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May 29, 2006
NORTH/SOUTH AMERICA NEWS
FAA Bumps Ecuador Up to Category One (May 25th)
US Lifts Restrictions On Ecuadorian Carriers
Reuters/Airwise.com http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1148566942.html
The FAA upgraded Ecuador’s aviation security level to Category One last week, enabling the country’s airlines to fly to US airports. Just as the US upgraded Venezuela recently despite that country’s president being a vocal opponent of Bush administration policies, Ecuador’s upgrade came amid strained relations over the possible cancellation of a contract by a US oil company to operate in Ecuador.
Air Cargo Workers to Pay $28 for Security ID (May 22nd)
Air Cargo Security Rule Fee $28
Traffic World (subscription required) http://www.trafficworld.com/newssection/government.asp?id=26648
Traffic World is reporting that background checks that will be required of more than 82,000 workers under the new cargo security rule will cost each worker $28. TSA will have each worker bear the cost of running the check.
EUROPE NEWS
Fire Slows Cargo Handling at Istanbul Airport (May 26th)
Other News
Air Transport World http://atwonline.com/news/other.html?issueDate=5%2F26%2F2006
The fire, which broke out last Wednesday at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, destroyed the majority of the airport’s cargo facilities and officials were looking to other airports to carry the burden temporarily. Cargo airplanes are being diverted to Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the other side of Istanbul and also to Corlu, which is about 50 miles west of the city.
Belarus Bans US, Canada Overflights (May 25th)
Belarus Bans US, Canada Flights
CNN International http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/05/25/belarus.flights.reut/
Following the refusal of the US and Canada to allow a flight carrying Belarus’ prime minister to refuel on a trip to visit Cuba, Belarus has banned any flights from those two countries from overflying its territory. There is still a chance that Belarus will only ban flights carrying official delegations from the two countries.
ASIA NEWS
China to Invest in Urumqi Airport Expansion (May 25th)
$334 Mln To Be Invested In China Urumqi Airport Upgrade 2007-2009
Xinjiang News Digest (subscription required) www.xjnews.com.cn
The upgrade will add a new 100,000 sq. m. terminal, as well as 40,000 sq. m. of air cargo and mail storage space. The existing terminal will be renovated and converted to use for international passengers. The apron at the airport will be expanded for an additional 35 passenger and 10 cargo planes. Urumqi Airport is a hub for 13 airports in the Xinjiang region of western China.
AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST NEWS
Nigeria Takes Steps to Improve Airline Safety (May 25th)
Nigeria Raises Airline Capital Rules After Crashes
Reuters/Airwise.com http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1148515227.html
The government now requires domestic airlines to have a base of $3.9 million in capital, with international airlines needing a base of $15.6 million in capital. The government feels many local airlines are cutting costs to the detriment of safety and the new capital requirements will ensure that only companies with the financial wherewithal to compete safely and effectively will be allowed to operate.
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