Ecuadorian startup Aeropais launched operations last week with one leased 37-passenger Dash 8 aircraft. The carrier will initially operate from Quito to Cuenca and Loja, plus Cuenca-Guayaquil service. Later expansion would include Cuenca-Loja and Loja-Guayaquil in the short term, followed later by an international route to northern Peru.
Qantas and Mexicana plan to start code sharing on flights between Australia and Mexico via Los Angeles and San Francisco on June 1, and the carriers need the U.S. Transportation Dept. to sign off on the U.S. transit points.
Alaska Airlines' flight attendants union yesterday ratified a new four-year contract. "We are pleased that this new contract provides a more generous profit-sharing program that rewards front-line employees for their contributions to the bottom line," said Association of Flight Attendants Master Executive Council President Veda Shook.
Chinese cargo carrier Yangtze River Express plans to launch three weekly cargo flights between Shanghai and Los Angeles pending regulatory approval. The flights would make a technical stop at Anchorage before proceeding to Los Angeles. Yangtze River Express would wet-lease a Boeing 747 freighter from Air Atlanta Icelandic for the route [OST-2006-24629, -24630].
Peruvian startup Wayraperu (DAILY, March 21) carried 12,300 passengers in its first month of domestic operations and recorded a 65% load factor on its flights, reports CEO Agustin Arango. The carrier operated 222 flights using Fokker 100s and achieved an 84.4% on-time performance.
SR Technics made its first inroads into the U.S. maintenance, repair and overhaul market through the acquisition of a controlling stake in Israel Aircraft Industries' New York-based Empire Aero Center. IAI took control of Empire in 2004, and at that time the MRO offered A and C checks on Boeing 727s, 747s, DC-8/10s and C130s. Empire planned to add capabilities for maintaining 757s/767s in 2005, and was eyeing Airbus A320s this year. SR Technic's stake in Empire is 60%, with IAI retaining the remaining 40% share. -LR
American Connection partner RegionsAir on June 19 will take up essential air service at Decatur, Ill., making way for Trans States' exit in the market (DAILY, April 10).
Elaine Roberts was named national chair of the American Association of Airport Executives for 2006-2007. In her new position, Roberts will steer aviation policies on a national level. She also serves on the board of ACI-NA. Roberts is the president & CEO of Ohio's Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which oversees the operations of Port Columbus International, Rickenbacker and Bolton Field airports.
Omaha, Neb.-based Travel and Transport has inked a deal with Verified Identity Pass to provide a discount on membership fees in the Clear registered traveler program.
Four organizations representing airports, business travel managers, travel agents and the voluntary credentialing industry are joining forces to ensure that the Transportation Security Administration's Registered Traveler program is properly launched on schedule this summer. The coalition includes ACI-NA, National Business Travel Association, American Society of Travel Agents and the Voluntary Credentialing Industry Coalition.
Republic expects to hear from Delta on its regional jet contracts now that the major carrier has dealt with its pilot contract. Chairman and CEO Bryan Bedford says he expects to announce changes to the current contract or future business in three or four months.
Pinnacle yesterday reported a 43% drop in first-quarter profits to $13.3 million, but the regional carrier stayed solidly in the black as it prepares for negotiations with Northwest about future flying.
Worldwide passenger traffic in March dipped 5.7%, but cargo jumped 6.2% from the same month last year, according to the latest IATA data. The drop in passenger traffic growth was attributed to the shift of the Easter and Passover holidays from March last year to April this year. Passenger load factors averaged 74.4% during the first quarter and 75.5% for March, showing "a close matching of capacity to demand." Middle Eastern carriers led growth during the first quarter with a 17.5% increase in passenger traffic and a 16.6% rise in cargo from 2005 levels.
FAA's war-risk insurance program for U.S. airlines would be extended five-years under new legislation introduced by House aviation subcommittee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.).
Argentine regional carrier Aerolineas Sol on June 1 will start operations with two 34-passenger Saab aircraft, linking Buenos Aires with Cordoba, Rosario, Santa Fe, Entre Rios and Rafaela. The carrier, based in Santa Fe and controlled by local tour wholesaler Transatlantica, will receive $3 million a year from Santa Fe's provincial government during its first three years of operations to subsidize fuel costs.
AirTran yesterday reported a $4.6 million first-quarter loss, including a one-time credit, but executives are optimistic that higher fares and strong demand will boost the carrier into the black for the full year.
The Philippines government will invest PHP5.8 billion (US$112 million) to build a new airport for the town of Laguindingan in the Misamis Oriental province. The facility will replace the existing Cagayan de Oro Airport, which has operating limitations for jet aircraft -- it sits on a plateau and is bounded on two sides by mountainous terrain.
Air New Zealand subsidiary Freedom Air won the U.S. Dept. of Transportation's approval to carry United's code on flights Freedom will operate for ANZ in the Trans Tasman and Pacific Island markets (DAILY, March 27). Freedom is taking on ANZ's Airbus A320 fleet and markets, but ANZ will continue to operate in the markets with its all-Boeing fleet [OST-2006-24250].
Indianapolis Airport has signed a $22.8 million deal with Siemens Energy & Automation's Airport Logistics Division for a new baggage-handling and in-line security screening system.
Orlando International Airport has signed a $1.7 million contract with Prime Flight Aviation Services to help speed passengers and baggage through security beginning in May. Working with the Transportation Security Administration, the airport's new Baggage Handling and Customer Service Representative system will provide queue management, assistance for passengers in security lines and movement of baggage in the terminal.
