Air Transport Association Applauds FAAC Recommendations

Recognizes need for industry global competitiveness and viability, and its importance to the nation’s economic recovery

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization representing the leading U.S. airlines, today applauded the recommendations of the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee (FAAC) under the leadership of Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Consisting of a cross section of aviation stakeholders – airlines, airports, manufacturers, labor, academia, finance, consumer interests and general aviation – the FAAC worked collaboratively and reached consensus on several recommendations for Secretary LaHood that will help drive the policy changes needed to ensure the viability and global competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry.

The recommendations, which the FAAC formally approved and will present to the Secretary today, address some of the most challenging and complex economic, environmental, safety and labor issues confronting the U.S. airline industry in an increasingly global and highly competitive market. We are supportive of and encouraged by the recommendations, which would:

  • Foster global airline alliances and unfettered access to the largest and fastest-growing global markets through Open Skies agreements
  • Accelerate NextGen implementation by providing government financial incentives to airline operators for equipage
  • Expedite the most cost-beneficial elements of NextGen, including ADS-B and performance-based procedures
  • Ensure that the federal aviation tax burden does not undermine the viability and competitiveness of the airline industry
  • Mitigate jet-fuel price volatility by supporting federal regulatory efforts to mitigate the impact of speculative activity on the price of oil
  • Reduce the impact of aviation on the environment through the use of sustainable fuels and improved aircraft technology
  • Further enhance aviation safety by strengthening FAA voluntary data-sharing programs and safety-risk discovery capabilities

These important recommendations will help the U.S. airline industry continue its economic recovery and remain a world leader. We look forward to working with the administration and the 112th Congress to ensure that the FAAC recommendations are implemented expeditiously.

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    Boeing, LAN Airlines Announce Order for Three 767s

    Additional 767-300ER airplanes part of the airline’s fleet expansion plans

    EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today that Chile’s LAN Airlines ordered three additional 767-300ER airplanes valued at $493 million at today’s list prices. Today’s order brings the total number of 767s ordered from LAN to 33.

    “This order for additional 767s builds on the long-standing relationship between Boeing and LAN,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “LAN is one of the world’s premier airlines and we are happy to help them expand and grow their long-haul fleet.”

    The 767 family of airplanes is sized between the single-aisle 737 Next-Generation and the twin-aisle 777. As one of the most fuel-efficient airplanes in operation today, the 767 offers improved environmental performance and operating economics over competing jetliners.

    “The versatility, comfort, range and increased payload capabilities continue to make the 767 a staple in the fleets of today’s leading airlines,” said Dailey. “The 767 has benefited from years of technological improvements for greater efficiency and passenger comfort.”

    LAN’s fleet currently consists of 28 767-300ERs and 11 767-300 freighters. The airline has used Boeing’s product advancements to drive operational efficiencies into their long-haul fleet and increase passenger comfort including the passenger-pleasing Boeing Signature Interior.

    The Boeing 767 family is a complete family of clean, quiet, fuel-efficient airplanes that provide maximum market versatility in the 200- to 300-seat market. The Boeing 767 family includes three passenger models — the 767-200ER, 767-300ER and 767-400ER — and a medium-widebody freighter, which is based on the 767-300ER fuselage.

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  • NTSB ASSISTS GOVERNMENT OF LEBANON IN AVIATION ACCIDENT


    NTSB Advisory
    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594
    January 25, 2009

    NTSB ASSISTS GOVERNMENT OF LEBANON IN AVIATION ACCIDENT

    The National Transportation Safety Board will dispatch an aviation investigator to assist the government of Lebanon in its investigation of the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines B- 737-800 (ET-ANB) off the coast of Lebanon.

    At approximately 2:30 a.m. local time on January 25, the aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after takeoff.

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    The investigation is being conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Government of Lebanon, which will release all information on the progress of the investigation. The agency’s phone number in Lebanon is (961) 1 628195 and the agency’s email address is: dgca@beirutairport.gov.lb.

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  • NTSB TO MEET ON GROUND FIRE ABOARD CARGO AIRPLANE IN SAN FRANCISCO

    The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a public Board meeting Tuesday, June 30, at 9:30 a.m., in its Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C.

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    * On January 28, 2008, at about 10:15 pm, an ABX Air Boeing 767-200, N799AX, operating as flight 1611 from San Francisco International Airport, experienced a ground fire before engine startup. The captain and the first officer evacuated the airplane through the cockpit windows and were not injured, but the airplane was substantially damaged.

    A live and archived webcast of the proceedings will be available on the Board’s website at www.ntsb.gov. Technical support details are available under “Board Meetings.” To report any problems, please call 703-993-3100 and ask for Webcast Technical Support.

    A summary of the Board’s final report, which will include findings, probable cause and safety recommendations, will appear on the website shortly after the conclusion of the meeting. The entire report will appear on the website several weeks later.

    Directions to the NTSB Board Room: Front door located on Lower 10th Street, directly below L’Enfant Plaza. From Metro, exit L’Enfant Plaza station at 9th and D Streets escalator, walk through shopping mall, at the CVS store (on the left), take escalator (on the right) down one level. The Board room will be to your left.

    NTSB Media Contact: Peter Knudson (202) 314-6100
    peter.knudson@ntsb.gov

    Src: http://ntsb.gov

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    Boeing 747-8 Freighter Successfully Completes First Flight

    Newest Boeing Freighter Touches Down Safely After 3-Hour, 39-Minute Mission

    EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 8 /– The Boeing (NYSE: BA) 747-8 Freighter successfully took to the sky for the first time today before more than 5,000 employees, customers, suppliers and community leaders. The flight begins a test program for the world’s most efficient freighter.
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    Jim Proulx
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    jim.proulx@boeing.com

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    United and Continental Offer Rebooking Options to Customers Affected by Northeast Weather

    CHICAGO, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —

    United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) today announced travel options for United and Continental customers whose flight plans may be affected by severe winter weather forecast for the Northeast U.S. this weekend. Weather conditions are expected to lead to the cancellation or delay of certain flights at United’s hub at Washington Dulles International Airport and at Continental’s hub at Newark Liberty International Airport. Operations at other airports throughout the Northeast may also be affected.

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    Customers scheduled on flights to, from or through the affected airports Jan. 7 through Jan. 9 may reschedule their itinerary with a one-time date or time change, and the change fees will be waived. If a flight has been canceled, a refund in the original form of payment may be requested. Complete details and eligible travel dates are available at united.com and continental.com. The fastest and most convenient way to change travel plans is via united.com or continental.com. Customers should continue to manage their reservations on the respective company’s website from which their tickets were purchased. Customers may also book a new reservation, change an existing reservation or check flight status by calling United Reservations at 800-UNITED-1, Continental Reservations at 800-525-0280 or their travel agents. Another way to receive information about flight delays, cancellations and gate changes is with United’s EasyUpdate service or Continental’s TripAlert service, which provide customers notifications via phone, text or e-mail.

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    LUNAR AND PLANETARY CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS SOLAR SYSTEM EVOLUTION

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