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OPENING OF NEW AIRPORT FOR BERLIN IS DELAYED
The opening of the newest German airport, Berlin-Brandenburg, originally scheduled for June 3, must be delayed due to fire safety issues. This facility is expected to handle 27 million passengers annually, when the two other Berlin Airports, Scheonefeld and Tegel are shut down sometime this year. (News.Airwise.com, May 8 )
NEW AMENITIES FOR AIRPORT LOUNGES
 Throughout the world airlines are renovating and updating their clubs and lounges to expand appeal and attract more travelers. These exclusive spaces offer respite from the hustle and bustle of the often crowded concourse waiting areas, with comfortable seating, Internet access, delicious food and beverages in a quiet private area. Airport lounges, reserved in the past for only elite club members and first and business class travelers are now available for a fee to any passenger ticketed on the carrier hosting the club. (USAToday.com, April 10) |
AIRPORT AND AIRLINE UPDATES
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Milwaukee’s General Mitchell Airport continues to grow. The General Mitchell Airport recorded its busiest month ever in July. Mitchell was the only U.S. airport among the top 30 fastest-growing airports worldwide. (USAToday.com, Sept. 20)
Lufthansa adds Airbus A380 flights. The Airbus A380 is the world’s largest passenger jet. Lufthansa launched A380 flights earlier this month between Frankfurt and Beijing Capital International Airport. (USAToday.com, Sept. 20)
Alaska Airlines adds Sacramento flights to Mexico. Alaska Airlines begins nonstop service to Guadalajara from Sacramento International Airport on Dec. 16. Alaska Airlines now flies into cities all across Mexico. (Sacramento.bizjournals.com, Sept. 20)
NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES INT’l AIRPORT TO OPEN
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The first new airport to be built in the U.S. since 2001 is 95% complete and scheduled to open for business in May. Located in Panama City, FL, this airport is more of a real estate project than part of a broader transportation plan. The airport is sponsored by a major Florida developer, attempting to create a new destination in an attractive region of barrier islands, wetlands and beaches. (WJHG.com, April 25)
BWI unveils brand new baggage screening system
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AIR CONTROLLER STRIKES IN IRELAND
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Air traffic controllers grounded flights at Ireland’s three major airports on Jan. 20 to push for pay raises and to keep their free pension plans. More than 150 flights were canceled. The Irish Aviation Authority suspended 15 controllers without pay because they and their union, Impact, were already refusing to operate recently upgraded air traffic systems. Stay tuned. Air traffic controllers warn of further actions.
PARKING FEES AT AIRPORTS ON THE RISE
Airport Parking Fee
Parking rates are rising at airports across the country as aviation authorities and local governments seek additional revenue amid shrinking air traffic. Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports and San Diego’s Lindbergh Field announced parking price increases earlier this month, following other large airports that raised rates in the past year. They include: Minneapolis-St. Paul; Los Angeles; Honolulu; Little Rock National; St. Louis; Dallas/Fort Worth; Detroit; Boston; Pittsburgh; Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers; Indianapolis; and Portland. Parking is a huge business for U.S. airports and the largest source of non-aviation revenue. (USAToday.com, Jan. 18)
BAG FEE INCREASE
BAG FEE INCREASE
Delta has increased fees for checked bags on domestic flights for tickets bought after Jan. 5. The first bag now costs $23 and the second bag costs $32 when you check-in online. If you wait until arriving at the airport to check-in you will pay $25 and $35. Other carriers may soon follow the lead of Delta. Other airlines are sure to follow suit. Stay tuned.
Special Offers
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Emirates is enticing passengers to try its morning flights from JFK to selected international destinations with special airfares that must be purchased by Jan. 15. If you are looking to travel to South Africa, the Middle East or India at a discount call Omega now to check availability at 800 756-6342 . . . United and Southwest are engaged in competing 2 for 1 sales promotions originating from the Denver International Airport. Tickets must be purchased by Feb. 14. For details on qualifying fares and destinations call your Omega travel agent.
SCHIPHOL BUYS 60 NEW SCANNERS AFTER SECURITY BREACH
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Amsterdam airport operator Schipol Group said it would buy 60 body scannersafter a security breach in which Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a 23-year old Nigerian, was able to board a plan headed for the U.S. with a bomb hidden on his body. The airport is currently using 15 of these scanners, and just announced plans to buy 60 more. (AirWise News, Jan.5)
