The US Department of Transportation (DOT) announced recently it intends to cancel proposed slot auctions at New York’s three main area airports, reversing a controversial rule put in place by DOT in the waning days of the Bush administration. The plan to requisition slots from airlines at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark and auction them to reduce delays had been tied up in court since it was proposed last fall following legal challenges by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, … [Read more...] about DOT withdraws controversial slot auctions
Airports
BAA accuses competition authorities of bias
UK airports operator BAA has said it will appeal the UK Competition Commission’s ruling that it must sell both London Gatwick and Stansted and either Edinburgh or Glasgow International, claiming the decision was both “affected by apparent bias†and failed to account for the current economic climate. BAA is asking the Competition Appeal Tribunal to review the March ruling and said its accusation of bias is based on “links between a member of the Competition … [Read more...] about BAA accuses competition authorities of bias
Decline slows, but no recovery in sight: IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its international traffic data for April which shows air freight continuing at very weak levels. International cargo was down 21.7% in April compared to previous year levels. This is the fifth consecutive month in the -20 per cent range. “This sideways progression may indicate that we have seen the worst of the economic downturn,†IATA said in a statement. “Business confidence is improving, but inventories remain … [Read more...] about Decline slows, but no recovery in sight: IATA
Penang pushing for air cargo hub
Government officials from the Malaysian island of Penang have urged Malaysia Airport Berhad (MAB) to push for federal government funding to build an integrated air cargo terminal to accommodate future air cargo growth on the island. Penang’s Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the terminal is a worthwhile investment as it will bring in more cargo flights to Penang. "We really need an air cargo hub here so that we will be ready for a bigger market share of the cargo industry when the … [Read more...] about Penang pushing for air cargo hub
Logistics survey provides glimmer of hope
The results of Transport Intelligence’s latest Global Logistics Business Confidence Index show a significant return of optimism to the market. Although the index weakened slightly in April from +1.05 to -4.43, there was far more positive sentiment about the future. Overall the index assessing confidence in the state of the market in twelve months time moved from a score of -26 in February to +4 in April. This contrasts strongly with the results in February and March when respondents … [Read more...] about Logistics survey provides glimmer of hope
BAA accuses competition authorities of bias
UK airports operator BAA has said it will appeal the UK Competition Commission's ruling that it must sell both London Gatwick and Stansted and either Edinburgh or Glasgow International, claiming the decision was both "affected by apparent bias" and failed to account for the current economic climate. … [Read more...] about BAA accuses competition authorities of bias