Manufacturing Industry

Industry Briefs

Airline Industry Information, March 19, 2002

Kenya Airways has placed an order with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co for three 777-200ER (Extended Range) aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2004. The value of the order was not disclosed.

United Airlines has launched a nationwide road show in China, aimed at introducing the carrier's air services to a greater number of Chinese customers. The month-long road show was scheduled to start in Beijing on 18 March before moving on to other major Chinese cities including Shenyang, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi'an.

Delta Air Lines has reportedly decided not to give pay rises to around 40,000 employees this year, citing weak revenue after the 11 September terrorist attacks and low demand for air travel as reasons for the decision. The decision affects flight attendants, airport customer service agents and reservation workers.

Panama City-based Copa Airlines has joined the Northwest Airlines WorldPerks network of airline partners. The agreement enables WorldPerks members to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles on Copa Airlines flights serving Central and South America. Northwest Airlines is offering double miles on all Copa Airlines operated flights until 15 June 2002.

Delta Air Lines' Delta Connection has launched a new jet service between Atlanta and Charlottesville, Va. The three daily nonstop flights are operated by Delta Connection carrier Comair using Canadair regional jet (CRJ) aircraft.

American Airlines has redesigned its web site (http://www.aa.com) to offer a new booking engine, improved navigation and a search functionality. It will also feature enhanced personalisation, including a customised 'My Account' page with news, information and special offers tailored to preferred airports, destinations and AAdvantage travel partners. The new site is set to launch in the spring.

Alaska Airlines has opened a new Board Room at Portland International Airport. The 3,400-square-foot Board Room is nearly twice the size of the airline's previous lounge and provides business facilities including workstations with dialup, DSL and wireless connectivity, as well as voice over IP phones and a printer, copier, fax machine and conference room. Complimentary snacks and beverages are also available.

American Eagle Airlines, a regional affiliate of American Airlines, is to upgrade its service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Midland/Odessa. From 1 May three of the seven daily round-trip flights between the two cities will be served by 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 and 50-seat ERJ-145 regional jet aircraft. The remaining flights will be operated using Saab turboprop aircraft.

America West Airlines has launched an Internet fare sale on flights to Mexico. The airline is offering 10% off fares to 10 destinations in Mexico when round trip tickets are booked over the Internet at http://www.americawest.com by 24 March 2002. Sale fares are valid for travel through 22 May 2002. Restrictions apply. The 10 destinations are Acapulco, Guadalajara, Guaymas, Hermosillo, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Mazatlan and Mexico City.

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