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Press Release from NTSB on Air Show Safety

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    American Airlines Orders Two New Boeing 777-300ER Widebody Jets to Support Network Strategy and International Growth

    American Continues to Invest in Products to Enhance the Customer Experience

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — American Airlines, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMR Corp., today announced it has entered into a purchase agreement with the Boeing Company under which American will acquire two Boeing 777-300ERs to support its global network strategy and to capitalize on international growth opportunities. The two aircraft are expected to be delivered in late 2012.

    “These additional widebody aircraft will bolster our network strategy, particularly the international growth opportunities we expect from our joint businesses with oneworld® partners in the trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific markets,” said Tom Horton, President, AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines and American Eagle. “We value the combination of size, range and performance of the 777-300ER, as well as the extensive customer amenities it offers. The seating capability of the aircraft will give us growth flexibility in slot-constrained airports and provide us with greater ability to serve new long-haul markets.”

    “American Airlines is an industry leader whose vision and disciplined approach to growth has made it one of the largest airlines in the world,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh. “American is the first carrier in the United States to order the 777-300ER. These new airplanes will complement their large fleet of 777-200ERs by offering additional flexibility in serving nonstop routes while providing increased efficiency and reliability.”

    Additional terms of the commitment were not disclosed.

    “We hope that this positive step for our airline signals the beginning of a period of domestic and global expansion which will allow our airline to aggressively compete and prosper in the years to come,” said Captain David Bates, President of the Allied Pilots Association, the union that represents American’s 8,600 pilots.

    From 2007 through 2010, American has invested $4.2 billion in aircraft, cabin, and facility improvements to enhance the customer experience.

    International Growth Opportunities

    The 777-300ERS will expand international service, either incremental frequencies in markets American serves today, or new routes largely resulting from its alliance initiatives.

    As part of their recently launched trans-Atlantic business, oneworld members American, British Airways and Iberia announced service on five additional international routes, beginning in spring 2011. They are: New York JFK-Budapest and Chicago-Helsinki (operated by American Airlines), London Heathrow-San Diego (operated by British Airways), plus Madrid-Los Angeles and Barcelona-Miami (operated by Iberia). Also in spring 2011, American will add additional frequencies from New York JFK to Barcelona and Miami to Madrid.

    On Jan. 11, American Airlines and Japan Airlines announced the launch of their trans-Pacific joint business. Customers can expect to benefit from better flight schedules, expanded codesharing, more coordinated services, and greater access to a wider variety of fares. Additional consumer benefits over the coming months are anticipated as the cooperation level deepens between the two airlines. Additionally, American plans to start its new nonstop daily service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport next month, and to launch service from Los Angeles to Shanghai, China, in April. Japan Airlines began service from Haneda to San Francisco in late October. The carriers have already begun, or plan, to codeshare on these flights.

    The trans-Atlantic joint business opportunity, initially representing approximately $7 billion in combined revenue between the carriers, will offer seamless service to 430 destinations in 105 countries, with nearly 5,200 daily departures worldwide. The trans-Pacific joint business, which represents more than $1.5 billion in combined revenue between the two airlines, represents significant growth opportunities for American long term as the Pacific region currently accounts for only about 4 percent of American’s total system capacity.

    American also continued to grow its service in Latin America in 2010. Last year, it began service from New York’s JFK to San Jose, Costa Rica, and to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Dallas/Fort Worth to San Salvador, El Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It also began service from Miami to Brazil’s capital, Brasilia. American is Latin America and Mexico’s premier airline with 43 destinations to 17 countries.

    “We believe it is important to grow but to do so sensibly, in the right places and, importantly, under the right economic circumstances,” Horton said. “Our purchase of additional 777s, our first growth aircraft since 2001, further demonstrates that philosophy and we will continue to look for growth opportunities that make the most sense for our customers, shareholders and employees.”

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    ROBERTO KOBEH GONZÁLEZ RE-ELECTED AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT

    November 15, 2010 — oacicomm
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    PIO 15/10

    MONTREAL, 15 November 2010 ? Roberto Kobeh González was re-elected today by acclamation, for a second three-year term, as President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

    “Our priority for the coming triennium is the implementation of the comprehensive and groundbreaking initiatives adopted recently by the 37th Session of the ICAO Assembly, all designed to further improve the safety, the security and the environmental sustainability of international civil aviation,” said Mr. Kobeh González in his acceptance remarks.

    “We will do so as the central institution for global governance in civil aviation, by continuing to exercise our leadership in a spirit of cooperation with all stakeholders, so that safe and secure air transport can continue to play a determining role in the sustainable development of our global society. This is what is expected of us and this is what we will deliver.” he added.

    Mr. Kobeh González first assumed office as President of the Council on 1 August 2006, after having been elected to complete the mandate of Dr. Assad Kotaite, who retired on 31 July of that year. He was elected for a full term following the 36th Session of the ICAO Assembly held in late September 2007.

    Mr. Kobeh González served as Representative of Mexico on the Council of ICAO from January 1998 until his election as President in 2006.

    ROBERTO KOBEH GONZÁLEZ

    Born Huixtla, Chiapas, Mexico, on 18 October 1943

    Nationality: Mexican Marital Status: Single

    Education:Graduate from the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico (1965), Mr. Kobeh González holds an Engineering degree in Communications and Electronics. He was a professor of aeronautical electronics at the Institute from 1972 until 1975. He also studied at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy in Oklahoma and at the National Productivity Centre of Mexico and has taken several management, planning, quality assurance and leadership courses.

    Awards:Mr. Kobeh González received the Award for Extraordinary Service from the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States in 1988. In 1997, he was awarded the Emilio Carranza Medal from the Government of Mexico for his contribution to the development of civil aviation in Mexico for thirty consecutive years. In 2004, he received the award for Contribution to the Development of Aviation in the Central American Region from the Central American Corporation of Air Navigation Services. Most recently, in 2009 he received the degree of Doctor of Engineering honoris causa from the Korea Aerospace University.

    For the full CV, see here

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    Press Release – FAA Proposes $330,000 Civil Penalty Against American Eagle Airlines

    For Immediate Release

    FORT WORTH – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $330,000 civil penalty against American Eagle Airlines Inc., of Fort Worth, for operating an Embraer 135 regional jet on 12 revenue passenger flights when it was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

    The FAA alleges American Eagle mechanics failed to note broken passenger seats and armrests on two aircraft during a Dec. 18, 2008 inspection and did not follow the approved maintenance manual instructions during those inspections. FAA inspectors discovered seats on two aircraft that would not raise and stow into the upright and locked position for takeoffs and landings. FAA inspectors also found damaged center arm rests that would not stow in the upright and locked position.

    The FAA further alleges that American Eagle used one of the aircraft on 12 revenue passenger flights between the inspection and eventual repair of the seats and armrests. The other aircraft did not fly again until the airline completed the required work.

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

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    Press Release – FAA Announces Record Number of Laser Events in 2010

    For Immediate Release
    January 19, 2011

    Pointing Lasers at Aircraft Poses a Serious Safety Issue

    WASHINGTON – The FAA announced today that in 2010, nationwide reports of lasers pointed at aircraft almost doubled from the previous year to more than 2,800. This is the highest number of laser events recorded since the FAA began keeping track in 2005.

    Los Angeles International Airport recorded the highest number of laser events in the country for an individual airport in 2010, with 102 reports, and the greater Los Angeles area tallied nearly twice that number, with 201 reports. Chicago O’Hare International Airport was a close second, with 98 reports, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport tied for the third highest number of laser events for the year with 80 each.

    “This is a serious safety issue,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Lasers can distract and harm pilots who are working to get passengers safely to their destinations.”

    Nationwide, laser event reports have steadily increased since the FAA created a formal reporting system in 2005 to collect information from pilots. Reports rose from nearly 300 in 2005 to 1,527 in 2009 and 2,836 in 2010.

    “The FAA is actively warning people not to point high-powered lasers at aircraft because they can damage a pilot’s eyes or cause temporary blindness,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “We continue to ask pilots to immediately report laser events to air traffic controllers so we can contact local law enforcement officials.”

    Some cities and states have laws making it illegal to shine lasers at aircraft and, in many cases, people can face federal charges.

    The increase in reports is likely due to a number of factors, including the availability of inexpensive laser devices on the Internet; higher power levels that enable lasers to hit aircraft at higher altitudes; increased pilot reporting of laser strikes; and the introduction of green lasers, which are more easily seen than red lasers.

    Top 20 Laser Event Reports by Airport in 2010
    Airport No. of events
    Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 102
    Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 98
    Phoenix/Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) 80
    San Jose International Airport (SJC) 80
    McCarran International Airport (LAS) 72
    Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) 66
    Oakland International Airport (OAK) 55
    Honolulu International Airport (HNL) 47
    San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 39
    Denver International Airport (DEN) 38
    Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 38
    Tucson International Airport (TUS) 37
    Miami International Airport (MIA) 36
    Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) 36
    Portland International Airport (PDX) 32
    LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) 32
    Bob Hope Airport (BUR) 31
    Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) 31
    John Wayne Airport (SNA) 31
    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) 26
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    Boeing and United Airlines Finalize

    United to expand international service with fuel-efficient Dreamliner
    Boeing (NYSE: BA) and United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) have finalized an order for 25 787-8 jetliners. The agreement includes the opportunity to purchase another 50 Dreamliners.

    “Boeing and United Airlines share an 80-year partnership,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “United, which launched the Boeing 777, now begins a new chapter with the 787 Dreamliner, the most technologically advanced commercial jetliner ever built.”

    The order is valued at $4.2 billion at average list prices.

    “United’s Boeing 787 order represents a substantial investment in our future and will enhance the significant progress we are making in improving the global competitiveness of our company while providing the opportunity to open new profitable markets and serve a broader range of international destinations,” said John Tague, president of United Airlines.

    United expects to take delivery of the 787s at the same time it will begin to retire its Boeing 747s and 767s operating on international routes.

    The 787 Dreamliner, currently in flight test, will provide greater fuel efficiency, allowing airlines to add new, nonstop city pairs and the additional frequencies that passengers prefer.

    The 787 also promises a more comfortable flying experience for passengers. Its innovations include a new interior environment with improvements in air filtration, higher cabin pressurization resulting in reduced physical fatigue, larger windows, more stowage space, improved lighting and other passenger-preferred conveniences.

    The technologically advanced 787 will also provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity

    Including United Airlines, 57 customers around the world have ordered 876 Dreamliners, making the 787 the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history.

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    Taxi and Ground Movement

    NOTICE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION N JO
    Air Traffic Organization Policy
    Effective Date:
    June 30, 2010
    Cancellation Date:
    March 10, 2011
    SUBJ: Taxi and Ground Movement Operations
    1. Purpose of This Notice. This notice amends Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, Paragraph 3-7-2, Taxi and Ground Movement Operations, by deleting the phraseology and procedure of issuing “taxi to” when authorizing an aircraft to taxi to an assigned takeoff runway, thus allowing an aircraft to cross all runways/taxiways which the taxi route intersects except the assigned runway.

    2. Audience. This notice applies to the Terminal Services organization and all associated air traffic control facilities.

    3. Where Can I Find This Notice? This notice is available on the MYFAA employee Web site at https://employees.faa.gov/tools_resources/orders_notices/ and on the air traffic publications Web site at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications.

    4. Explanation of Policy Change. This change establishes the requirement that an explicit runway crossing clearance be issued for each runway (active/inactive or closed) crossing and requires an aircraft/vehicle to have crossed the previous runway before another runway crossing clearance may be issued. At airports where the taxi route between runway centerlines is less than 1,000 feet apart, multiple runway crossings may be issued after receiving approval by the Terminal Services Director of Operations.

    5. Procedures. Change FAA Order JO 7110.65, paragraph 3-7-2, to read as follows:
    3-7-2. TAXI AND GROUND MOVEMENT OPERATIONS Issue the route for the aircraft/vehicle to follow on the movement area in concise and easy to understand terms. The taxi clearance must include the specific route to follow. When a taxi clearance to a runway is issued to an aircraft, confirm the aircraft has the correct runway assignment.
    NOTE-
    1. A pilot’s read back of taxi instructions with the runway assignment can be considered confirmation of runway assignment.
    2. Movement of aircraft/vehicles on nonmovement areas is the responsibility of the pilot, the aircraft operator, or the airport management.
    a. When authorizing an aircraft/vehicle to proceed on the movement area, or to any point other than assigned takeoff runway, specify the route/taxi instructions. If it is the intent to hold the aircraft/vehicle short
    of any given point along the taxi route, issue the route and then state the holding instructions.
    NOTE-
    1. The absence of holding instructions authorizes an aircraft/vehicle to cross all taxiways that intersect the taxi route.
    2. Movement of aircraft/vehicles on nonmovement areas is the responsibility of the pilot, the aircraft operator, or the
    airport management.
    Phraseology, no change.
    06/30/10 N JO 7110.528
    2
    EXAMPLE-
    “Cross Runway Two Eight Left, hold short of Runway Two Eight Right.”
    “Taxi/continue taxiing/proceed to the hangar.”
    “Taxi/continue taxiing/proceed straight ahead then via ramp to the hangar.”
    “Taxi/continue taxiing/proceed on Taxiway Charlie, hold short of Runway Two Seven.”
    or
    “Taxi/continue taxing/proceed on Charlie, hold short of Runway Two Seven.”
    b. When authorizing an aircraft to taxi to an assigned takeoff runway, state the departure runway
    followed by the specific taxi route. Issue hold short restrictions when an aircraft will be required to hold short
    of a runway or other points along the taxi route.
    PHRASEOLOGY-
    “Runway (number) taxi via (route as necessary).”
    or
    “Runway (number) taxi via (route as necessary)(hold short instructions as necessary).”
    EXAMPLE-
    “Runway Three Six Left, taxi via taxiway Alpha, hold short of taxiway Charlie.”
    or
    “Runway Three Six Left, taxi via Alpha, hold short of Charlie.”
    or
    “Runway Three Six Left, taxi via taxiway Alpha, hold short of Runway Two Seven Right.”
    or
    “Runway Three Six Left, taxi via Charlie, cross Runway Two Seven Left, hold short of Runway Two Seven Right.”
    or
    “Runway Three Six Left, taxi via Alpha, Charlie, cross Runway One Zero.”
    c. Aircraft/vehicles must receive a runway crossing clearance for each runway that their taxi route
    crosses. An aircraft/vehicle must have crossed a previous runway before another runway crossing clearance
    may be issued.
    NOTEA
    runway crossing clearance is required to cross or operate on any active/inactive or closed runway.
    EXAMPLE-
    “Cross Runway One Six Left, hold short of Runway One Six Right.”
    06/30/10 N JO 7110.528
    3
    d. When an aircraft/vehicle is instructed to “follow” traffic and requires a runway crossing, issue a
    runway crossing clearance in addition to the follow instructions and/or hold short instructions, as applicable.
    EXAMPLE-
    “Follow (traffic), cross Runway Two Seven Right.”
    or
    “Follow (traffic), cross Runway Two Seven Right, hold short Runway Two Seven Left.”
    e. At those airports where the taxi distance between runway centerlines is less than 1,000 feet, multiple
    runway crossings may be issued with a single clearance. The air traffic manager must submit a request to the
    appropriate Terminal Services Director of Operations for approval before authorizing multiple runway
    crossings.
    REFERENCEFAAO
    JO 7210.3, Para 10-3-10 MULTIPLE RUNWAY CROSSINGS
    Renumber subparagraphs d thru f as f thru h.
    6. Distribution. This notice is distributed to the following Air Traffic Organization (ATO) service
    units: Terminal, En Route and Oceanic, and System Operations Services; the ATO Office of Safety;
    Office of the Service Center; the Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service; the William J. Hughes Technical
    Center; and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center.
    7. Background. The FAA Runway Safety Call to Action Committee issued several recommendations
    to address improving runway safety across the NAS. In response to the Committee’s recommendations,
    the ATO convened a Safety Risk Management Panel to evaluate the safety of the Committee
    recommendations. These are two of the recommended changes from the Call to Action Committee.
    Changes will also be made to the AIM and AIP. Title14 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 91.129(i),
    will be changed after the completion of the rulemaking period.

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