Airline Industry Information articles from July 2003

Airline Industry Information archives from July 2003

Aircraft makes emergency landing at Bradley International Airport.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A small two-engined aircraft made an emergency landing at Bradley International Airport, Connecticut, on Monday (30 June) after developing a problem with its landing gear. ...

Olympic Airways signs agreement with Gulf Air.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Greek carrier Olympic Airways has signed an agreement with Gulf Air for services to Australia. Under the agreement, Gulf Air will service the carrier's daily route from...

Trial into 2001 Milan airport collision delayed.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD The trial of eleven people accused of alleged manslaughter and negligence over the collision of two aircraft at Milan's Linate airport, Italy, in 2001 has been delayed. On...

America West Airlines enhances Low Fare Finder.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD America West Airlines has reportedly enhanced its Low Fare Finder technology available online at http://www.americawest.com. The Low Fare Finder gives customers even more...

US Airways launches In-flight Cafe service.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD US Airways has launched an In-flight Cafe service on most of its domestic flights of 700 miles or more. Under the new service, those customers travelling in Coach Class on...

Athens airport opens permanent exhibition of antiquities.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Greece's Athens International Airport has opened a permanent exhibition featuring antiquities discovered during the construction of the airport. The small museum located...

Greek court blocks planned strike action by civil aviation unions.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A Greek court has blocked a series of strikes planned by civil aviation unions to protest against pay conditions. The federation of unions, which includes most ground staff...

Woman who caused flight diversion gets conditional release.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD The mother of two children with US actor Jack Nicholson has been given conditional release after being arrested for disrupting a transatlantic flight in 2002. During a...

FAA reminds passengers of 'Fireworks Don't Fly' campaign.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reminding passengers of its 'Fireworks Don't Fly' campaign due to this month's Independence Day celebrations on 4 July. FAA...

Charges dropped against man who sneaked onto parked aircraft at Pittsburgh airport.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A man who allegedly sneaked on board a parked, unlocked commuter aircraft overnight at Pittsburgh International Airport has been found not guilty of major charges. On 24...

Delta Air Lines launches wage negotiations with pilots.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Delta Air Lines has launched talks with its pilot union in an attempt to reach wage concessions. The airline is reportedly seeking to cut pilots' hourly wages by 22%,...

Government audit finds US air traffic contracts behind schedule and over budget.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A government audit has revealed that many contracts for modernising the US air traffic control system and improving aviation safety are years behind schedule. The...

Singapore Airlines reaches wage cut agreement with pilots' union.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Singapore Airlines and its pilots' union have reportedly reached an agreement over wage cuts. The two parties announced the preliminary agreement yesterday (30 June) when...

NEW SERVICES.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Delta Air Lines is to offer an additional nonstop flight between Atlanta and John Wayne Airport, Orange County, Calif. The airline will introduce the additional frequency from...

INDUSTRY BRIEFS.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific Airways has launched its July Deal of the Month. The deal offers round trip Economy Class travel to Hong Kong from Los Angeles, San...

AirTran Airways to place order for 114 aircraft.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD AirTran Airways is expected to order as many as 114 narrow-body jets from aircraft manufacturer Boeing and aircraft lessors. The Orlando-based airline will reportedly order...

Air Canada pilots agree to cost-cutting deal.
July 1, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Pilots at Air Canada have reportedly agreed to a cost-cutting deal which will enable the airline to lay off 317 pilots. The Air Canada Pilots Association reportedly gave...

easyJet asks Air France and Alitalia to give up slots at Paris' two airports.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD No-frills carrier easyJet has allegedly asked Air France and Italian airline Alitalia to give up slots at Paris' two major airports. The UK-based airline has apparently...

Appeal court to consider DVT case against airlines.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Victims of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are to appeal a High Court decision blocking their claims for compensation from airlines. A London court previously ruled in favour of...

Delta Connection launches new regional jet services.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Delta Connection has launched a number of new services to expand its regional jet network. Chautauqua Airlines, a Delta Connection carrier, has introduced new services...

Swiss forms financing agreement with Airbus for new aircraft.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Swiss International Air Lines has reportedly formed a financing agreement with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus for new aircraft. The loss-making carrier has placed an...

Norwegian Airlines flight evacuated after false bomb threat.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD An aircraft operated by Norwegian Airlines was evacuated yesterday (1 July) following a bomb threat against the flight. The aircraft was preparing to depart from Oslo's...

Commercial airlines asked to submit applications for Iraq air services.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD The US-led authority in Iraq has invited commercial airlines to submit applications for commercial air services to Baghdad, Iraq. The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA)...

Mesa Air signs MoU with United Airlines.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Mesa Air Group is to operate as a United Express carrier after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with United Airlines. Under the agreement - which significantly...

Richard Branson plans to expand Virgin Express.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Richard Branson is reportedly planning to expand the small discount carrier, Virgin Express. The British entrepreneur revealed that the expansion could entail additional...

Australian charged with threatening the safety of an aircraft.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A 30-year-old Australian man has been charged with threatening to endanger the safety of an aircraft. The man was scheduled to travel to Brisbane from Melbourne on a...

British man dies after collapsing at Bahrain airport.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A British man has died after collapsing at Bahrain International Airport on Saturday (28 June). The 28-year-old man arrived at the airport on board a Gulf Air flight from...

bmi british midland supports expansion at Heathrow airport.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD bmi british midland claims that facilities at London's Heathrow airport should be expanded in order to meet growing demand. The airline believes that an independent...

Qantas Airways flight evacuated after fire.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A Qantas Airways flight was evacuated today (2 July) after a fire broke out as the aircraft landed in Sydney, Australia. The Boeing 747 aircraft - arriving at the airport...

American Airlines lays off flight attendants and reduces operations.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD American Airlines is to lay off about 3,100 flight attendants and reduce operations under plans to save USD4bn annually. The carrier - which is dealing with a long and...

United Airlines launches 2003 US Open competition.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD United Airlines has launched its 2003 US Open Instant Win competition which offers three grand-prize winners the chance to play a set of tennis with Chris Evert. The...

United Airlines and Lufthansa expand interline electronic ticketing network.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD United Airlines and German carrier Lufthansa have expanded their interline electronic ticketing network to cover almost three times as many routes. The interline...

US Airways adds further check-in facilities at Philadelphia airport.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD US Airways has expanded its curbside and kiosk check-in facilities at Philadelphia International Airport. The carrier has introduced 12 new curbside check-in stations and...

Delta Air Lines issues timesaving tips for travel during the holiday period.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD In an effort to cope with expected passenger numbers during the Independence Day holiday period, Delta Air Lines has suggested a number of timesaving tips for passengers. ...

Man allegedly demanded money from Lil' Kim for stolen jewellery.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A man has been charged with demanding about GBP15,000 from hip hop rapper Lil' Kim in return for her custom-made jewellery which was stolen at New York's John F Kennedy...

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines complete sale of Worldspan.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines have completed the sale of travel reservations company Worldspan. The three carriers have reportedly sold the...

MAS urged to review compulsory retirement age and maternity policy.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Malaysian Airlines (MAS) is being urged to review its compulsory retirement age for its female flight attendants. The Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has asked the...

INDUSTRY BRIEFS.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD To celebrate Independence Day, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas will host a variety of local bands and performers to entertain passengers on 3 July. Airport...

NEW SERVICES.
July 2, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has increased its international flight schedule. The carrier is adding five new routes, including two new Indonesian destinations, Balikpapan and...

Ruling expected on appeal against earlier DVT ruling.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A ruling on an appeal case filed by victims of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is expected to be issued today (3 June). A case filed by 55 survivors of DVT or relatives of those...

SAS signs agreement with Connexion by Boeing.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) has signed an agreement with Connexion by Boeing to equip its long-haul aircraft with a broadband mobile information service. Under the...

ALPA holds contract talks with Delta Air Lines.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing pilots at Delta Air Lines, has opened early contract talks with the carrier. The first meeting between ALPA...

British Airways flies pigeon back to the UK.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD British Airways has flown a racing pigeon back to the UK from the US after he became lost while flying from France to the UK. The pigeon, named Billy, was feared dead after...

John Wayne Airport selects Megadata's PASSUR AirportMonitor.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD John Wayne Airport in southern California has formed an agreement with Megadata Corp for its PASSUR AirportMonitor system. The airport selected the Internet flight tracking...

Singapore Airlines flight makes unscheduled landing due to unruly passenger.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A Singapore Airlines flight was forced to make an unscheduled stop during a flight today (3 July) after a passenger allegedly became unruly. During the flight from...

Charter company ordered to pay compensation to relatives of those killed in 2001 crash.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A charter jet company has been ordered to pay USD10.2m to families of three people killed in a 2001 aircraft crash in Aspen, Colo. The compensation was won after several...

Researchers develop software to protect against aircraft hijack attacks.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley have reportedly devised software which protects cities against attack by hijacked aircraft. The 'soft walls' system...

Judge refuses to drop charges against former America West pilots.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A judge has refused to drop charges against two former America West Airlines pilots accused of operating their aircraft while under the influence of alcohol. The pilot and...

Judge rejects mechanics' request to cancel American Airlines labour contract.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A group of mechanics employed at American Airlines have reportedly lost a bid to cancel their latest labour contract. US District Judge Loretta Preska upheld the contract...

Singapore Airlines offers cabin staff early retirement.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Singapore Airlines has reportedly offered the option of early retirement to its longer-serving cabin crew members. Under the scheme, some crew members have been offered one...

Mineta San Jose airport issues travel tips.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Mineta San Jose International Airport is preparing for heavy passenger loads during the 4th July holiday weekend. Passengers are being urged to follow these tips to make...

INDUSTRY BRIEFS.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) has taken delivery of its 100th regional jet aircraft from Bombardier Aerospace. The aircraft, a 50-seat Bombardier...

NEW SERVICES.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) is planning to open a new route to Baghdad, Iraq. The airline has reportedly applied to operate twice-weekly flights to Baghdad from...

America West Airlines and Mesa Airlines enhance codeshare.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD America West Airlines and Mesa Airlines have enhanced their codeshare agreement which covers America West Express services. The enhancement covers services to three Arizona...

Airlines may have to pay more compensation to passengers bumped off flights.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Under new European Union guidelines airlines will be required to pay increased compensation to passengers bumped off flights due to deliberate overbooking. Airlines will...

MAS plans to launch online ticket sales system.
July 3, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Malaysian Airlines System (MAS) is planning to attract younger passengers to use its services by launching an online ticket sales system. The airline is aiming to address...

UK court dismisses appeal in DVT case.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A UK court has dismissed an appeal filed by victims of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) seeking compensation from airlines. The court yesterday (3 July) barred 24 claimants from...

Cathay Pacific aircraft aborts flight due to engine fault.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A Cathay Pacific Airways aircraft aborted its flight on Tuesday (1 July) due to an engine problem. The Boeing 777-300 aircraft had been carrying 310 passengers and crew...

Singapore Airlines forms concession agreements with staff.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Singapore Airlines has reportedly formed concession agreements with unions representing about 25,000 Singapore-based staff. The new agreement - backdated to 1 July - was...

American Airlines issues tips for holiday travel.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD American Airlines has issued a number of tips for travel during the extended 4 July holiday weekend. In order to avoid travel hassles customers are being urged to use the...

Snake charmers seize dozens of snakes at Bangladesh airport.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Dozens of snakes were seized at Bangladesh's Osmani International Airport after a cow belonging to an airport official was killed by a snakebite. Snake removal experts,...

Air Canada forms lease reduction agreement with GECAS.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Air Canada has formed an agreement with aircraft lessor General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) to reduce lease costs. Under the agreement, GECAS will cut the...

United Airlines seeks to terminate employee stock ownership plan.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD The parent company of United Airlines has filed papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission to terminate its employee stock ownership plan. The filing is said to...

AMR to sell notes secured by seven aircraft.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD American Airlines' parent company is planning to raise USD254.9m by selling notes secured by seven aircraft as collateral. The company revealed the plan in a regulatory...

Appeal court upholds ruling in favour of American Airlines.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD An appeal court has upheld an earlier ruling by a lower court dismissing claims that American Airlines was overpricing some routes to drive out smaller competitors. A...

Midland MPs condemn plans for new airport near Rugby.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Midland MPs have condemned plans for an airport near Rugby, UK during a House of Commons debate on Tuesday (1 July). According to Rugby and Kenilworth Labour MP Andy King,...

Relatives of those killed in Alaska Airlines crash reach settlements.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Families and relatives of all but one of the 88 victims killed in an Alaska Airlines crash in 2000 have settled lawsuits. On 31 January 2000 an Alaska Airlines aircraft...

US airlines may face lawsuits for failing to issue warnings concerning DVT.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Airlines which fail to warn passengers that cramped legroom could be dangerous to their health may face lawsuits following a court ruling. A US federal court has ruled that...

KLIA duty-free shops to have rental agreements extended.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Rental agreements for duty-free shops at Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) are to be extended for a two-year period. The Transport Minister revealed...

INDUSTRY BRIEFS.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Dayton, Ohio - the hometown of Wilbur and Orville Wright - has begun celebrating the 100th anniversary of the brothers' first flight. The city held a ceremony featuring two...

JetBlue Airways to increase passenger legroom.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Low-fare airline JetBlue Airways is planning to remove some seats from its aircraft to increase legroom. The airline - which operates a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft with...

TSA dismisses 285 screeners at Los Angeles airport.
July 4, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has dismissed 285 screeners at Los Angeles International Airport for security violations. More than one in ten of the...

Three Berlin airports to close as part of plans for new international airport.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Berlin's Tempelhof airport will close in the autumn of 2004 as part of plans to build a new international airport. The airport - famed for its role in the Cold War Berlin...

Artist refused entrance to United Airlines flight.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD An artist was refused permission to board a United Airlines flight on Tuesday (1 July) due to a dried summer gourd in his luggage. The man - who was travelling to an...

Man charged with threatening to blow up Sydney airport.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD A 26-year-old man was charged on Friday (4 July) with threatening to blow up Sydney Airport, Australia. The man - claiming to be an Islamic militant - had reportedly...

Sir Richard Branson re-enacts 1853 glider flight.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Business entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson took to the air in a replica of Sir George Cayley's historic 1853 glider on Saturday (5 July). To commemorate the 150th...

China Southern Airlines to issue domestic shares.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD China Southern Airlines is to issue domestic shares to raise a lower than expected CNY2.7bn. The carrier - which is suffering after an 83% fall in passengers in May due to...

Air Canada avoids liquidation after forming new lease agreement.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Air Canada has again narrowly avoided liquidation after forming an agreement to reduce the cost of its aircraft leases. The airline formed an agreement with aircraft lessor...

Romanian government secures loan to improve Bucharest airport.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD The Romanian government is planning to expand and upgrade Bucharest Otopeni International Airport after securing a USD15.31m loan from HSBC Plc. The funds from the UK bank...

easyJet reports increase in passenger numbers.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD No-frills airline easyJet reportedly carried 1.7m passengers in June 2003, an increase of 83% compared with the same month in 2002. The carrier - which acquired rival Go...

Local chamber of commerce in favour of new passenger terminal at Coventry Airport.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Plans to build a new passenger terminal at Coventry Airport, UK have been backed by business leaders in the city. Members of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of...

Qatar Airways forms aircraft financing agreement with Natexis Banques Populaires.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Qatar Airways has signed a financing mandate with Natexis Banques Populaires for the long term financing of two Airbus A320 aircraft. The new financing is expected to be...

INDUSTRY BRIEFS.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD The 2003 Inventing Flight: The Centennial Celebration has been officially launched following the start of the three-day RE/MAX Balloon Celebration. The celebration honours the...

Passengers on US Airways flight quarantined.
July 7, 2003... AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD Passengers travelling on a US Airways flight were briefly quarantined at Pittsburgh International Airport yesterday (6 July). About 28 passengers who had arrived at the...