Airport News July 2005.

FAA supports controversial O'Hare expansion plan. The Federal Aviation Administration said it supports Chicago's $15 billion plan to expand O'Hare International Airport. Chicago officials expect the FAA to grant final approval in September and hope the expansion reduces flight delays. However, the plan faces opposition from some communities. It would require Chicago to raze 500 homes, displacing 2,600 people, and move 200 businesses and a cemetery. Jul 29, 2005

Airport directors say screener cuts would lengthen security lines. Airport directors say plans to cut the number of airport screeners by 13% could lengthen security lines. A Senate spending measure would cut 6,000 of the Transportation Security Administration's 45,000 screeners. The Department of Homeland Security also opposes the plan. The House of Representatives has voted to cut 2,000 screener positions, according to TSA officials. However, the chairman of the House subcommittee overseeing Homeland Security funding said lawmakers voted to cut unnecessary costs, not screener positions. Jul 29, 2005

Two airports ask to switch to private screeners. Just two airports have asked to switch to private security screeners from federal security screeners. Sioux Falls Regional Airport in South Dakota and Elko Regional Airport in Nevada have applied to change screeners. The House Homeland Security subcommittee will hold a hearing Thursday to learn why more airports have not applied to change to private screeners. Jul 28, 2005

TSA installs explosives-detection device at Newark Liberty. A new explosives-detection machine installed in Newark Liberty International Airport may reduce the need for pat-downs. The Transportation Security Administration installed the machine, which blows puffs of air at each person entering it. The air blows particles to the ground, where they are sucked into vents and analyzed. Officials say the machine will help prevent terrorist threats but will not reduce the need for screeners. Jul 27, 2005

Airport improvements may cost billions. Improvements to U.S. airports will cost about $14.3 billion each year from 2005 through 2009. Record demand for air travel will push development costs above $71.5 billion through 2009, according to a study sponsored by the Airports Council International-North America, a group representing the bodies that own and operate U.S. commercial airports. Jul 27, 2005

Security funds should be allocated based on need. The Senate recently voted to give all states a relatively equal share of $2.9 billion in federal security grants. Instead, lawmakers should have distributed funds to cities and counties at the greatest risk of terrorist attacks, according to a San Francisco Chronicle editorial. Jul 26, 2005

TSA database violates Privacy Act, government report says. A Transportation Security Administration database that included biographical information on 43,000 passengers from private companies violated the federal Privacy Act, according to government auditors. Although the database broke the law, it did not cause the release of personal data or wrongly stop a passenger from boarding a commercial plane. The TSA used the database to test the Secure Flight Screening system, which is expected to launch next year. The government will also try to decide whether the TSA can use commercial data to locate terrorist sleeper cells. Jul 24, 2005

The Federal Aviation Administration, air traffic controllers and pilots should work to eliminate near-collisions on airport runways, a New York Times editorial says. Although these incidents are rare, they are avoidable and should not happen, the editorial reads. Jul 24, 2005

Lawmakers propose closing Dallas Love Field to commercial flights. Lawmakers are debating bills that would stop commercial flights from operating at Dallas Love Field, where Southwest Airlines operates a large hub. Southwest is pushing for the repeal of the Wright Amendment, which limits flying from Love Field. Some lawmakers have proposed closing Love Field to commercial flights, a move that could force Southwest to operate from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Jul 22, 2005

Agency should improve cyber security, government official says. The Department of Homeland Security must develop a recovery plan in the event of a widespread attack on the Internet, a government official said. David Powner, director of IT Management for the Government Accountability Office, said the agency must also develop a way to assess threats to national cyber security. Powner made the remarks before a U.S. Senate subcommittee earlier this week. Jul 21, 2005

Airlines, airports update travelers with text messages. Airports and airlines are using text messaging services to update travelers on the status of flights, travel times and bookings. The British Airport Authority has launched "Flying Messenger" for passengers traveling out of London's Heathrow or Gatwick airports. The tool allows travelers to check their flight departure or arrival times. Jul 20, 2005

Private firms can run Registered Traveler Program. Some airports will hire private companies to administer the government's Registered Traveler program, the Transportation Security Administration said. The program allows prescreened travelers to enter a special security line. The travelers go through a metal detector but are exempt from additional screening. Officials said the program will move faster if private companies run it. Jul 20, 2005

Companies, feds work to develop bomb detection technology. Bomb-sniffing dogs remain the most effective way to find explosives on a person boarding a subway or bus. Federal officials say no technology exists to detect someone carrying bombs. Companies and government agencies are working to develop technology for mass transit systems. Even advanced equipment, such as the PROTECT chemical sensor system used in Washington, D.C., is not designed to prevent an attack. Jul 19, 2005

Airports add glitz, amenities to new terminals. Flashy terminals are opening at airports across the U.S. Many airports need the new facilities to accommodate passenger growth. However, some observers say the terminals are opening at a bad time. The airline industry is struggling to recover from a prolonged financial slump and United Airlines and US Airways are operating under bankruptcy protection. Jul 18, 2005

Homeland Security should coordinate intelligence, protection units. The reorganization of the Department of Homeland Security will emphasize the role of intelligence in preventing terrorist attacks, writes Clark Kent Ervin, former inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security in a New York Times editorial. Kent believes the intelligence unit must closely coordinate with the department's infrastructure protection group, which is responsible for preventing and preparing for terrorist attacks. The U.S. is vulnerable to its enemies if a gap between intelligence and preparedness exists, he writes. Jul 18, 2005

Travelers welcome end of 30-minute rule. Travelers praised the Department of Homeland Security's decision to end a rule requiring them to remain seated for 30 minutes before landing at Washington, D.C., airports. The department also said Reagan National Airport will reopen to private aircraft next month. Jul 18, 2005

Waits in security lines vary among U.S. airports. The amount of time travelers spend in security lines varies widely from airport to airport. The amount of time spent in line often depends on airline scheduling and an airport's architecture. Airports that are home to growing carriers are often crowded with longer wait times. An analysis by USA TODAY found travelers encountered lines more than 10 minutes long 6% of the time. Jul 15, 2005

Instability creates boom for travel insurance industry. Terrorist attacks, natural disasters and financial instability in the airline industry have created a boom for the travel insurance business. Incidents in popular tourist destinations, including London and Madrid, have spurred more travelers to purchase travel insurance. About 30% of leisure travelers purchased $1 billion in terrorism insurance last year, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association. Jul 15, 2005

Airports form group to expand Registered Traveler program. Washington's Reagan National and Dulles International Airports have joined a group of airports that hope to expand the government's Registered Traveler program. The Registered Travel program allows prescreened travelers to go to the front of security lines. Several airports are tired of waiting for the Transportation Security Administration to expand the program and have formed a consortium to do it themselves. Jul 15, 2005

The Department of Homeland Security has lifted a rule requiring airline passengers to stay in their seats for 30 minutes while approaching or departing from Washington's Reagan National Airport. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said security improvements have made the rule obsolete. Chertoff also announced a broad restructuring of his department. The plan includes a more intense focus on border security and new offices for bioterrorism, intelligence and policy planning.

Jul 14, 2005

Antimissile tests to start on three jetliners in August. Testing of antimissile equipment will start next month on three out-of-service jetliners. Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems will equip the jets with systems designed to move shoulder-fired missiles off course. The decision to install the equipment on commercial jets is years away, and the cost is estimated at $6 billion. Jul 14, 2005

Authorities seek ability to monitor in-flight e-mail. Federal authorities are seeking the ability to intercept or block online communication to and from commercial jets. The government wants Internet providers to allow federal monitoring of e-mail within 10 minutes of a court order. The FBI, Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security requested Internet surveillance in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission. Jul 13, 2005

London sees only slight decline in tourism after attacks. The terrorist attacks last week in London caused only a slight downturn in tourism, according to the city's tourism officials. Airlines have reported few cancellations and no-shows. The tourism industry accounts for about 10% of London's economy. Jul 13, 2005

Chertoff to announce Homeland Security restructuring. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is expected to announce a major overhaul of his department today. Changes will include realigning agencies responsible for aviation and border security. Analysts also say the restructuring will help the department better protect computer and financial networks. Chertoff also wants to reduce parts of the agency, which employs about 180,000 people. Jul 13, 2005

State Department must improve passport screening. The State Department should take steps to ensure applicants for U.S. passports are screened against a comprehensive list of fugitives and terrorists, a USA TODAY editorial says. A recent report by the Government Accountability Office showed the State Department did not check passport applicants against the FBI's consolidated terrorist list. Similar problems persist in other government agencies, the editorial reads. Jul 13, 2005

Lawmaker requests investigation of airport security jobs. The head of the House aviation subcommittee believes there may be too many federal security administrators at U.S. airports. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., has requested an investigation, saying some administrators have "questionable job descriptions that pay over $100,000 a year." He wants the Department of Homeland Security to cut the Transportation Security Administration's administrative staff. Jul 13, 2005

FAA, airlines push for opening more Fort Lauderdale runways. An informal agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration and a local Florida community allows jet traffic on only one of three runways at Fort Lauderdale's airport. Airline and FAA officials want to use all of the runways, but community officials fear there will be excessive noise and say they may sue to prevent the change. The growing airport has seen an increase in long flight delays, but officials say using the additional runways would alleviate the problem. Jul 12, 2005

TSA revises lighter policy. The Transportation Security Administration now will allow airline passengers to pack unfueled lighters in checked bags. The TSA continues to forbid passengers from taking a fueled lighter on an airplane in a carryon bag. The revisions came after lobbying by Zippo Manufacturing, which makes flip-top metal lighters. Travelers often purchase the lighters as souvenirs. Jul 12, 2005

Airlines expect slight dip in European bookings after bombings. The London bombings will prompt only a slight decline in airline bookings to England over the next 10 weeks, analysts said. Travelers have not rushed to cancel their plans, and airlines expect some bound for London to only change their itineraries. The Air Transport Association expects 200 million people to travel on U.S. carriers this summer. Jul 8, 2005

Terror alert raised for domestic mass transit: U.S. government officials raised the terror threat level to orange, indicating a high risk for terror attack, for U.S. rail services and other mass transit. Airlines are not affected by the change. Jul 8, 2005

Strict rules tarnish U.S. reputation among foreign travelers. Tight security rules are discouraging international travelers from visiting the U.S. Observers say the rules are slowing the rebound for airlines and hotels and note planned passport and visa rules are affecting the U.S.'s reputation as a country that values hospitality and freedom. Jul 7, 2005

In attempt to distinguish, airports add art collections. Airports are building up their permanent art collections and creating more space for visiting exhibits, USA TODAY reported. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, for example, has spent $6 million on a new art program featuring permanent pieces. The emphasis on art is an attempt to improve travelers' experience, and to set airports apart from others. Jul 6, 2005

Pentagon considers strategy shift to counter terrorism. The Pentagon is considering moving away from its two-war strategy and devoting more of the military's resources to defending the U.S. against terrorist attacks, The New York Times reported. The longtime strategy has required the military to be equipped to fight two large wars at once. Shifting resources to counter terrorism and domestic defense would change the size and composition of the military. Jul 6, 2005

Facing lines and delays, travelers turn to retailers. Long lines and delays and fewer in-flight meals are turning fliers into shoppers, The Washington Post reported. Retail and food sales have climbed 9% since 2001 at Washington, D.C.'s, three airports. Jul 5, 2005

Scientists create virtual cities to combat terrorism. Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory have designed complex computer models of virtual cities inhabited by millions of virtual people, The Washington Post reported. Researchers hope the project will help them learn how terrorists decide where to strike. The models have helped officials at the Department of Homeland Security prioritize their strategy for fighting terrorism. Jul 5, 2005

Investigators examine TSA contract for evidence of fraud. Government officials said investigators are examining a Transportation Security Administration contract for evidence of fraud by private companies, The Washington Post reported. An audit recently revealed $303 million of unsubstantiated spending by private contractors during a project to hire airport screeners. The TSA awarded the $741 million contract to NCS Pearson after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. A Pearson spokeswoman said the company is cooperating in the investigation. Jul 1, 2005

Two jetliners narrowly avoid collision at JFK. An ABX Air cargo jetliner nearly collided with an Israir Boeing 767 with 262 people on board at John F. Kennedy International Airport earlier this month. The cargo jet was moving down a runway at 100 miles an hour when its first officer noticed an aircraft directly in its path. He pulled back on the yoke, which lifted the plane into the air and avoided a collision. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. Jul 26, 2005

Jet returns to Paris after "no-fly" passenger is identified. U.S. officials on Friday ordered an Air France jetliner bound for Chicago to return to Paris because a passenger was on the U.S. "no fly" list. The plane was two hours into its journey before officials realized the passenger's name matched one on the list. Homeland Security officials said the passenger was in fact on the list and that the incident was not a case of mistaken identity. Jul 11, 2005

AirTran would consider Love Field flights, executive says: The president of AirTran Airways said the carrier would consider flying from Dallas Love Field if lawmakers repeal the Wright Amendment. Robert Fornaro called Love Field "a great airport." AirTran now operates from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Wright limits flying from Love Field. Southwest Airlines wants the law repealed. D/FW and American Airlines are lobbying to keep it in place. Jul 27, 2005

America West COO helps guide airline as he fights cancer. America West Airlines Chief Operating Officer Jeff McClelland has helped his company survive soaring fuel prices, cutthroat competition and changes in security requirements. He has also spent the past couple of years fighting cancer. McClelland decided to share his illness with the public during the company's media day in February because his chemo pump was visible. America West now plans to merge with US Airways. McClelland, who was undergoing treatment during talks, helped negotiate the transaction by conference call. Jul 18, 2005

Two planes come too close at LAX. For at least the seventh time this year, two planes came too close to each other at Los Angeles International Airport. A Cessna Caravan on Thursday crossed a runway where an American Airlines jetliner was preparing to take off. A string of near-misses has occurred at the airport since May, officials said. Authorities attributed six incidents to pilot error and one to an air traffic controller's mistake. Jul 29, 2005

New American terminal to open next month at JFK. American Airlines' new terminal at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport will be able to speed nearly 1,800 passengers per hour through security lines. The terminal's first phase is expected to open next month, and the second phase is expected to be completed in April 2007. Jul 28, 2005

Small cities may lose flights if lawmakers lift Wright, American says. American Airlines executives are warning small towns they may lose flights if the Wright Amendment is lifted. The Wright Amendment limits flying at Dallas Love Field, and Southwest Airlines is lobbying to have it repealed. American says the repeal of Wright would force it to shrink its hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. If D/FW is downsized, it may not support as many flights to small cities, the airline said. Jul 28, 2005

American to unveil phase one of JFK terminal: American Airlines today will unveil the first phase of a new terminal at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. The 1.45 million-square-foot facility will cost $1.1 billion and include an Admirals Club, 101 ticket counters and 10 security lanes. Jul 27, 2005

American cuts fares between Dallas and Omaha: American Airlines lowered fares by up to 40% between Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and Omaha after a senator complained about high prices on the route. The airline hopes the lower fares slow Southwest Airlines' campaign to repeal the Wright Amendment. Wright limits flying out of Dallas Love Field where Southwest operates. Jul 26, 2005

Wright Amendment dispute becomes national debate. The battle over the restrictions the Wright Amendment places on Dallas Love Field has turned into a national debate. Southwest Airlines' push to have the law lifted has included high-level lobbying in Washington, D.C., and an extensive advertising campaign. Lawmakers from 16 states support legislation repealing Wright sponsored by two Texas representatives. American Airlines and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport believe the law should remain in place. Jul 24, 2005

Senate bill would exempt U.S. from Wright Amendment. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nevada, will introduce a bill that would allow flying from Dallas Love Field to cities across the U.S. The bill, expected to have bipartisan cosponsors, will launch a Senate debate about the Wright Amendment. Wright limits flying out of Love Field. Southwest Airlines, which operates a major hub there, has been lobbying for the law's repeal. American Airlines and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport want the law to remain in place. Jul 19, 2005

American Airlines is to begin a daily nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Delhi on November 15 2005, subject to government approval. Delhi is India's capital and third-largest city. The sector, flown by a 236-seat Boeing 777-200 aircraft, is nearly 7,500 miles long and will be the longest nonstop sector in America's growing international network. Serving the route is made possible by a new agreement between America and the Allied Pilots Association (APA), involving long operations. The United States and India announced in April, an 'Open Skies' agreement between the two nations. In addition, America entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to negotiate code share and frequent flyer agreements with India-based Air Sahara, which operates direct flights to 23 cities in India and is one of the most successful and fastest-growing private sector airlines in that country. http://www.americanairlines.co.uk Jul 15, 2005

American to add nonstop service from Chicago to India. American Airlines plans to launch service from Chicago to Delhi, India. If approved, the route will be American's longest nonstop trip. The airline hopes to start service on Nov. 15, and it will fly the 7,500 miles with Boeing 777 jetliners. Jul 13, 2005

American fears D/FW decline if Wright is repealed. American Airlines officials say Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport will suffer if the Wright Amendment, which limits flying out of Dallas Love Field, is lifted. If the law is repealed, the region's air service would decline, the officials say. Discounter Southwest Airlines operates out of Love Field and is lobbying for the repeal of the Wright Amendment. Southwest said the kind of growth American fears will not happen because Southwest would limit daily flights from Love to 250. Jul 12, 2005

American Airlines reduces flights to Haiti. American Airlines is reducing service to Haiti because of a seasonal drop in demand. The airline will cancel three of its daily nonstop flights from the U.S. A spokeswoman for the airline said security was not a factor in the decision to cancel flights. Jul 7, 2005

Southwest winning Wright campaign, according to PR experts. Southwest Airlines' public relations campaign to repeal the Wright Amendment has helped it win the support of many travelers and some lawmakers. Public relations experts noted American Airlines, which wants the law to stay in place, waited too long before launching its campaign. Jul 29, 2005

Senators file competing bills on Wright Amendment. A Senate bill filed Tuesday would close Dallas Love Field to commercial flights and force Southwest Airlines to leave its hub. The bill is the latest move in the battle over the Wright Amendment, a law that limits flying out of Love Field. A competing bill would repeal the amendment and allow unrestricted flights from the airport. Southwest is lobbying to have the law lifted. American Airlines and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport want the law to remain in place. Jul 20, 2005

Dispute over Atlanta airport design continues. No resolution has surfaced in the dispute between Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International airport and a design team hired to design a new international terminal. Airport General Manager Ben DeCosta will meet with members of the team in the next few days, a spokeswoman said. DeCosta has said the terminal is running about 20% over projected costs. The lead designer declined to comment. Jul 14, 2005

Atlanta's new international terminal faces extensive delays. The Atlanta airport's proposed international terminal is facing extensive delays, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Airport General Manager Ben DeCosta gave the project's designer a default of contract notice on Thursday, but it is unclear if the airport will hire a new team. The design team, comprised of several companies, has seven days to respond. The cost of the project is now 20% more than original projections. The terminal was supposed to open next year; now the opening date is in 2009. Jul 5, 2005

British Airways has introduced a new first class check-in area at Heathrow Terminal 4 which customers reach through an imposing entrance. Conceived to give premium class passengers real privacy the area has its walls finished on rich rosewood with a black granite effect for the desks, new flooring and improved lighting. First class passengers are also to gain the benefits of advanced headphones which, it is claimed, will further reduce the ambient cabin noises which can be infuriating when listening to music or watching a film. http://www.ba.com Jul 15, 2005

Chicago officials underestimated cost of O'Hare project. A government review revealed officials underestimated the cost of expanding Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Officials thought the project, intended to alleviate flight congestion, would cost $15 billion. The report, scheduled for release today, urges the Federal Aviation Administration to verify the city's cost estimates. Jul 24, 2005

D/FW hopes new terminal boosts international flights. Officials at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport hope the new $1.7 billion Terminal D will help American Airlines' overseas business grow. They also hope the international terminal, which officially opened Saturday, will attract large foreign airlines. New developments could complicate the future of the terminal. American has said it will shift flights to Dallas' Love Field if the Wright Amendment is repealed. Jul 18, 2005

D/FW launches campaign for Southwest; airline not interested. Many airports try to attract low-fare carrier Southwest Airlines, sending the carrier cakes, cards, pizza and Wild Turkey whiskey. Last week, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport launched a $350,000 advertising campaign to lure the airline. Southwest officials say, however, they have no foreseeable plans to serve D/FW. Jul 13, 2005

Dallas whistle blower blames safety lapses on center's culture. Complaints by a Dallas air traffic controller in 2002 led to a report supporting her claims the radar center ignored incidents of planes flying too close to one another. Anne R. Whiteman is now a supervisor at the air traffic control tower. She said the culture at TRACON, which handles air traffic over North Texas, compromises safety. The Federal Aviation Administration has said TRACON controllers are "dedicated public servants" and supervisors do not ignore safety issues. Jul 11, 2005

D/FW workers encourage Southwest to fly at their airport. Three busloads of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport employees rallied outside of Dallas Love Field last week to encourage Southwest Airlines to start flying out of D/FW. Officials from D/FW unveiled a study showing most passengers questioned there want Southwest to start flying at D/FW. Southwest only flies out of Love Field. The airline is trying to get the Wright Amendment, which limits flying out of the airport, lifted. D/FW is opposed to ending the restrictions. Jul 11, 2005

Natural gas could provide revenue stream for D/FW. Officials at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport think natural gas supplies under the facility could bring in revenue to fund projects. The property could accommodate 150 wells, airport officials say. They could award contracts to companies interested in drilling by the end of the year. Jul 8, 2005

Denver Airport to add private parking garages. Airline travelers at Denver International Airport will soon have the opportunity to buy a private parking garage for at least $15,000. Airport Resort Parking says it will build 347 individual garages available with leases of five, 10, or 20 years. The project is expected to cost $4 million.

Jul 13, 2005

LAX to spend $16M on seven passenger screening lanes. Los Angeles International Airport will spend $16 million to add seven passenger screening lanes to reduce congestion, The Associated Press reported. When the work is finished, scheduled for July 2006, the airport will have 66 checkpoints. It already has more than any other airport. Jul 1, 2005

Orlando airport may eventually ask airlines to share space. The strong demand for air travel is pushing Orlando International Airport to maximize the use of its north terminal, officials say. The airport is studying how to efficiently use counter space and boarding gates. In the future, the airport may require airlines to share ticket counters and gates. Jul 26, 2005

San Francisco airport requests immunity from security lawsuits. San Francisco International Airport has asked the government for blanket immunity from lawsuits related to failures at security checkpoints. San Francisco was one of five airports allowed to stay with private screeners after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Now, airport officials say they will stop using private screeners unless the government guarantees the airport will not be held responsible for screener failures. If San Francisco gets protection from lawsuits, many airports may switch to private screeners. Jul 28, 2005

Sea-Tac lowers costs for airlines: In a move to keep airlines from leaving Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, officials there have lowered costs to the airlines by about 9%. Last month, Southwest Airlines said it is considering moving to Boeing Field, where costs are lower.

Jul 13, 2005

Southwest Airlines launches plan for Boeing Field. Southwest Airlines said it will build a $130 million terminal at Boeing Field if it is allowed to operate flights there. The airline currently flies from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport but has proposed a move to Boeing Field to lower costs. If its plan is approved, the airline would launch Boeing Field service by 2009. Critics say taxpayers would end up paying for road and highway improvements and airport security upgrades. Jul 22, 2005

Southwest Airlines to propose move to Boeing Field. Southwest Airlines is expected today to propose moving to Boeing Field from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Boeing Field is used by chartered jets and small planes and would need upgrades and new facilities, including security checkpoints, to accommodate Southwest. Southwest says flying out of Seattle-Tacoma International, where an expansion plan has raised airlines' operating costs, is too expensive. Critics say other airlines would lose traffic if Southwest departs from Boeing Field. Jul 21, 2005

Southwest faces battle winning Wright repeal, observers say. Southwest Airlines has succeeded in moving the Wright Amendment issue into the public eye, The Dallas Morning News reported. Now the airline must convince Congress the law, which limits flying out of Dallas Love Field, should be lifted. People on both sides say Southwest will face an uphill battle. American Airlines and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport oppose changing the law. Jul 5, 2005

Airlines at Dulles airport face shortage of screening machines. A higher number of flights and travelers have stalled efforts by the Transportation Security Administration to screen passenger luggage on time at Dulles International Airport, the Washington Post reported. Budget carrier Independence Air launched in April, helping to boost traffic by 39%. Now airlines say they are experiencing delays because there are not enough screening machines. Jul 5, 2005

Each Washington, D.C., airport fills a niche. Washington Reagan National Airport is popular with business travelers who want to speed through security lines and get quick access to downtown Washington, D.C., The Washington Post reported. Washington Dulles, however, offers travelers more West Coast destinations than National. Meanwhile, Baltimore-Washington International Airport attracts travelers interested in low fares -- Southwest Airlines accounts for about half of its flights. Jul 5, 2005