January 2009 Archives

Statement of Attribution to Capt. Paul Onorato, CAPA President

"The Coalition of Airline Pilot Associations (CAPA) Safety Council has weighed in with an opinion to the Dec. 24, 2008 lawsuit filed in the Washington federal appellate court by seven US carriers (American, Continental, Atlas Air, Evergreen Intl., JetBlue, United and US Airways), concerning FAA OpSpec A332. The CAPA Safety Council is of the opinion that the current proposed FAA guidelines contain substantive improvements in addressing flight crew fatigue that must be supported. Ultra long haul flying requires an appropriate number of crew in properly staffed positions to guard against the debilitating physiological effects of fatigue. To this end, the council retains its technical objection to the crew compliments referred to in the draft OpSpec. The Council believes, however, there are a number of elements to the proposed guidelines that embrace scientifically-based and widely accepted views on effective fatigue risk management and opposes the lawsuit as filed."

CAPA is a trade association comprised of over 23,000 professional pilots. CAPA's purpose is to address safety, security, legislative and regulatory issues affecting the professional flight deck crew member on matters of common interest to the individual member unions. More information is available at www.capapilots.org.

 
 
SOURCE The Coalition of Airline Pilot Associations

You really can buy me LUV! Take advantage of low fares from Southwest Airlines to whisk away your sweetie while keeping the cost cheap! Southwest is announcing a nationwide fare sale. Fares are available as low as $49 one-way for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or $59 one-way for travel Thursdays through Mondays when purchased by Feb. 19, 2009. These fares are available on southwest.com only and require 14-day advance purchase for travel by May 20, 2009. To get these special online fares, click here. Examples of fares include (see Additional Fare Rules below):

$49 one-way between Dallas Love Field and New Orleans
$69 one-way between Denver and Seattle-Tacoma
$89 one-way between Baltimore/Washington and Houston Hobby

Southwest Airlines is also offering outrageously low fares between specific cities for travel Mondays through Thursdays or Saturdays. Customers can travel within the Northeast from Baltimore/Washington for $49 one-way or flee the Windy City (Chicago) and head to California for only $99 one-way. Customers also can go west or northwest from Phoenix for $49 to $99 one-way. These fares are available on southwest.com only and require 14-day advance purchase for travel by May 20, 2009. To get these special online fares, click here. Examples of fares include (see Additional Fare Rules below):

$49 one-way between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Chicago Midway (service begins March 8, 2009)
$49 one-way between Baltimore/Washington and Pittsburgh
$99 one-way between Chicago Midway and Los Angeles

After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to differentiate itself from other airlines--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. At Southwest Airlines, fees don't fly. Customers can check their first two bags for free (size and weight limits apply), there are no change fees (you must rebook if your plans change, which could cost more, but we have no additional change fees), no fees for a window or aisle seat, and, as always, snacks, sodas, and smiles are all complimentary!

Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience. Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young all Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities (with service to Minneapolis/St. Paul starting March 8, 2009) in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide.

ADDITIONAL FARE RULES

Fares are only available on www.southwest.com. Southwest Airlines fare sales are available with a 14-day advance purchase Jan. 27, 2009, through Feb. 19, 2009, 11:59 PST, and travel must take place between Feb. 10, 2009, and May 20, 2009. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.60 per takeoff and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9.00 and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $5.00 one-way. Travel to/from Florida, Orange County, Calif., or Washington, D.C. (Dulles), not included in either sale. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares are available for one-way travel. Fares may be combined with other combinable fares. Fares are not combinable with Senior Fares. When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply. Fares are nonrefundable by may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines. Fares are not available through the Group Desk. Any change in the itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel requires an upgrade to the Anytime fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Fares are valid on published, scheduled service only.

www.southwest.com

 
 
SOURCE Southwest Airlines

-- JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT) announced today that its JBT AeroTech business has been awarded a new airport services contract with the City of Houston, Texas. The three year contract, with options for an additional two years, is expected to generate in excess of $7.5 million in revenue over the initial three years of the contract.

JBT AeroTech will provide comprehensive gate and baggage handling maintenance services for the equipment that the Houston Airport System owns at George Bush International Airport/Houston (IAH) and at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). JBT AeroTech will also implement a customized Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to provide improved maintenance efficiency and reliability.

"We are pleased to expand our presence in Houston through this new contract," said John Lee, Vice President and Division Manager for JBT AeroTech. "With this agreement, the Houston Airport System is partnering with JBT to ensure their airports continue to lead the region in customer satisfaction and operating efficiency."

JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT) is a leading global technology solutions provider to the food processing and air transportation industries. JBT Corporation designs, manufactures, tests and services technologically sophisticated systems and products for regional and multi-national industrial food processing customers through its JBT FoodTech segment and for domestic and international air transportation customers through its JBT AeroTech segment. JBT Corporation employs approximately 3,400 people worldwide and operates sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations located in over 25 countries. For more information please visit http://www.jbtcorporation.com or http://www.jbtaerotech.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Company's ability to control. These risks and uncertainties are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission that may be accessed on the Company's website. The Company cautions shareholders and prospective investors that actual results may differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements.

 
 
SOURCE JBT Corporation

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) applauded today's confirmation of former Congressman Ray LaHood to be the new U.S. Secretary of Transportation and a member of President Barack Obama's Cabinet.

At his confirmation hearing, Secretary LaHood showed that he was prepared to lead the Department in tackling a myriad of issues, including those faced by the air transportation sector.

"We look forward to working with Secretary LaHood and the Department of Transportation to help them reach their goals," said Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and CEO.

Continental appreciates the leadership demonstrated today by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, as she focused Secretary LaHood's attention to the issue of airport slot auctions, which were proposed in the prior administration as a misguided solution for the issue of air traffic congestion. In fact, they would likely increase passenger costs and decrease passenger service, particularly to small communities.

In responding to Sen. Hutchison's question, Secretary LaHood acknowledged that the prior administration's misguided proposal for auctions in the New York/New Jersey airports would not reduce congestion, a viewpoint shared by Sen. Hutchison and many in the Congress and in the aviation community.

Continental applauded Secretary LaHood's view that transportation programs need "to link decision-making to performance at all levels. This will require a new commitment to measuring performance in real time."

Continental also strongly agrees with Secretary LaHood's focus on meeting the needs of the customer:

"In aviation, it means a commitment to the end user of our aviation system: the passenger," Secretary LaHood testified. "An aviation system that focuses on the safety, convenience and confidence of the traveling public will be a successful system."

 
 
SOURCE Continental Airlines
 

Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) expects to record several special items during the fourth quarter of 2008 totaling $170 million of expense ($234 million of expense for the full year 2008). Special gains (charges) for the three months ending Dec. 31, 2008, and for full year 2008, are as follows (in millions):

                                                        Three Months          Year
                                                               Ended             Ended
                                                           Dec. 31, 2008    Dec. 31, 2008
                                               -------------    -------------

    Pension plan settlement charges                $(44)           $(52)
    Aircraft related charges, net of gains on
     sales                                                          5             (40)
    Severance                                                   (1)            (34)
    Route impairment and other                           -              (55)
                                                                      ----            ----
          Subtotal operating special charges       $(40)          $(181)

    Loss on fuel contract with bankrupt
     counterparty                                          $(125)          $(125)
    Gain on sale of COPA Holdings                     -              78
    Write-down in value of auction rate
     securities, net                                            (5)            (34)
                                                                       ----            ----
          Subtotal non-operating special items    $(130)         $(81)

    Income tax credit                                           -              28
                                                                       ----            ----
                            Total                                $(170)         $(234)
                                                  =====           =====

Pension plan settlement charges. The pension plan settlement charges relate to lump-sum distributions from Continental's pilot-only frozen defined benefit plan as a result of a number of retirements from the capacity reductions in 2008. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 88, "Employer's Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits," requires the use of settlement accounting if, for a given year, lump sum distributions exceed the total of the service cost and interest cost components of current year's pension expense for the plan. Under settlement accounting, unrecognized plan gains or losses must be recognized in the current period in proportion to the percentage reduction of the plan's projected benefit obligation from these lump sum distributions. Continental recognized $44 million and $52 million of unrecognized plan losses for the fourth quarter and full year 2008, respectively.

Aircraft related charges, net of gains on sales. Continental announced a decision in June 2008 to retire all of its Boeing 737-300 aircraft and a significant portion of its Boeing 737-500 aircraft by the end of 2009. During the fourth quarter, the company sold two owned 737-500 aircraft and arranged for the sale of three other 737-500 leased aircraft for a net gain of $7 million. This gain was partially offset by a $2 million charge for future lease costs associated with one 737-300 leased aircraft that was permanently grounded in the fourth quarter, as well as other settlements on grounded aircraft, which resulted in a net special gain of $5 million for the quarter. For the full year 2008, the net special charge consists of $37 million of impairment of owned 737-300 and 737-500 aircraft and related assets, a non-cash charge of $14 million to write down spare parts and supplies for the related fleets to the lower of cost or net realizable value, and $14 million of charges for future lease costs on permanently grounded 737-300 aircraft, partially offset by $25 million of gains on the sale of ten 737-500 aircraft.

Severance. In conjunction with the company's capacity reductions announced in June 2008, Continental incurred $34 million in costs for severance and continuing medical coverage benefits for employees accepting early retirement packages or company-offered leaves of absence during 2008 ($1 million of which was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2008). Approximately 3,000 positions were eliminated as a result of the capacity reductions, the majority of which were implemented in September 2008.

Impairment and other. During the full year 2008, the company also recorded $55 million of special charges, which included an $18 million non-cash charge to write off an intangible route asset as a result of its decision to move its London-Newark Liberty flights from London Gatwick Airport to London Heathrow Airport, $14 million of charges related to future rents for leased space at locations that are no longer expected to be used or subleased, a $9 million charge for reimbursements to ExpressJet of certain costs related to capacity reductions, and $14 million of other one-time costs.

Loss on fuel contracts with bankrupt counterparty. The parent company of one of the counterparties to several of the company's fuel derivative contracts declared bankruptcy on Sept. 15, 2008 (and the counterparty subsequently declared bankruptcy on Oct. 3, 2008). The derivative contracts with this counterparty largely consisted of crude oil collars (comprised of option contracts with both call and put options) that extended through March 2009. The company determined that its fuel derivative contracts with this counterparty were no longer considered highly-effective hedges and has recorded subsequent changes in the fair value of the contracts since that determination date (of Sept. 15, 2008) as part of nonoperating income (expense). The total amount of the loss recorded during the fourth quarter as a result of changes to the fair value of the contracts was $125 million. In January of 2009, Continental terminated all the derivative contracts with this bankrupt counterparty.

Gain on sale of COPA Holdings. Continental sold all of its remaining interest in Copa Holdings, S.A. in May 2008 for net proceeds of $149 million and recognized a gain of $78 million.

Write-down in value of auction rate securities, net. Continental recorded a loss of $60 million during 2008 ($31 million during the fourth quarter) to reflect an other-than-temporary decline in the value of company-held student loan related auction rate securities. Separately, during the fourth quarter, one institution granted Continental a put right permitting the company to sell its auction rate securities with a par value of $125 million in 2010 at their full par value. The company recorded a gain of $26 million during the fourth quarter for this put right. The write-down, net of the gain on the put right, was $5 million during the fourth quarter and $34 million for the full year 2008.

Income tax credit. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, Continental recorded a non-cash income tax credit of $28 million resulting from the higher utilization of net operating loss carryforwards than had previously been anticipated.

Continental will conduct a quarterly telephone briefing to discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2008 results and the company's financial and operating outlook with the financial community and news media on Jan. 29, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. CT/ 10:30 a.m. ET.

Corporate Background

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,800 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 135 domestic and 132 international destinations. More than 675 additional points are served via alliance partners. With more than 42,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 67 million passengers per year. Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For more company information, visit continental.com.

 
 
SOURCE Continental Airlines
 

The Boeing Company's (NYSE: BA) Washington-based employees provided holiday gifts for thousands of people in need during the company's Spirit of the Holidays drive, held in November and December 2008.

During the charitable drive, Boeing works with community partners who screen and select clients requesting assistance. Aware of the growing community hardship in Washington state, Boeing employees bestowed holiday gifts for 736 underprivileged families, 910 seniors and 3,012 foster children.

The Spirit of the Holidays drive also offered employees a new e-giving option in 2008. The online system was a huge hit with employees and raised an additional $126,000 to buy gifts for hundreds of children in foster care with the state's Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

Boeing employees continually open their hearts and wallets for those in need, despite the downturn in the U.S. economy, said Fred Kiga, Boeing vice president of State and Local Government Relations and Northwest Global Corporate Citizenship.

"Boeing Puget Sound employees have a solid reputation when it comes to stepping up in support of our local communities," Kiga said. "The Spirit of the Holidays drive provides ways for Boeing employees to make a positive difference in the lives of others who might not otherwise receive holiday gifts. Because our employees 'adopted' participants and filled their wish lists, thousands of people had a much brighter holiday this winter."

Randy Hart, interim assistant secretary, Children's Administration, DSHS, thanked Boeing Puget Sound employees for their dedication to communities in the state.

"During these very difficult economic times, this is a generous and wonderful contribution from Boeing workers that benefited thousands of foster children," said Hart. "Boeing has been supportive of this agency in many ways. The company and its employees are valued partners in supporting Washington state's most vulnerable children, and we thank you for all you've done."

     Contact: Kevan Goff-Parker, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications,
              +1 206-321-2178

    More information:http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/community/

 
 
SOURCE Boeing
 

"With the Power of an Education, the Sky is the Limit" is the new Southwest Airlines advertising campaign launched today in print, radio, and the internet to celebrate Black History Month. Southwest also created a link where Customers can learn more about the educational organizations the airline supports at www.southwest.com/blackhistory

"For more than 30 years, Southwest Airlines has been committed to education and the creation of new opportunities in our communities," said Marian Thompson, Southwest Airlines segment marketing specialist. "Black History month is not just a 30 day celebration at Southwest; it's an all year pledge to our core values." That's why we celebrate Black History all year round by supporting the potential of tomorrow's leaders through education related partnerships.

Southwest Airlines' long heritage of serving the African American community stems from the Company's commitment to diversity at all levels. With more than 30 community based organizations as partners, an active Corporate Community Affairs department, and a diverse workforce, Southwest Airlines empowers its message with true action.

Ads will run in several mediums, including Ebony, Essence and Black Enterprise, with a portrait of a young African American student dreaming of a bright future. To see the ad link to:

http://www.southwest.com/images/swamedia/0109_blackhistorymonth.jpg

The title "The Sky is the Limit" exemplifies how Southwest Airlines understands how dreams can be accomplished through education. The campaign was created by Austin based agency, GSD & M, Idea City.

After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to differentiate itself from other airlines --offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience.

Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with premium all leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young, all-Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest even more convenient and simple. Also, fees don't efly with us. Southwest has no first or second checked bag fees, no change fees, no fuel surcharges, no snacks fees, no aisle or window seat fees, no curbside check-in fees, no phone reservations fees.

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees system wide.

www.southwest.com/blackhistory

 SOURCE Southwest Airline

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, contributed to the nation's security by boosting a classified spy satellite for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Jan. 17. The satellite was onboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket, powered by three Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 engines and one upper-stage RL10B-2 engine. It was the second operational mission for a Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle. This was the 716th launch of a Delta vehicle under Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's power. The first Delta IV was launched in 2002.

"We're proud to be part of a mission that will ensure the safety and security of our nation," said Craig Stoker, RS-68 program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. "This was a critical payload and as always, our goal is 100 percent mission success."

The upper-stage RL10B-2 helped place the satellite into orbit. "This engine has over 40 years of flight performance with the highest reliability of any cryogenic upper-stage engine in the world," said Jeff Flenniken, RL10B-2 program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. "It's an honor knowing that reliability is the preferred choice in our nation's security."

The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office is responsible for operating overhead reconnaissance missions for the Department of Defense and the intelligence community.

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

    Bryan Kidder                   Carri Karuhn
    Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne     Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne
    818 586-2213                   818 586-4963
    bryan.kidder@pwr.utc.com       carri.karuhn@pwr.utc.com

 
 
SOURCE Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
 
                                                       

JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT) announced today that JBT AeroTech has been awarded the maintenance service contract for Orange County, California's John Wayne Airport. The contract is for three years and is expected to generate in excess of $13 million in revenue over the life of the contract. The contract also includes an option to extend for two additional one year periods.

The scope of the contract includes monitoring and maintaining all passenger boarding bridges, pre-conditioned air units, aircraft ground power units and baggage handling systems at the airport. JBT AeroTech, a former wholly owned FMC Technologies' subsidiary, has been providing John Wayne Airport with maintenance and management services since 1992.

"We are pleased to extend our long running and mutually beneficial relationship with Orange County," said John Lee, Vice President and Division Manager for JBT AeroTech. "With this new agreement, the John Wayne Airport will continue to lead the region in customer satisfaction and operating efficiency."

JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT) is a leading global technology solutions provider to the food processing and air transportation industries. JBT Corporation designs, manufactures, tests and services technologically sophisticated systems and products for regional and multi-national industrial food processing customers through its JBT FoodTech segment and for domestic and international air transportation customers through its JBT AeroTech segment. JBT Corporation employs approximately 3,400 people worldwide and operates sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations located in over 25 countries. For more information please visit http://www.jbtcorporation.com or http://www.jbtaerotech.com.

 
 
SOURCE JBT Corporation
 

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) awarded Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne $12 million for the first phase of a contract to design, build, integrate, and test a prototype Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) that will power two different types of kinetic vehicles on missile interceptors. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company.

The Commonality Pathfinder DACS, as part of the Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV) program, will allow the MDA to conduct controlled-flight hover tests on its two kinetic vehicles. The Pathfinder DACS will use existing Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne propulsion system technology, which will significantly lower development risk, cost and time.

"The Pathfinder DACS will allow the Missile Defense Agency to test the avionics, software and sensor capabilities of the kinetic vehicles, simulating the conditions of flight and demonstrating its ability to seek and destroy incoming ballistic missile targets," said Bruce Janeski, MKV Commonality Pathfinder program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne.

The Pathfinder DACS will be designed with a high-precision propulsion system capable of positioning kinetic vehicles to destroy multiple incoming ballistic missiles and countermeasures. The first test of the Pathfinder DACS is scheduled for mid 2010, while hover tests on the two kinetic vehicle designs are scheduled for 2011. The tests will be conducted at the National Hover Test Facility at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

    Bryan Kidder                     Carri Karuhn
    Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne       Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne
    818 586-2213                     818 586-4963
    bryan.kidder@pwr.utc.com         carri.karuhn@pwr.utc.com

 
 
SOURCE Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
 

In a major setback for plans to expand Chicago O'Hare Airport, the Illinois appeals court on Thursday prevented the razing of the northeast part of the nearby Village of Bensenville. Beginning in 2005, the City of Chicago forced some 500 families out of their homes in anticipation of the $20 billion O'Hare Modernization Program, and was planning to bulldoze the empty houses, despite severe consequences to public health as a result of the destruction.

Village President John Geils called it a victory for hard working residents, "On top of commandeering our neighborhoods, the City of Chicago has been planning to risk the health and safety of Bensenville residents. The city's planned actions are reckless and deplorable, and the Illinois Court of Appeals is right to stop them."

Work on the O'Hare expansion has not begun and funding for the $20 billion project has not been secured. FAA studies show that the expansion will not provide any significant improvement of airline delays at O'Hare. Aviation experts say that OMP will instead produce massive delays and increase costs for both consumers and airlines during and after initial construction. In addition, the airlines, including United Airlines and American Airlines, have called the OMP plan "ill-conceived" and "premature."

"The real story here is that OMP is nothing more than a $20 billion, taxpayer funded slush fund for politicians and their friends," says Geils. "The simple fact is that OMP is a runway to nowhere."

www.stop-omp.org is dedicated to stopping the senseless, ill-advised and flawed O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP) and preventing further unnecessary displacement of families and waste of taxpayer dollars. Community leaders, concerned citizens, aviation industry leaders and economic experts continue to urge the FAA to adopt viable alternatives. These include runway configurations proposed by the Chicago air traffic controllers, use of congestion management techniques, reliance on other nearby airports, and construction of a third airport.

 
 
SOURCE www.stop-omp.org
 

Escape Pass is easiest way ever to make a clean getaway across North America

Air Canada today launched its new 'Escape Pass', giving customers the opportunity to make multiple getaways affordably across North America.

"With the temperatures outdoors falling as fast as the snowflakes there are already plenty of incentives to get away, but Air Canada's new 'Escape Pass' is the best reason yet. The 'Escape Pass is attractively priced for leisure travellers and offers customers a wide choice of North American destinations," said Charles McKee, Vice President of Marketing at Air Canada. "Getting away has never been this good, especially with Air Canada's refurbished North American fleet. Each aircraft features new interiors and personalized, seatback digital audio-visual systems with hundreds of hours of in-flight entertainment and a power plug at every seat."

On sale in Canada and the U.S. today until January 28, 2009, and good for travel on Air Canada and Jazz between January 15 and May 3, 2009, the 'Escape Pass' is ideal for leisure travellers because it provides flexibility, ease of booking, plus Aeroplan Miles. Available in packages of four or eight one-way trips and valid for either three days (Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday) or seven days of the week, the 'Escape Pass' starts at as little as C$520 for two return trips.

In addition, customers who purchase the 'Escape Pass' have the option to buy a special bonus pass for $199 (C$ or US$) per person for travel to select International destinations (London, Paris, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Lima or Hong Kong).The bonus pass is on sale from January 6 to March 31, 2009 and valid for travel between April 14 and June 15, 2009.

In Canada, the 'Escape Pass' is sold by zones corresponding to each of the country's four main regions -- The Atlantic, Central, Prairie and West/North. For each zone there are four variations of the pass - Domestic, Domestic Plus, Transborder and Transborder Plus - allowing travel within and to neighboring zones or across Canada and the USA. In the U.S., the 'Escape Pass' is available for an Eastern Zone, Western Zone or all North America, starting as low as US$760.

Learn more about how to select and use Air Canada's Flight Passes at www.aircanada.com.

About Air Canada

Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz operate more non-stop flights within Canada and to the United States than any other airline. Within Canada, the carriers operate more than 1,000 non-stop flights per day on 131 routes to and from 63 airports. Between Canada and the United States, the carriers operate more than 440 non-stop fights per day on 92 routes to and from 55 U.S. and seven Canadian destinations - the most of any carrier between Canada and the United States.

 
 
SOURCE AIR CANADA
 

January: Enter for a chance to win a vacation to any Sandals Resort in Jamaica, valued over $6,000!

 For the first time ever, in celebration of all the amazing destinations offered worldwide by United Vacations, a brand-new Vacation Giveaway Program has launched for 2009 called "See the World". Every month, United Vacations will be giving away one fabulous vacation package to a destination from their extensive line-up, which includes popular vacation destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, US cities, Europe and Canada.

Featuring none other than the top names in travel, most packages will include complimentary items such as roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations at high-end resorts, spa treatments, dinners, Theme Park Tickets and a whole lot more. And since each package will showcase the flavor of the types of unique experiences one can have when planning a vacation with United Vacations, the program offers a great way for vacationers to quite literally see the world.

Visitors to the United Vacations website at http://www.unitedvacations.com can check back every month to enter for a chance to win. They can also sign up to receive United Vacations weekly emails, which will include updates on the giveaway of the month, winner postings and even testimonials from the winners themselves. And if they're really passionate about winning, they can always forward to a friend or family member so they too can enter and increase their chances of winning.

To kick off the program, January's vacation package giveaway is to Jamaica. Valued at over $6,000, the package includes roundtrip airfare for two, a 7-night hotel stay at a Sandals Resort of their choice, airport/resort transfers and 24-hour customer support for all of their vacation needs. Anyone age 21 or older may enter for a chance to win at unitedvacations.com. Entries must be received by January 31, 2009. Winner will be posted on unitedvacations.com on or around February 15, 2009.

Vacations can be purchased online at http://www.unitedvacations.com, by calling 888-328-6877 or by contacting a local travel agent.

United Vacations' America, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and Ski programs are operated by The Mark Travel Corporation in Milwaukee, one of the largest vacation companies and operators of private-label brands in the United States.

 
 
SOURCE United Vacations

 ACE Aviation Holdings Inc. ("ACE") announced today that it intends to terminate the registration of its Class A variable voting shares and Class B voting shares (together, the "Shares") under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").

Pursuant to Rule 12h-6 under the Exchange Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") permits a foreign private issuer to terminate the registration of a class of securities under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act if it meets certain requirements. ACE will today file a Form 15F with the SEC to terminate the registration of the Shares. The termination will become effective 90 days after filing the Form 15F, or within a shorter period as the SEC may determine, unless the Form 15F is earlier withdrawn by ACE or denied by the SEC. ACE intends to continue filing reports under the Exchange Act until such time as it determines such reports are no longer required to be filed.

 
 
SOURCE ACE AVIATION HOLDINGS INC.

Frontier Airlines announces four-day sale with fares as low as $49* each way

Frontier Airlines is helping to cure those post-holiday blues by saving you some green. The airline today announced a sale that will get you to destinations across the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica. The Denver-based airline is holding a four-day sale starting today, Jan. 5, 2009. Flyers can take advantage of fares as low as $49* each way. Sale-priced tickets must be purchased by 9:59 p.m. MST on Jan. 8, 2009 for travel through June 10, 2009.

In addition to the sale fares, Frontier is also giving its customers the ability to choose a fare that best meets their traveling needs. AirFairs, the Company's new fare structure, gives the customer a choice between three fare types - Classic Plus, Classic, and Economy - each with varying levels of amenities.

Classic Plus: Refundable ticket, advanced premium seating, same-day flight change, two checked bags, 150% EarlyReturns(R) mileage credit, and complimentary in-flight DIRECTV(R) among other amenities.
Classic: Advanced priority seating, two checked bags, 125% EarlyReturns(R) mileage credit, and complimentary in-flight DIRECTV(R) among other amenities.
Economy: Seat selection at check-in and 100% EarlyReturns(R) mileage credit.

Frontier's flyers can enjoy 24 channels of DIRECTV, a choice of three pay-per-view movies and the comfort of traveling aboard one of the youngest fleets in the industry. For a complete list of fares to all of Frontier's destinations, please visit FrontierAirlines.com. Frontier's fares for this four-day sale are listed below.

             Fares listed are each way. Purchase is required by
               Jan. 8, 2009 for travel through June 10, 2009.*

    To/from Denver:            Classic Plus     Classic     Economy

    Akron (Cleveland area)           $189        $139        $119
    Albuquerque                       $99         $69         $49
    Aspen                            $149        $119         $99
    Atlanta                          $199        $149        $129
    Austin                           $129         $89         $69
    Billings                         $139        $109         $89
    Boise                            $159        $119         $99
    Bozeman                          $139        $109         $89
    Chicago (MDW)                    $149        $109         $89
    Colorado Springs                 $109         $79         $59
    Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW)           $149        $109         $89
    Dayton                           $189        $139        $119

    To/from Denver:             Classic Plus     Classic     Economy

    Detroit                          $199        $149        $129
    Durango                          $139        $109         $89
    El Paso                          $149        $119         $99
    Fargo                            $169        $129        $109
    Grand Junction                   $129         $99         $79
    Houston (IAH)                    $139         $99         $79
    Indianapolis                     $129         $89         $69
    Jackson Hole                     $149        $119         $99
    Kansas City                      $109         $79         $59
    Las Vegas                        $119         $89         $69
    Los Angeles                      $139         $99         $79
    Milwaukee                        $169        $129        $109
    Minneapolis/St. Paul             $159        $119         $99
    Nashville                        $159        $109         $89
    New York (LGA)                   $209        $159        $139
    Oklahoma City                    $109         $79         $59
    Omaha                             $99         $69         $49
    Orange County                    $149        $109         $89
    Philadelphia                     $199        $149        $129
    Phoenix                          $119         $89         $69
    Portland                         $139         $99         $79
    Rapid City                       $139        $109         $89
    Sacramento                       $139         $99         $79
    Salt Lake City                    $99         $69         $49
    San Antonio                      $139         $99         $79
    San Diego                        $139         $99         $79
    San Francisco                    $149        $109         $89
    San Jose, Calif.                 $139         $99         $79
    Seattle/Tacoma                   $159        $109         $89
    Spokane                          $179        $139        $119
    St. Louis                        $139         $99         $79
    Steamboat Springs/Hayden         $119         $89         $69
    Tucson                           $149        $119         $99
    Washington, DC (DCA)             $219        $169        $149
    Wichita                          $139        $109         $89

International Fares (AirFairs pricing does not apply)

             Fares listed are each way.  Round trip purchase is
               required by Jan. 8, 2009 for travel through June
                                  10, 2009.*
    To/from Denver:

    Cabo San Lucas                           $139
    Cancun                                   $149
    Cozumel                                  $149
    Mazatlan                                 $129
    San Jose, Costa Rica                     $199

All: Fares shown are off peak travel and 14 day advance purchase is required through 6/10/09. Tickets must be booked and paid for by 9:59 pm MST, 1/8/09. Fares do not include passenger facility fees of up to $9 each-way, the September 11th Security Fee of up to $5 each-way or fees of $3.60 per segment. A segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing. Fares to/From Alaska do not include arrival/departure tax of $8 each way. Seats are limited and certain flights and/or days of travel may be unavailable at these prices, especially during busy travel periods. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, but may be reissued for up to a $150 change fee (depending on the fare type purchased) plus any applicable difference in fare so long as your flight segment(s) is cancelled prior to scheduled departure time, otherwise the ticket(s) and all monies will be forfeited. Previously purchased tickets may not be exchanged for these special fare tickets. If you choose to purchase an Economy ticket through our Reservations Center or at a Frontier airport location, there will be a $25 ticketing service fee. Fares and schedules are subject to change without notice and other restrictions may apply. Based on January 2009 schedule some flights are operated by Lynx Aviation.

*US: Fares shown are each way for off peak travel. Off-peak travel is Tuesday-Wednesday. Fares slightly higher other days of the week. Blackout dates of 2/13 and 2/16/09; 3/6-3/8, 3/13-3/15, 3/20-3/22, and 3/27-3/29/09; 4/3-4/5, 4/10-4/11, and 4/13/09; 5/21-5/22, and 5/25/09 apply. Seasonal service to from Steamboat Springs, Hayden ends on April 21, 2009. Seasonal Service to/from Anchorage begins May 8, 2009. Seasonal service to/from Jackson Hole begins May 14, 2009.

**Mexico/Costa Rica: Fares shown are each way based on round trip purchase for off peak travel. Off-peak travel is valid to/from Mexico/Costa Rica, Monday through Thursday based on date of international flight segment. Blackout dates to Mexico/Costa Rica 2/13-14/09; 3/6-3/7, 3/13-3/15, 3/20-3/22, and 3/27-3/28/09; 5/22-5/23, and 5/30/09; and 6/6/09 and From Mexico/Costa Rica 2/16 and 21-22/09; 3/14-3/15, 3/21-3/23, and 3/28-3/30/09; 4/4-4/5/09; 5/25-5/26 and 5/30-5/31/09; and 6/6/09 apply. Service to/from Mexico/Costa Rica may be less than daily. Maximum stay for Mexico travel is 120 days; For Costa Rica travel maximum stay is 90 days. All international fares are subject to U.S. arrival and departure taxes and agricultural, immigrations and customs fees of up to $55 round-trip are not included in the fare amount. For travel to some countries, additional airport, transportation, embarkation, security, and passenger service taxes/surcharges of up to $175 will apply depending on destination. For return travel from some countries, fares do not include airport and/or departure taxes of up to $45, which may be collected by the foreign government. Seasonal service to/from Mazatlan ends on April 21, 2009. Passports are required for international travel.

About Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc.

Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Denver-based Frontier Airlines. Currently in its 15th year of operations, Frontier Airlines is the second-largest jet service carrier at Denver International Airport, employing more than 5,000 aviation professionals. Frontier Airlines' mainline operation has 52 aircraft with one of the youngest Airbus fleets in North America. Frontier Airlines' mainline operations offer 24 channels of DIRECTV(R) service in every seatback along with a comfortable all-coach configuration. In conjunction with a fleet of ten Bombardier Q400 aircraft operated by Lynx Aviation (a subsidiary of Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc.), Frontier offers routes to more than 50 destinations in the U.S., Mexico and Costa Rica. In addition, Frontier and AirTran Airways operate a first-of-its-kind integrated marketing partnership that offers travelers the ability to reach more than 80 destinations across four countries with low fares, aboard two of the youngest fleets in the industry. For more in-depth information on Frontier Airlines, please visit its Web site at FrontierAirlines.com.

 
 
SOURCE Frontier Airlines
 

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), will be sending more than 50 of its Crew Members to volunteer with Habitat Orlando today on its biggest homebuilding effort to date: Staghorn Villas, an $8 million townhome community that will provide affordable housing for 58 local families.

The development, located on a 3.9-acre plot of land at Silver Star Road and LeHavre Boulevard in Orlando, is slated for completion in spring 2011.

Over the next three years, donations from both the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) and Siemens will help Habitat Orlando purchase standard "green" features, making the entire Staghorn Villas community more energy-efficient. Additionally, OUC will provide more than 870 compact florescent light bulbs and upgrade all lighting systems throughout the community.

"AirTran Airways has been a community partner in Orlando for many years, and our Crew Members are passionate about giving back to the people of this city," said Bob Fornaro, chairman, president and CEO of AirTran Airways. "For the second consecutive year, we are proud to support Habitat Orlando and their important mission of building affordable housing."

"We are appreciative of all our volunteers, donors and partners who are helping to ensure that Orlando families have a comfortable place to call home," said Dee Danmeyer, executive director of Habitat Orlando.

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), a Fortune 1000 company, is ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study. The airline offers coast-to-coast flights, North America's newest all-Boeing fleet, friendly service and Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit http://www.airtran.com.

    Media Contact:  AirTran Airways
                    Tad Hutcheson
                    Judy Graham-Weaver
                    Cynthia Tinsley-Douglas
                    678.254.7442

 
 
SOURCE AirTran Airways

Ring in the New Year by Booking a Vacation with Southwest Airlines

This year, make one New Year's resolution you can actually keep! Vow to get super low fares on all your travel with Southwest Airlines. Southwest is announcing a nationwide fare sale. Fares are available as low as $49 one-way for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or $59 one-way for travel Thursdays through Mondays when purchased by Jan. 19, 2009. These fares are available on southwest.com only and require 14-day advance purchase for travel beginning Jan. 15, 2009, through April 30, 2009. To get these special online fares, go to: http://www.southwest.com/?src=PRPRPRNSALE000000090101.

Examples of fares include (see Fare Rules below):

$49 one-way between Denver and Salt Lake City.
$49 one-way between Houston Hobby and New Orleans.
$59 one-way between Chicago Midway and Long Island/Islip.
$69 one-way between Nashville and Philadelphia.
$99 one-way between Phoenix and San Francisco International.

After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to differentiate itself from other airlines--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. At Southwest Airlines, fees don't fly. Customers can check their first two bags for free (size and weight limits apply), there are no change fees, no fees for a window or aisle seat, and, as always, snacks, sodas, and smiles are all complimentary!

Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience. Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young all Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities (with service to Minneapolis/St. Paul starting in March 2009) in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide.

FARE RULES

Southwest Airlines sale fares are available Jan. 1, 2009, through Jan. 19, 2009, and travel must take place between Jan. 15, 2009, and April 30, 2009. Fares are only available on www.southwest.com. Travel to/from Florida, Orange County, Calif., or Washington, D.C. (Dulles), not included in this sale. Fares are available one-way. All tickets must be purchased 14 days in advance. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Any change in the itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.60 per takeoff and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9.00 and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $5.00 one-way. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Tickets are nonrefundable but (except for tickets purchased through our Group Tickets program), if unused, may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines. Fares are valid on Southwest-operated published, scheduled service only.

www.southwest.com

 
 
SOURCE Southwest Airlines