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2008-02-18
NORTH/SOUTH AMERICA NEWS
US House Extends Temporary FAA Funding (February 14th)
Congress Passes Yet Another Extension To FAA Funding
Aero News Network
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?ContentBlockID=54e4a7f7-ac42-4a85-976a-6359b468707e
While the U.S. House of Representatives has passed another extension of temporary Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) funding and the Senate approved the extension, funding issues that trouble the FAA still go unresolved. If the President signs the extension bill, it would keep the agency in business until June 30 and would allow funding to reinstate the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which is currently suspended.
Change in Local Airspace Control Spurs Safety Concerns (February 14th)
Officials Downplay Fears Of Changes In Local Airspace Control
Fond du Lac Reporter
http://www.fdlreporter.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080214/FON0101/802140395
Due to expansion at O’Hare International Airport, Fond du Lac’s airspace will now be under the control of Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee County, instead of the Chicago Center. Local president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Paul Charapata, is concerned about safety due to the lack of controllers needed to handle the increased workload and their lack of experience coordinating airplanes in this region. A Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson disputes the union’s safety concerns.
Senators Put “Hold” on Nomination of Sturgell (February 12th)
NJ Senators Block Sturgell Nomination
AINonline
http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/nj-senators-block-sturgell-nomination/?no_cache=1&cHash=fa6748b554
New Jersey Senators, Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg announced that they were putting a “hold” on Robert Sturgell’s nomination for FAA Administrator. This “hold” prevents the nomination from reaching the Senate floor for consideration. The senators blocked the nomination because of their dispute with the FAA over a number of issues, including the redesign of the Northeast airspace. It is likely that Sturgell will continue to serve as Acting FAA Administrator for the next year.
EUROPE NEWS
EU Launches Clean Sky Program (February 11th)
EU's $2.3b Clean Skies Program To Halve Carbon, Noise Pollution
All Headline News
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009999934
The European Union has launched a $2.3 billion clean skies program. This program, with half of funding coming from the 27-member bloc’s research budget, aims at reducing aviation carbon emissions, noise and nitrogen oxide emissions significantly by 2015. “The clean skies program seeks to make EU more competitive in the global aviation industry, particularly in competition with the U.S. aviation industry which initiated a research and development policy in 2006.”
ASIA/PACIFIC NEWS
US, Australia Finalize ‘Open Skies’ Agreement (February 15th)
Door Opened To Competition On U.S.-Aussie Air Route
Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/markets/2008/02/15/australia-us-air-markets-equity-cx_jc_0215markets1.html
The United States and Australia have just completed a landmark ‘open skies’ agreement, opening up what some consider to be, the “world’s most protected long-haul air route”. Despite urging by Singapore Airlines to open the route, they will not benefit from the agreement, as Virgin Blue Holding stands to benefit the most from the bilateral agreement between the US and Australia. Later this year, Virgin Blue Holdings has plans to offer 10 flights a week between the two countries with its new long-haul international airline, V Australia.
India, Pakistan Conclude Air Talks (February 15th)
Pakistan, India Agree To Increase Air Links
Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7312564
New rounds of air talks between India and Pakistan have concluded with an agreement to increase air links between the two countries. As a result, new destinations will be added and air service from each side will be increased to 28 flights every week. India and Pakistan will be able to designate three airlines each to operate on the new routes.
AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST NEWS
UN to Revise Sanctions Against Iran (February 14th)
Iran Sanctions Draft To Be Revised
International Herald Tribune
http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/02/14/news/OUKWD-UK-IRAN-SANCTIONS-UN.php
The United Nations will revise a draft resolution on new sanctions against Iran. Some members of the Non-Aligned Movement have taken issue with portions of the resolution, specifically a section that urges states to inspect suspicious cargo to and from Iran transported by the specific air cargo firms. It is unclear what sections of the draft will be revised, but revisions will be incorporated and introduced next week.
Kuwait, Syria Sign MoU (February 14th)
Kuwait, Syria Signs Mou On Increasing Flights Between Both States
Indian Muslim News and Information
http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2008/feb/13/kuwait_syria_signs_mou_increasing_flights_between_both_states.html
Kuwait and Syria recently signed a memorandum of understanding, increasing flights between the two countries. As a result, flights to Damascus increase to 28 a week and flights to Aleppo increase to 14 a week. In addition, Kuwait National Airlines Company was added as a provider of airlines services, as well as Al-Sham Pearl Airline Company.
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