Airline News.

Fast Ticket, and not to be confused with FastTrack, is rolling out very quickly. Developed by TheTrainline it is a national ticket on departure scheme at railway stations. Currently there are over 60 in the scheme, due to increase significantly in 2006. In addition to FastTicket machines at stations more corporate customers are demanding their own machines at key office locations. From the corporate perspective, travelers get their tickets easily even if it is a last minute booking. According to TheTrainline this drives natural adoption, which in turn drives corporate travel policy, reducing maverick buying at stations. http://www.thetrainline.com/business February 12, 2006

Sir Freddie Laker died last week. The genial "Fred" did not pioneer the so-called "budget airlines or low cost" as we know them today. That is a totally different concept. What he did do is open up the public's eyes to the possibility of crossing the Atlantic at a price they could afford. Today London - New York is by far the world's most successful long haul international air route. That is his true legacy. Good company, he will be missed. Love him or hate him (and some creditors did) he was truly one of the greats of British commercial aviation. February 12, 2006

Bush proposes airport ticket tax increases. President George W. Bush's latest budget proposal seeks to raise airport ticket taxes by $1.3 billion to cover increased security measures, but the industry is opposing the budget proposal. Critics, including the Air Transport Association, say the measure would hurt low-cost carriers because they would likely not be able to pass the cost along to passengers. February 10, 2006

Airlines lure travelers with healthy perks. Some airlines hope to lure travelers interested in health and comfort with new amenities. United Airlines is offering snack boxes that include organic raisins and seasoned tuna. American Airlines is serving healthier options in business and first class, and Delta Air Lines is adding antibacterial "lemongrass wasabi" hand wash in its lavatories. February 7, 2006

Airlines oppose plan to increase security fees. The White House Monday proposed boosting security fees on commercial airline flights as part of its 2007 budget proposal. The move would raise $1.3 billion from passengers. Airlines oppose the increase, arguing the government should pay airport security costs because it is a national security issue. Air Transport Association President and CEO James May said he is "confident" Congress will reject the increase. Congress last year rejected a security fee increase. February 7, 2006

Leisure travelers subsidize business travelers. Leisure travelers actually help lower airfares for business travelers, writes USA TODAY's David Grossman. Some travelers must pay between $200 and $300 a ticket to keep fares lower for business travelers, he says. Without the leisure travelers, business travelers would pay more. February 6, 2006

Some analysts expect airline consolidation in 2006. Some analysts and observers believe the airline industry is ripe for another merger. Air Transport Association Chief Economist John Heimlich said he would be "very surprised" if no mergers were proposed this year. Some experts say the industry will not turn a profit with six or seven large carriers competing for passengers. February 6, 2006