Industry Briefs

Airline Industry Information, Sept 18, 2002

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

On 27 October 2002, British Airways will suspend its service between Charlotte, North Carolina and London, UK. The airline has decided to suspend the daily service - which has been operational since January 1994 - following a decline in passenger demand. Those customers who hold reservations on the route will be offered full refunds or bookings on alternative flights.

A Cessna aircraft was stolen from Wonderboom airport in Pretoria, South Africa on 16 or 17 September 2002. The aircraft - used for skydiving - was reportedly abandoned on the N4 highway after making an emergency landing. According to the flight instruments, the aircraft was flown for about one hour and 36 minutes before it ran out of fuel. Police and airport officials are currently investigating the incident.

Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia is planning to operate flights to Sibu, Sarawak, Kuala Terengganu and Johor Baru from the end of 2002. The airline - which is awaiting delivery of six new aircraft - has also launched a new strategic marketing initiative with Time dotCom Bhd. Under the agreement, Time dotCom will advertise its logo on one of the airline's aircraft for three years, while AirAsia will promote the company's pay phone, fixed line and mobile services.

Huntington Beach, Southern California has reportedly imposed a no-fly zone for aircraft towing banners. The Huntington Beach City Council approved the law - which takes effect in 30 days - to ban aerial advertising over the city and beaches. Aircraft companies, pilots and advertisers faces fines of up to USD1,000 if they breach the law. The FAA will continue to issue permits for pilots towing banners, but will not prevent city officials from enforcing the law.

Atlantic Coast Airlines - a United Express and Delta Connection carrier - has reportedly taken delivery of its 100th regional jet aircraft. The airline - which began operating its regional jet programme less than five years ago - currently operates a fleet of 67 Bombardier CRJs and 33 Fairchild Dornier 328JETs. ACA is planning to continue expanding its fleet, with 54 additional CRJs expected to be delivered between now and April 2004.

Great Lakes Aviation has announced plans to upgrade all flights between Denver International Airport and Williston and Dickinson, North Dakota, to the 30-seat EMB-120 Brasilia aircraft. The upgrade - to be introduced on 1 October 2002 - will offer passengers travelling on the routes overhead storage compartments, a lavatory and service from a flight attendant.

British Airways has launched an autumn/winter seat sale for travel from the US to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona and 37 other worldwide destinations. The special fares will be on sale until 30 September 2002, for travel between 16 October 2002 and 5 March 2003. The airline - which has been appointed the official airline of 007 - has also launched a Travel Like Bond sweepstakes, which offers seven vacation prizes to one of seven exotic Bond destinations. To register customers must visit http://britishairways.com/bond.> ((Comments on this story may be sent to aii.feedback@m2.com))