EU member states and their airports are allowed to use body scanners to screen passengers, the European Commission (EC) decided. But it stipulated that the machines can only used under strict operational and technical conditions intended to ensure compliance with fundamental privacy rights and the protection of health.
A day after being placed on administrative leave, Randy Babbitt submitted his resignation as FAA administrator to US transportation secretary Ray LaHood, who accepted it.
A day after being placed on administrative leave, Randy Babbitt submitted his resignation as FAA administrator to US transportation secretary Ray LaHood, who accepted it.
Cathay Pacific Airways, Tradelink and Global Logistic System Co. announced a joint effort to promote an end-to-end, paper-free air cargo process flow. The move supports the implementation of the e-freight project, an industry-wide initiative facilitated by IATA, involving carriers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, shippers and customs authorities.
California-based Byogy Renewables will seek as much as $30 million in funding from private equity and strategic investors by mid-2012, Bloomberg reported. The funds will be used to commercialize its alcohol-based fuel, and for testing by ASTM International.
Southwest Airlines (SWA) announced it will deploy the Flightcom wireless aviation ground support communications system at each of its gates at all 73 of its destinations across the US. It expects deployment to be complete in the first quarter of 2012. “We are the first major airline to widely deploy this type of wireless system, and we expect it will strengthen our team communications and operational efficiency,” SWA senior manager-safety, standards and regulatory compliance, ground ops Marc Stank said.
Severe lightning storms at Perth, Western Australia, Tuesday brought Qantas’ (QF) operations to a halt for over 7 hr., stranding 18 planes on taxiways with nearly 2,000 passengers, while an estimated 5,000 passengers were stranded in the airline’s terminal. Altogether, 57 QF flights were affected. Safety provisions in QF baggage handlers’ and engineers’ labor contracts preclude working on the tarmac with lightning within 5 km. of the airport.
Shanghai-based Spring Airlines, the most successful Chinese low-cost carrier, is preparing to launch a carrier in Japan to gain a deeper foothold in the Japanese market.
Taiwan-based China Airlines (CI) wants to increase its share of transfer business at Taiwan Taoyuan International (TPE) as part of its strategy for international growth and profitability.
ATW Chief Editor Geoffrey Thomas took home top honors at the National Aviation Press Club Gala on December 2, 2011. The National Aviation Press Club covers Australia and New Zealand journalists who write for a host of local and international papers and industry magazines. Thomas received: 1. National Aviation Press Club "Aviation Journalist of the Year 2011"
Shanghai-based Spring Airlines, the most successful Chinese low-cost carrier, is preparing to launch a carrier in Japan to gain a deeper foothold in the Japanese market.
Safi Airways will launch 4X-weekly Abu Dhabi-Kabul Airbus A320 service Jan. 5. Lao Airlines launched 3X-weekly Vientiane-Singapore Changi Airbus A320 service. Flydubai started 4X-weekly Dubai-Belgrade service.
Aeroflot (SU) launched Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) international services Dec. 4 when the aircraft (RA 89002) flew between Moscow (SVO) and Oslo (OSL) ( ATW Daily News, Nov. 14). By the end of the year, the aircraft is expected to fly from SVO to Budapest (BUD).
Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner arrived Monday at the Beijing Capital International Airport, making its debut in mainland China, marking the start of a six-month worldwide Dream Tour with the all-new aircraft. The US manufacturer said the 787 will be in China Dec. 4-11, with further stops in Guangzhou and Haikou. The 787 entered service Oct. 26 when launch customer All Nippon Airways flight 7871 landed at Hong Kong from Tokyo Narita ( ATW Daily News, Oct. 27).
Russia`s second-largest carrier Transaero (UN) has confirmed an order for eight Airbus A320neos following an MOU signed in August ( ATW Daily News, Aug. 17). The first delivery is scheduled for 2017. The carrier has not yet announced an engine selection between CFM International's Leap-X and Pratt & Whitney's PW1100G.
Boeing and Lufthansa (LH) will conduct pre-delivery testing on a 747-8 Intercontinental set to arrive at the carrier's Frankfurt (FRA) base Tuesday before returning Friday to Seattle.
The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has backed Qantas (QF) union demands to strengthen the Qantas Sales Act, which seeks to ensure the airline remains Australian-owned and -controlled.
Air France (AF) will open bases in Toulouse (TLS), Nice (NCE) and Bordeaux (BOD) in 2012, as it tries to regain the market share from low-cost carriers (LCC).
