Airline News May 2005

Airguide Online, May 31, 2005

Airlines tighten baggage policy, add fees to offset high costs. Airlines have begun charging customers for oversize bags and for checking extra luggage, USA TODAY reports. The carriers are tightening their policies as they face soaring fuel prices. The airlines also say heavy bags are responsible for some employee injuries. Fees vary from airline to airline. May 3, 2005

Higher seat belt use, better technology helps lower turbulence injuries. Technology improvements and the increased use of seat belts have helped reduce injuries from turbulence, the Wall Street Journal's Scott McCartney writes. The Federal Aviation Administration said no passengers suffered injuries from turbulence last year or so far in 2005. Pilots are also able to better avoid turbulence because the FAA has doubled the number of altitudes jets can use while they cruise. May 3, 2005

Aer Lingus could be privatized by the end of next year but the plans, announced by the Irish government last week, have come in for major skepticism by interested parties. Essentially the State will retain a minimum 25% shareholding in order to protect its strategic interest in the flag carrier, whose 2004 operating profit rose 30% to E107m. However it is currently leaderless with Willie Walsh departure to British Airways and Emirates executive Dermot Mannion not due to take up his new position as CEO until August. The thought of Michael O'Leary mixing it to suit his ends could scare away possible investors, although involvement by another airline such as Air France or even Emirates to gain a European foothold has not been ruled out. http://www.aerlingus.com May 20, 2005

Aero Flight the German charter operator, is to offer flights as part of the well-established US-based 'EuropebyAir' flight-marketing program. The airline was founded in early 2004 from the remnants of Aero Lloyd, which had collapsed during the previous winter. Aero Flight operates from the major German airports to a variety of holiday destinations using a fleet of four Airbus A320 and two Airbus A321. http://www.europebyair.com May 27, 2005

Air France has confirmed that it is to retain its three-category cabin operation within Europe on mainline routes. With Swiss returning to its old standards and other established carriers retaining at least a two-class operation there is clearly a commercially viable demand for business class. However AF is possibly unique with its three offerings on certain short haul routes, including both Heathrow and Manchester to CDG. Branded L'Espace Affaires (business class), Tempo Challenge (superior economy class) and Tempo (economy class), the airline says that it is important to offer a top quality product for certain business users and travelers connecting at Paris on to long haul services. In another move the airline will change your ticket for a flat fee of [pounds sterling]35, even cheaper than a certain Dublin headquartered airline who charges [pounds sterling]20 per sector. http://www.airfrance.com May 20, 2005