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2008-03-17
NORTH/SOUTH AMERICA NEWS
TSA Announces New Canine Program (March 14th)
New TSA Canine Program Will Significantly Enhance Air Cargo Security
Transportation Security Administration
http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2008/0314.shtm
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a new canine program that will train and certify more than 400 dog-handler teams to detect explosives in air cargo facilities nationwide. The agency will train the teams over the next two years. The first TSA teams graduated today after a 10-week training course and are expected to be fully operational by this summer.
US, Croatia Reach Open Skies Agreement (March 13th)
U.S., Croatia Forge Open Skies Agreement
All Headline News
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010326363
The U.S. and Croatia have reached an open skies agreement after two days of negotiations. Under this agreement, the governments of each country will not decide which cities will be served. This decision will be left to the private airlines, along with the authority to choose the frequency of flights, the equipment used and prices charged. “There are no limits as to the number of carriers that will be allowed to serve both countries.” This agreement also allows U.S. cargo carriers to carry air cargo between Croatia and third countries with requiring them to stop in the United States.
EUROPE NEWS
Soil Association Recommends New Air Freight Standards (March 10th)
Soil Association Clears The Air
Aircargo Asia Pacific
http://www.impactpub.com.au/aircargo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1303&Itemid=60#begin
The UK’s Soil Association’s Standards Board has recommended that its organization’s standards regarding air freighted organic produce be changed. It is recommending that “organic produce can only be air-freighted to the UK if it meets the Soil Association’s own Ethical Trade or the Fairtrade Foundation’s standard.” A new round of consultation opened March 6 which gives the public an opportunity to comment on the implementation of this recommendation.
ASIA/PACIFIC NEWS
Legal Opinion Supports MIAA Power to Override ATO (March 14th)
Authority Can Override Air Transport Agency
Manila Standard Today
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police2_mar14_2008
In a five-page legal opinion issued by Secretary Raul Gonzalez, it was stated the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) can take over international airports in lieu of the Air Transportation Office (ATO) by virtue of an executive order. The legal opinion was based on wording in Presidential Decree 1419 as amended by PD 1772 which states “the President of the Philippines shall have continuing authority to reorganize the national government”. With this reorganization authority, an executive order issued by Malacanang Palace can transfer supervision and control of international airports from the ATO to the MIAA.
Target Date Set for Modernization of Non-Metro Airports (March 13th)
Ministry Of Civil Aviation To Complete Modernisation Of Non-Metro Airports By March 2010
India Aviation
http://indiaaviation.aero/news/airline/8066/59/Ministry-of-Civil-Aviation-to-complete-modernisation-of-non-metro-airports-by-March-2010
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will complete the modernization process of 35 non-metro airports by March 2010, according to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Praful Patel. New terminal buildings will be constructed at most of the airports and in others, the terminal buildings will be modified or expanded. Other infrastructure construction is planned as well, including runway expansions and upgrades.
Malaysia, Australia Sign MoU to Increase Flights (March 7th)
Malaysia Deal Set To Fuel Expansion
The Australian
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23330317-23349,00.html
Malaysia and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase the number of flights between the two countries. Carriers from both countries will now be permitted to operate an additional 5,000 seats per week, effective immediately, pending formal government approval from each side. Starting March 2009, an additional 3,500 seats will be permitted.
AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST NEWS
Workers Protest at Lagos Airport (March 13th)
Workers Disrupt Activities At Lagos Airport
Nigerian Tribune
http://www.tribune.com.ng/13032008/news/news5.html
Union workers from the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN) disrupted operations at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, Nigeria. They were protesting the planned concession of the following airports: Lagos Airport, Malam Aminu Kano Airport, Kano; Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja; and Port Harcourt International Airport. “The workers said they would continue with similar protests every Wednesday until the government changed its plans.”
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