Industry Briefs

Airline Industry Information, Jan 23, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has signed a permit with United Airlines to allow the airline to start construction work on facility improvements at Washington Dulles International Airport. The project is estimated to cost up to USD22m.

Bishop International Airport in Flint, Mich. has revealed record passenger numbers for the second consecutive year. In 2003 a total of 952,309 passengers used the airport, up 31.42% from the 726,619 passengers handled in 2002.

The European Commission has extended the deadline on its review of Air France's proposed merger with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The deadline was extended from 29 January to 11 February after the two airlines proposed antitrust remedies.

The operator of the single-engine aircraft which crashed into Lake Erie last week has had its licence suspended by the Canadian transport authority Transport Canada. Georgian Express Ltd's air operating certificate will be revoked while the crash of the Cessna 208B Caravan is investigated. The crash killed ten people.

A new retail outlet opened at Boston's Logan International Airport on Monday (19 January). The Patriots Corner store, located in Terminal B, sells a range of New England Patriots merchandise and has reported daily sales of some USD1,300 since opening.

Dollar Rent A Car has joined the Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns frequent flyer programme. EarlyReturns members are now eligible to earn 50 miles per rental day at participating Dollar locations worldwide, and as an introductory offer triple miles (150 miles per qualifying rental day) will be available until 31 May 2004.

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