In a Department of Transportation filing, Continental Airlines said delays from John F. Kennedy International Airport’s runway closure and construction impact all major airports in New York City.

Due to New York’s complex and interconnected airspace, Continental said “delays and delay mitigation strategies at one New York area airport adversely affect and inconvenience air carriers and passengers at another New York area airport.” Bad weather and conflicting runway approaches could cause “exponential increases” in the number of delays occurring at the other New York airports, said Continental.

Earlier last week, JFK’s top two carriers, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways, asked for a temporary exemption from the new tarmac rule due to the “sizable effect on traffic flow” the construction and closure of JFK’s main runway has on operations at the airport.

Continental says that if exemptions are given to Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways, Continental’s request should be granted too — “Fundamental fairness dictates” that airlines serving Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia airports should receive the same relief.

According to the Associated Press, the Federal Aviation Administration expects delays at JFK will average about 50 minutes during peak times and 29 minutes at other times during runway construction. The construction is expected to end June 30.

Effective April 29, airlines could face fines up to $27,500 per passenger for flights kept on the tarmac greater than three hours. Last week, Continental Airlines chief executive Jeffrey Smisek said the airline plans to cancel flights rather than risk fines under the new regulations. Other carriers are expected to act similarly to dodge hefty fines — about $4 million for an average full Boeing 737 kept on the tarmac for 3+ hours.

American Airlines recently joined the list of carriers asking for an exemption, and filed with the DOT on Monday. American, who has a hub at JFK, said they support JetBlue and Delta in their requests, but only if exemptions apply to all carriers at JFK. Any scenario under when which some but not all carriers at JFK would be subject to the tarmac delay rule would be unworkable, unfair and confusing to consumers,” said American in its DOT filing.

If carriers at New York airports do not receive exemptions from the tarmac rule, especially JFK based carriers, flight cancellations will rise. The more flight cancellations, the fewer re-bookings available for future flights. If and when a storm covers the New York area, flight cancellations could easily strand passengers at airports under the new rule.

The two-year old airline, affiliated with Virgin Atlantic that now brings thousands of British tourists into Orlando, also announced introductory one-way air fares start start at $149 to LA and $199 to Frisco.

The new Orlando to California routes were among several changes the company announced, including new service between Toronto and California.

Currently, only United Airlines provides direct service between Orlando and San Francisco, while several carriers — United, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines — provide direct flights between Orlando and Los Angeles.

Virgin America’s flights to the West Coast both will leave at night. The San Francisco flight is scheduled for a 6 p.m. departure, in contrast with United’s 6:55 a.m. flight. Virgin America’s 7:15 p.m. flight to LA would be the latest available. United and Delta offer two flights a day, morning and evening, while American leaves Orlando in the early afternoon.

“We are pleased that Virgin America, the airline recently ranked best domestic midsize airline in premium and economy class in the 2009 Zagat Global Survey has chosen Orlando as its newest destination. The nonstop service to and from Los Angeles and San Francisco will offer new options and low fares,” Steve Gardner, Executive Director of Orlando International Airport, stated in the Virgin America news release.

The changes are possible because earlier this year American airline regulators approved a new corporate structure for Virgin America that essentially declares it to be an American-owned airline, allowing it more freedom in providing domestic flights in the United States.

“With strong financial performance, a new ownership structure and growth in fleet size, we’re pleased to be able to expand to world-class destinations like Orlando and Toronto this year,” Virgin America President and CEO David Cush stated in the company’s news release. “Both cities are major travel destinations from the West Coast, and we’re looking forward to introducing our service to travelers in these and other new markets in 2010 and beyond.”

The service to O’Hare, the world’s fourth-busiest airport, will begin June 10 and replace less-frequent flights to Chicago Midway, Delta Air Lines said today in a statement. The carrier also is adding flights from Los Angeles to four U.S. cities including Hartford, Connecticut.

The Chicago shuttle steps up competition with AMR Corp.’s American Airlines and UAL Corp.’s United Airlines for business travelers, who typically pay the highest fares. Those rivals both have hubs at O’Hare. The flights will use 76-seat Embraer 175 jets, and attendants will serve meals or bagels and complimentary wine and beer, as on other Delta Shuttle routes.

“As a top market for travelers flying to and from New York, O’Hare is a natural addition to the Delta Shuttle,” Gail Grimmett, the Atlanta-based airline’s senior vice president for the New York area, said in the statement.

Delta already has shuttle service linking LaGuardia with Boston Logan and Washington Reagan National airports. American, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is the second-largest U.S. airline and Chicago-based United is third.

United UAUA shares climbed 2%. Southwest LUV and American AMR and US Airways LCC rose 1%.

Tracking the sector, the NYSE Arca Airline Index rose 0.5% to 37.86 points, with nine of the benchmark index’s 13 components advancing. The index is up more than 12% so far this year.

In the energy market, oil futures fell 31 cents to $82.62 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

In other developments, Virgin America, launched in 2007, is expanding its flight pattern. Virgin said it plans to launch non-stop flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Orlando and Toronto.

Orlando flights will begin August 19 and Toronto flights as early as June, subject to regulatory approval.

The FAA revealed Thursday that it sent a letter to American last week proposing a $300,000 civil penalty for the maintenance lapses, which could have endangered the aircraft, flight crew and passengers.

American Airlines maintenance workers, the FAA said, failed to properly document a malfunctioning speed indicator on an MD-82 jet in February 2009.

Not knowing about the defective indicator, crews flew the plane five times, including at night and in inclement winter weather. Such flights are allowed under American’s FAA-approved procedures, but only in daylight and clear weather.

American, as it did March 12, when the FAA proposed $787,500 in fines, said it is reviewing the proposed penalties and will meet with the FAA to discuss them.

“Safety is fundamental to the American Airlines culture and to our success,” spokesman Tim Smith said in a statement. “American is the only U.S. airline that continues to handle the majority of its heavy maintenance with in-house, FAA-certificated mechanics that have met and passed all FAA experience requirements, written tests, and practical examinations.”

The FAA’s latest action involves a failed heater that prevents a pitot tube — an externally mounted sensor that measures the plane’s airspeed — from freezing up and providing faulty readings.

Frozen pitot tubes have been cited as a possible cause of the June 1 crash of Air France Flight 447. The Airbus jet was on a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris when it broke up over the Atlantic Ocean while flying through thunderstorms, killing all 216 passengers and 12 crew members.

The incident that led to the latest FAA action occurred Feb. 2, 2009, when an American flight crew, upon arriving at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, wrote in the aircraft logbook that a pitot tube warning light was not working properly.

Maintenance personnel determined that the light was faulty and, following American’s approved procedures, deferred repairs. But the next day, another maintenance crew determined that the pitot tube heater itself was faulty.

In the meantime, pilots unaware of the faulty heater had flown the aircraft five times.

The FAA’s recent actions come on the heels of a report last month by the Transportation Department’s inspector general that found that American was not following prescribed maintenance procedures and that faulted the FAA for weak oversight.

The FAA has also proposed over $5 million in fines against American Eagle for improper maintenance.

The CSeries aircraft, Bombardier’s newest platform, is specifically designed for the 100- to 149- seat market. The aircraft will be built with 70 percent advanced lightweight structural materials, which contribute to the fuel efficiency, performance and extended range of the aircraft.

“AAR is proud to be included among the prestigious partners and suppliers supporting the development and production of the CSeries aircraft and helping to extend Bombardier’s reach into the single-aisle mainline aircraft market,” said Timothy J. Romenesko, President and Chief Operating Officer for AAR CORP. “We look forward to providing a highly efficient structural design that contributes to the CSeries aircraft’s operating economics, reduced environmental impact and cost-effective operation.”

Michael Ryan, Vice President and General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, said: “We are delighted that AAR now joins Bombardier’s other US suppliers on the CSeries aircraft program who are providing high-tech components and systems that are at the center of US aviation expertise. We look forward to AAR’s contribution to the development of the game-changing CSeries aircraft.”

Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast is responsible for the development, design and manufacture of the advanced composites wings for the CSeries aircraft family. It has successfully assembled a preproduction demonstrator wing using its innovative Resin Transfer Infusion process, testing of which is due to get under way shortly.

AAR Composites has a 30-year history in the development, design, structural analysis, tooling, certification and fabrication of complex composite structures and a variety of specialized molded components. Located in Clearwater, Florida, AAR Composites recently expanded its manufacturing capabilities with the opening of a west coast facility in Sacramento, California. The expansion provides additional capacity for autoclave, oven, Resin Transfer Molding and Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding processes.

AAR is a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry. With facilities and sales locations around the world, AAR uses its close-to-the-customer business model to serve airline and defense customers through three operating segments: Aviation Supply Chain; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul; and Structures and Systems.

JetBlue launched twice daily service from both JFK and Boston’s Logan International Airport to LAX on June 17, 2009, and based on the successful launch of service and strong customer demand for JetBlue’s premium low-fare product, is pleased to double service from New York (expanding to four daily flights) while maintaining its popular Boston route with convenient twice-daily service.

“JetBlue has provided coast-to-coast service from New York to the L.A. Basin for more than eight years, and whether customers prefer Long Beach, Burbank or LAX, they continue to select us as their carrier of choice,” said Scott Laurence, vice president of network planning for JetBlue Airways. “Based on our successful launch of service at LAX, we are pleased to offer bi-coastal travelers more choices, including earlier morning departures from the West Coast. Regardless of your destination, on JetBlue, all customers are treated to a first checked bag free, all-leather seats, the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline, more than 36 channels of free, live TV and more than 100 channels of satellite radio, complimentary snacks and friendly service.”

JetBlue’s service to LAX is operated with the airline’s spacious Airbus A320, which offers roomy, all-leather seating for 150 including the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline (a). Customers looking to pamper themselves even further can upgrade to a super-spacious Even More Legroom seat. For a nominal fee each way, customers can stretch out and enjoy 38″ of seat pitch.

Overnight flights from Los Angeles and all Western U.S. destinations offer JetBlue’s complimentary Shut-Eye Service, featuring a Snooze Kit that includes earplugs and eyeshades, plus unlimited free snacks and beverages and a “good morning” hot towel service. Before arrival, customers will be treated to Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, fruit juice, and bottled spring water, allowing customers to land refreshed and ready to start the day.

New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value, service and style. In 2009, the carrier ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Low-Cost Carriers in North America” by J.D. Power and Associates, a customer satisfaction recognition received for the fifth year in a row. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue is now pleased to offer customers Lots of Legroom and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats. JetBlue introduced complimentary in-flight e-mail and instant messaging services on aircraft “BetaBlue,” a first among U.S. domestic airlines. JetBlue is also America’s first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue’s control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue serves 60 cities with 600 daily flights. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required.

For information or reservations
call 1-800-JET-BLUE (1-800-538-2583),
TTY/TDD 1-800-336-5530
JetBlue Airways : www.jetblue.com.

“American Airlines was the first carrier to operate at Tri-Cities Regional Airport, launching service Sept. 1, 1937, and we are delighted to bring the American brand back, with service to the Tri-Cities area from our hub in Chicago,” said Gary Foss, Vice President – Planning and Marketing for the AA Regional Network. “From the Birthplace of Country Music to NASCAR racing at the Bristol Motor Speedway, the Tri-Cities area has a tremendous amount to offer. With these new flights to Chicago – one of American’s premier international gateways – local business travelers will have convenient connections to the West Coast as well as destinations throughout American’s global network.”

Known as ‘America’s First Frontier,’ the Tri-Cities area also boasts numerous historic sites and a rich heritage forged by America’s first settlers.

“American Eagle’s new commercial airline service in Tri-Cities will bring even more business to East Tennessee,” said U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). “This connection to a big commercial center like Chicago makes sense and will help create jobs and grow the economy in the region.”

“New air service from the Tri-Cities to Chicago will be a big plus for the region and the local economy,” said U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.).

“I am pleased that American Airlines will now offer direct flights from Tri-Cities Regional Airport to Chicago,” said Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.). “This new opportunity will directly impact accessibility, strengthen our economy, and influence development.”

“The Airport Commission is pleased to be able to work with American Airlines on providing direct service to their Chicago O’Hare hub from Tri-Cities Regional Airport,” said Ken Maness, Chairman, Tri-Cities Airport Commission. “The connections available in Chicago will give travelers many new opportunities for national and international destinations.”

“We have clearly told Airbus that we will not accept again what they did to us with the A380,” Emirates Airlines President Tim Clark told The Daily at the ITB tourism exchange in Berlin. He pointed out that unlike in the case of the A380 – which was two years late – Emirates Airlines has alternatives to buy elsewhere: “All I have to do is pick up the phone and order more Boeing 777s,” Clark stressed. He showed concerns that the schedule could already begin to slip. “We have told Airbus numerous times that in our view they should build in more margin in terms of time and performance parameters, but they wanted to have it their way. Now they are already eating into margins,” Clark criticized.

Emirates Airlines has plans to retire 58 aircraft in the coming years, among them the A330-200s, A340-300s and the early 777-300s and 777-200s. If the A350 was significantly delayed, those aircraft would have to be kept longer. They would then well exceed Emirates Airlines’ usual aircraft retirement age which is at around 10 years. The airline received its first 777s in the mid-1990s.

Clark stressed that Emirates Airlines still has a keen interest in the larger version of the A380, the A380-900. According to the airline’s calculations, it could operate the aircraft in a 647-seat, three-class configuration. With a range of around 4,500 naut. mi., the A380-900 would typically operate eight-hour sectors and could thus mainly be used for destinations in Europe and Asia up to Beijing, but not Tokyo. Clark believes Emirates Airlines could accommodate up to 20 A380-900s and would immediately order the aircraft if Airbus was prepared to build it and Dubai airport can handle the additional aircaft. Emirates Airlines is already the biggest A380 customer with 58 on firm order. It has eight flying and will receive seven more this year.

Statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have reveal a slump in holiday traffic across all UK airports with 7.4% fewer passengers passing through terminals.

That overall trend was more than matched at Cardiff International Airport, where passenger figures showed a decrease of more than 18%.

Cardiff, which in 2007 was the fastest growing regional airport in the UK, saw 1.63million passengers use its services compared to 1.98million in 2008 and 2.10million in 2007.

Steve Hodgetts, Cardiff Airport’s director of business development said the airport had little influence over the number of passengers who use it.

“I think what we have seen here is a result of an airline mix which has been less aggressive in the recession. We have had some airlines remove planes from the airport and this has impacted on the number of routes we are able to offer,” he said.

“We are reliant on our airline partnerships and when 33% of a fleet is removed from service this clearly affects the number of people using the airport.”

Charter airline numbers from Cardiff fell 22% in 2009 compared with 2008, while UK domestic flight traffic was down 9% and scheduled airline traffic fell 15%.

And during 2009, air transport movements – landings and take-offs of commercial aircraft – also fell 27% which was three times more than the UK average. It represented the largest annual drop since the1940s.

However, Mr Hodgetts was adamant things would get better.

“In 2010 we have to make sure we have hit rock bottom of the trough. I wouldn’t want anyone to think we are sitting on our hands and doing nothing about this and we are involved in a number of conversations which will hopefully result in more routes out of Wales.”

The CAA recorded a decline in numbers in all the UK’s major airports with Heathrow posting a drop of 1.5% and Manchester, the largest airport outside London, handling 11.5% fewer passengers.

Harry Bush, CAA’s economic regulation director, said: “These figures show the biggest fall in passenger numbers since the Second World War, highlighting the enormous impact the recession has had on the aviation industry.

“Passenger numbers are now back to the level they were six years ago and, although they will certainly rebound, the pace of recovery is uncertain and it could be a number of years before they reach their peak level again.”