The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Select (TRAN) Committee yesterday voted against a new legislative proposal to harmonize pilot and cabin crew flight time limitations (FTL). The motion to reject the European Commission’s (EC’s) draft proposal was carried by a vote of 21 to 13.
John F. Kennedy International Airport-based JetBlue Airways yesterday revealed its long-awaited premium cabin, dubbed “Mint,” which will be featured on flights between its hub and Los Angeles International and San Francisco International airports. The new premium cabin will only be available on newly delivered Airbus A321s, with service due to start on June 14, 2014. Mint will feature lie-flat seats, large in-flight entertainment screens and personalized service and several “suites” for additional privacy.
Air New Zealand is vowing to continue to clamp down on costs despite its strong financial performance, and that includes ongoing scrutiny of its heavy maintenance operations. At its annual stockholder’s meeting late last week, Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon emphasized that the airline is undertaking benchmark studies to compare its costs in all segments of the business against its competitors. The carrier will “identify the cause of high costs,” and will only retain the expense if passengers are prepared to pay for them through ticket prices.
A revised version of a draft resolution to establish a global system for limiting airlines’ greenhouse-gas emissions is expected to emerge today at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal. Bilateral consultations have been underway since a Sept. 25 executive committee meeting failed to produce a consensus agreement on ICAO’s proposal for developing a global system of market-based measures (MBM) to limit aviation’s carbon emissions.
By Dr. Pamela Drew, Corporate Vice President and President of Information Systems, Exelis Inc. America’s infrastructure is aging—including our nation’s air travel system, and while the United States’ air traffic control system is the safest in the world, many would be surprised to learn that today’s air travel relies on decades-old systems.
Southwest Airlines yesterday broke ground on a $156 million international terminal at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston that will be the base for an international expansion planned from 2015. The five-gate facility is scheduled to open late 2015, with Southwest planning to offer Boeing 737 services to in the Caribbean, Mexico and the northern cities of South America.
The past few years have not been kind to Air Nostrum. The regional airline, which has been operating under a franchise contract with Iberia since 1997, is struggling with the fallout of Spain’s relentless economic downturn and an onslaught of low-cost carriers in the country. Iberia’s downsizing and social unrest is making matters worse.
Click here to view the pdf Top Carriers: Frankfurt, September 15-21, 2013, Ranked By Scheduled Outbound ASMs Top Carriers: Frankfurt, September 15-21, 2013, Ranked By Scheduled Outbound ASMs De
Technologically advanced components may help drive down maintenance costs on the newest aircraft, but they also radically alter the cost-benefit calculation of whether an airline should stock its own spares or participate in a pool.
Indonesia’s Lion Air is considering a “double-digit” order for Bombardier CS300 aircraft, and could make a decision by the end of this year. Both Lion Air and Bombardier confirm that talks about an order are being held, but a Lion Air spokesman tells Aviation Week that no purchase decision has been made.
The NTSB says improper installation of a fuselage crown skin panel on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-300 (N632SW) caused metal fatigue that led to a rapid decompression event over Arizona on April 1, 2011.
Air India’s restructuring is likely to be severely affected after the Indian government decided to stop, for now, promised financial support. “The ministry of finance has delayed the equity infusion into the airline due to the high fiscal deficit and the falling rupee,” an Air India official says.
Air France-KLM and Rolls-Royce have not yet reached agreement on the terms and conditions under which the Franco-Dutch group’s MRO arm will be allowed to perform maintenance on the Trent XWB engines.
18th Annual Regional & Business, Aviation Industry Suppliers Conference Montelucia, Paradise Valley (Scottsdale), AZ November 6-8, 2013 Preliminary Program Available at www.speednews.com
Significant budget cuts are the latest threat to the FAA’s vision for a 21st century air traffic system that already faces formidable challenges. The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) needs to integrate a complex web of air traffic management capabilities to serve growing needs in the world’s busiest airspace, while enhancing safety, saving fuel and reducing environmental impacts. NextGen is more than technology. It includes policies and procedures, and requires a return on investment.
In its most significant network move since Virgin Australia became its majority owner, Tigerair Australia is entering the hotly contested transcontinental market between Sydney and Perth.
