Air Transport News.

For more company news, data and analysis, please go to: http://www.airguideonline.com/professional.htm Jul 10, 2006

Australia and the UK have come to an agreement at government level to eliminate restrictions on airline operations between the two countries. The new deal, signed last week is immediately effective. Airlines from both countries are not now restricted regarding intermediate points except that Qantas does not have traffic freedoms in China and the USA, the UK airlines are already limited to bilaterals. Qantas says that it does not plan to increase flights from its current 28 in each direction per week, BA has not commented, and Virgin is increasing its Hong Kong schedules for the winter which will give marginal opportunities in terms of through seat availability. It is unlikely that further UK/Oz airlines will come on the route, which is already well served by carriers based at intermediate stops, all with long range aircraft either already in their fleets, or on order. http://www.qantas.com.au Jul 7, 2006

US Dept. of Transportation proposed Wednesday to revoke antitrust immunity from tariff-coordination meetings organized by IATA to set passenger fares and cargo rates for flights from the US to Europe and Australia. DOT said it has legal authority "to approve agreements involving international air transportation and to grant them antitrust immunity" and to revoke that immunity when necessary. It said the antitrust withdrawal proposal was made "in an effort to enhance competition and provide lower fares for consumers flying internationally." Interested parties may file objections to the tentative decision within 45 days. A final decision in the matter is likely by year end. Jul 7, 2006

Algeria and Canada concluded their first bilateral air accord, allowing access to airlines from both countries, according to the Arab Air Carrier Assn. Codeshare services also are permitted. Air Algerie announced plans to operate up to two weekly flights to Montreal, while Air Canada intends to codeshare on flights to Algeria via Europe with existing partners. Jul 7, 2006

White House will pursue easing ownership restrictions. The White House will continue with plans to relax restrictions on foreign ownership of U.S. airlines. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said the U.S. must ease the restrictions to remain competitive in the global economy. Many lawmakers oppose the plan. Jul 6, 2006

EC establishes ATM interoperability regulations. The European Commission adopted two regulations concerning the interoperability of European air traffic management systems aimed at establishing the long-awaited Single Sky. Jul 6, 2006

DOT plans to end antitrust waiver for IATA. The Department of Transportation wants to end the International Air Transport Association's involvement in pricing fares and cargo rates between the U.S. and Europe and Australia. Regulators say the change would open the markets to more competition.

Jul 5, 2006

European Parliament suggests emissions trading plan for airlines. The European Parliament wants airlines to participate in an emissions trading plan that it believes will help cut greenhouse gas emissions. The parliament suggested setting up a separate trading system for aviation and making airlines pay a tax on jet fuel related to emissions. Several European carriers have condemned the proposal. Jul 5, 2006