PORT AUTHORITY RECEIVES SIGNIFICANT INTEREST FROM PRIVATE SECTOR TO HELP REBUILD LAGUARDIA’S AGING CENTRAL TERMINAL BUILDING
The Port Authority’s exploration of a partnership with private firms to replace LaGuardia Airport’s nearly half-century-old main terminal has attracted significant interest, with 15 firms submitting responses. They represent a range of world-class airport and aviation, engineering and design, and finance firms, all of which submitted concepts by yesterday’s deadline in response to the Port Authority’s request for information issued on December 19, 2011. (12/19)
AMR wants to remain independent until it exits bankruptcy, CEO says
AMR Corp. intends to emerge from bankruptcy this year without merging with another company, at which time it may consider an acquisition, CEO Tom Horton says. The company continues to work on its debt-restructuring efforts, which includes cutting $2 billion in expenses and boosting revenue by $1 billion. "I don't think we need to combine with anybody, but I think there will be ample opportunities to," Horton said. Bloomberg (2/6)
AirTran acquisition will help Southwest expand, CEO says
Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said its acquisition of AirTran will help Southwest expand its route network. "You've got 16 more nonstop [U.S.] destinations, potentially, by the Air Tran acquisition," he said. "That will show up" faster "on the Southwest route map as compared to where we would have been had we not acquired AirTran." The Arizona Republic (Phoenix) (2/4)
Boeing orders inspections of Dreamliners
Boeing has ordered checks on the fuselage of Dreamliner 787s after finding signs of delamination. "We have this condition well-defined and we are making progress on the repair plan," said spokesman Scott Lefeber. All Nippon Airways said it would continue to fly its 787s, the only carrier with Dreamliners in service. Bloomberg (2/6)
FAA launches ERAM system at 6 more airports
The Federal Aviation Administration launched operational use of its en route automation modernization system at six airports in December and January. The airports that reached initial operating capability are in Albuquerque, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Oakland, Calif. The launch of ERAM at those locations brings the total number of airports with the system to eight. AviationWeek.com (2/3)
FAA launches ERAM system at 6 more airports
The Federal Aviation Administration launched operational use of its en route automation modernization system at six airports in December and January. The airports that reached initial operating capability are in Albuquerque, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Oakland, Calif. The launch of ERAM at those locations brings the total number of airports with the system to eight. AviationWeek.com (2/3)
House passes long-term funding for FAA
The House of Representatives on Friday passed legislation that will fund the Federal Aviation Administration through 2015. For the past eight years, the FAA has been funded by 23 short-term funding extensions. "These extensions cost the taxpayer millions of dollars, and you can't run an agency that's responsible for so much of our economy with these hiccup extensions," House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica, R-Fla. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure today. The Hill/Floor Action Blog (2/3),
Bill would make it easier for airports to hire private screeners
The Senate is scheduled to consider a bill today that would allow airports to hire private companies to screen travelers. Under the legislation, the Transportation Security Administration could block private screeners only if it could show that they would weaken security and would not be cost-effective. "They've been trying to force the door open for several years," said Jeff Price, a Denver-based consultant. "It reverses the burden of proof. It is definitely trying to checkmate the TSA." The House approved the legislation last week. Bloomberg (2/6)
