AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
UK airport operator BAA has revealed that no-frills airlines have increased passenger numbers. The company - whose airports include Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted - claims that cheap tickets increased demand for travel within the UK during July 2002, with domestic traffic up by 10%. Overall, 12.9m passengers passed through BAA's airports in July, up 0.4% on last year and an improvement on the 11.6m recorded in June 2002.
The Bush administration has warned airlines to be alert for possible impostors attempting to gain illegal access to aircraft and airports, after uniform thefts from flight crews. The Transportation Security Administration issued a confidential warning to air carriers on 22 July 2002, following reported thefts. The warning urges airport security officials to be vigilant about checking employee identifications cards.
A light aircraft landing on a runway in northern Brazil allegedly decapitated a woman. The 42-year-old woman was jogging on the runway, which is closed to aircraft and is commonly used by local residents as a sports field, when the incident occurred. The pilot of the Cessna aircraft fled the scene of the accident, but was arrested 75 miles away when he landed in Belem, in the state of Para. The pilot is expected to be charged with involuntary homicide.
Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines has announced plans to cancel its service between Denver and Boston. The airline, which has operated the route for five years, is expected to cancel the twice-daily flights on 22 October 2002 due to the low profitability on the route.
Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport is offering passengers 15-minute back rubs at the Plaza Premium Lounge in the satellite building concourse. Two trained masseurs will reportedly knead, chop and rub away aches and pains of weary travellers for MYR28. The lounge also features a business centre with free broadband Internet access for visitors as well as food and beverages, reading materials and services such as hot showers and golf putting.
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is offering US travellers the opportunity to receive free airfare for travel to Puerto Rico when they book a minimum five-night stay through a participating tour operator. To qualify for the free tickets all travel must be booked between 18 and 24 August 2002 and travel must take place between 1 September and 1 November 2002. Other restrictions and requirements are listed at http://www.gotopuertorico.com.
Southeast Airlines and the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority have launched a new nonstop service to the Orlando, FL and Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL regions. The airline will operate two flights per day to each destination from Thursday through to Monday, using 165-seat Boeing MD-80 aircraft.
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