NEWSTransaero firms order for four 787-8s
Russia’s Transaero Airlines (UN) has placed a firm order for four 787-8s. The previously announced order, valued at $744 million at list prices, was signed onboard a 787 during a demonstration flight for UN’s executives, employees and special guests, according to Boeing.
LinkIberia pilots strike cancels 150 flights
Iberia cancelled some 150 flights Monday and planned to cancel more April 13 and 16 as its pilots began another series of one-day strikes to protest the creation of low-cost carrier Iberia Express.
LinkChina Eastern to inject $165.8 million into Wuhan subsidiary 
China Eastern Airlines will inject CNY1.05 billion ($165.8 million) into its Wuhan subsidiary, China Eastern Wuhan Airlines Co., to enhance its position in central China. The Shanghai-based carrier said in a statement the Wuhan government will also invest CNY700 million. The two transactions will increase the Wuhan carrier’s registered capital to CNY1.75 billion from CNY600 million. MU remains the controlling stakeholder with 60% ownership, while the Wuhan local government holds 40%.
LinkAir Berlin strengthens partnership with Etihad
Air Berlin (AB) is strengthening its strategic partnership with Etihad Airways by offering codeshare flights from Berlin Tegel and Dusseldorf via Abu Dhabi, and to Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
LinkVirgin America discusses Philadelphia airport plans
Virgin America, which recently began service in Philadelphia, may soon be involved in the city's proposed expansion of Philadelphia International Airport. Airport officials have drafted an expansion plan that would cost $6.4 billion over 13 years, but other carriers have balked at the price tag. "Airports have to think longer-term than sometimes airlines do," said Virgin America CEO David Cush.
Link Pinnacle will end contracts with 3 carriers
Pinnacle Airlines said it will plan to fly exclusively for Delta Air Lines once Pinnacle emerges from bankruptcy. The regional carrier is restructuring through Chapter 11, and will end its contracts with United Express, Continental Connection and US Airways Express.
Link United to pull out of Oakland airport in June
United Airlines will terminate its operations at Oakland International airport on June 4, an airport representative said Saturday night. "We're very disappointed that we're losing our longtime partner," said airport spokeswoman Rosemary Barnes. United has serviced Oakland airport for 75 years.
Link 747-8 is exceeding manufacturer targets, Boeing says
The 747-8 has exceeded targets set by Boeing, the manufacturer said. "Component removals have been less than half of what we targeted as a potential," said Leslie Lauer of Boeing. Boeing has delivered 15 747-8s so far.
Link TSA funding cuts raise concerns about security linesBudget cuts at the Transportation Security Administration could lead to longer wait times for travelers in security lines, some observers say. The TSA plans to decrease spending by 3% next year, which would result in a 41% cut in checkpoint support. However, the TSA believes that the expansion of its PreCheck program that speeds precleared passengers through separate lines will cut wait times for all travelers.
Link Common questions about PreCheckThe Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program will be rolled out at 28 airports this year, including Seattle-Tacoma International in Washington state. In this article, travel writer Carol Pucci addresses common questions about the program. She says that members of the program learn whether they will speed through security on a per-flight basis. "You don't find out until an agent scans your boarding pass at the checkpoint," she writes.
Link U.K. strives to end liquids ban with new scannersBy this time next year, every airport in the European Union and the U.K. could have scanners capable of identifying liquids that contain explosives, a change that may allow travelers to carry larger amounts of liquids onto planes. The ban on liquids was put in place in 2006 after authorities discovered a terrorist plot that involved mixing liquid bomb components onboard an aircraft.
Link New Pilot Rules In Effect In Europe New rules for foreign pilots and foreign registered aircraft in Europe came into effect on Saturday and, depending on how member states of the European Union are implementing them, could mean that your FAA, Transport Canada or other pilot certificate or ratings are no longer recognized by the European Aviation Safety Agency.
Link Atlanta airport will open new international terminal in MayHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will unveil a new international terminal May 16. The airport will add 12 international gates, but passenger traffic has fallen short of projected estimates. "You can't build something today that meets your needs for today," said airport General Manager Louis Miller. "We're building for the future."
Link Higher fuel costs may result in reduced capacity, higher faresThe higher cost of fuel for airlines could lead to reduced capacity, as well as higher airfares this summer. Steve Lott, spokesman for Airlines for America, said fuel costs will represent 35% of operating expenses for airlines this year. In 2010, fuel costs were 30% of operating expenses.
Link Airlines are turning to tablet devices for short-haul IFEThe airline industry can avoid buying and installing seat-back systems for in-flight entertainment on short-haul jetliners, some say. "The traditional IFEs are going to be squeezed down to a more long-haul market," said Tim Lemaster of Gogo.
Link More airlines expand Wi-Fi offeringsSeveral airlines have recently announced plans to expand their onboard Wi-Fi offerings. Some 1,800 main-line aircraft out of 3,500 offer Wi-Fi, said Amy Cravens, an analyst at market-research company In-Stat. Experts say that carriers with Wi-Fi may be more attractive to business travelers. "Wi-Fi can be the cherry on the icing on the cake," noted Henry Harteveldt, co-founder of Atmosphere Research Group. "That's especially true for people who are in sales or consulting, where time literally is money. These guys want -- and need -- to be online."
Link Yemen Airport Reopens After Diplomatic PressureYemen's main Sanaa airport reopened on Sunday, a day after officers and tribesmen loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh forced it to close in protest at the sacking of the air force commander, a half-brother of Saleh.
Link Garuda To Modify Planes To Carry More Cargo
Garuda Indonesia plans to boost its cargo capacity by modifying existing passenger jets to tap the growing demand it sees for air cargo services, its chief executive said on Monday.
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