Even though the NTSB caught all measures of criticism from the Egyptians the last time they helped them out, NTSB is assisting the Egyptian government in their investigation of the crash of a Flash Airlines Boeing 737-300. The aircraft was enroute from Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt to Cairo when it crashed into the Red Sea killing all 148 passengers and crew. The State Department has reported that there were 4 American citizens on board. NTSB Chairman Ellen G. Engleman has designated senior Safety Board investigator Frank Hilldrup as the United States' Accredited Representative to the investigation. He will lead a team of advisors from the Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing Commercial Aircraft. This is the second time in two weeks the Safety Board has sent investigato

Welcome To The US Police State? The Department of Homeland Security has launched US-VISIT, a controversial new program to "enhance the nation's security while facilitating legitimate travel and trade through our borders. New entry procedures took effect today for most foreign visitors with non-immigrant visas at 115 airports and cruise ship terminals at 14 seaports. The system utilizes biometrics, which are physical characteristics unique to each individual, to verify identity. Biometric technologies are the basis of an extensive array of highly secure identification and personal verification solutions." "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our government's commitment to securing our nation while upholding America's ideals about freedom of travel a

AirTran Airways has told us that the final flight of the airline's last DC-9 aircraft, Ship number 949 made her final descent Monday, January 5, 2004, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The 32-year old DC-9, registration number N849AT, rolled off the Douglas assembly line in Long Beach, Calif., on December 1, 1971, and AirTran Airways acquired the aircraft on October 30, 1996. The aircraft logged 69,788 flights and 77,900 flight hours total upon retirement. The crew on the flights were Captain Michael D. "Mad Dog" Watson, Captain Rich Umbel, Lead Flight Attendant Lisa Misconis, and Flight Attendants Karen Gold and Ludmila Dahknovskaia. AirTran Airways has operated DC-9 aircraft since the airline's first day of service, October 26, 1993, and, at one po

ExpressJet Airlines has selected Hamilton Sundstrand to provide repair and inventory support for the air management system on its fleet of Embraer 135/145 regional jet aircraft. This is a 12-year agreement in which Hamilton Sundstrand will provide support for the current ExpressJet fleet of 223 aircraft, and up to 274 aircraft by mid-2006. According to Dave Stone, Hamilton Sundstrand customer support manager for regional airlines, the company is delighted to have this contract with ExpressJet. "ExpressJet is an exceptional partner for a long-term, comprehensive package for our air management system support."

ExpressJet Holdings reports Richard F. Wallman has been elected to fill a vacancy on its board of directors. Wallman retired in July 2003, having served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Honeywell International Inc., and its predecessor, Allied Signal Inc., since March 1995. Prior to joining Honeywell,  Wallman held positions with IBM, Chrysler and Ford.  Wallman is 52 years old and is also a director of Ariba, Inc., Avaya Inc., Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. and Lear Corporation.