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United, Continental Reservation System Merger On
Track For March
The reservation systems employed
by the merging United Airlines and Continental Airlines will be
fully integrated by the end of the first quarter. "The
conversion will take place in early March," said Jeffery
Smisek, CEO of United Continental Holdings. Analysts and other
observers have been watching the reservation system integration
carefully. It's one of the toughest tasks in an airline merger and
one that can impact customers directly. Unlike Delta and Northwest
airlines, which used the same basic technology platform before they
merged in 2008, United and Continental used different systems.
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Southwest Will Redesign, Modernize Its Jet Interiors
Southwest Airlines is redesigning its cabin
interiors to include six more seats, thinner seat cushions for
greater comfort, eco-friendly carpeting and brighter colors to
modernize its feel. Passengers will still have the same usable
space because of less-bulky cushions, and the new seats will
feature improved ergonomics for better back support. The redesign
will cost $60 million and is scheduled to be completed by the end
of 2013.
Read more...
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American Airlines Moves Entirely To Self-Service At
LAX Terminal
American Airlines has redesigned its Terminal 4
check-in at Los
Angeles International
Airport to
self-service kiosks. The carrier says it is the first airline to
change an entire lobby to self-service. The carrier has two
resolution centers to handle customer problems with the
kiosks.
Read more...
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4,000 Flights A Day Mean N.Y.
Gridlock Won't Disappear Any Time Soonrticle Headline
The New
York metropolitan area handles about
4,000 flights a day and its three major airports are bordered by
water and developed land, limiting expansion options. So, even
though steps are being taken to alleviate some congestion, the
skies above the Big Apple aren't about to magically clear up
anytime soon. "Delays in the New York area are currently
responsible for roughly 33% of the flight hold-ups across the
U.S...," Charisse Jones writes.
Read more...
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TSA No Longer Seeks Shoe-Scanning
Technology
The Transportation Security Administration is no
longer seeking a device that would allow travelers to pass through
airport security without removing their shoes. "The
shoe-scanning technology solicitation did not result in any viable
systems that meet TSA's technical or operational needs," said
TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein. "While the procurement was
canceled, TSA looks forward to continuing to work with its partners
within DHS and industry to identify the best technologies and
solutions for the security checkpoint."
Read more...
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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.
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United Continental Merger Is Making Progress, CEO
Says
United Continental is continuing to make
decisions on every aspect of the merged carrier, including coffee
and culture. "Merging two airlines is unlike merging any other
businesses because it's such a complex business, and we are so
heavily regulated," said CEO Jeff Smisek. "There's huge
technology issues, fleet issues, facilities issues, people
issues."
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TSA Announces Widescale Rollout Of Precheck
Trusted-Traveler Program
After a measured launch and rollout last year of
PreCheck, the Transportation Security Administration on Wednesday
announced plans to broadly expand the airport trusted-traveler
program this year to more than two dozen large U.S.
airports. Through PreCheck, TSA absolves some vetted frequent
flyers and members of other Department of Homeland Security
trusted-traveler programs from removing shoes, laptops, jackets and
belts during airport security screening. Though TSA still
characterizes the program as a "pilot," the expansion
represents another step toward permanence.
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Airline Odds and Ends
US Airways confirms that it is looking
into a merger with American Airlines. "We can now decide
whether it's best to operate as a standalone or to participate in
further consolidation over time, and that's what we intend to
do," said US Airways CEO Doug Parker. Delta
Air Lines is considering making an offer for US
Airways, sources say. Delta, the second-largest U.S.
airline by traffic, is also said to be studying the merits of a
merger with American Airlines. International passengers traveling
on a Boeing 757-200 operated by United Airlines will now have six
additional inches of legroom if they fly Economy Plus. The carrier
says it has installed the new seating for all of its international
routes, including the ones served by planes acquired in its merger with
Continental Airlines. Southwest Airlines will begin offering access
to professional football and baseball games to customers who
purchase onboard Wi-Fi. Southwest's in-flight Internet provider Row
44 said it has signed deals with NFL Network and Major League
Baseball to provide live streaming of games and highlights.
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