Archive for April, 2010
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Thurs. April 8, 2010: The April 12th takeover of Air Jamaica by the Trinidad and Tobago-owned Caribbean Airlines has been pushed back.
Chairman of Air Jamaica, Dennis Lalor, yesterday said Jamaica`s national carrier had agreed to the extension from April 12th to April 30th.
He said this will ensure that sufficient time is devoted to completing the negotiations, which will result in the route networks of both carriers being combined.
Lalor explained that the result would be the creation of `a larger, stronger Caribbean airline to serve the region.`
`The extension is also intended to ensure a seamless launch of the operations into the transition period,` he added.
During the transition period, Air Jamaica will continue to operate its routes with its current fleet of aircraft and accompanying regulatory authorizations, said Lalor. Many of Air Jamaica employees are also expected to be utilized under the interim agreement, he added.
The transition period may last up to 12 months, says Air Jamaica`s President and CEO, Bruce Nobles, who has also assured passengers that, in the meantime, `the little piece of Jamaica still flies.`
He said that all reservations made previously and tickets purchased on Air Jamaica will continue to be honored. Additionally, all 7th Heaven frequent flyer benefits will continue and all passengers, shippers and business partners can continue to rely on Air Jamaica to provide the services they have come to expect.
`In simple terms, our customers and stakeholders will not see any visible difference in the airline, or its services during the initial transition period, as Jamaicans, visitors, shippers and travel partners can continue to book on Air Jamaica with confidence,` Nobles said.
He stated that as the routes are absorbed by Caribbean Airlines, the combined network will provide significant added value and benefits to customers and partners.
Air Jamaica will continue to provide service from Jamaica on the New York, Fort Lauderdale, Toronto, Baltimore and Philadelphia routes, with `the usual Lovebird hospitality,` Nobles promised.
Source: Caribworldnews
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin implementing new enhanced security measures for all air carriers with international flights to the U.S., according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano.
The new security protocols will apply to all passengers traveling to the U.S. and superseding the emergency measures (visitors from 14 countries) put in place following the attempted terrorist attack on December 25, 2009.
The security measures apply to all passengers on international flights directly to the U.S. worldwide. “Passengers traveling to the U.S. from international destinations may notice enhanced security and screening measures throughout the passenger check-in and boarding process which could include explosives trace detection, use of advanced imaging technology, canine teams or pat downs, among other security measures to keep air travel safe,” DHS said.
These measures supersede the list of countries of concern put in place as an emergency measure on January 3, 2010. “The enhanced security measures that are going into effect are tailored to intelligence about potential threats and are focused on all passengers from all countries,” DHS said. “They are part of a dynamic, threat based process covering all passengers traveling to the United States while focusing security measures in a more effective and efficient manner to ensure the safety and security of all those traveling by air to the United States.”
“These new measures utilize real-time, threat-based intelligence along with multiple, random layers of security, both seen and unseen, to more effectively mitigate evolving terrorist threats,” said Secretary Napolitano. “The terrorist threat to global aviation is a shared challenge and ensuring aviation security is a shared responsibility. I commend our many partners around the world who have taken steps to increase their own security measures through deployment of new technology, enhanced information sharing and stronger standards to keep air travel safe.”
Beginning April 6, Continental and TAM airlines will offer their frequent flyers more mileage opportunities through a joint agreement.
TAM Fidelidade program members will be able to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by Continental Airlines. Similarly, members of Continental’s OnePass program will be able to earn and redeem miles on TAM flights.
“Our agreement with Continental Airlines will provide immediate advantages to the passengers. We are pioneers in the introduction of an airline loyalty program in Brazil, and we are now extending benefits further with this partnership. This is another important step for our integration with Star Alliance,” declared TAM’s commercial and planning vice president, Paulo Castello Branco.
“We are proud to partner with TAM Airlines, Brazil’s leading carrier. Our partnership with TAM builds upon our increased service to Brazil and offers expanded benefits to our customers,” said Mark Erwin, Continental’s senior vice president corporate development and alliances.