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2008-01-21
NORTH/SOUTH AMERICA NEWS
Federal Policy Introduced to Fight Congestion Using Landing Fees (January 17th)
U.S. To Let Airports Use Fees To Fight Congestion
The Philadelphia Inquirer
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20080117_U_S__to_let_fees_fight_airport_backups.html
The U.S Department of Transportation has introduced a federal policy that would allow airports to charge airlines landing fees based on arrival time and traffic instead of the plane’s weight. The Airports Council International-North America agreed with the policy, while the Air Transport Association was not available for comment when the announcement was made. The policy, introduced January 14, will be open to public comment for 45 days before it is enacted.
Airline Industry Objects to Aircraft Parking Fees Hike at GRU (January 15th)
Airline Industry Implores ANAC To Drop GRU Fees
Aviation Daily
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=aviationdaily&id=news/ANAC01158.xml&headline=Airline%20Industry%20Implores%20ANAC%20To%20Drop%20GRU%20Fees
Several airlines have filed comments with the Brazilian aviation regulator, ANAC, objecting to a proposed increase in aircraft parking fees at Sao Paulo international airport (GRU). More comments are expected before the January 14 deadline for public comments. The Air Transport Association, which represents U.S. airlines, claims that the proposed increase violates the bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Brazil. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has proposed, among other things, that GRU increase the use of apron space and review its use of taxiways at the airport.
EUROPE NEWS
European Commission Adopts Aviation Agenda (January 11th)
General And Business Aviation On The Commission’s Agenda
Europa Press Release
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/32&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
With the newly-adopted agenda for general and business aviation, the European Commission intends to integrate general and business aviation into the EU air transport policy. This agenda seeks to recognize the impact that general and business aviation has on the environment and include this aviation sector in initiatives for minimizing these impacts.
Issues Still Unresolved in ETS Inclusion of Aviation (January 6th)
Battle Looms Over ETS
Aviation Week and Space Technology
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=comm&id=news/aw010708p2.xml
Several issues still remain unresolved as Europe fine tunes its plan to incorporate aviation into its emissions trading scheme (ETS). One issue, regarding implementation of the scheme, will be addressed with a consultancy established by the European Commission. Another unresolved issue is the pending double taxation situation that could come about as more nations adopt eco-taxes on carriers, which could remain in effect after the ETS is implemented.
ASIA/PACIFIC NEWS
China, India Increase Air Service (January 14th)
China, India Agree On More Open Skies, Trade
Forbes.com
http://www.forbes.com/2008/01/14/india-china-trade-face-markets-cx_rd_0114autofacescan01.html?partner=email
After a recent visit by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to China, both countries have agreed to increase air service. India approved Great Wall, a Chinese cargo carrier, to operate flights to Madras and Mumbai, while Jet Airways, an Indian carrier, has sought permission for a Mumbai-Shanghai-San Francisco route. Great Wall was previously denied approval for the route amid security concerns.
Philippines Senate Approves the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2008 (January 18th)
Measure To Elevate Aviation Safety Proposed
Sun Star
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2008/01/18/news/measure.to.elevate.aviation.safety.proposed.html
Upon the third reading of the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2008, the Philippines Senate has approved the proposed law. The proposed law, as approved, amends the charter of the Air Transportation Office (ATO). This change enables the agency to comply with air safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO).
Pakistan, Afghanistan Increase Flights (January 16th)
Pakistan, Afghanistan To Increase Flights
Islamic Republic News Agency
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0801166189234032.htm
Pakistan and Afghanistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will increase the number of flights flown by designated carriers from three weekly frequencies to ten weekly frequencies. The agreement will also allow private companies to begin operations. Enhanced trade between the countries is expected as a result of the deal.
The Philippines Fails Safety Assessment (January 14th)
US FAA Finds RP Unsafe Port Of Origin, Downgrades Rating
Global Nation
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20080114-112264/US-FAA-finds-RP-unsafe-port-of-origin-downgrades-rating
The Philippines was one of 21 countries that failed to pass the Flight Standards Service-International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA). As a result, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded the country rating from category 1 to category 2. Local aviation personnel in the Philippines are being assisted by ICAO experts in order to help the country comply with pending FAA requirements.
MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA NEWS
UAE, Myanmar Sign Air Services Agreement (January 16th)
UAE Signs Air Services Agreement With Myanmar
Asia Pulse
http://au.biz.yahoo.com/080116/17/1kexe.html
The United Arab Emirates and the Government of Union of Myanmar have signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Designated airlines from each country will be permitted to provide regular air services. There is no restriction on the number of designated airlines. The agreement also includes a wide range air traffic rights and freedoms.
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