The board of the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the union representing American Airlines’ pilots, has approved a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would serve as a framework for the pilots of American and US Airways if the two companies merge.
The head of the US Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has called massive federal budget cuts that will automatically trigger if not addressed as part of a bill to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff a “mindless meataxe.”
United Continental Holdings said Hurricane Sandy, which hit the US East Coast in October causing widespread damage and flight disruptions, was partly to blame for a 4.2% decrease in capacity in the fourth quarter compared to the previous year.
Boeing and the BMW Group have agreed to collaborate on joint research on carbon fiber recycling. The two companies are pioneering the use of carbon fiber in their products. According to a Boeing statement, its 787 is made up of 50% carbon fiber material and BMW will introduce two vehicles with passenger compartments made of carbon fiber in 2013. “Recycling composite material at point of use and the end of product life is critical to both companies,” Boeing said.
Airways New Zealand has become the first air navigation service provider (ANSP) to be endorsed by ICAO for the design of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) instrument procedures. PBN procedures are key to improving efficiency, capacity and safety, and designing and implementing them is both a challenge and an opportunity for ANSPs.
British Airways has committed to buying the jet fuel produced by a planned new UK biofuel plant that is part of the GreenSky London initiative. The fuel will be purchased at market competitive prices. British Airways’ financial commitment covers the next 10 years and is worth about $500 million at today’s prices.
European Union transport ministers have adopted a series of conclusions reached by the Council of Ministers that provide a framework for the EU’s future external aviation policy.
IATA said weakening air travel growth is showing signs of stabilizing, with a 2.3% year-over-year lift in premium traffic for October, down from the 3.8% in September.
US carriers reported an on-time performance (OTP) arrival rate of 80.2% in October, down from 85.5% recorded in the year-ago month and from 83.5% in September.
News from Travel Technology Update: The year 2012 was marked by moves to push airline distribution in a new direction, away from “commoditization” and toward a new model that is not simply tied to the selling of seats.
Slovenia-based Adria Airways has dismissed CEO Klemen Bostjancic and has appointed previous commercial director Mark Anzur to replace him until a new one is found.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines has secured approvals to access a new SEK3.5 billion ($533 million) credit line after getting union buy-in for its restructuring plan.
Chinese carriers are expected to report a collective 25.2% drop in net profit to CNY20.99 billion ($3.34 billion), from CNY26 billion reported in 2011.
ATR inaugurated a new pilot and maintenance training center in Singapore’s Seletar Aerospace Park, joining existing facilities in Toulouse, Paris and Johannesburg. The new center is equipped with a -600 series full-flight simulator and has the capacity to train more than 600 pilots and maintenance crews annually.
Spanish carrier Iberia said it is prepared to discuss the terms of its controversial Transformation Plan after returning to the negotiating table with its unions.
