Airline News March 2005

Airguide Online, March 30, 2005

Mar 16, 2005

Airbus

Airbus A318 & A319 could soon be operating out of London City Airport which has a problem with the departed BAe/AVRO series, the only large aircraft currently approved for the 1200m strip, a former wharf. According to the airport the aircraft is technically OK for landing and take-off but there is a problem with the apron, which was never designed for such a large, and tall aircraft. LCY currently is looking at expanding stand space at the western extremity of the boarding gates. If the smallest of the A320 family were approved it could open up the airport to European operators of the aircraft who have not considered LCY. Iberia and Madrid would be a perfect route. The smaller Embraer 170 is also expected to be approved soon for the airport. http://www.airbus.com http://www.londoncityairport.com

Mar 14, 2005

AirTran

AirTran to add six new cities in 2005, nearly double fleet by 2008. AirTran Airways will add up to six cities to its route map this year, the Charlotte Observer reports. The airline already announced plans to fly to Charlotte and Indianapolis this spring. Chief executive Joe Leonard also said AirTran will nearly double its fleet by the end of 2008.

Mar 11, 2005

Alitalia

Alitalia's hopes of financial restructuring have been hit by objections from rival carriers including British Airways and Lufthansa over a measure of packages. The objectors are demanding the European Commission block the plan, whichthey say constitutes illegal state aid. Budgetcarriers are also asking for the EC to throw out the plan. http://www.alitalia.com

Mar 28, 2005

Alitalia

Alitalia seems to be getting itself even further into the mire with the cancellation last Wednesday of 88 flights due to yet another strike. This was the third action by the SULT union since February, its leaders trying to negotiate for better contracts for cabin crews after rejecting an agreement signed by larger unions that cut salaries in an attempt to prevent layoffs. Just how long Alitalia can continue with the downward spiral remains to be seen, even the Italian travelling public giving the carrier a miss. http://www.alitalia.com

Mar 21, 2005

American Airlines

American will resume it seasonal nonstop flights from New York-JFK to Rome April 3 2005. It will fly the route daily through October with 767 aircraft configured with 30 seats in business class and 189 in economy. American flies to four other major European cities direct from New York- Brussels, London, Paris and Zurich. The flights to Rome will depart JFK at 5 p.m. and arrive at 7:15 a.m. They leave Rome at 10:35 a.m. and arrive at JFK at 2:05 p.m.

Mar 29, 2005

American Airlines

American Airlines begins non-stop service between its Miami hub and Hamilton, Bermuda. American's non-stop flight from Miami to Bermuda begins March 2 2005, and service from Bermuda to Miami will start on Thursday, March 3. Initially, there will be two weekly flights in each direction on Boeing 737 aircraft; starting June 10 there will be five weekly flights in each direction. American's Wednesday and Sunday schedule between Miami and Hamilton, Bermuda: Flight # 308 departs 5:00 p.m. and arrives 8:35 p.m. From Hamilton Bermuda to Miami, Thursday and Monday: Flight #1325 departs 9:25 a.m. and arrives 11:00 a.m. All times shown are local.