Industry Briefs

Airline Industry Information, Nov 21, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is to base the design and development work for its proposed 7E7 aircraft at its Everett manufacturing complex. However, three Japanese companies will play a significantly larger role in manufacturing the fuel-efficient aircraft than in earlier Boeing models and will handle the complicated wing production, which has previously been done almost entirely in-house.

An annual reader's poll conducted by Business Travel magazine has, for the eighth straight year, named United Airlines' Mileage Plus programme as the "Best Frequent Flier Programme". The award for the best frequent flier programme has been running since 1996, with the airline winning the award every year. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines' Crown Room Clubs received the award for "Best Airport Lounges" in the annual poll.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of flight, Midwest Airlines and its regional carrier Midwest Connect are offering USD100 round trip fares throughout their routes systems. The tickets are only available online at http://www.midwestairlines.com for travel between 15 and 19 December 2003. A round trip purchase is required, although the fares do not require any advance purchase or minimum stay.

Hooters Air has taken delivery of its fourth Boeing 757-200 aircraft. The aircraft is configured with 198 dark blue leather seats and extra leg room. It will be staffed by a crew of two pilots, four flight attendants, and Hooters Girls on every flight. The aircraft will be utilised for the busy Thanksgiving Holiday period.

Delta Air Lines' customers can now purchase miles for its SkyMiles frequent flyer programme in local Delta City Ticket Offices in select Latin American countries. The participating Latin American countries include Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. Individuals may purchase SkyMiles in increments of 1,000 miles and does not have to be a Delta Air Lines' SkyMiles member. Multiple gifts may be given with one transaction.

For the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, American Airlines is offering a number of tips for passenger to efficiently pass through the airport. Customers should log onto http://www.AA.com to check-in and print their boarding passes up to 30 hours before their flights, or check-in with a self service kiosk, at the Curbside or through a Passenger Service Representative. Passengers are also asked to keep medicines, prescriptions or valuables in their carry-on luggage; to leave any gifts unwrapped; get to the airport ahead of time; and make sure their have photo ID.

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