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2008-01-07
NORTH/SOUTH AMERICA NEWS
Nomination of FAA Administrator Delayed (January 3rd)
Senate Postpones Action on FAA Administrator
AINonline
http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/senate-postpones-action-on-faa-administrator/?no_cache=1&cHash=450533abad
Senator Bob Menendez has decided to delay the nomination of acting Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Administrator Robert Sturgell until he is satisfied with the FAA’s response to questions raised about the Northeast airspace redesign plan. Other senators considered it a display of political maneuvering. “Menendez said the nomination now won’t be considered until late this month at the earliest.”
US, Australia to Begin Open Skies Talks (January 2nd)
Australia, U.S. To Start Open-Skies Pact Talks
Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/email/idUSSYD13243620080102
Next month in Washington, the United States and Australia will commence talks on an open-skies aviation deal. Currently, only United Airlines and Qantas run non-stop routes between the two countries. This deal could open up this lucrative long-haul route to other carriers.
NASA Releases Air-Traffic Safety Survey (January 1st)
Redacted Air-Traffic Safety Survey Released
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/31/AR2007123101689.html?referrer=emailarticle
After first refusing to make the Air-Traffic Safety Survey public, NASA finally released the redacted version on its website on New Year’s Eve. Some have complained that the 10,000-page report is difficult to analyze. Chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee, Rep. Bart Gordon, was also critical in how the information was released and promised more hearings on the matter.
FAA to Form New Aviation Rulemaking Committee (January 1st)
New Landing Requirement Considered
AINonline
http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/new-landing-requirement-considered/?no_cache=1&cHash=535e54e01f
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has published a new Advisory Circular (91-79) which advises pilots and operators how to avoid landing overrun accidents. The circular is not mandatory, but the FAA recommends that it be incorporated into standard operating procedures. The FAA is also planning to form a new rulemaking committee. The new committee “will make recommendations for a requirement that pilots assess landing-distance performance before landing.”
EUROPE NEWS
Proposals for UK’s Environmental Tax Due in Spring (January 3rd)
Green Tax Consultations
Travel Weekly
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/01/03/26261/aviation-in-2008-green-taxes-baa-and-the-superjumbo.html
Proposals for UK’s environmental tax on aircraft are due to be published this spring. This tax, which replaces Air Passenger Duty, should relate to emissions and apply to cargo flights as well as business jets. The new tax is not due to go into effect until November 2009.
EU Scales Back Proposed Law Aimed at Airline Emissions (December 21st)
Plan On Airline Emissions Hints At U.S.-Europe Rift
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/21/business/21emissons.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
The European Members of Parliament have decided to revise the proposed legislation which would now allow airlines to pollute 90 percent more than in 1990 but sets limits on carbon dioxide emissions and requires purchase of emission permits. The United States has been very critical of the proposed legislation on airline carbon releases, arguing that an international agreement should be made concerning global environmental regulation rather than one country acting unilaterally. Environmentalists have also criticized the decision, calling it hypocritical as other EU industries are lowering their emissions levels further and faster. This system will be implemented within five years.
ASIA/PACIFIC NEWS
Palau, Korea Moving Closer to Bilateral Aviation Agreement (December 28th)
Palau-Korea Air Bilateral Progressing Says Trade Minister
Pacific Magazine
http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/12/28/palau-korea-air-bilateral-progressing-says-trade-minister
Palau and Korea have exchanged a proposed bilateral aviation agreement which brings them a step closer toward a final aviation deal. This most recent proposal includes revisions that address issues such as ownership of Palau’s flag carrier and flight caps.
MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA NEWS
FAAN Stresses Improvements in Cargo Management (January 4th)
Nigeria: FAAN Boss Calls For Effective Cargo Management
AllAfrica.com
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801040221.html
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has a long list of improvements it would like to implement in order to bring its management of air cargo up to international standards. The Managing Director of FAAN, Richard Aisuebeogun, wants to move away from a paper-based process, among other things. He also suggested the process of baggage handling should be automated and that bags should be coded with a unique number that can be read automatically and transmitted electronically between airline, airports and handling agents.
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