| December 8, 2008 | News for the commercial aviation industry |
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- Despite tough times, airlines cautiously optimistic
Planes will likely be packed this holiday season, but full seats will mask the tough choices and uncertain future many airlines face. "We are starting to hear some reports of advanced bookings being off significantly, and that of course, is a very ominous sign for what we could be looking at in 2009," John Meenan of the Air Transport Association told ABC News. Still, airlines aren't facing bankruptcy or begging for bailouts on Capitol Hill, thanks to falling oil prices and deep capacity cuts that have slashed operating expenses. While many industries are warning of a grim outlook next year, the airlines are "running counter-cyclical" to the broader economy, says US Airways CEO Doug Parker. ABC News
(12/7), Aviation Week & Space Technology
(12/7)      
- US Airways cites "customer touch points" as 2009 top priority
Now that US Airways has turned around its low rankings for on-time arrivals and mishandled bags, the airline plans to turns its focus to another problem area: the high rate of customer complaints. "We were properly prioritized in fixing our reliability first," says Kerry Hester, VP of reservations and customer service planning. "What we're focusing on in 2009 is being easier to do business with." The Charlotte Observer (N.C.)
(12/7)
| Energy Bulletin |  | |
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- Algae-fueled planes could take off in three years, group says
Officials of the nascent U.S. algae industry will be in Washington this week, urging lawmakers to consider tax breaks and other incentives to help turn pond scum into an economically viable fuel for commercial aviation. Darrin Morgan, a Boeing official and co-chairman of the Algal Biomass Organization, says planes could be flying on an algae blend within three to five years. The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)
(12/7)
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Continental to demonstrate biofuel in early 2009: On Jan. 7, 2009, Continental Airlines will demonstrate a biofuel derived from a blend of algae and the seeds from a jatropha plant. The biofuel-powered Boeing 737-800 flight will be the first for a U.S.-based commercial carrier. FlightGlobal.com (U.K.)
(12/8)
| Inside Aviation | | |
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- Tilton named chairman of Air Transport Association
Travel industry groups are hailing the selection of United Airlines CEO Glenn Tilton as chairman of the Air Transport Association. "He's a very articulate spokesman for the industry's needs and goals, and I think he'll do a fine job as ATA chairman," said David Stempler, president of the Air Travelers Association. As a former executive with ChevronTexaco, Tilton was a driving force behind efforts to restrict speculative trading in oil futures. During his two-year term as chairman, Tilton is expected to help the industry tackle issues related to aviation taxes and air traffic modernization, energy policy and environmental protection. Crain's Chicago Business
(12/5), Air Transport World
(12/8)
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ATA's full press release on its new chairman can be found here
- Most Americans approve of airport security efforts
Despite the hassles of airport security, 70% of Americans believe the federal government is doing a good or excellent job of protecting air travelers, according to a Gallup study commissioned by the Partnership for Public Service. Dan Thomas, a TSA screener and union leader in Orlando, Fla., expressed surprise at the results. "I thought we were up there with the IRS as the hated organization," he said. USA TODAY
(12/8)
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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Interested in learning more about advertising in ATA SmartBrief? Contact Jim Eubanks at (202) 407-7822 or jeubanks@smartbrief.com.
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| Regulatory Update | | |
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- ATA chief urges "innovative" approaches to FAA funding
James May, president and CEO of the Air Transport Association, is urging another short-term funding extension for the FAA while Congress debates further "innovative" mechanisms for funding NextGen and other aviation needs. May told a meeting of the National Aeronautic Association that ATA has been in discussions with the incoming administration to explore the sort of tax credit bonding that has been successfully used in highway projects. The Bush administration has opposed such bonds, which are essentially public-private partnerships with tax incentives for investors. FlightGlobal.com (U.K.)
(12/5)
- EU begins building satellite navigation system
The European Union on Monday launched a $2.7 billion program to begin construction of a satellite-based air traffic control system, scheduled for completion by 2020. "We will change the way we manage air traffic -- no more skyways, just the most efficient trajectory to save fuel and time," said Eurocontrol Director General David McMillan. The so-called SESAR system, like NextGen in the U.S., is designed to use satellite navigation and in-cockpit digital messages to boost capacity and cut costs. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/The Associated Press
(12/8)
- TSA backs away from Registered Traveler program
The Transportation Security Administration has withdrawn its involvement in the Registered Traveler program, originally designed to provide assurance that program participants are not involved in terrorist activities. However, the program has become a way for those willing to pay for it to skip to the front of the security line and has drawn sharp questioning of its effectiveness in enhancing airport security. "It was a very stupid idea in the first place," said Michael Boyd, president of the aviation consulting firm Boyd Group International. "A background check means nothing. Remember that most of the 9/11 hijackers had no record and would have passed a background check." Travel Weekly
(12/5)
| Industry Trends | | |
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- Airlines seek to differentiate coach-class experience
The introduction of a la carte pricing has given airlines the chance to address a persistent problem: How to differentiate between full-fare and sale-fare customers seated side-by-side in coach class. Though fliers with expensive tickets can't always snag a first-class seat, airlines can now waive a host of fees to help differentiate the travel experience. From reservations to boarding to on-board service, American Airlines VP Dan Garton says his company is trying to make travel easier for high-revenue customers. "Our objective is to provide some enhanced level of experience from 'cradle to grave,' from the beginning to the end of their experience with us," he says. The Dallas Morning News (free registration)
(12/7)
- Downturn hurting fractional jet ownership
Fred Reid, once the top pick to head Virgin America, is now president of Bombardier Flexjet and its affiliate, Skyjet U.S. Though he insists fractional jet ownership is "a better business model than any airline," he admits that the economic downturn is hurting the business. "Some people are exiting the private aviation fractional ownership or branded card solution to go to retail charter, which is less reliable and slightly less expensive," he says. "Some are going back to commercial." The Dallas Morning News (free registration)
(12/8)
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 Sr. Program Manager | Astronautics Corporation of America | Milwaukee, WI |
| Avionics/Electrical Engineer | Southwest Airlines | Dallas ,Texas |
| Director Crew Services | JetBlue Airways | Forest Hills, New York |
| Director of Quality/Chief Inspector | Southwest airlines | Dallas Texas |
| Senior Financial Analyst - HQS | Continental Airlines | Headquarters - Houston, TX |
| Business Analyst (Product Manager) | Aeroxchange | Irving, Texas |
| Permanent, Seasonal and Rover A&P Mechanics | Sun Country Airlines | MSP |
| Senior Financial Analyst (Flight) | World Airways | Peachtree City, Georgia |
| Paint Manager | Leading Edge Aviation Services | Texas, Mississippi, California |
| Chief Inspector | Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. | Texas, Mississippi, California |
| Account Executive - Aviation | SmartBrief | Washington, DC |
| Airline Reliability Analyst | World Airways | Peachtree City, GA |
| Aircraft Maintenance Controller | World Airways | Peachtree City, GA |
| Airline Control Center Specialist I | Air Transport Association | Herndon, VA |
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| SmartQuote | | |
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 | What great changes have not been ambitious?"
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| About ATA |
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Founded in 1936, the Air Transport Association of America, Inc. (ATA) is the nation's oldest and largest airline trade association, representing the leading U.S. airlines. ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90
percent of U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the association's fundamental purpose is to foster a business and regulatory environment that ensures safe and secure air transportation and
permits U.S. airlines to flourish, stimulating economic growth locally, nationally and internationally. For additional industry information, visit
www.airlines.org.
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- Thursday, December 04, 2008
- Wednesday, December 03, 2008
- Tuesday, December 02, 2008
- Monday, December 01, 2008
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Contributing Editor: Robert Jones
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