The potential Northwest Airlines-Delta Air Lines merger is stuck in limbo after pilots and state politicians continue to pose significant hurdles. NWA's hometown paper, the Star Tribune, quoted a source calling the merger agreement "ready to sign" as soon as the respective pilot unions resolve issues concerning seniority. Reuters reported that US$445 million in loans and lease concessions provided to NWA prior to its exit from bankruptcy are contingent upon its maintaining a hub and … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: NW-Delta merger still in limbo
AMERICAS: American shifts to Heathrow after open skies
American Airlines Inc. has said it will move its entire London service network from London Gatwick to London Heathrow Airport this year. The move is a result of the recent "open skies" treaty between the European Union and the United States which allows airlines to fly between any US city and any European city from 30 March, replacing treaties between individual countries. The treaty also removes limits on the number of flights, aircraft and routes, and lets airlines set fares … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: American shifts to Heathrow after open skies
AMERICAS: Second Dreamliner begins final assembly
Final assembly started last month on the second flight-test airplane for the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. While this is the second of six flight-test airplanes, this Dreamliner is actually the fourth on the production line. It follows the two airplanes that will be used for static and fatigue testing. "We've received significantly less ¡®travelled work' on this airplane," said Steve Westby, vice president of 787 Final Assembly and Change Incorporation. "Th e degree of … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: Second Dreamliner begins final assembly
AMERICAS: Boeing Begins Major Assembly of 777 Freighter
Boeing mechanics began major assembly of the new 777 Freighter at the company¡¯s Everett, Washington facility recently. Workers took the first step in major assembly for the new 777 Freighter by loading its 97-foot-long wing spar into the automated spar assembly tool (ASAT). The ASAT automatically drills, measures and installs more than 5,000 fasteners into the spar. The spar is the internal support structure that runs through the full length of the wings and provides support to the … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: Boeing Begins Major Assembly of 777 Freighter
AMERICAS: ACE looking at all options for Air Canada
ACE Aviation Holdings is looking at several ways to wring the most value from its Air Canada stake, including sales to private equity players and even a linkup with a US airline, ACE's chief executive told Reuters. ACE CEO Robert Milton said he still prefers the original plan of distributing the 75 per cent interest in Canada's dominant carrier to shareholders before winding up the holding company structure, rather than buying back the minority. But weakness in Air Canada's stock price … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: ACE looking at all options for Air Canada
AMERICAS: Vancouver airport gets transhipment status
Vancouver International Airport has been given the green light to participate in Canada's international air cargo transshipment programme by the Federal government. The programme simplifies air carrier access to the airport for air cargo transshipment, allowing the airport to seek new market opportunities and increase its transshipment activity. The programme allows air cargo to be moved through Canada for shipment to third countries. For example, cargo could be fl own from the US into … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: Vancouver airport gets transhipment status
