press release

  • |

    Boeing PR: Boeing Joins Fuselage Sections for First 747-8 Intercontinental

    EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 15 — Boeing moved closer this week toward completing assembly of the first 747-8 Intercontinental as mechanics in Everett, Wash., loaded the forward and aft fuselage sections to join with the wing and center section.

    The 747-8 fuselage is 250 feet 2 inches (76.3 meters) long, which is 18 feet 4 inches (5.6 meters) longer than the 747-400. The stretch provides space for 51 additional seats to accommodate 467 passengers in a typical three-class configuration and offers 26 percent more cargo volume.

    "Final body join is an important milestone for the 747 program," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Airplane Programs in Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "It is a major step toward completing the structural integration and building out our all-new interior. We now have the first real look at the size and distinctive shape of the 747-8 Intercontinental. This is going to be a superb airplane for our customers both from an aesthetic and a performance perspective."

    The 747-8 is the new high-capacity 747 that will give airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. The airplane also features a 787 Dreamliner-inspired interior that will offer passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort.

    The 747 program has orders for 109 747-8 Freighter and Intercontinental airplanes. Thirty-three of those are for the 747-8 Intercontinental, with orders coming from Lufthansa, Korean Air and eight VIP customers. The first 747-8 Intercontinental delivery is scheduled for late 2011 to a VIP customer.

  • |

    Airbus Press Release: Airbus opens new supplier village extension in Beijing

    The Hua-Ou Aviation Support Centre in Beijing, a joint venture between Airbus and China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS), has opened a new extension at its supplier village to provide enhanced and more efficient support for operators of Airbus aircraft in China – including information and communications technology (ICT) and other logistics support.

    The extension provides 500 square metres of additional office space, along with a new workshop area and office for the ICT team – which can offer bilingual 24-hour support to suppliers. An inauguration ceremony marking its formal opening was held today, which was followed by a Supplier Village Business Forum.

    “As a part of the Airbus global support network, the Hua-Ou Aviation Support Centre has played an important role in supporting the operators of Airbus aircraft in China,” said Laurence Barron, President of Airbus China and Vice Chairman of the Hua-Ou Aviation Support Centre Board. “We appreciate the strong support from the suppliers and we are sure that by working together more closely with them, we will offer more efficient support to operators.”

    Over the past decade, the in-service fleet of Airbus aircraft in mainland China has grown on average by more than 20 per cent annually. To date, more than 620 Airbus aircraft are operated in China, with continued growth projected during the coming years.

    “The new extension, which is funded by the Hua-Ou joint venture itself, is a demonstration of the success story of the joint venture and the cooperation between Airbus and CAS,” said Li Hai, President of the China Aviation Supplies Holding Company, and Chairman of the Hua-Ou Board. “CAS will continue to provide strong support to the further development of the centre, which will contribute more to the development of China’s aviation industry.”

    The Hua-Ou Aviation Support Centre, which is China’s first maintenance training facility, offers door-to-door delivery services to several Chinese airlines. A total of 44 companies from Europe and the United States have committed to establishing a presence at the centre.

  • |

    Southwest Airlines Statement Regarding Tentative Agreement With Pilots Union on the Boeing 737-800

    Thu, Oct 14, 2010 – DALLAS – The decision to bring the Boeing 737-800 into the Southwest Airlines fleet moved yet another step closer to reality today as the Board of Directors for the Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association (SWAPA), representing more than 5,800 Pilots, unanimously approved a tentative agreement reached with the Company. The tentative agreement will now be presented to the full SWAPA membership for a ratification vote.

    “Two months ago, we initiated discussions with both our Flight Attendants and Pilots as part of our contractual requirements to operate the-800,” said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Today, I want to congratulate both SWAPA and TWU 556, the Union that represents our Flight Attendants, for recognizing the potential longterm benefits associated with adding the -800 to our fleet. We are still evaluating the needs for training, scheduling, aircraft configuration, and other regulatory considerations, but this is an important step in the due diligence process.”

    If approved by a majority vote of the Pilots, their current contract will be extended by one year, becoming amendable August 31, 2012, and also include the potential for wage rate increases based on the Company’s financial performance.
    Last month, the Executive Board of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, representing more than 9,700 Southwest Flight Attendants, unanimously approved a tentative agreement reached with the Company. The tentative agreement is currently being presented to all members of TWU 556 for a ratification vote.

  • | |

    American Airlines and Jetstar Announce Codeshare and Interline Agreements

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 13 / — American Airlines and Jetstar, a Qantas Group airline, announced today that they have signed an agreement establishing a codeshare relationship between several destinations in New Zealand. American will place its AA* code on the following flights operated by Jetstar:

    In addition, an interline agreement between American Airlines and Jetstar has been launched, delivering enhanced customer access for customers to or from the United States across Jetstar’s growing Australian and New Zealand flight networks, now totaling more than 20 destinations.

    Members of American’s AAdvantage® program are able to earn mileage credit on all American-marketed flights. Jetstar flights marketed under the Qantas (QF*) code are also eligible for award redemption.

    “We’re very pleased to announce our agreement with Jetstar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of our oneworld® partner Qantas. Jetstar has established itself as a world-leading low-fare airline for customers in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. The relationship we announced today will add significant value for our customers traveling throughout New Zealand,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer.

    Jetstar Group Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan said: “Our proposed codeshare agreement with American Airlines will enable its customers to combine travel on Jetstar, American Airlines and other codeshare carriers such as Qantas as part of a single booking,” Buchanan said.

    Jetstar operates multiple daily services to four key destinations within New Zealand, including its hub at Auckland as well as Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wellington.

    “As the second largest airline in New Zealand and the fastest growing in our core Australian market, customers of American Airlines will gain even greater flexibility, convenience and choice of destinations when traveling to or within both countries,” said Buchanan.

    American currently serves Australia and the Asia-Pacific with codeshare service (AA*) on oneworld partner Qantas to Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane from its Los Angeles gateway. With hubs in Sydney and Singapore, Jetstar serves 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region with nearly 2,000 flights a week. Implementation of the codeshare arrangement is contingent upon certain governmental and regulatory approvals.

    About American Airlines

    American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American’s award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

    About Jetstar

    Jetstar is Qantas Group’s low cost airline brand. Jetstar is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qantas Group yet it has separate management. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Jetstar commenced operations on 25 May 2004 and is both the world’s largest low-cost long haul carrier and now largest LCC in Asia. The Jetstar Brands comprise its core Australian based (domestic and short/long haul international operations), Jetstar New Zealand operations (domestic and current trans Tasman international services), Jetstar Asia (based in Singapore), and Jetstar Pacific (domestic operations in Vietnam). Profitable since start-up, the company’s bold and distinctive brand is indicative of the fresh and vibrant approach toward low cost travel in the Asia Pacific region. Jetstar’s strong association with Qantas ensures the highest standards of operational excellence, whilst delivering real savings to customers through its discipline to low cost/high efficiency services and consistent value based offering. Visit Jetstar.com

  • |

    Boeing Delivers First 777-300ER to Turkish Airlines

    EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 14 — Boeing today delivered the first 777-300ER (Extended Range) to Turkey’s flag carrier Turkish Airlines.

    The milestone delivery marks many firsts for the airline.  The new airplane is Turkish Airlines’ first 777 directly purchased from Boeing. It is the first of 12 777-300ERs Turkish Airlines has on order with Boeing from 2009 and serves as the platform for introducing Turkish Airlines’ new "Comfort Class" cabin for the first time.

    "Turkish Airlines continues to grow as a global airline with the 777 helping us to expand into new markets in Asia and the Americas," said Hamdi Topcu, Chairman of Turkish Airlines. "The addition of new Boeing 777-300ERs exemplifies our commitment to delivering high quality service and comfort to our passengers, while enabling us to continue our profitable growth."  

    The 777-300ER brings new twin-engine efficiency to the airline’s long-haul fleet. The airplane is powered by General Electric GE90-115BLs, the world’s largest and most powerful commercial jet engines.

    "Turkish Airlines has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to set world-class standards for their operations," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777-300ER is a great choice for Turkish, as the 777’s high efficiency, spacious cabin, and industry-leading reliability combine to help the airline provide a superior passenger experience."  

    With this delivery, Boeing is scheduled to deliver four additional 777-300ERs to Turkish Airlines by the end of 2010.

    The Boeing 777-300ER is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor, greatly reducing its fuel requirement. It produces 22 percent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20 percent less to operate per seat. The airplane can seat up to 365 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km). The 777 family is the world’s most successful twin-engine, twin-aisle airplane. Sixty-one customers around the world have ordered more than 1,100 777s.

    About Turkish Airlines

    Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four-star airline company with a fleet of 145 aircraft flying to 166 destinations around the world, comprising 39 domestic and 127 international destinations.  

  • |

    Press Release – FAA Proposes $455,175 Civil Penalty Against Corporate Air

    For Immediate Release

    October 12, 2010

    SEATTLE – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $455,175 civil penalty against Corporate Air of Billings, Mont., for allegedly operating a Beech 1900C airliner when it was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

    “Our aviation safety rules are designed to protect the flying public,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We expect airlines to comply with these rules and will take enforcement action when they do not.”

    The FAA alleges Corporate Air failed to maintain the aircraft under the company’s general maintenance manual, which includes the Pratt & Whitney Canada maintenance manual for the aircraft’s turboprop engines.

    Specifically, the FAA alleges that Corporate Air operated the aircraft on at least 80 flights in spite of continued evidence of excessive oil consumption by the right engine. The FAA-approved aircraft and engine manuals call for post-flight inspection and repair of an engine experiencing excessive oil consumption. Corporate Air did not correct the oil consumption problem despite repeated inspections in which oil had to be added.

    Corporate Air operates charter and air taxi service under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

    “The safety of the passengers and crew must be the top priority for any operator,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “All operators must comply with maintenance requirements.”

    Corporate Air has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.

  • |

    Press Release – FAA Proposes $664,000 Civil Penalty

    Press Release – FAA Proposes $664,000 Civil Penalty Against Parachute Center

    For Immediate Release
    October 12, 2010

    LOS ANGELES – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $664,000 civil penalty against William C. Dause, doing business as The Parachute Center of Acampo, Calif., for allegedly failing to perform required aircraft parts replacements and failing to comply with safety directives.

    “Putting parachutists at risk by neglecting to follow safety procedures is unacceptable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood. “We expect aircraft operators to comply with our safety rules and will take enforcement action when they do not.”

    The FAA alleges that The Parachute Center operated a DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter when critical parts were well past their life limits and without inspecting portions of the wings for corrosion.

    In all, the FAA alleges that The Parachute Center operated the aircraft on approximately 2,121 flights between March 21, 2008 and Nov. 4, 2009 with elevator control cables that were overdue for replacement and when the plane was not in compliance with Airworthiness Directives requiring visual inspections of the wing main spar, lower spar cap extensions and wing support strut for possible corrosion.

    The FAA also alleges that the company operated the aircraft on at least 500 flights between April 16, 2009 and Nov. 4, 2009 with aileron control cables that were overdue for replacement.

    “Passengers and crew have to be able to trust that an operator has done the right thing and has complied with all the rules,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “Safety and compliance are the right choices, every time.”

    The Parachute Center has 30 days from receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.

  • |

    NASA WANTS STUDENT INNOVATORS FOR 2011 GREAT MOONBUGGY RACE

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Four decades after the first NASA lunar rover
    rolled across the surface of the moon, innovative students are
    preparing to design and build a new generation of wheeled wonders.

    Registration is open for the 18th annual NASA Great Moonbuggy Race,
    set for April 1-2, 2011, in Huntsville, Ala. Participating schools
    and institutions may register one or two vehicles and teams.
    Registration closes Feb. 1.

    For complete rules, vehicle design parameters and registration for the
    race, visit:

    http://moonbuggy.msfc.nasa.gov

    NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center organizes the races held at the
    U.S. Space & Rocket Center, both in Huntsville. The event challenges
    high school and college students to design, build and race
    lightweight, human-powered “moonbuggies.”

    The first rover was developed, built and tested at Marshall in just 17
    months. The rover’s inaugural trip across the moon’s surface took
    place on July 31, 1971. It was driven by Apollo 15 astronauts David
    Scott and James Irwin. Two more rovers followed, enabling expanded
    scientific exploration during the Apollo 16 and 17 missions in 1972.

    NASA Great Moonbuggy Race teams carry on the tradition of engineering
    ingenuity. The teams attempt to post the fastest vehicle assembly and
    race times in their divisions, while incurring the fewest penalties
    on a challenging course simulating the rocky, unforgiving surface of
    the moon.

    Prizes are awarded to the three teams in each division that finish
    with the fastest race times. NASA and industry sponsors present
    additional awards for team spirit, best newcomer, most memorable
    buggy wipeout and other achievements.

    In 2010, for the first time, the victors in the high school and
    college divisions were both from outside the continental United
    States. The International Space Education Institute of Leipzig,
    Germany, raced to a winning time of just 3 minutes, 37 seconds in the
    high school category. The University of Puerto Rico in Humacao, the
    only school to enter a moonbuggy every year since the races began in
    1994, won the college division with a time of 4 minutes, 18 seconds.

    Participation in the race has increased from just eight college teams
    in 1994 to more than 70 high school and college national and
    international teams in 2010. The high school division was added in
    1996.

    More than 32,000 people watched live, streaming coverage of the 2010
    race on UStream, an interactive, real-time webcasting platform. For
    archived footage of the competition, visit:

    http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-great-moonbuggy-race-2010

  • |

    IATA Press Release: IATA Applauds ICAO Agreement

    Montreal – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) applauded the 190 contracting states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on achieving the first global governmental agreement with aspirational goals to stabilize carbon emissions. The achievement was formalized in a resolution of the 37th ICAO Assembly, which concluded its deliberations in Montreal today.

    “Governments have taken an historic decision. For the first time, we have globally agreed aspirational goals to stabilize emissions. No other industry sector has a similar globally agreed framework for managing its response to climate change in a manner that takes into consideration the needs of both developed and developing states. Moreover, it recognizes the need for governments and industry to work together. This is a good first step that prepares the way for future achievements,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

    The ICAO Resolution

    The ICAO resolution calls for:

    • Improving fuel efficiency by 2% annually to 2050
    • Striving to achieve a collective medium-term aspirational goal of capping aviation’s carbon emissions from 2020
    • A global CO2 standard for aircraft engines with a target date of 2013

    The ICAO resolution also calls for the development of a global framework on market based (economic) measures by the 38th Assembly (2013) based on 15 agreed principles. These principles are designed to:

    • Minimize market distortions
    • Safeguard the fair treatment of aviation relative to other sectors
    • Ensure that aviation’s emissions are accounted for only once and
    • Recognize both past and future efforts of carriers

    Closing the Gap with Industry

    In 2007, IATA announced a vision for aviation to achieve carbon-neutral growth on the way to a carbon-free future with a four-pillar strategy based on technology investments, efficient infrastructure, effective operations and positive economic measures. In 2009, IATA’s membership committed to three goals: a 1.5% average annual improvement in fuel efficiency to 2020, capping net emissions with carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and cutting net emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005.

    The global aviation industry united around this approach, putting aviation at the forefront of industrial sectors responding to climate change. “The four-pillar strategy and targets are not just airline commitments. The entire aviation industry—airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and manufacturers—have made a common commitment that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon commended as a role model for others to follow. Aviation takes its environmental responsibility seriously. With today’s agreement, governments have taken a significant step in support of the industry’s ambitions,” said Bisignani.

    Bisignani addressed the gap in the industry’s commitment to a 1.5% average annual improvement in fuel efficiency and the ICAO goal of a 2% annual improvement. “We are confident that achieving a 1.5% average annual improvement in fuel efficiency is possible with efforts of the industry. The 2% ICAO goal means that governments must come to the table with much needed infrastructure improvements such as the Single European Sky or NextGen in the US,” said Bisignani.

    Next Steps

    The agreement’s principles on market based measures have implications for all governments with, or seeking to implement, environmental schemes or taxes. “In light of this agreement, all states should review any economic measures, planned or implemented, to conform to today’s agreed principles. The only effective long-term solution remains a global approach, which states agreed to work towards under ICAO’s leadership,” said Bisignani.

    “We must recognize that a long journey still lies ahead. Industry’s ambitious targets are still ahead of governments. Our commitment to cut emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005 remains the global benchmark. The entire aviation industry is committed to working under the leadership of ICAO as we move forward to achieve both the aspirations outlined in today’s agreement and the industry’s targets. We will take this strong message to the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change in Cancun later this year,” said Bisignani.

    In addition to this global agreement on environment, the ICAO Assembly marked notable progress with a global declaration on security and a milestone agreement on sharing safety information among IATA, ICAO, the EU and the United States. “I congratulate the ICAO leadership for their hard work and leading role within the UN system. President Roberto Kobeh Gonzáles, Secretary General Raymond Benjamin, and Assembly President Harold Demuren have concluded a landmark Assembly with major achievements on the industry’s top priorities of safety, security and environmental leadership.”

  • |

    Tarmac Delays in August Show Steep Drop

    Tuesday, October 12, 2010 – The nation’s largest airlines reported only one flight in August with a tarmac
    delay of more than three hours, compared to 66 flights in August 2009, with no
    change in the rate of canceled flights, according to the Air Travel Consumer
    Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

    Data filed with
    the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) showed the only tarmac delay
    longer than three hours reported in August by the 18 airlines that file on-time
    performance with DOT involved a United Airlines flight departing the San Juan
    airport on Aug. 5 that was diverted.  August was the fourth full month of
    data since the new aviation consumer rule went into effect on April 29. 
    There were only eight total tarmac delays of more than three hours from May
    through August this year, compared to 529 during the same four-month period of
    2009.  BTS is a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology
    Administration (RITA).

    The largest
    carriers canceled 1.0 percent of their scheduled domestic flights in August,
    matching the 1.0 percent cancellation rate of August 2009.  They posted a
    1.4 percent cancellation rate in July 2010.

    See the DOT press release press release
    for Secretary Ray LaHood’s statement.

    The new tarmac
    delay rule prohibits U.S. airlines operating domestic flights from permitting
    an aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours without deplaning
    passengers, with exceptions allowed only for safety or security or if air traffic
    control advises the pilot in command that returning to the terminal would
    disrupt airport operations.  The Department will investigate tarmac delays
    that exceed this limit.

    The monthly
    report also includes data on on-time performance, chronically delayed flights,
    flight cancellations and the causes of flight delays filed with the Department by
    the reporting carriers.  In addition, it has information on airline
    bumping, reports of mishandled baggage filed by consumers with the carriers,
    and consumer service, disability and discrimination complaints received by
    DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division.  This report also includes
    reports of incidents involving pets traveling by air, as required to be filed
    by U.S. carriers.

    On-time
    Performance

    The reporting carriers recorded an overall on-time arrival
    rate of 81.7 percent in August, up from both the 79.7 percent on-time rate of August
    2009 and July 2010’s 76.7 percent. 

    Tarmac Delays

    In August, the carriers filing
    on-time performance data reported that .0400 percent of their scheduled flights
    had tarmac delays of two hours or more, down from .1030 percent in July. 
    There was one flight with a tarmac delay of more than three hours in August. 

    Chronically Delayed Flights

    At the end of August, there were four flights that were
    chronically delayed – more than 30 minutes late more than 50 percent of the
    time – for three consecutive months.  There were an additional 41 flights
    that were chronically delayed for two consecutive months.  There were no
    chronically delayed flights for four consecutive months or more.  A list
    of flights that were chronically delayed for a single month is available from BTS (www.bts.gov).

    Causes of Flight Delays

    In August, the carriers filing
    on-time performance data reported that 5.07 percent of their flights were
    delayed by aviation system delays, compared to 6.21 percent in July; 6.42
    percent by late-arriving aircraft, compared to 8.13 percent in July; 5.16 percent
    by factors within the airline’s control, such as maintenance or crew problems, compared
    to 6.37 percent in July; 0.46 percent by extreme weather, compared to 0.79
    percent in July; and 0.04 percent for security reasons, compared to 0.05
    percent in July. Weather is a factor in
    both the extreme-weather category and the aviation-system category. This
    includes delays due to the re-routing of flights by DOT’s Federal Aviation
    Administration in consultation with the carriers involved. Weather is also a factor in delays attributed
    to late-arriving aircraft, although airlines do not report specific causes in
    that category.

    Data
    collected by BTS also shows the percentage of late flights delayed by weather,
    including those reported in either the category of extreme weather or included
    in National Aviation System delays. In August, 35.07 percent of late flights
    were delayed by weather, down 10.70 percent from August 2009, when 39.27
    percent of late flights were delayed by weather, and down 6.75 percent from
    July when 37.61 percent of late flights were delayed by weather.

    Detailed information on flight
    delays and their causes is available on the BTS site on the World Wide Web at http://www.bts.gov.

    Mishandled Baggage

    The U.S.
    carriers reporting flight delays and mishandled baggage data posted a
    mishandled baggage rate of 3.50 reports per 1,000 passengers in August, an
    improvement over both August 2009’s rate of 4.11 and July 2010’s 3.79 rate.

    Incidents Involving
    Pets

    In August, carriers reported one incident
    involving the loss, death or injury of pets while traveling by air, down from
    both the three reports filed in August 2009 and eight in July 2010. August’s incident involved the injury of a
    pet.

    Complaints
    About Airline Service

    In August, the Department received 1,200
    complaints about airline service from consumers, up 34.7 percent from the 891
    complaints filed in August 2009 and up 9.7 percent from the 1,094 received in July
    2010.

    Complaints About Treatment of Disabled
    Passengers

    The report also
    contains a tabulation of complaints filed with DOT in August against airlines
    regarding the treatment of passengers with disabilities. The Department received a total of 71
    disability-related complaints in August, up from the total of 50 filed in
    August 2009 and the 56 complaints received in July 2010.

    Complaints
    About Discrimination

    In
    August, the Department received 17 complaints alleging discrimination by
    airlines due to factors other than disability – such as race, religion,
    national origin or sex – up from the total of 16 recorded in August 2009 and 12
    recorded in July 2010.

    Consumers may
    file their complaints in writing with the Aviation Consumer Protection
    Division, U.S. Department of Transportation, C-75, W96-432,


    1200 New Jersey Ave. SE,

    Washington,

    DC

    20590;
    by voice mail at (202) 366-2220 or by TTY at (202) 366-0511; or on the web at http://airconsumer.dot.gov.

    Consumers who
    want on-time performance data for specific flights should call their airline’s reservation
    number or their travel agent. This
    information is available on the computerized reservation systems used by these
    agents.

    The Air Travel
    Consumer Report can be found on DOT’s World Wide Web site at http://airconsumer.dot.gov. It is available in "pdf" and Microsoft Word
    format.

    Air Travel Consumer Report August 2010
    Key On-Time Performance and Flight Cancellation Statistics

    Based on Data Filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics by the 18 Reporting Carriers

    81.7 percent on-time arrivals

    Highest On-Time
    Arrival Rates

    1. Hawaiian
    Airlines – 95.6 percent

    2. Alaska
    Airlines – 88.7 percent

    3. Continental
    Airlines – 87.1 percent

    Lowest On-Time
    Arrival Rates

    1. Comair
    – 76.4 percent

    2. JetBlue
    Airways – 77.1 percent

    3. Delta
    Air Lines – 77.4 percent

    Flights with Longest Tarmac
    Delays

    1. United
    Airlines flight 700 from San Juan to Washington Dulles, 8/5/10 – delayed
    on tarmac 200 minutes

    (There was only one flight with a tarmac delay of more than
    three hours in August)

    Highest Rates of
    Canceled Flights

    1. Pinnacle
    Airlines – 2.5 percent

    2. Comair
    – 2.1 percent

    3. Delta
    Air Lines – 1.6 percent

    Lowest Rates of Canceled Flights

    1. Hawaiian
    Airlines – 0.1 percent

    2. Frontier
    Airlines – 0.1 percent

    3. Continental
    Airlines – 0.1 percent

    SRC: http://www.bts.gov/press_releases/2010/dot186_10/html/dot186_10.html

  • |

    Southwest Airlines and Its Stock Clerks End Mediation and Announce Tentative Agreement

    Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, representing the carrier’s Stock Clerks, announced today that the two parties have reached a tentative agreement. The tentative agreement is for a new, five-year contract through August 16, 2013. The current contract became amendable on August 16, 2008.

    Earlier this year, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. This current tentative agreement is due to the hard work and dedication of both parties.

    “I want to congratulate the negotiation teams for working together to reach this new tentative agreement, which delivers wage and benefit enhancements in exchange for work rule improvements and contract flexibility,” said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “These are exciting times at Southwest, and our hard working Stock Clerks play an important role in the future success of this great Company.”
    In the upcoming weeks, the IBT membership will be given the full details of the agreement and have the opportunity to vote on ratification. IBT represents more than 170 Southwest Airlines Employees.

  • | |

    NTSB Release: TRANSPORTATION FATALITIES DROP IN 2009; PIPELINE AND MARINE DEATHS RISE

    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2010

    Washington, DC – Transportation fatalities in the United
    States decreased by 9.2 percent in 2009 from 2008, according
    to preliminary figures released today by the National
    Transportation Safety Board.

    The data indicate that transportation fatalities in all
    modes totaled 35,928 in 2009, compared to 39,569 in 2008.
    Although highway, rail, aviation, deaths declined, pipeline
    and marine fatalities showed an increase.

    “While statistics show that transportation fatalities have
    declined this past year,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A. P.
    Hersman, “we continue to see far too many accidents in all
    segments of the transportation community. There is still
    much work to do to prevent the loss of life on our roads,
    rails, waterways, and skies.”

    Pipeline fatalities increased by six (8 to 14), with an
    increase in both categories – gas pipelines and liquid
    pipeline operations.

    Marine deaths increased from 783 to 817, with the vast
    majority occurring in recreational boating (736). Other
    marine categories, including cargo transport and commercial
    fishing, showed increases as well, although commercial
    passenger vessels showed a slight decrease.

    Highway fatalities, which account for nearly 95% of all
    transportation deaths, decreased from 37,423 in 2008 to
    33,808 in 2009. In fact, highway fatalities decreased in all
    categories including motorcycle fatalities (down 16 percent)
    which had been on the rise in recent years.

    Aviation deaths decreased from 574 to 538. Nearly 90% of
    aviation fatalities occurred in general aviation accidents
    (471), but they still represented a decrease from the
    previous year (494).

    Rail fatalities decreased 4% from 781 to 751. The vast
    majority of these fatalities were persons struck by a rail
    vehicle.

    Aviation statistics are compiled by the NTSB. Marine numbers
    are provided by the Department of Homeland Security, and
    numbers for all other modes by the Department of
    Transportation.

  • |

    Southwest Airlines Celebrates Diversity With North Texas Summit

    Southwest Airlines is celebrating workplace diversity by hosting its first Diversity Summit today themed “Join the Conversation.” The Summit will gather executives from North Texas local Fortune 500 companies to dialogue about diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering new opportunities, and expanding best practices.

    Joining the conversation as keynote speaker is Dr. George C. Wright, President, Prairie View A&M University. Dr. Wright will be sharing his personal diversity journey and the impact it has had on his life. The Summit will focus on dialogue, education, and strengthening relationships to support an ever-changing workforce. The Summit also will provide participants with a workshop hosted by Pamela Tegarden, founder of the Soluna Institute, about raising the tide on gender diversity, and Tegwin Pulley, who will discuss, “Diversity, Employees, and the Bottom Line.”

    “We are thrilled to be hosting the first Southwest Airlines Diversity Summit in our hometown of Dallas. The purpose of this Summit is to listen and learn about diversity and inclusion best practices through open dialogue and interactive workshops,” said Linda Rutherford, Southwest’s Vice President Communication and Strategic Outreach. “A modern and diverse workforce is a key competitive advantage in the national marketplace. Southwest Airlines has an outstanding network of more than 35,000 Employees systemwide in 35 states, and growing.”

    The Southwest Airlines Diversity Summit was created and hosted by the airline’s Corporate Diversity Council. This Council is comprised of Southwest Employees who meet every month to improve the recruitment and advancement of women and minorities, increase supplier diversity,educate/train “Respecting Differences” consistent with meeting our Company’s business objectives, and create awareness of and show appreciation for cultural or lifestyle differences within our diverse workforce. This year, Hispanic Business Magazine named Southwest Airlines as one of the top Elite companies for Diversity.

  • |

    American Airlines Receives U.S. Department of Transportation Approval to Fly Between Los Angeles and Shanghai, China

    New Flights To Begin April 5, 2011

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 7 — American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, today issued the following statement:

    “We are very pleased that the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted us the authority and frequencies needed to begin new service between Los Angeles and Shanghai, the largest market for travel between the United States and China that is not presently served by a U.S. airline. These new flights will enrich American’s customer service offering to China and will expand American’s schedule at Los Angeles International Airport, one of its five cornerstone cities.

    “We thank DOT officials for their expedited review of our request and we look forward to launching these new daily flights on April 5 using 247-seat Boeing 777 aircraft, which feature 16 First Class, 37 Business Class and 194 Economy Class seats.

    “This has been a terrific week for the employees, customers, and shareholders of American Airlines. We have launched our new joint business with our immunized trans-Atlantic and oneworld partners, British Airways and Iberia. We have announced new service from New York Kennedy to Budapest, as well as a second Barcelona flight, plus new service from Chicago O’Hare to Helsinki and a second flight between Miami and Madrid. In addition, DOT has tentatively granted trans-Pacific antitrust immunity for American and its oneworld partner Japan Airlines.”

  • |

    Boeing Reports Third-Quarter Deliveries

    CHICAGO, Oct. 7 — The Boeing Company ) announced today deliveries across its commercial and defense operations for the third quarter of 2010.

    Major Programs

    3rd Quarter
    2010

    Year-to-Date
    2010

    Commercial Airplanes Programs

    737 Next Generation

    100

    281

    747

    –

    –

    767

    3

    9

    777

    21

    56

    Total

    124

    346

    Defense, Space & Security Programs

    AEW&C

    –

    3

    Apache (New Builds)

    2

    11

    Chinook (New Builds)

    5

    13

    C-17

    4

    10

    Delta II – Commercial

    –

    –

    Delta IV – Commercial

    –

    1

    F-15

    3

    10

    F/A-18E/F and EA-18G

    15

    39

    Satellites (Government & Commercial)

    –

    3

    767 Tanker (International)

    –

    –
  • | |

    Fact Sheet – FAA Initiatives to Improve Helicopter Air Ambulance Safety

    For Immediate Release
    October 7, 2010

    Helicopter air ambulance operations are unique due to the urgent nature of the flight. The FAA, operators, and the medical community all play a vital role in promoting a positive safety culture that ensures the safety of passengers, flight crews, and medical professional on these flights.

    Since August 2004, the FAA’s has:

    • Encouraged risk management training to flight crews so that they can make more analytical decisions about whether to launch on a flight.
    • Promoted better training for night operations and responding to inadvertent flight into deteriorating weather conditions.
    • Promoted technology such as night vision goggles (NVGs), terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS) and radar altimeters.
    • Provided airline-type FAA oversight for operators. Identify regional FAA helicopter operations and maintenance inspectors to help certificate new operators and review the operations of existing companies.

    Background

    The helicopter air ambulance industry grew by 54 percent between 2003 and 2008. There are currently 74 air ambulance companies that operate approximately 850 helicopters in the United States. The NTSB estimates that 400,000 patients and transplant organs are transported by helicopter each year.

    The Role of the Medical Community

    Aviation safety decisions are separate from medical decisions. The decision to conduct a flight with a patient on board does not mean that flight safety can be compromised in any way. Once the medical need for air transportation is determined, it is up to the operator to make the air transportation decision based on pre-flight factors such as weather conditions, maintenance, and crew readiness.

    FAA Oversight

    The FAA inspects air ambulance operators, but the agency’s oversight goes beyond inspection and surveillance. Rather, the FAA uses a risk-based system that includes the initiatives outlined below which focus on the leading causes of accidents.

    FAA Actions

    • In August 2004, the FAA established a task force to review and guide government and industry efforts to reduce air ambulance accidents.
    • On January 14, 2005, the FAA hosted a meeting with industry representatives to discuss safety issues and gain feedback. Representatives from the Association of Air Medical Services, Helicopter Association International, the National EMS Pilots Association and several operators attended.
    • Decision-making skills:On January 28, 2005, the FAA published a notice providing guidance for safety inspectors to help operators review pilot and mechanic decision-making skills, procedural adherence, and crew resource management practices. It includes both FAA and industry intervention strategies (Notice 8000.293 Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Operations). These principles were reinforced in the Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 06001 issued on January 28, 2006.
    • Risk assessment programs: On August 1, 2005, the FAA issued guidance to inspectors promoting improved risk assessment and risk management tools and training to all flight crews, including medical staff (Notice 8000.301 Operational Risk Assessment Programs for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services).
    • Air Medical Resource Management (AMRM): On September 22, 2005, the FAA issued guidance to operators establishing minimum guidelines for Air Medical Resource Management (AMRM) training. The training focuses on pilots, maintenance technicians, flight nurses, flight paramedics, flight physicians, medical directors, specialty team members (such as neonatal teams), communications specialists (dispatchers), program managers, maintenance staff, operational managers, support staff, and any other air medical team members identified by specific needs (AC No. 00-64 Air Medical Resource Management).
    • Special emphasis inspection program: On September 27, 2005, the FAA issued revised standards for inspection and surveillance of air ambulance operators, with special emphasis on operations control, risk assessment, facilities and training, especially at outer locations away from the certificated holder’s principal base on operations.
    • FAA establishes new office: In December 2005, the FAA’s Flight Standards Service’s Air Transportation Division established the new Commuter, On Demand, and Training Center Branch (AFS-250) to work Part 135 and Part 142 policy issues. The FAA has begun hiring aviation safety inspectors with specific “helicopter only” experience in order to keep pace with industry growth.
    • Loss of Control (LOC) and Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT): On January 24, 2006 the FAA issued a handbook bulletin to inspectors describing acceptable models for LOC and CFIT avoidance Programs. The bulletin provides inspectors with information to provide to operators for developing LOC/CFIT accident avoidance programs and clarifies existing guidance (HBAT 06-02 Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Loss of Control (LOC) and Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) Accident Avoidance Programs).
    • HBAT 06-01 & OpSpec A021: On January 24, 2006 the FAA issued revised guidance to inspectors regarding HEMS OpSpecs, amending the Visual Flight Rule (VFR) weather requirements for HEMS operations, including consideration of the adverse affects of reduced ambient lighting at night and mountainous terrain (HBAT 06-01 Helicopter Emergency Medical Services; OpSpec A021/A002 Revisions).
    • Guidance to Part 142 training centers: On February 24, 2006, the FAA issued a Notice to Training Center Program Managers assigned to oversee Part 142 training Centers advising them of recent changes to air ambulance operations and training standards (Notice 8000.317, Operator Training Provided by Part 142 Training Centers for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services.)
    • Public air ambulance operators:On March 2, 2006, the FAA issued guidance to inspectors on the surveillance and oversight of public aircraft operators for air ambulance operations (Notice 8000.318 Public Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Operations).
    • Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS): On June 27, 2006, at the FAA’s request, RTCA, Inc. established a Special Committee to develop Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (H-TAWS) standards. These standards will be used to develop FAA requirements for H-TAWS systems, installation and operations.
    • Aeronautical Information Manual: In August 2006, the FAA revised the Aeronautical Information manual (AIM) to provide guidance to pilots on assessing ambient lighting for night VFR operations and for off-airport/heliport landing zone operations.
    • International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST): The helicopter industry has formed the IHST to gather data and draft strategies to reduce helicopter accidents globally by 80 percent by 2015. The effort is modeled on the Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST) which has achieved a significant reduction in the commercial fatal accident rate in the United States. Members include the FAA, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Transport Canada, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and industry representatives.
    • Surveillance of large HEMS operators: The FAA’s Flight Standards Service established a task group to focus on the certification and surveillance requirements for large air ambulance operators that support diverse medical programs throughout the United States. The group’s findings resulted in the increase in the cadre of inspectors assigned to air ambulance operations.
    • Operational Control Centers:On May 5, 2008, the FAA’s Flight Standards Service issued an advisory circular (AC 120-96) highlighting the “best practices” for use by air ambulance operators in establishing their control centers and training their specialists.
    • FAA/Association of Air Medical Service (AAMS) Safety Meeting: On July 11, 2008, 80 representatives from the FAA and operators met in response to recent accidents. Discussions focused on night operations in poor or deteriorating weather, risk management, complacency, the agency’s policies on the use of NVGs, as well as helicopter shopping.
    • Notice to FAA Inspectors:On January 12, 2009, the FAA issued a notice (Notice 8900.63) to agency inspectors with oversight of air ambulance operators to find out how many operators have adopted FAA-recommended best practices. With reports in from all of the 74 operators surveyed, the percentages that have adopted various programs are:

    –Decision-making skills and risk assessment programs – 94 percent

    –Response to FAA guidance on Loss of Control (LOC) and Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) avoidance – 89 percent

    –Integration of operation control center – 89 percent

    –Installation of Flight Data Recorders and devices that can re-create a flight. – 11 percent

    –TAWS equipage – 41 percent

    –Use of radar altimeters – 89 percent

    Operations Specifications

    On November 14, 2008, the FAA published a Notice in the Federal Register that advised operators of important mandatory changes to air ambulance flights. The agency also included a provision to encourage the use of NVGs and Terrain Awareness Warning Systems. Consistent with NTSB recommendations, all air ambulance operators will comply with Part 135 weather minimums, including repositioning flights with medical crew onboard. The FAA is also providing greater access to weather reporting facilities, and requiring the flight crew to determine a minimum safe altitude and obstacle clearance prior to each flight. The compliance date is no later than February 22, 2009.

    Weather

    In March 2006, the FAA and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research hosted a weather summit in Boulder, Colorado to identify the air ambulance-specific issues related to weather products and services. Attendees explored possible regulatory improvements, weather product enhancements, and operational fixes specific to HEMS operations. Attendees included the National Weather Service, National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Helicopter Association International, American Helicopter Society International, Association of Air Medical Services, National EMS Pilots Association, National Association of Air Medical Communications Specialists, manufacturers, and many operators.

    As a result, the FAA funded the development and implementation of a graphical flight planning tool for ceiling and visibility assessment along direct flights in areas with limited available surface observations capability. It improves the quality of go/no-go decisions for air ambulance operators. The tool was fielded in November 2006.

    Night Vision Goggles

    The FAA has a solid record of facilitating safety improvements and new technologies for EMS helicopters, including certification of NVGs. Since 1994, the FAA has worked 28 projects or design approvals called Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for installation of NVGs on helicopters. This number includes EMS, law enforcement and other types of helicopter operations. Of the 28 projects, the FAA has approved approximately 15 NVGs STC’s for EMS helicopters. The FAA initiated and wrote (in coordination with RTCA) the minimum standards for NVGs/cockpit lighting.

    Technical Standard Order (TSO) C164 was published on September 30, 2004 referencing RTCA document DO 275 Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS), published October 12, 2001. The FAA has hosted workshops to help applicants work with the FAA to obtain NVG certification. One set of NVGs costs approximately $7,000 and an operator must carry multiple sets per flight. Certification is just one step. The operator must also have an FAA-approved training program for using NVGs.

    The FAA has revised the NVG guidance in the Operations Inspectors Handbook, Order 8900.1. Produced using considerable industry input, the revision includes the establishment of a cadre of NVG national resource inspectors (Notice 8000.349, Night Vision Imaging Systems).

    While the FAA encourages use of NVGs where appropriate, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Flying at night is not inherently dangerous if rules and procedures are followed. In fact, many operators who do not use NVGs have never had an accident at night.

    Flight Data Recorders

    Flight Data Recorders (FDRs) are not required for air ambulance operations. FDRs offer value in any accident investigation by providing information on aircraft system status, flight path and attitude. The weight and cost of FDR systems are factors. Research and development is required to determine the appropriate standards for FDR data and survivability in the helicopter environment, which typically involves substantially lower speeds and altitudes than airplanes. Funds are currently best invested in preventive training.

    However, the FAA is considering alternatives to expensive and heavy airliner-style FDRs, especially in light of the relatively low-impact forces in most helicopter accidents. By establishing a standard appropriate to the helicopter flight envelope, the FAA may be able to make meaningful future FDR rulemaking efforts.

    Terrain Awareness Warning Systems

    The FAA supports the voluntary implementation of TAWS and did consider the possibility of including rotorcraft in the previous TAWS rulemaking process. Through this process, however, the FAA concluded that there are a number of issues unique to VFR helicopter operations that must be resolved before the FAA considers mandating the use of TAWS in this area, such as modification of the standards used for these systems. For example, helicopters typically operate at lower altitudes so TAWS could potentially generate false alerts and “nuisance” warnings that could negatively impact the crew’s response to a valid alert. TAWS use in air ambulance operations required study of TAWS interoperability within the lower altitude environment, and possible modification of TAWS system standards.

    At the FAA’s request, RTCA, Inc. established a Special Committee (SC-212) to develop H-TAWS standards for use in future FAA rulemaking projects. The final report was delivered to RTCA in March 2008. Those standards were subsequently reviewed by the FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service and on December 17, 2008, the FAA issued Technical Standards Order (TSO) C-194 to standardize the manufacture of H-TAWS within the industry.

  • |

    FAA Proposes Safety Systems for Certificated Airports

    The FAA has proposed requiring airports certificated under Part 139 to put in place safety management systems (SMS) for all airfield and ramp areas.

    There are currently 553 airports in the U.S. that hold Part 139 certificates. These certificate holders serve scheduled and unscheduled air carrier aircraft with more than 30 seats. These certificate holders also may serve scheduled air carrier operations with air carrier aircraft with more than nine but less than 31 seats.

    SMS is a formal approach to managing an organization’s safety through four key components — safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion.

    This proposal will help airports enhance safety by developing an organization-wide safety policy; implementing methods to mitigate airport hazards; and analyzing and mitigating risks before they change airport procedures or infrastructure. The proposed rule requires that SMS be used for airport movement and non-movement areas which includes runways, taxiways, ramps, aircraft parking aprons, and fuel farms. The FAA believes that SMS will provide an additional layer of safety at airports and help reduce airport incidents and accidents. Airports will have the flexibility to implement a SMS plan that considers their unique operating environment.
    While the proposed SMS requirement will not take the place of regular FAA Part 139 inspections, this proactive emphasis on hazard identification and mitigation will provide airports with robust tools to improve safety.
    Airports are identified by four classes, depending on the type of air carrier service at the airport. The proposal states that Class I airports would be required to develop a SMS implementation plan within six months and implement within 18 months after the final rule is published. The remaining Class II, III, and IV airports would be required to develop a SMS implementation plan within nine months and implement within 24 months after the final rule is published. The FAA will review and approve the SMS implementation plans.

    The NPRM is published in today’s Federal Register and open for a 90-day public comment period that ends on January 5, 2011. To view the NPRM, Economic Evaluation, and make comments go towww.regulations.gov using docket # FAA-2010-0997.

  • |

    Press Release – FAA Proposes Comprehensive New Helicopter Safety Rules

    For Immediate Release
    October 7, 2010

    WASHINGTON–The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today proposed broad new rules for helicopter operators, including air ambulances, which, if finalized, would require stricter flight rules and procedures, improved communications and training, and additional on-board safety equipment.

    “This is a significant proposal that will improve the safety of many helicopter flights in the United States,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “The FAA’s initiatives have helped the helicopter industry make progress on many safety issues, but it’s time to take steps towards mandating these major safety improvements.”

    Under the proposed rules, operators would use the latest on-board technology and equipment to avoid terrain and obstacles. The proposal also contains provisions which, if finalized, would require operators to use enhanced procedures for flying in challenging weather, at night, and when landing in remote locations.

    “We can prevent accidents by preparing pilots and equipping helicopters for all of the unique flying conditions they encounter,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “These new rules are designed to protect passengers, patients, medical personnel, and pilots.”

    The FAA document includes new proposals covering a variety of helicopter operators.

    The proposed rules would require air ambulance operators to:

    • Equip with Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (HTAWS).
    • The proposal seeks comments on requirements for light-weight aircraft recording systems (LARS).
    • Conduct operations under Part 135, including flight crew time limitation and rest requirements, when medical personnel are on board.
    • Establish operations control centers if they are certificate holders with 10 or more helicopter air ambulances.
    • Institute pre-flight risk-analysis programs.
    • Conduct safety briefings for medical personnel.
    • Amend their operational requirements to include Visual Flight Rules (VFR) weather minimums, Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at airports/heliports without weather reporting, procedures for VFR approaches, and VFR flight planning.
    • Ensure their pilots in command hold an instrument rating.

    Under the proposal, all commercial helicopter operators would be required to:

    • Revise IFR alternate airport weather minimums.
    • Demonstrate competency in recovery from inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions.
    • Equip their helicopters with radio altimeters.
    • Change the definition of “extended over-water operation” and require additional equipment for these operations.

    The proposed rules would require all Part 135 aircraft, i.e. helicopter and fixed wing on-demand operators, to:

    • Prepare a load manifest.
    • Transmit a copy of load manifest documentation to their base of operations, in lieu of preparing a duplicate copy.
    • Specify requirements for retaining a copy of the load manifest in the event that the documentation is destroyed in an aircraft accident.

    In addition, the proposal would require Part 91 general aviation helicopter operators to revise the VFR weather minimums.

    Since August 2004, the FAA has promoted initiatives to reduce risk for helicopter air ambulance operations. While accidents did decline in 2005 and 2006, 2008 proved to be the deadliest year on record with six accidents that claimed 24 lives. Overall, from 1992 through 2009, 135 helicopter air ambulance accidents claimed 126 lives. From 1994 through 2008, there were also 75 commercial helicopter accidents (excluding air ambulances) that resulted in 88 fatalities.

    The estimated cost of the proposal in present value for the air ambulance industry is $136 million with a total benefit of $160 million over 10 years. The cost for other commercial operators is $89 million with a total benefit of $115 million over 10 years.

    The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is on display at the Federal Registerat www.archives.gov?federal-register. It’s also available at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/recently_published/ and will be published in the Federal Register on October 12. A fact sheet on the FAA’s past initiatives is available at www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets

    The 90-day public comment period closes on January 10, 2011.

  • Opportunity for a Global Framework on Environment – IATA Urges Agreement at ICAO Assembly

    Montreal – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged the governments of the world to reach an agreement on a global framework to manage international aviation’s emissions at the 37th Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

    “The biggest challenge for this Assembly is to reach an agreement on a global solution to manage emissions from international aviation. A united aviation industry of airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, manufacturers and general aviation has made ambitious commitments to cap and eventually cut its emissions. To be successful, governments must endorse these commitments in a globally agreed framework,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO, to a group of delegates attending the ICAO Assembly in Montreal.

    The aviation industry is united behind three targets: (1) a 1.5% average annual improvement in fuel efficiency to 2020, (2) capping net emissions from 2020 with carbon-neutral growth and (3) cutting emission in half by 2050 compared to 2005. “No other industrial sector has made such ambitious global commitments. Even UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon commended the aviation industry as a role model for other industries to follow,” said Bisignani.

    Bisignani highlighted several key elements which could help facilitate global consensus:

    • Place and Process: The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Christiana Figueres, confirmed that ICAO is the forum for dealing with emissions from international aviation and that any agreement at ICAO would not, in any way, impact the position of any state on non-aviation issues discussed in the UNFCCC process.
    • Developing Nations: Even within a global agreement, ICAO has a track record of accommodating the needs of developing states. For example, ICAO’s global framework for noise reduction included extended timelines for developing states.
    • Growth: The industry’s global solution will facilitate growth and the economic benefits it brings even while reducing emissions. This will be achieved through the industry’s four- pillar strategy of investments in technology, more efficient infrastructure, more effective operations and globally coordinated positive economic measures.

    “Major blockers are being removed. The industry is ready. And most governments agree that a global framework is needed. There are still some hurdles to overcome, but we are moving in the right direction,” said Bisignani who noted that important regional groupings and individual states have indicated their wish for an agreement.

    The planned inclusion of aviation into the European emissions trading scheme in 2012 has helped to focus governments on the urgency of a global solution. “If this Assembly ends without an agreement, the next opportunity is 2013. In the meantime the industry would be faced with a growing patchwork of conflicting and overlapping measures. For example, against global opposition, Europe would have to try to move forward with its unilateral emissions trading scheme,” said Bisignani.

    “No government or industry player will want to face the consequences of such a development. It would lead to a breakdown of the global standards on which global aviation was built, a patchwork of uncoordinated taxes and schemes, strained bilateral relations and serious challenges on sovereignty issues,” said Bisignani.

    “The livelihoods of 32 million people and $3.5 trillion in economic activity depend on the success of global aviation. As leaders, everyone attending this Assembly has a great responsibility to continue building a safe, secure, efficient and sustainable future for this wonderful industry. The industry is committed to supporting governments in reaching agreement on a responsible solution for aviation and the environment. I am optimistic that we will be successful,” said Bisignani.

    The ICAO Assembly will discuss environmental issues in its Executive Committee on Thursday 30 September with conclusions to be reported by the Assembly’s conclusion on 8 October.

  • EASA publishes rules for harmonised pilot licensing

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) today published a proposal to the European Commission for a harmonised regulation on Flight Crew Licensing (Part-FCL) in the form of an ‘Opinion’. This new regulation will ensure that the same pilot licensing requirements and related high safety levels apply in all Member States.

    This ‘Opinion’ covers requirements for pilot licensing for aeroplanes, helicopters, airships, powered-lift aircraft, sailplanes and balloons. Measures to ensure a smooth transition to the new rules are also provided.

    As requested by the European Parliament in its Agenda for Sustainable General and Business Aviation, the newly developed Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, which is part of the new regulation, will facilitate the access to aviation for a broader public while maintaining a high level of safety.

    EASA’s proposal was initially open to public consultation from June 2008 to February 2009. Over 8,000 comments were received from a wide range of stakeholders and this feedback was taken into account and integrated in this ‘Opinion’.

    The new regulation on Flight Crew Licensing will be adopted by the European Commission and enter info force as Community law by April 2012.

    The ‘Opinion’ can be accessed by clicking here.

  • |

    American Airlines Recalls Approximately 800 Furloughed Employees

    545 Flight Attendants and 250 Pilots to Be Recalled for Active Duty

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 6 — American Airlines today announced that it is sending recall notices to 545 flight attendants and 250 pilots. Several factors contributed to the company’s ability to recall, primarily its efforts to capitalize on new international flying and business opportunities with British Airways and Iberia, continuing to strengthen its cornerstone hubs, and preparing for it’s pending alliance with Japan Airlines.

    Following today’s news conference in London announcing the official beginning of American’s alliance with British Airways and Iberia, AMR Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey said: “The company is pleased to be recalling approximately 800 total pilots and flight attendants to help capitalize on our business goals as well as to meet our staffing needs in the coming months. This is exactly the kind of growth we’re hoping to achieve with our network strategy, and my hope is that trends like this will continue.”

    The first group of 25 pilots will be recalled in mid-November, and the company will continue to recall at a rate of approximately 30 per month. For flight attendants, recall notices will be sent in phases. The first notices will be issued to approximately 225 flight attendants this month; subsequent notifications will follow later in the year.

    “I am very pleased to welcome our furloughed flight attendants back to service,” said Denise Lynn, Vice President – Flight Service. “Each day, our flight attendants play an integral role in providing our customers with a welcoming and positive experience onboard all our flights.”

    Captain John Hale – Vice President Flight, added “we are happy to have these pilots back in our cockpits. My hope is that the enhancements we’re making to our network will allow us to extend the same offer to more of our furloughees.”

  • |

    Boeing, Air Lease Corporation Finalize Order for Up to 60 Next-Generation 737s


    SEATTLE, Oct. 4 — Boeing and new leasing company Air Lease Corporation (ALC) have finalized an order for up to 60 Next-Generation 737-800s.
    The order, first announced at the Farnborough Airshow in July, is for deliveries through 2017. In addition to 54 firm orders the deal includes six additional airplanes to be reconfirmed.

    “Our management team has been working closely with Boeing for more than 30 years,” said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, chairman and CEO of Air Lease Corporation. “This order for Next-Generation 737-800s continues that great tradition. With this large and long-term commitment we’ll be able to offer our clients a most economical, fuel-efficient and versatile airplane, suitable for a variety of profitable missions.”

    “The Next-Generation 737 is one of the world’s best-selling airplanes for a number of very good reasons,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Airlines and lessors remain confident in the airplane’s ability to deliver outstanding, dependable operational and financial performance across the widest range of missions. We look forward to providing that continued value to Air Lease Corporation and its clients and to a long and successful continued partnership with Steven Udvar-Hazy and his new leasing company.”

    About Air Lease Corporation
    Air Lease Corporation (ALC), based in Los Angeles, Calif., was founded in February 2010, and is led by two airline industry veterans, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy and John L. Plueger. ALC is a well capitalized and airline-customer-focused operating lessor and market-maker, committed to providing optimized jet fleet solutions to airline clients worldwide.

  • |

    Fact Sheet – Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X

    For Immediate Release
    October 5, 2010

    The potential for collisions on airport runways and taxiways increases every year as airports become busier. To combat the impact of this trend, the FAA is deploying ASDE-X, a new runway-safety tool.

    ASDE-X enables air traffic controllers to detect potential runway conflicts by providing detailed coverage of movement on runways and taxiways. ASDE-X collects data from a variety of sources to track vehicles and aircraft on the airport movement area and obtain identification information from aircraft transponders.

    The ASDE-X data comes from surface movement radar located on the air traffic control tower or remote tower, multilateration sensors, ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) sensors, the terminal automation system, and aircraft transponders. By fusing the data from these sources, ASDE-X is able to determine the position and identification of aircraft and transponder-equipped vehicles on the airport movement area, as well as aircraft flying within five miles of the airport.

    Controllers in the tower see this information presented as a color display of aircraft and vehicle positions overlaid on a map of the airport’s runways, taxiways and approach corridors. The system creates a continuously updated map of the airport movement area that controllers can use to spot potential collisions. This technology is especially helpful to controllers at night or in bad weather when visibility is poor.

    ASDE-X Safety Logic (AXSL) is an enhancement to the situational awareness provided to air traffic controllers by ASDE-X. AXSL uses surveillance information from ASDE-X to determine if the current or projected positions and movements of aircraft or vehicles that are being tracked present a potential collision situation. Visual and audible alerts are provided to the controllers that include critical information about the targets, such as aircraft identification and where aircraft and vehicles are on the surface.

    The first use ASDE-X was at General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wis. in October 2003. The FAA recently accelerated the ASDE-X schedule and now projects that all systems will be deployed by the end of 2010 – one year earlier than originally anticipated.

    ASDE-X Deployment Sites
    The 35 major airports that will receive, or have already received, ASDE-X include:
    (* Indicates ASDE-X is operational at these sites)
    Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore, MD)
    Boston Logan International Airport (Boston, MA)*
    Bradley International Airport (Windsor Locks, CT)*
    Chicago Midway Airport (Chicago, IL)*
    Chicago O’Hare International Airport (Chicago, IL)*
    Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte, NC)*
    Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport (Dallas, TX)*
    Denver International Airport (Denver, CO)*
    Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (Detroit, MI)*
    Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)*
    General Mitchell International Airport (Milwaukee, WI)*
    George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston, TX)*
    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta, GA)*
    Honolulu International –Hickam Air Force Base Airport (Honolulu, HI)*
    John F. Kennedy International Airport (Jamaica, NY)*
    John Wayne-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana, CA)*
    LaGuardia Airport, (Flushing, NY)
    Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (St. Louis, MO)*
    Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas, NV)
    Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles, CA)*
    Louisville International Airport-Standiford Field (Louisville, KY)*
    Memphis International Airport (Memphis, TN)
    Miami International Airport (Miami, FL)*
    Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (Minneapolis, MN)*
    Newark International Airport (Newark, NJ)*
    Orlando International Airport (Orlando, FL)*
    Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia, PA)*
    Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix, AZ)*
    Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington, DC)
    San Diego International Airport (San Diego, CA)*
    Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City, UT)*
    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Seattle, WA)*
    Theodore Francis Green State Airport (Providence, RI)*
    Washington Dulles International Airport (Chantilly, VA)*
    William P. Hobby Airport (Houston, TX)*

  • |

    American Airlines Business ExtrAA Launches New York Area Promotion

    Companies Can Earn Up to 10 Award Tickets

    EW YORK, Oct. 5 — For a limited time, companies based in the Greater New York area, as well as Eastern Pennsylvania, that enroll in the Business ExtrAA program can receive up to 20,000 Business ExtrAA bonus points – enough for 10 Economy PlanAAhead® awards(1) valid for the Continental U.S., Canada and Mexico.

    Business ExtrAA® is a complimentary program that rewards companies for doing business with American Airlines. With Business ExtrAA, companies accrue points when their employees travel for business on American Airlines, American Eagle or American Connection® operated flights and include the company’s Business ExtrAA account number in their reservations. Employees also earn miles on their personal frequent flyer AAdvantage® accounts when traveling using their company’s Business ExtrAA account number, so both the company and the individual traveler benefit.

    Through this promotion, companies will have the opportunity to reach the maximum 20,000 points bonus via this stepped approach: to earn the first award ticket, companies must enroll in the Business ExtrAA program using promotion code BIGNY2 and have any one of their employees fly one round trip using the company’s new account number during the offer period, Oct. 4, 2010, through Jan. 31, 2011. Newly enrolled companies that spend $15,000 or more on qualifying** flights within the offer period will earn another 8,000 Business ExtrAA bonus points, equivalent to an additional four round-trip travel awards. Lastly, companies that spend a total of $30,000 or more during the offer period will earn another 10,000 Business ExtrAA bonus points, equivalent to an additional five round-trip travel awards. Every employee that travels using the company’s Business ExtrAA account number can help the company earn points.

    “In this tough economic climate, what better way for American Airlines to reward our most loyal small and medium business customers than by helping them minimize travel costs, simply for choosing to do business with us?” said Jim Carter, American’s Vice President – Eastern Sales Division. “We are pleased to offer this promotion to help new member-companies jump-start their bank of travel awards in our Business ExtrAA program.”

    Business ExtrAA points can be redeemed for more than 50 travel awards, including flights, upgrades, AAdvantage Gold® status, and Admirals Club® one-day passes, conference rooms, and memberships. Companies can choose how points are redeemed. Business ExtrAA points can be used to control business travel costs, donated as part of employee incentive programs or used to thank valued customers for their loyalty. The Business ExtrAA program keeps track of all ticket purchases and a sends a monthly e-mail to companies to advise when the account has been updated. Companies can also review their activity online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and by contacting their dedicated customer service desk.

    For more information about Business ExtrAA, please visit www.aa.com/business or call 1-800-457-7072, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT Monday – Friday (inside U.S. and Canada).

  • |

    Sixth Boeing 787 Makes First Flight, Testing Program Making Good Progress

    EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 4 — The final Boeing 787 Dreamliner to join the flight test fleet made its first flight today from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. The airplane, ZA006, is the second 787 equipped with General Electric GEnx engines to fly.

    Captains Christine Walsh and Bill Roberson were at the controls during the 1 hour and 4 minute flight. The airplane landed at Boeing Field at 12:45 p.m. (Pacific time).

    “It’s great to have our last flight test airplane join the fleet,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “We have been focused on completing the testing required for certification of the 787 with Rolls-Royce engines, because that is the first model we deliver. A great deal of the testing that we’ve done also applies to the 787s with GE engines and won’t need to be repeated,” said Fancher.

    There is, however, a smaller portion of testing that is unique to the engine/airframe combination. In general, this portion includes noise testing, extreme weather operations, function and reliability, and extended operations. In addition, testing to verify the airplane handles the same regardless of engine type and that the systems work on both models is required.

    Some additional flight tests will be performed on one of the production airplanes, the ninth 787 to be built, but it is not considered a full-time member of the flight test fleet.
    787 Testing Progress Report

    In addition to achieving first flight of ZA006, the Boeing test team has completed a number of flight test milestones in recent weeks.

    Boeing wrapped up a series of natural and artificial icing tests, meeting all requirements with no changes required. Pilots reported that the airplane continues to handle well even in the presence of ice.
    Flight loads survey testing, which demonstrates the pressure distribution on the airplane structure throughout the phases of flight in a variety of configurations, also has been completed. The team conducted this testing on ZA004 primarily at the airport at Victorville, Calif. Analysis of this testing continues.

    A dramatic series of tests that stress the airplane’s brakes, called maximum brake energy testing, was completed in late September at Edwards Air Force Base, also in California. ZA001 conducted this testing as well as a series of extreme takeoff and landing conditions including minimum takeoff speed testing. Earlier in the month, ZA001 completed wet runway testing at Roswell, NM.
    ZA003 flew to Glasgow, Mont., to complete community noise testing. All results were within expectations.

    As a result of these tests and others, all takeoff performance and handling characteristics testing is complete for the initial version of the 787. Additional testing will be required for 787s equipped with GE engines.

    The 787 flight test program has logged more than 1,900 hours over 620 flights and completed more than 65 percent of the flight test conditions for 787s with Rolls-Royce engines.
    Equally important to the testing required in the air is the ground testing required to certify a new airplane. Boeing has completed well over 4,000 hours of ground testing on the same airplanes that are in the flight test program.

    In addition, fatigue testing has started at a test rig in Everett. Fifteen flights have been simulated. Federal regulations require Boeing to conduct twice as many flight cycles as any airplane in revenue service. Boeing plans to have completed 10,000 flight cycles prior to first delivery.
    “We continue to be extremely satisfied with the performance of the 787 in its testing operations,” said Fancher. “This airplane handles wonderfully and will be a valuable tool for our customers.”