Industry Briefs

Airline Industry Information, Sept 24, 2002

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

British Airways has reportedly collected more than 400 Spanish sombreros left behind on flights by returning holidaymakers over the summer. Cabin crew members also collect about 140 pairs of glasses, 45 computers, 40 passports and 30 mobile phones each month. The items are sent to the airline's lost property department, with eight out of ten being claimed within a month.

Pakistan International Airlines will reportedly receive USD150m over three years from the Pakistani government to help finance the purchase of ten new aircraft. The funding is expected to aid the airline with its USD2bn fleet overhaul programme, which includes the scheduled purchase of ten aircraft by 2011. The airline has announced plans to purchase both Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

America West Airlines has launched an Internet fare sale for travel to its seven Colorado destinations, Aspen, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Grand Junction, Montrose and Telluride. The special round trip tickets must be purchased online at http://www.americawest.com before 29 September 2002. All travel must take place between 30 September and 15 December 2002, and a seven-day advance purchase and a one-night stay are required.

The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce will host its 21st annual IAH Airport Festival at the Continental Express Hangers on 12 October 2002. The festival will feature local and national businesses along with displays of military and law enforcement, civilian and commercial aircraft, antique cars, children's activities and live entertainment. On 11 October, festival participants, city aviation officials, community leaders and local educators will gather for the annual scholarship luncheon at the Houston Airport Marriott.

Delta Air Lines has announced a fare sale for travel from the US to selected Caribbean and Latin America destinations. The airline is offering the special fares as it expands its services to the Caribbean and Latin America on 1 December 2002. The fares must be purchased by 10 October and those customers who purchase travel online at http://www.delta.com will receive discounts of up to 5%.

((Comments on this story may be sent to aii.feedback@m2.com))