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2008-03-31
NORTH/SOUTH AMERICA NEWS
Missouri, China Sign Trade Route Agreement (March 27th)
St. Louis-To-China Trade Route In Works – Springfield News-Leader
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080327/BREAKING03/80327027
Government officials from Missouri have signed an agreement with the Civil Aviation Administration of China to promote a new St. Louis-to-China trade route and passenger link. The goal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to create bilateral trade with the China and good jobs for people in St. Louis. Among other issues addressed, the agreement includes a joint study which will assess the potential of Lambert becoming a Chinese airfreight and passenger hub.
Aircraft Maintenance Issues Prompt Review Of FAA Practices (March 24th)
Philly Road Warrior: Shining A Light On Aircraft Upkeep – Philadelphia Enquirer
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20080324_Philly_Road_Warrior__Shining_a_light_on_aircraft_upkeep.html
Due to concerns over aircraft maintenance practices, Rep. James L. Oberstar (D., Minn.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has planned a full committee hearing, in Washington on April 3 to discuss the subject of aircraft maintenance and its implications for the entire industry. Aviation employees, as well as industry experts are scheduled to testify. “Along with many others, Mitchell hopes that the spotlight on the FAA will lead to an overhaul of an agency with serious systemic problems.” Kevin P. Mitchell is the chairman of the Business Travel Coalition.
Tinicum Cannot Impose Privilege Fee At PHL, According To DOT (March 21st)
DOT Rules Against Township Fee On Airlines At Philly Airport – Aviation Daily (subscription required)
http://www.aviationweek.com/search/AvnowSearchResult.do?reference=xml/aviationdaily_xml/2008/03/21/14.xml&query=tinicum
EUROPE NEWS
Russia Reaches Agreement with Lufthansa (March 19th)
Russia-Lufthansa Tussle Over?
Aircargo Asia Pacific
http://www.impactpub.com.au/aircargo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1349&Itemid=60#begin
After ongoing disagreement that began with Russia’s refusal to permit Lufthansa to fly over Russian territory, both sides have finally reached an agreement. In exchange for Lufthansa transferring its refueling point from Astana to Krasnoyarsk, Russia’s Transportation Ministry “has extended Lufthansa Cargo's permission to fly to Southeast Asia through Astana to the end of the northern summer season.” The German airline will transfer its refueling point within five months of the official publication that Krasnoyarsk airport has been certificated in the ICAO second category.
Emissions to be Key Issue in US-EU Open Skies Negotiations (March 19th)
Europe To Press On Emissions During US Open Skies Talks
Flightglobal.com
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/03/19/222330/europe-to-press-on-emissions-during-us-open-skies-talks.html
When the second stage of the EU-US open skies dialogue begins in May, emissions will be a key issue in the talks, according to European Commission transport chief Jacques Barrot. The EC will urge US carriers to participate in an emissions trading scheme. “The USA is among countries to have warned of a possible legal challenge should the EU, as it intends to, try to apply the scheme to non-EU carrier flights into Europe.”
EC, US DOT Launch Joint Research Project (March 18th)
EU To Conduct Joint Transatlantic Air Alliances Study With US DOT
CNN Money
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-23848798.htm
The European Commission and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have launched a joint research project that will study transatlantic air alliances. The growth of airline alliances, their effect on airline competition and the possible changes in their role following the EU-US Open Skies air transport agreement will be explored. The main findings of the research will be published by the middle of 2009.
ASIA/PACIFIC NEWS
India, China Reach Aviation Deal (March 21st)
India, China Ink Aviation Deal
The Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_China_ink_aviation_deal/articleshow/2885726.cms
India and China have agreed on an aviation deal that allows fifth freedom rights. Airlines from both countries can take passengers and cargo from intermediate points to final destinations, with a maximum of two cities each in three regions. India requested to fly to Canada-US; Australia-New Zealand; and Asia, while China requested Africa, Middle East (including the Gulf) and Europe.
Indonesian Airline Grounded Due to Safety Concerns (March 19th)
Indonesia Grounds Budget Airline
TVNZ
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/410965/1647897
Amid safety concerns, Indonesia has grounded the flights of budget carrier Adam Air. “Indonesia's Director General of Air Transport had found evidence of potential danger of safety aviation at the airline...” A spokesman for the Transport Ministry warned that if the safety issues are not fixed within three months, their Air Operator Certificate (AOC) will be revoked.
AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST NEWS
India, Ethiopia Sign Air Services Agreement (March 20th)
India For Improving Air Connectivity With Africa
The Hindu
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200803201862.htm
India wants to improve connectivity with Africa and is looking to amend some of the existing air service agreements to introduce more than one Indian Carrier. India and Ethiopia recently signed an air services agreement. “Noting that Indian Airlines has a shortage of planes and could not operationalise all the routes, he said what has been proposed is that more than one airline is allowed to operate so that private sector airlines can step in”.
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