Congress Says Cabin Air Poses Health Risks

The FAA isn't doing enough to find out whether people are more likely to catch the flu or other diseases when they fly, a congressional report said Tuesday. The report by the General Accounting Office recommended more research into the health effects of the dry, recirculated air inside commercial airplanes. Many suspect that airplane air causes upper respiratory illnesses. In 2001, a scientific panel recommended that the FAA collect more data about cabin air. The FAA agreed to lead a research program to determine the accuracy of perceptions that air circulated inside airplanes causes discomfort or illness. The GAO, Congress's investigative arm, said in its report that the FAA's research plans are too limited.  

Air Inc. Releases January '04 Summary

It looks like 2004 is getting off to a great start for airline pilot hiring. Air Inc., the pilot recruiting company just released its January Hiring Summary and the numbers are promising. THe company claims, "Not since November 2002 have carriers reported hiring numbers this high." Air Inc. says national carriers lead the way by hiring 266 pilots in January. The summary indicates that Jet Operator and Non-jet Operator divisions hired 111 and 98 respectfully. The Majors are hiring once again, taking on 67 additional pilots last month. For the most part, the furlough numbers continued to decline, dropping 2.45 percent from 9,905 on furlough in December to 9668 last month. Airlines reporting to AIR, Inc. forecast approximately 4,300 n

United's Budget Carrier To Fly From DEN

Denver passengers take note: a battle of the airlines is about to take place in your neighborhood. A new era of low-fare competition begins Thursday at Denver International Airport (DEN) when United Airlines launches Ted, its discount carrier. The major carrier hopes to challenge Denver-based Frontier Airlines for the budget traveler's dollar at DEN, a growing market that Chicago-based United can't ignore. Matching up Frontier with Ted, which will fly to eight destinations from Denver by mid-March, promises to give travelers more low-cost options on those leisure-oriented routes. But it won't necessarily set off a fare war. So far, Ted is matching Frontier's prices without undercutting them.

Dropped Nigerian Service Under Review

According to the attorneys representing a group of passengers filing a class action lawsuit, the DOT has commenced an inquiry into World Airways, Inc. and Ritetime Aviation's operation of flights to and from Nigeria. The investigation relates to World Airways alleged decision to completely cease flight operations to Nigeria, abandoning passengers with round trip tickets and leaving the majority of them stranded in Lagos, Nigeria for over three weeks.    

50 And 70 Seat Jets Ordered

Those cynics who wonder if the regional airline market is fairing better than the majors, may want to chat with SkyWest. Bombardier Aerospace announced Tuesday that SkyWest Airlines of St. George (UT) has placed a firm order for 10 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 and two 70-seat Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets for its expanding United Express operation. The contract value is estimated at $293 million U.S. ($389.8 million Cdn) and represents the conversion of 10 conditional CRJ200 orders and the exercise of two CRJ700 options. SkyWest's firm orders for the 50-seat Bombardier CRJ100/200 now total 110 aircraft, of which 100 have been delivered. With Tuesday's announcement, SkyWest -- the world's largest independently owned regional airline -- has placed firm

Company Will Limit Boeing 777-200s

Delta Air Lines announced Tuesday plans to limit the size of its Boeing 777-200 fleet. The airline said it intends to sell two Boeing 777-200 aircraft scheduled for delivery to Delta in 2005. The company also intends either to acquire other Boeing aircraft in lieu of three Boeing 777-200 aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2006 or to sell these three Boeing 777-200 aircraft. Delta currently plans to continue to operate the eight Boeing 777-200 aircraft in its existing fleet and said it is pleased with the operational performance of these aircraft.

Ancient Obelisk Weighs 70 Tons 

Wanted: An airplane strong enough to carry the 70-ton pieces of an ancient obelisk from Rome to Ethiopia, nearly seven decades after Italian Fascist forces hauled the monument out of Africa. Engineers dismantled the 1,700-year-old Axum Obelisk at the end of last year from where it had stood since 1937 near the Circus Maximus in central Rome after the Fascist invasion of Ethiopia. Divided into three sections, the obelisk is in storage near a Rome airport.

Religious Leaders Caution Carrier on Pilot Discipline

You may recall ANN's report on Monday about the American Airlines captain who is facing disciplinary action after recently asking Christians on his flight to identify themselves and suggested the non-Christians discuss the faith with them. Well, now the church is getting involved in this holy mess. On Wednesday, the National Clergy Council released the following statement: "The National Clergy Council, representing Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Protestant church leaders, will today caution American Airlines executives to carefully approach its investigation of a pilot who urged his passengers to talk to Christians on board about faith." Stay tuned to ANN to see if either group throws the book (holy or