Manufacturing Industry

Industry Briefs

Airline Industry Information, Feb 5, 2002

Thick fog over Moscow, Russia yesterday (4 February) forced airports in the area to delay a total of 127 flights. Domodedovo airport delayed 76 flights, affecting 5,700 passengers, while Vnukovo airport was forced to delay 51 flights, affecting 4,300 passengers. All the airports are now operating as normal.

Australian airline Qantas Airways has operated its first flight using the first of 15 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft - purchased as part of a AUD1.5bn expansion to the Qantas fleet announced last October. The aircraft made its first commercial flight on the Brisbane to Sydney route yesterday (4 February). The remaining 14 aircraft are expected to begin operations at the end of June or July.

Japan and Russia will hold a two-day vice ministerial-level meeting in Moscow, Russia on 6-7 February. During the meeting the two countries aim to negotiate a new bilateral civil air transportation agreement. Tokyo and Moscow are reportedly exploring a new aviation pact as the existing 1966 accord no longer suits the current situation.

Northwest Airlink will add a regional jet morning originator at Akron-Canton Airport on 7-8 April 2002. Two of the airline's six daily round-trip flights will be aboard the Canadair regional jet aircraft. The jet flights are reportedly timed to connect to major west coast and international flight banks at Detroit Metropolitan Airport's new midfield terminal.

Air Canada is reducing its fares by up to 35% for travel between Canada and the United States. The sale, which began on 4 February, applies to travel between Canada and 83 US destinations served by the airline and its Star Alliance partner, United Airlines. Tickets can be purchased until 13 February, for travel from 18 February until 23 May 2002.

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