to individuals.
Varig Sold To US-Brazilian Investors For 24 Million Dollars
World AFP - Jul 20, 2006 03:54 PM (ET)
A group of US-Brazilian investors bought bankrupt Brazilian airline Varig for a knockdown 24 million dollars ending weeks of uncertainty about the carrier.
The airline has been bought by the Volo do Brasil consortium made up of US investment fund Matlin Patterson and some Brazilian partners.
US Airways, Worldspan Ink Online Deal
Business Journal of Phoenix (Ariz.) - Jul 20, 2006 03:53 PM (ET)
US Airways Group Inc. has signed a five-year online-service contract with Worldspan, a company that provides technology services to travel agencies, e-commerce sites and corporations worldwide.
Under the agreement, users of the Worldspan system will be able to access all US Airways fares, including those available on the carrier's Web site and through third parties.
Alaska Air Signs On Sabre
Breaking Travel News - Jul 20, 2006 03:52 PM (ET)
Alaska Airlines has signed new five-year, full-content agreements with Sabre Travel Network and Travelocity.
Through the agreement with Sabre Travel Network, the full content of Alaska Airlines fares and inventory will be available to subscribers of the Sabre global distribution system (GDS), including online and offline travel agencies.
Airline Scraps Online 'Hoffa' Game
Tri-City Herald (Wash.) - Jul 20, 2006 03:51 PM (ET)
An online game that poked fun at the FBI's hunt for Jimmy Hoffa's remains was shut down after a Florida-based discount airline received dozens of complaints from customers who felt the flight promotion was distasteful.
Spirit Airlines launched "The Hunt for Hoffa" on Tuesday, based on the unsuccessful search for the remains of the missing Teamsters president at a Milford Township farm.
Continental Follows United, Matching American's Distribution Fee
Travel Weekly - Jul 20, 2006 03:49 PM (ET)
Continental joined United in matching the $3.50 per-segment fee initiated by American for agents who use non-preferred booking channels beginning Sept. 1, and took the additional step of putting agents on notice that it definitely will not maintain “full content” in those non-preferred systems.
In a message to agents posted on its Web site, the carrier identified its preferred channels as Sabre’s Efficient Access Solution, Galileo’s Content Continuity Program, Worldspan’s Super Access Product, and two alternative GDSs: G2 SwitchWorks and Farelogix.
Continental Airlines To Impose Booking Fees
Travel Agent - Jul 20, 2006 03:48 PM (ET)
In a letter sent to agencies and obtained by Travel Agent, Continental Airlines announced that it, too, was going to impose a $3.50 per segment booking fee on those using certain GDSs. Continental is the third airline to make such an announcement in the last 10 days, following both United Airlines and American Airlines, both of whom will levy the $3.50 booking fee on select GDS subscribers.
AMR Orders More Than 100 Winglets
Pacific (Hawaii) Business News - Jul 20, 2006 03:47 PM (ET)
Winglets -- those upturned fins on the edges of Aloha Airlines jet wings -- are going to be a lot more common on American Airlines jets as well.
American parent company AMR Corp. confirmed Wednesday that after ordering 20 winglets installed on Boeing 757-200s a year ago, it has ordered another 104 winglet shipsets.
Tough Cargo Flight Rules Urged
Miami (Fla.) Herald - Jul 20, 2006 03:46 PM (ET)
Members of Congress are calling for oversight hearings and stricter accountability for air cargo operators, who fly in an under-the-radar industry where pilots die nearly once a month on average.
At the same time, a pilots group is urging a rewriting of aviation laws to eliminate a dual set of safety standards that experts say puts air cargo pilots -- and people on the ground -- at unnecessary risk.
Negotiators Reach Agreement On Pension Bill
AP - Jul 20, 2006 03:43 PM (ET)
Congressional negotiators said Wednesday they had agreed on legislation to restore health to the nation’s enfeebled employer-based pension system and ensure the retirement benefits of tens of millions of people.
“I think everything’s resolved, pending getting the exact wording,” Sen. Michael Enzi, R-Wyo., chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said Wednesday.
Are The Skies Turning Green?
BBC News (U.K.) - Jul 20, 2006 03:41 PM (ET)
Even senior aviation bosses, with their bespoke suits and six- and seven-figure salaries, had to fan themselves with press releases while clutching tepid glasses of Diet Coke.
At 35 degrees Celsius, every air cooling device at the show had been turned up to 11 and had caused the power generators to crash.
Orders For Boeings At Farnborough Leave Airbus In A Vapor Trail
Wichita Eagle (Kan.) - Jul 20, 2006 03:39 PM (ET)
Boeing Co. completed another busy day Tuesday at the Farnborough Airshow, fueling speculation that it will beat Airbus for full-year orders for the first time since 2000.
At the close of Farnborough's second day, by which time most of the business is usually done, Boeing had notched 62 jet orders worth $7.9 billion.
Order Is Icing On Boeing Cake
Seattle (Wash.) Times - Jul 20, 2006 03:37 PM (ET)
Boeing wrapped up its last day of presentations at the Farnborough Air Show on Wednesday with a bellwether order that sealed the show's success for the commercial-airplane division.
The influential chairman and chief executive of International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) gave Boeing a huge boost with an order worth $1.2 billion at list prices, covering three Boeing models including the new 787.
Panels Approve Wright Proposal
Dallas (Texas) Morning News - Jul 20, 2006 03:35 PM (ET)
The campaign to lift flight restrictions at Dallas Love Field moved closer to votes in the full House and Senate as two legislative committees cleared the locally constructed plan Wednesday.
With only about a half-hour of debate, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee passed the bill authored by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, in a 21-1 vote.
Delta Pensions Should Not Threaten Financing
Reuters - Jul 20, 2006 02:56 PM (ET)
Delta Air Lines should be able to attract private investment needed to exit bankruptcy even if it preserves its expensive non-union pension plan, the airline's chief executive said on Wednesday.
Gerald Grinstein told reporters at a Capitol Hill news conference that Delta had not spoken with potential financing partners.
NWA Voting Starts Today
St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press - Jul 20, 2006 02:55 PM (ET)
Northwest Airlines flight attendants start voting today on a revised tentative contract with the airline that includes improvements over a previously rejected contract in sick pay, vacation time, scheduling and other areas. Union leaders are confident that this deal will win ratification.
Northwest To Refinance Over $1B In Bank Obligations
Memphis (Tenn.) Business Journal - Jul 20, 2006 02:54 PM (ET)
Northwest Airlines Corp. announced Tuesday night it is seeking to refinance some of its existing bank obligations.
The airline filed documents with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, asking to refinance $1.125 billion of existing bank obligations "at more favorable terms and provide access to $250 million in incremental liquidity," NWA said in a release.
Profits Grow At Continental
The Street - Jul 20, 2006 02:53 PM (ET)
Continental Airlines reported its highest quarterly profit in five years and said strong revenue trends will continue into the third quarter.
The nation's fifth-largest airline said second-quarter net income was $198 million, or $1.84 a share, compared with year-earlier net income of $100 million and $1.26 a share, with the improvement fueled by increases in ticket prices and passenger loads.
Continental's 2Q Profit Almost Doubles
AP - Jul 20, 2006 02:52 PM (ET)
Continental Airlines on Thursday added to the airline industry's apparent turnaround from years of struggles by nearly doubling its second-quarter net income through higher fares and packed planes.
The nation's fifth-largest carrier reported a 98 percent jump in second-quarter net income as a 23 percent boost in passenger revenue helped offset higher fuel prices and a hefty accrual for employee profit sharing.
Continental Airlines Earnings Rise On Fare Hikes
Reuters - Jul 20, 2006 02:51 PM (ET)
Continental Airlines Inc. on Thursday said second-quarter profit nearly doubled as higher fares and wage cuts offset climbing fuel prices.
The No. 4 U.S. carrier said net income rose to $198 million, or $1.84 a share, from $100 million, or $1.26 a share, a year earlier.
Airlines' Comeback Is A Promising Sign
AP - Jul 20, 2006 02:49 PM (ET)
Two of the nation's largest airlines gave signs yesterday that the industry is turning the corner after five years of heavy losses by packing planes and raising fares at the start of the summer travel season.
Southwest Airlines Co. and the parent of American Airlines met or beat Wall Street's profit forecasts for the second quarter despite higher fuel prices.
Airlines Take Off
Chicago (Ill.) Tribune - Jul 20, 2006 02:48 PM (ET)
Airplanes are filled to near capacity. Demand for tickets is high. And fares have been creeping upward since last year.
Analysts have expected that airline earnings would finally turn the corner in the second quarter and show strong profitability.
American Seeks OK For Dallas-To-Beijing Route
Reuters - Jul 20, 2006 02:12 PM (ET)
American Airlines, a unit of AMR Corp., on Thursday said it has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation to fly between Dallas and Beijing, China.
If approved, the new route would be American's second U.S.-to-China route.
DAE Eyes 12 Major Airport Projects
Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates) - Jul 20, 2006 10:55 AM (ET)
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), the $15 billion global aerospace company, said it has been invited to take part in airport projects in 12 countries in Asia and the Middle East, and would be ready to initiate the first project within two to three months.
Speaking to Khaleej Times at Farnborough Air Show, Dr Mohammed A. Al Zarouni, Managing Director of DAE, said some of the projects under discussion are greenfield projects while others involve major revamp and modernisation programmes, mostly in China and India.
Continental Airlines Earnings Rise On Fare Hikes
Reuters - Jul 20, 2006 10:54 AM (ET)
No. 4 U.S. carrier Continental Airlines Inc. on Thursday said second-quarter earnings nearly doubled as fuller flights and higher fares offset increased fuel costs.
The jump in earnings came a day after rivals Southwest Airlines Co. and American Airlines parent AMR Corp. both posted stronger-than-expected quarters, offering another sign that the long-suffering industry is on the mend.
Removing Flight Limits On Dallas Airport OKd
Los Angeles (Calif.) Times - Jul 20, 2006 10:09 AM (ET)
Southwest Airlines Co. and American Airlines, seeking to settle a long-running dispute, won approval from two congressional committees for an agreement that removes a limit on states Southwest may serve from Dallas Love Field.
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee voted 21-1 in favor of the accord.
Airport Bids Take Off
Sun Herald (Miss.) - Jul 20, 2006 10:08 AM (ET)
The excitement for rebuilding prospects was running high Wednesday in the administrative offices of the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.
When the bids on the three projects were opened, there was a different but not altogether unexpected emotion.
Lufthansa's LSG, Gate Gourmet Paris Airport Catering JV Cleared By EU
Forbes - Jul 20, 2006 10:07 AM (ET)
The European Commission said it has cleared the proposed joint venture between Deutsche Lufthansa AG's catering unit LSG and Swiss peer Gate Gourmet.
The venture would see the groups combine their airline food catering businesses at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.
Food Options Expanded At Oakland Airport
East Bay Business Times - Jul 20, 2006 10:05 AM (ET)
Thanks to contracts approved Tuesday by Port of Oakland commissioners, future food offerings at Oakland International Airport may include a generous slice of East Bay culinary institutions.
Commissioners agreed on a 10-year contract with Host International Inc. that permits the Bethesda, Md., company to operate the primary food, beverage, retail and duty-free concessions in Terminals 1 and 2.
Russian VSMPO In Supply Deal With Brazil's Embraer
Reuters - Jul 20, 2006 09:59 AM (ET)
Russia's VSMPO-Avisma, the world's top titanium maker, has signed a long-term contract to supply titanium parts to Brazilian jet maker Embraer, the companies said on Thursday.
"The contract is valid through 2011 and covers most of Embraer aircraft programs' titanium needs. This extends the relationship between the two companies, which exists since 2000," the companies said in a statement.
China Eastern Seeking Investment From SIA, Other Foreign Giants
World AFP - Jul 20, 2006 09:57 AM (ET)
China Eastern, the nation's third-largest carrier by fleet size, is seeking to attract Singapore Airlines and other foreign aviation giants as strategic investors.
China Eastern has set up a special panel charged with seeking foreign investment and has already entered into talks with possible buyers, the Shanghai Daily reported.
Fare Hikes Boost Continental Airlines
Reuters - Jul 20, 2006 09:56 AM (ET)
Continental Airlines Inc. on Thursday said second-quarter earnings nearly doubled as full planes and higher fares offset climbing fuel prices.
The No. 4 U.S. carrier said net income rose to $198 million, or $1.84 a share, from $100 million, or $1.26 a share, a year earlier.
Thai Airways To Decide On Fuel Surcharges Next Week
Asia Pulse - Jul 20, 2006 09:55 AM (ET)
Thailand's national air carrier, Thai Airways International, will decide next week whether to increase the fuel surcharge in the face of a steady rise in oil prices, a spokesman said.
Wallop Bhukkanasut, THAI's Commercial Department Executive Vice President, said on Tuesday that the carrier is keeping a close watch on oil prices, as the continuous rise will certainly impact its operations and it will be able to conclude by next week on the new fuel surcharge rates.
Malaysia's Airasia Orders 40 A320 Planes Worth US$2.7 Billion
Asia Pulse - Jul 20, 2006 09:54 AM (ET)
Malaysia's low cost carrier AirAsia Berhad has ordered 40 more A320 Family aircraft, and taken another 30 on option, Airbus said on Wednesday.
Airbus did not mention the value of the order, but based on the list price of an average US$65 million for each single-aisle A320 aircraft, it is estimated the contract is worth about US$2.7 billion.
Stray Goats Cause Havoc On Tongan Runway
Asia Pulse - Jul 20, 2006 09:52 AM (ET)
Stray animals on Ha'apai airport in Tonga almost caused a disaster at the airport yesterday, when a plane was forced to abort landing.
Magistrate Folau Lokotui, a passenger on the plane, told Radio and TV Tonga that passengers were shocked when the pilot pulled out of the landing and made another circle above the airport.
Fewer Seats, Higher Fares Boost American, Southwest
Reuters - Jul 20, 2006 09:49 AM (ET)
Two of the largest U.S. airlines posted sharply stronger quarterly results on Wednesday and said industry-wide capacity reductions and fare increases have bolstered their revenue.
Industry leader AMR Corp. , parent of American Airlines, and leading discount carrier Southwest Airlines Inc. both posted second-quarter results that topped Wall Street's expectations, but also warned that high fuel prices will continue to challenge them for the remainder of the year.
Southwest Solidifies Domestic Dominance, Doubles Second-Quarter Profits
Air Transport World - Jul 20, 2006 09:46 AM (ET)
Reaping the benefits of capacity cutbacks by its legacy competition, Southwest Airlines enjoyed record revenues in the second quarter ended June 30 and more than doubled its net income to $333 million from earnings of $144 million in the year-ago quarter.More good times are ahead, according to CEO Gary Kelly, who said the carrier is "excited about our near-term growth opportunities and pleased with our earnings momentum" and that "assuming continuance of the current healthy revenue environment, we expect to easily exceed our 15% 2006 annual earnings growth goal."
Southwest generated a record $2.45 billion in revenues during the three-month period, a 26% increase over $1.94 billion in the year-ago quarter.
AirAsia Signs Up For 40 More A320s
Air Transport World - Jul 20, 2006 09:45 AM (ET)
AirAsia will have the lift to match its ambition after signing a contract with Airbus for 40 A320 family aircraft and 30 options, the manufacturer announced yesterday.The deal is worth approximately $2.7 billion, according to press reports.
American Posts Best Result In More Than Five Years
Air Transport World - Jul 20, 2006 09:44 AM (ET)
American Airlines parent AMR Corp. earned $291 million in the second quarter ended June 30, widened from a profit of $58 million in the same period last year and only the carrier's second profitable quarter in the last 5.5 years.
Executives said they were "pleased" with the high quarterly earnings following years of steep losses but warned that the carrier still faces significant "obstacles" to reach consistent profitability.
Small Outfit Seeks Clearance To Battle Outbreaks Onboard Aircraft
Orlando Sentinel - Jul 20, 2006 08:43 AM (ET)
For months, Dr. Ronald Brown and his partners sat at a card table shaded by the wing of a DC-9 airplane and ran test after test on a prototype machine that he hopes will one day stop the spread of a flu pandemic, anthrax or other dangers among airline passengers.
Today he's upgraded from the card table to a large trailer off the westernmost runway at Orlando International Airport, with ambitions to move into a 200,000-square-foot building on airport property in the next year.
Decade After TWA Explosion, No Consensus On Fuel Tank Safety
Los Angeles Times - Jul 20, 2006 07:27 AM (ET)
A decade after a Paris-bound jumbo jet exploded in the night sky and plummeted into waters off Long Island's south shore, killing all 230 aboard, the airline industry and federal officials still are at odds over measures that safety experts say would have prevented the accident. Trans World Airlines Flight 800 crashed minutes after takeoff from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport after a spark ignited vapors in a fuel tank located in the center of the Boeing 747's wing.
Afriqiyah Commits To Up To 20 Airbus Jets
ATW Online - Jul 20, 2006 07:14 AM (ET)
Tripoli-based Afriqiyah Airways signed an MOU with Airbus this week for acquisition of six A320s, three A319s and three A330-200s as well as options on five A319s and three more A330s. Engine selections and delivery dates were not announced.
Pratt & Whitney Won't Offer Engine For A350 XWB
ATW Online - Jul 20, 2006 07:12 AM (ET)
Pratt & Whitney President Steve Finger yesterday said that the P&W-General Electric Engine Alliance is the most suitable vehicle to supply an engine for the redesigned and renamed A350 XWB, nixing the possibility that Pratt, which is not on the 787, will develop a new engine for the Dreamliner's rival.
New Mexico Airline VivaAeroBus To Fly In October
Reuters - Jul 20, 2006 07:08 AM (ET)
A new low-cost Mexican airline, VivaAeroBus, part-owned by the founders of Europe's biggest low-frills carrier Ryanair, will start flying in October, the company said Wednesday. VivaAeroBus, which will connect Mexican airports to a handful of U.S. cities, will kick off with an initial investment of $50 million and two Boeing 737-300 airplanes bearing its vivid green and pink logo.
Rolls-Royce Lands $250 Million Engine Deal
Reuters - Jul 20, 2006 06:59 AM (ET)
British aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce Plc said on Thursday that Hainan Airlines Group had selected the Trent 700 engine to power a fleet of five Airbus A330s in a deal worth $250 millon to Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce said the deal included a long-term servicing agreement and that Chinese airline Hainan was a new customer, with delivery beginning in November 2007.
