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2008-02-25
NORTH/SOUTH AMERICA NEWS
FAA Streamlines Application Process for Air Traffic Controllers (February 21st)
FAA Cuts Red Tape for Air Traffic Controller Hiring
AINonline
http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/faa-cuts-red-tape-for-air-traffic-controller-hiring/?no_cache=1&cHash=8b3381eeaf
In order to streamline the application process for air traffic controllers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has consolidated its screening and testing centers. Creating the pre-employment centers, consolidates the security clearances, medical screenings and fingerprinting and in turn, takes weeks off of the application process.
US Container Scanning Law Draws Criticism (February 19th)
Concern Grows Over US Scan Plan
Aircargo Asia-Pacific
http://www.impactpub.com.au/aircargo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1222&Itemid=60#begin
The United States has drawn criticism from China and the European Commission about the 100 percent container scanning law due to be fully implemented by 2012. The basis of the criticism comes from the global cost that will be incurred in complying with these tough security measures. Concerns have also been raised whether third world countries will be able to afford the necessary screening systems.
EUROPE NEWS
Russia Extends Lufthansa’s Permit (February 22nd)
Russia Extends Airspace Agreement
Air Cargo News
http://www.aircargonews.net/article.asp?art_id=3126
Russia has extended Lufthansa’s permit to fly over Russian Federation airspace, which will allow the carrier to fly until the end of March. The current permit would have expired at the end of February. Talks will begin in anticipation of reaching resolution in this matter.
Russia, Georgia Work Toward Air Deal (February 22nd)
Putin Says Georgia Air Deal Close
The Moscow Times
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2008/02/22/045.html
Russia and Georgia are in negotiations to reopen air links that were severed in 2006. Russia has agreed to lift its blockade on air traffic, but first requires Georgia to meet prior obligations. It is reported that Georgian airlines has a debt to repay to the Russian air traffic control services. While it is too early to claim that the dispute has been resolved, negotiations are ongoing.
UK, Zambia Sign Air Services Agreement (February 14th)
UK, Zambia Enter Air Agreement
Panapress
http://www.panapress.com/newslatf.asp?code=eng034836&dte=14/02/2008
The United Kingdom and Zambia have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement after negotiations that took nearly four years. The Zambian government was asked to accept the non-discriminatory clause as contained in the European Union regulations. This agreement allows any European and South African airline to enter the UK or Zambia without restrictions.
ASIA/PACIFIC NEWS
Indonesia Considers IATA Safety Standard (February 22nd)
Indonesia Weighs Adopting IATA Safety Standard
Airwise News
http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1203691803.html
The Indonesian government is looking to improve airline safety by considering the adoption of the International Air Transport Association’s operational safety audit for all of its airline operators. Indonesia has begun to address airline safety concerns after a string of airline disasters and the European Union’s decision to ban all Indonesian airlines from its airspace. Indonesia also expressed its desire to have the EU ban lifted.
India to Issue More Licenses for Air Cargo Operations (February 22nd)
Government To Issue More Licences For Air Cargo Operations
NewKerala.com
http://www.newkerala.com/one.php?action=fullnews&id=25571
To meet the growing demand for air cargo, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has decided to issue more licenses for cargo operations. Licenses will be issued to those who have applied for licenses according to the infrastructure available at the airports. Airports across India are in the process of being upgraded and developed and non-metro airports are expected to be completed by 2010.
New Zealand, US, Australia Sign Emissions Agreement (February 22nd)
New Zealand Signs Deal With U.S., Australia To Reduce Air Emissions
People’s Daily
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6359137.html
New Zealand, the United States and Australia have signed an agreement to reduce aircraft emissions. The Asia and South Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE) is aimed at collaborating with the countries in the partnership to share strategies on reducing emissions. Airways New Zealand chief executive officer Ashley Smout feels the agreement has “an opportunity to influence the air navigation industry through implementing world-wide environmentally friendly procedures and standards.”
China to Reform Charging System for Civil Airports (February 20th)
CAAC To Unveil Reform Plan For Civil Airport Charges
China Hospitality News
http://www.chinahospitalitynews.com/2008/02/20/5675-caac-to-unveil-reform-plan-for-civil-airport-charges/
In an effort to coordinate the common interests of airports and airlines without adjusting passenger charges, the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China will reform the charging system of airlines using domestic airports. The reform plan includes a classification system for civil airports. “After this plan has been implemented, foreign airlines and Hong Kong and Macau airlines are expected to have reduced costs when using domestic civil airports and the overall expenses of domestic airlines will also decrease.”
India, Bangladesh Liberalize Air Services (February 15th)
India, Bangladesh Agree To Liberalize Air Services
AHN
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010044662
India and Bangladesh have signed a memorandum of understanding to liberalize air service. “The designated airlines of the two countries are now entitled to operate 61 services every week from any point in each other's territory with any type of aircraft, without any restriction or capping.” In addition, designated airlines would also be permitted to operate seven all-cargo flights to each other’s country with no restrictions on the type of aircraft.
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