- Inaugural Singapore Airshow Opens[Feb. 19, 2008]
On Feb. 19, the inaugural Singapore Airshow opened at an S$82 million (about US$58 million) new site, after the Asian Aerospace show left for Hong Kong in 2006.
- US Reportedly Asking for Tighter Security on Transatlantic Flights[Feb. 13, 2008]
On Feb. 12, UK Home Secretary Jacqui Smith told reporters in Washington that the US is asking EU members to enhance security measures on westbound transatlantic flights in exchange for relaxed visa regulations. An MOU reportedly was sent to the 27 EU member states asking them to allow US air marshals on all flights operated by US carriers, The Guardian reported. Currently, seven countries allow US marshals to board flights at their point of origin.
- Open Skies Established Between US and Australia[Feb. 19, 2008]
On Feb. 15, US and Australia announced an open skies agreement in Washington at the conclusion of three days of negotiations. Australia becomes the US's 90th open skies partner. The deal was not signed formally and no schedule was announced.
- Emirates Tests New Baggage Handling Technology at Three Airports[Feb. 16, 2008]
Emirates is partnering with London Heathrow, Dubai International and Hong Kong International airports to try the latest radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in baggage handling.
- MAB Upgrades Check-in System at Bayan Lepas Airport[Feb. 15, 2008]
Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) is in the process of upgrading the information technology system at the check-in counters at the Bayan Lepas International Airport to give comfort to travellers.
- Australia: Airport Forum Aims to Address Sydney Residents' Concerns[Feb. 15, 2008]
Australia's Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says a re-established discussion forum will ensure that residents can have their say on Sydney airport's development plans for the east-west runway.
- IATA Says Outlook Bleak for Global Aviation[Feb. 18, 2008]
Global airlines are likely to see a further profit cut in 2008 as the global credit crisis deepens, while fuel costs remain near record highs, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on February 17.
- Coimbatore: Flight Recalled After Being Alerted About Drugs Onboard[Feb. 07, 2008]
On February 7, airport officials called back a Singapore-bound flight minutes after it took off from Coimbatore in the wee hours and seized 25 kilograms of "narcotic powder" from a passenger.
- JAL to Pay 48 Million Yen Compensation over Info Leak[Feb. 08, 2008]
Japan Airlines Corp said on Feb. 7 that it will pay a total of 48 million yen in compensation to 194 current and former cabin attendants and their labor union over the possession by JAL's largest trade union of personal information on around 9,800 crew members without their consent.
- JAL Crew Put Passengers' Meals in Plane Bathroom[Feb. 16, 2008]
The crew of a Japan Airlines plane put a cart containing snacks for passengers in a bathroom due to lack of space during takeoff and landing in a flight earlier this month from South Korea to Japan, officials of the airline and the transport ministry said on Feb. 16.