Two key makers of remote air traffic control tower equipment report measured progress in introducing video-based alternative surveillance technologies to airport operators in search of enhanced situational awareness and lower operating costs. Sweden's Saab Sensis says it will begin in January a certification program for what will be the world's first remotely operated control tower at an operational airport, once approved by Swedish regulators in June or July 2013.

Last fall, a bill to block U.S. air carriers from participating in the EU's emissions trading system flew through the House of Representatives. Now it appears stalled there until after the Nov. 6 elections, industry and congressional sources say. The bill, co-sponsored by Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), was approved by the Senate before the chamber adjourned for recess. Supporters had expressed hope that the House would consider the bill during its pro-forma session before the elections, but 435 members would need to say yes.

Qatar is expected to finally announce it will join the Oneworld alliance on Oct. 8.

The word “airmanship” reentered the common parlance when Capt. Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger, 3rd, and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles in early 2009 landed a fully booked US Airways A320 on the Hudson River after experiencing a loss of engines. Beyond discussions about the danger resulting from bird strikes and other technicalities, the two pilots demonstrated superior “airmanship.” A nice word, which says it all, although ignored by most dictionaries. It receives a mere four key words in the unabridged Webster's: skills in piloting or navigating an aircraft.

Boeing tried to get a restart of negotiations on a four-year contract proposal to the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace off on the right foot last week with language clarifications, a day after 96% of Speea members eligible to vote rejected its original offer. The company clarified language pertaining to medical, dental and long-term disability benefits and acknowledged the “overwhelming rejection” of its initial proposal.

Sales offset cuts at home, but competition is growing fierce.

Thai Airways finds new uses for its super-sized aircraft

As Korean Air moves, Hyundai Heavy Industries also makes a bid