- European Court of Justice Strikes Deal[May 31, 2006]
The European Court of Justice yesterday ruled that the May 2004 agreement between the European Community and the US on the processing and transfer of PNR data by air carriers is illegal."Neither the [European] Commission decision finding that the data are adequately protected by the United States nor the Council decision approving the conclusion of an agreement on their transfer to that country are founded on an appropriate legal basis," the ECJ said in a statement. It decided "for reasons of legal certainty and in order to protect the persons concerned" to keep the agreement in place until Sept. 30.
- WestJet Agrees to Pay Fine, Admits Wrong[May 31, 2006]
WestJet and Air Canada settled their contentious dispute over alleged corporate spying and unauthorized data collection by WestJet executives, with the Calgary-based LCC agreeing to pay C$15.5 million ($14 million)--C$5.5 million covering AC's legal costs in the matter and C$10 million to charity--and Chairman and CEO Clive Beddoe apologizing to his primary rival for "misconduct."Air Canada sued WestJet for C$220 million in 2004, alleging that carrier officials illegally entered AC's reservations system to gather critical data. In a joint statement, the airlines detailed "unethical and unacceptable" activities "undertaken with the knowledge and direction of the highest management levels of WestJet."
- Evolving Aer Lingus Confirms Departure[May 31, 2006]
Aer Lingus and oneworld confirmed yesterday that Ireland's flag carrier is leaving the alliance.The decision was approved at the airline's board meeting last week, concluding a process that began when former Aer Lingus boss Willie Walsh toyed with leaving the partnership as he began the transformation of the state-owned carrier from a network operator into a point-to-point LCC.
- Right on Cue, Virgin Blue Upgrades[May 31, 2006]
VIRGIN Blue is hoping to snare a third of the corporate and business travel market as it ramps up attempts to attract premium passengers with a $2 million-plus upgrade to its lounges.
- Ctrip Open to Inorganic Growth in Asia[May 30, 2006]
Online travel company Ctrip.com International Ltd. has indicated about its plans to buy companies in Hong Kong, South Korea and across Asia to tap rising spending on international travel by Chinese consumers? (5/30/2006)
- Boeing Announces Sale of Excess Property[May 30, 2006]
Greater Toronto Airports Authority purchases portion of former Boeing Toronto site
- Shanghai Proposes Bonded Zone for ZSPD[May 30, 2006]
The Shanghai government has proposed a tax-free bonded area for Pudong International Airport.
- BAA Says Ferrovial's Bid Is on the Cheap[May 29, 2006]
BAA, facing a potential hostile takeover as well as a possible government inquiry into whether its control of seven UK airports creates a fair market for airlines and passengers (ATWOnline, May 26), is pushing back and warning shareholders that Ferrovial Group's ?8.75 billion ($16.41 billion) bid greatly undervalues the company.The Spanish firm, meanwhile, said it will cooperate fully with any probe into BAA's alleged "monopoly" status should it successfully acquire the airport operator.
- Frontier Reports Fiscal Year Loss[May 29, 2006]
Frontier Airlines Holdings posted a $14 million net loss for its fiscal year ended March 31, a disappointing result but much improved over a net loss of $23.4 million in the previous fiscal year."Although we made progress in all facets of our business, it was not enough to offset the many challenges that face the industry and our company," President and CEO Jeff Potter said.
- Boeing Names McKenna to Lead Fabrication[May 25, 2006]
Boeing has named Pat McKenna vice president and general manager of its Commercial Airplanes Fabrication business unit reporting to Carolyn Corvi, vice president and general manager of Airplane Production.