Virgin Atlantic Tells EC To Reject 'Virtual Merger' Between BA, American

Source: Aero News Net

"Virgin Atlantic Airways urged the European Commission this week to reject the planned alliance between two of the world's largest airlines, British Airways and American Airlines. As ANN reported, the EC is examining a transatlantic alliance which would allow American Airlines, British Airways and Spain's Iberia SA to coordinate their loyalty programs, schedules and fares on flights between North America and Europe. In addition to avoiding all the usual hassles of a formal merger, the deal would also give American Airlines increased access to profitable European routes... without technically violating US laws prohibiting foreign ownership of a US carrier." La suite.

Bangkok Airports Remain Closed By Protesters

Source: Aero News Net

"An anti-government protest group, the People's Alliance for Democracy, has occupied the terminal at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport since last Tuesday, forcing the cancellation of all flights. Service into Bangkok's second airport, Don Meuang, has also been curtailed by the PAD. Stranding thousands of passengers, the occupation of an estimated 2,000 protesters has crippled air transportation in and out of the city during the four-day siege. Officials expect both airports to remain closed until at least 6 pm Monday." La suite.

Russia test-fires new ballistic missile

Source: Moscow News

"A spokesman for Russia's Strategic Missile Forces says the military has test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile. Col. Alexander Vovk says the RS-24 missile lifted off from a mobile launcher at the Plesetsk launch pad in northern Russia. He says the missile's multiple warheads successfully hit the designated targets at the Kura testing range in the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday. " La suite.

US carriers still growing internationally; Canada still #1 destination, JFK #1 airport

Source: Anna Aero

"America’s airlines may have removed over 10% of domestic capacity from their networks this winter but as far as international capacity is concerned, the ‘big6′ US legacy airlines have between them actually increased their offer to passengers by just over 1%. An analysis of international routes being offered from US airports this winter reveals that overall international capacity provided by both US and foreign carriers is down around 1%." La suite.

Indian domestic traffic down 20% in September; international demand up 6%

Source: Anna Aero

"India’s domestic traffic has continued to fall in recent months with passenger numbers down 20% in September following falls of 15% and 17% in July and August respectively. However, given the extraordinary growth rates achieved in 2007 what this means is that domestic demand in 2008 has returned to the same levels as in 2006." La suite.

Lufthansa stakes Italian claim with Malpensa subsidiary

Source: ATW Daily News

"Lufthansa opted not to wait for a decision on a foreign partner for the restructured Alitalia and will be launching its own subsidiary at Milan Malpensa, called Lufthansa Italia, in February. Six former Germanwings A319s will comprise the venture, designed to take advantage of AZ's cutbacks in Lombardy. LH originally had planned to base Air Dolomiti E-195s at MXP but instead has decided to pursue its own Italian Air Operator Certificate (ATWOnline, April 29). An LH spokesperson told ATWOnline that securing the AOC could take as long as 12 months but that the company believes it will be in hand by early next year. Air Dolomiti, based in Verona, will continue to provide regional lift for LH." La suite.

ATELLITE - L’Association Israel Nanosatellite projette de lancer deux petits satellites à partir d’une base de lancement située en Inde.

Source : Israel Valley

"La technologie israélienne va une fois de plus s’affirmer grâce à l’Association Israel Nanosatellite (INSA) qui va lancer deux satellites de petite taille entre Juillet et Septembre 2009, à partir du centre spatial Satish Dhawan en Inde. Comme leur nom l’indique, les nanosatellites sont des petits satellites d’une masse comprise entre 1 et 10 kg. Peu coûteux à produire et à lancer, une constellation de 60 LEO nanosatellites (systèmes de satellite de communication situés au-dessus du globe à basse altitude) peuvent couvrir la planète." La suite.