Northwest received an initial exemption, for two years or until 90 days after final DOT action on the carrier's certificate application, to conduct scheduled seasonal service between Minneapolis and Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and between Detroit and Cancun. (Docket OST-98- 3844)
Chester Lewis, a 35-year Boeing veteran, has been appointed to the 19- member National Resource Specialist cadre at FAA. He will be the aircraft certification service's chief NRS scientific and technical adviser in areas in which he has worked at Boeing - engine system dynamics and safety.
Communications Workers of America is trying to organize about 15,000 passenger service and reservations employees at American. A CWA spokesman declined to disclose how many employees have signed up in support of the drive, saying only that "we think it's going very successfully." He said a representation election probably will be held this year.
Increasing scrutiny of large commercial jet transport fuel systems makes it likely that FAA mandates for major system overhauls are on the way, industry sources believe, even though significant evidence may not be found to suggest serious design problems. One industry source told DAILY affiliate Aero Safety&Maintenance that the 737 and 747 airworthiness directives and service bulletins issued thus far "are just the tip of the iceberg." Further, the procedures for insulating fuel system wiring outlined in last month's 737 ADs likely are "just short-term fixes."
Alaska Airlines' recent order for six 737s brings to 50 the number of 737s it has on order and option. If the carrier takes its options, its fleet will grow 63%, from 80 to 130 aircraft, in six years. It has the youngest fleet among the major U.S. airlines, averaging 7.6 years of age.
Japan's domestic aviation liberalization has not promoted competition, according to Standard&Poor's analyst Phil Baggaley. "The pace for allowing new entrants into the market is slow," he said. "They make the FAA look generous."
Delta and United's response to DOT's request for information on their proposed alliance details fare and service benefits for travelers across the system, increased network and hub competition, and failed efforts to expand internally. The carriers also maintain that smaller and medium- sized communities have much to gain from the code share.
Air-India has signed code-share agreements with Air France and Swissair. AI passengers flying from Mumbai/New Delhi to Paris on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays can connect with Air France services from Paris to Geneva. Swissair will make available a block of 25 economy-class seats on each of four flights, two of them 747-300s between Mumbai and Zurich and the others MD-11s between New Delhi and Zurich.
Lufthansa reduced its specific fuel consumption below five liters per 100 passenger kilometers (PKM), a "magical mark," for the first time last year, cutting 0.2 liters to reach 4.9 liters. Publishing its environmental report, the carrier said total fuel consumption increased 9% while total traffic rose 12.3% to 66.5 billion passenger kilometers. In the first quarter of 1998, the new A320 fleet at Lufthansa's Condor charter subsidiary consumed 2.9 liters per 100 PKM. Last year, Condor averaged 3.6 liters across its fleet.
GE Aircraft Engines has a role, on its own and through CFM International, in 44.6% of aircraft engines among airlines in the Asia/Pacific region, leading Pratt&Whitney, at 39.4%. Rolls-Royce has a 13.4% share, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines. GE's CF6 is the most popular engine in the region.
US Airways is launching MetroJet service today during an inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony at Baltimore-Washington International Airport. President and Chief Executive Rakesh Gangwal and other members of the MetroJet task force will be on hand for the low-fare carrier's startup.
Mexicana will begin nonstop service June 6 from Oakland to Guadalajara with continuing service to Mexico City. The service, its first to Oakland, will operate three times a week using A320 aircraft with 12 seats in business class and 138 in coach. Mexicana is the only foreign carrier to serve all three Bay Area airports - San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland.
Japan Airlines posted an operating profit in fiscal 1998, but with management's decision to write off 113.4 billion yen (US$893.5 million) because of loss-making enterprises, the airline's net loss totaled 94.2 billion yen ($742 million). In fiscal 1996, JAL lost 8.9 billion yen ($70.4 million). Much of this year's write-off was attributed to JAL's hotel and resort divisions, but the carrier cited continued Japanese travel declines as another factor in its ongoing profitability struggle.
Continental will surpass 500 daily flights for the first time at its hub in Houston this month. The airline is in the midst of a $230 million expansion there.
Congressional action on aviation legislation, including the Airport Improvement Program and bills on service to small communities, has been postponed due to Senate debate on tobacco legislation and continued wrangling over highway funding. Among the slips are Senate markups on park overflight rules, which had been tentatively planned Wednesday, and possibly AIP reauthorization, which was expected by the end of the month, before the two-week Independence Day recess.
Delta has launched an initiative to improve menus in all classes of service. With the help of famous steakhouse chefs from around the country, Delta has introduced a variety of steak menu choices for all passengers on long-haul domestic and international flights, beginning today. Premium Omaha Steaks, prepared with marinades and sauces, will be offered in coach, first and business classes.
National Air Transportation Association wrote FAA a letter accusing it of issuing the equivalent of an airworthiness directive through an internal Handbook Bulletin. The dispute started in 1996 when FAA issued a bulletin mandating that FAA inspectors evaluate Part 135 cargo operators' aircraft to assure they had not been altered by a previously FAA-approved alteration. NATA President James Coyne said the cargo aircraft affected are airworthy and have been operating safely for years.
