Monthly Archives: April 2010

Analysts Feel Timing is Right for Labor Groups at UAL/CAL

April 30, 2010
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New United Airlines prepares for take off

United-Continental Deal is Smooth Flying For Analysts Plenty of positives and little risk, which regulators are expected to back NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — Continental and United Airlines parent UAL Corp. are expected to announce a merger deal early next week, creating a global airline with little route overlap and new opportunities to attract more premium-paying travelers. “I see nothing but positives,” said Roger King, a bond analyst with CreditSights. “These guys will have the best global network of any...

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Continental, UAL Agree on Exchange Ratio

April 30, 2010
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Both sides agree on share price

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Continental Airlines and United Airlines have ironed out the last remaining wrinkle in their merger talks, paving the way for a deal that would create the world’s largest carrier, two sources familiar with the matter said Friday. The airlines have agreed to an exchange ratio of 1.05 UAL shares for each Continental share in all-stock deal yet to be approved by the companies’ boards, the sources said. Based on United’s stock price of $21.83 on...

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Merger Announcement Expected Monday

April 29, 2010
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tic-toc-tic-toc-tic-toc

United, Continental to announce merger Monday : report (Reuters) – UAL Corp’s (UAUA.O) United Airlines and Continental Airlines Inc (CAL.N) are expected to announce that they are merging to form the world’s largest airline on Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources. Continental’s board would meet on Friday and Sunday, and United’s would meet on Friday, the newspaper said on its website. United declined to comment and Continental did not immediately respond to a request...

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Houston Speaks Up: If Airlines Merge, Houston Best Site for Headquarters

April 29, 2010
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Houston or BUST!

By Patrick Oxford, chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership Houston Chronicle 04/28/10 Houston is a city of opportunity. We possess a can-do spirit that drives our civic, business and community leadership on big and small initiatives alike. Give us the opportunity to compete, and we will prevail on the merits of our great assets that clearly differentiate us as a city of choice. Since merger discussions between Continental and United rekindled last week, rumors have been rampant about Chicago...

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Chicago Tribune: Continental Board to Consider Merger With United

April 28, 2010
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CAL Board meeting Wednesday to discuss merge

Julie Johnsson, Tribune Reporter 09:57pm 04/27/10 Continental Airlines’ board of directors is meeting Wednesday to review a potential merger with United Airlines, and the carriers are expected to decide within a matter of days whether to combine operations, say people close to the situation. As in 2008, when the carriers came close to completing a deal, United’s quarterly financial results may sway the deliberations, observers said. Spokeswomen for United and Continental declined to comment on any aspect of the...

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NYT Reporting United and Continental Merger Talks Said to Stall

April 25, 2010
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Glenn Tilton, UAL's Chief, would become Chairman of UAL/CAL combined airline

April 25, 2010 By Andrew Ross Sorkin and Michael J. d la Merced Merger talks between United Airlines and Continental Airlines reached an impasse over the weekend over a disagreement about the price of a deal, people involved in the negotiations said on Sunday. More specifically, the two companies have not been able to reach an agreement over the value of the stock prices used to compute the exchange ratio in a stock-for-stock deal, these people said. The ratio would affect the price United...

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Boeing Creates Southwest Airlines Special ‘Florida One’ Airplane

April 25, 2010
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'Florida One', Southwest Airlines Newest Specialty Aircraft

Go inside Boeing as the newest Specialty Plane is built (in a little over two minutes). Date unveiled: April 23, 2010 Process time: 8 days Number of People: 32 over 3 shifts Paint colors: 16 Total gallons: Approximately 46 Premask (stencil outline): 15 boxes or approximately 150 different pieces to create the logo The challenge of this plane was to recreate the Flag Logo without the use of tools, using only the drawing for reference and the stencils for...

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The Fight for Tight Space in Luggage Bins

April 25, 2010
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In theory, six passengers to share bin designed for four rollerboards

CHICAGO – Every airline passenger is entitled to overhead space, right? Wrong. On a typical domestic flight, six passengers share luggage bins that accommodate four wheeled bags, at most, leaving some fliers out of luck at a time when more of them are opting to lug their bags, rather than check them, to avoid airline fees. There are also more passengers competing for space because planes are again filled to near-record levels, the result of carriers’ capacity cuts and...

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Airplane Lavatory Aptitude Test, Multiple Choice

April 24, 2010
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E. Flush it down the toilet?

by Martha Stewardess After using the facilities on board a commercial aircraft, it seems disposal of the paper hand towel continues to be both challenging and confusing for many travelers. Below are photos of the six main components of a typical airline lavatory (or restroom), a pic of an outstretched hand of an ever so eager flight attendant (who happens to be eating lunch in the adjacent galley), and a picture of an open window. This is the scenario....

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United-Continental Merger Would Land in Chicago

April 22, 2010
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Continental, movin on up?

Merger talks moving rapidly; US Airways ends discussions with United Chicago Tribune, April 22, 2010 Chicago would be headquarters to the largest airline in the world if United Airlines successfully consummates a deal with Continental Airlines. Where to base the world headquarters of the merged entity is one of many potentially thorny “social” issues that have been resolved as the two airlines move rapidly toward a deal that could be completed as soon as next week, said people close to the...

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UAL, Continental Weigh No-Premium Stock Merger

April 22, 2010
By
Continental United

Bloomberg, 04/22/10 UAL Corp.’s United Airlines and Continental Airlines Inc. are considering a stock-for-stock merger with no market premium, said two people with knowledge of the talks, creating a company valued at more than $6 billion. UAL Chief Executive Officer Glenn Tilton, 62, would become chairman while Continental CEO Jeff Smisek, 55, would become CEO, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the details are private. The terms aren’t final and a deal may be more...

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On This Earth Day, Appreciate Nature. Hug a Seal.

April 21, 2010
By
42-16875340

We are one.  Respect, Share, and Nurture. Earth Day, April 22, 2010 . Special thanks to “skybetty” for posting on twitter, http://betty.libsyn.com/

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Why We Should Avoid Using Plastic Bags at Home and in the Air

April 21, 2010
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Biologists found over 20 plastic bags in stomach of dead whale

“Besides the pants and golf ball, the trash included more than 20 plastic bags, small towels, surgical gloves, plastic pieces and duct tape” Garbage found in stomach of dead whale on West Seattle beach A gray whale that died after stranding on a West Seattle beach had a large amount of trash in its stomach, ranging from a pair of sweatpants to a golf ball, said biologists who examined the animal. OLYMPIA — A gray whale that died after...

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First The Carry-On Fees, Now Spirit Airlines Adding Non-Reclining Seats

April 21, 2010
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The "Wider Seat" option on Spirit

Palm Beach Post 04/21/10 A week after announcing fees for carry-on bags, Spirit Airlines is taking heat for installing seats that don’t recline on its newest planes. Spirit’s two new Airbus 320 aircraft feature “pre-reclined” seats, spokeswoman Misty Pinson said Tuesday. That means even Spirit passengers who want to pay for reclining airline seats won’t have that option. The Miramar-based airline put the first A-320 into service on March 14 for the Fort Lauderdale-Washington, D.C., route. The other arrived...

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Volcanic Ash Cloud: Pilot Group Concerned With Decision to Allow Flights

April 20, 2010
By
Volcano-Erupts-In-Iceland-004

Volcanic Ash Cloud: Pilots Warn Against ‘Rash’ Decisions to Allow Flights Guardian UK 04/20/10 European airline pilots warned governments and safety regulators today against making “rash” decisions to allow planes to fly through volcanic ash clouds amid growing pressure from airlines across Europe to create “safe flying corridors” to get flights moving again. Tonight the UK’s air safety watchdog, the Civil Aviation Authority, announced it was reopening the UK’s airspace after holding meetings with national air traffic controllers, airline...

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Green Light for UK Airspace

April 20, 2010
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"Please take all valuable items and 'peeves' with you" (Google pic)

UK Airports to Reopen Tonight Business Traveler 04/20/10 Transport secretary Lord Adonis says that all airports in the Uk can reopen at 2200 this evening (Tuesday April 20), following reassessment of the risk to aircraft of volcanic ash. A statement released on the CAA website this evening said: “The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK’s independent specialist regulator with oversight of aviation safety, today issues new guidance on the use of airspace. This is issued in conjunction with the...

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Actor John Cleese Takes £3,300 Taxi Across Europe to Beat Ash Flight Chaos

April 17, 2010
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John Cleese, "What big ash cloud?"

The Telegraph UK 04/17/10 by Alastair Jamieson John Cleese, the Monty Python and Fawlty Towers star, paid £3,300 ($5000 US dollars) to take a cab from Oslo to Brussels (10-12 hour drive at 60-70 mph) after being stranded in Norway by volcanic ash travel chaos. The comedian was stuck after volcanic ash caused airspace across Europe to be closed, forcing the cancellation of all but a small number of flights. After ferries and trains were booked up, his assistant...

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Wayward NM Cat Has Free Flight Home From Chicago

April 17, 2010
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With spring break over, Charles is heading home

AP News 04/17/10 CHICAGO (AP) — No one knows how a tabby cat named Charles traveled the 1,300 miles from his New Mexico home to Chicago, but he’s set for a complimentary flight home on American Airlines in a carrier donated by an Albuquerque business. Charles disappeared about eight months ago while his owner was out of town and a friend was caring for him. “Oh, I was crushed, and I found out while I was away volunteering with...

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Volcanic Ash: Europe Flights Grounded Day Three

April 17, 2010
By
volcanic-map

BBC News 04/17/10 Virtually all of Europe’s major airports remain closed as a huge plume of volcanic ash drifts south and east across the continent from Iceland. Millions of air travellers are stranded as thousands of flights are being cancelled for a third day. The disruption from the spread of ash would continue into Sunday, European aviation agency Eurocontrol said. Airlines are losing some £130m ($200m) a day in an unprecedented shutdown of commercial air travel. “Forecasts suggest that...

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Cruise Ship Virus Can Spread on Planes, Ill passengers infect air travelers as they return home

April 17, 2010
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Passengers leave the Celebrity Mercury on Feb. 26 after hundreds fell ill during an 11-day cruise

Reuters April 16, 2010 NEW YORK – The norovirus, best known for causing diarrhea and vomiting on board cruise ships, can cause problems on airplanes as well, researchers have found.On Oct. 8, 2008, a flight from Boston to Los Angeles was diverted to Chicago shortly after take off after multiple passengers suffered acute gastrointestinal illness, including vomiting and diarrhea, thought to be caused by the highly contagious norovirus. The ill passengers were members of a tour company’s New England...

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Report: Continental, United in Deal Talks

April 15, 2010
By
UCAL

AP News, by David Koenig, 04/15/10 7:47pm edt DALLAS (AP) — Shares of Continental Airlines and the parent of United Airlines rose Thursday after reports that the carriers are talking about combining to create the world’s largest carrier. The New York Times DealBook blog cited people briefed on the discussions, who said the talks were in early stages and could still collapse. The news comes a week after reports that United and US Airways have been talking about combining....

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Iceland’s Volcanic Ash Halts Flights Across Europe

April 15, 2010
By
google photo, Icelandic Coastguard

AP News, Robert Barr 04/15/10 LONDON (AP) — Ash clouds from Iceland’s spewing volcano disrupted air traffic across Northern Europe on Thursday as authorities closed British and Nordic air space, shut down Europe’s busiest airport at Heathrow and canceled hundreds of flights. Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority said non-emergency flights would be banned until at least 6 p.m. (1700 GMT, 1 p.m. EDT). Irish authorities also closed their air space for eight hours. London Heathrow, Europe’s business airport, handles upwards...

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American Airlines Now Charging Fees To Non-Passengers

April 12, 2010
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"Is there a "Fly Naked Fee?"

The Onion 12/01/08 (Yes, the date is correct. What’s old is new again) FORT WORTH, TX—Cash-strapped American Airlines announced a new series of fees this week that will apply to all customers not currently flying, scheduled to fly, or even thinking about flying aboard the commercial carrier. The fees, the latest introduced by American Airlines in a continuing effort to combat its financial woes, will take effect on Monday. According to company officials, these charges will include a $25...

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Spirited NY Senator says NO to Carry-On Fee

April 12, 2010
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"Suitcase? What suitcase? This is my purse"

AP Carl Unger, 04/12/10 The Associated Press (AP) reports that travelers aren’t the only ones irked by Spirit’s audacious new fee for carry-on bags. New York senator Chuck Schumer has asked the Treasury Department to recognize carry-on bags as essential to travel, and prohibit airlines from charging them. According to the AP, “Schumer said carry-on bags often contain medications and other necessities, particularly for families. Carry-on fees artificially avoid higher ticket prices and the taxes applied to tickets.” Schumer contacted the...

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Airlines Did a Better Job for Passengers in 2009

April 12, 2010
By
come fly_ ual frank

Associated Press 04/12/2010, Joan Lowy WASHINGTON (AP) — Fewer passengers boarded planes last year, but those who did were generally treated better than in the past. Planes were more likely to land on time and bags less likely to get lost in 2009, according to an annual analysis of airline quality by private researchers. As a result, passengers reported fewer complaints even while cash-strapped airlines reduced flight schedules and charged for everything from bags and pillows to prime spots...

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Polish President Plane Crash: the plane / Chicago Artist Among the Dead – added 04/11/10

April 10, 2010
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The plane came down a mile away from Smolensk airport, 220 miles south of Moscow Photo: REUTERS

Poland’s president Lech Kaczynski was flying from Warsaw to Smolensk in Russia when his plane crashed Mr. Kaczynski and his colleagues were flying in a Tupolev Tu-154 when it crashed on approaching the airport. The plane came down a mile away from Smolensk airport, 220 miles south of Moscow, in foggy conditions. The Tupolev Tu-154 is described as the ‘workhorse’ of the Soviet airlines for decades, and aviation experts say it has a reasonable safety record for the amount...

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Law Murky For Mom Who Returned Adopted Russian Boy

April 10, 2010
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7-year-old adopted Russian boy Artyom Savelyev gets into a minivan outside a police department office in Moscow

AP Associated Press 04/10/10 HELBYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee woman has stirred international outrage by sending a Russian boy she adopted back to Moscow on a flight by himself, yet local authorities said it’s not clear if she broke any laws. The 7-year-old boy, Artyom Savelyev, was put on a plane with a note saying his adoptive mother no longer wanted to parent him because he was violent and had severe psychological problems. While her actions were condemned...

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United Airlines Might Find Continental Would Make Better Spouse

April 9, 2010
By
united-airlines

Chicago Business, Crain’s 04/09/10 (Bloomberg) — Continental Airlines Inc. would make the best merger partner for United Airlines, creating the world’s largest carrier, should the pair restart talks that fizzled in 2008, analysts said. Executives at Continental started a review of options two days ago after the disclosure of United’s talks with US Airways Group Inc., according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because details are confidential. Spokesmen for all three airlines declined...

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EAT Out, Fight AIDS – April 29, 2010 Become Part of the World’s Largest Dining Experience

April 8, 2010
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Food Network host Ted Allen, Actress Pam Grier and Singer/performer Filepe Rose

Just planning a meal with family or friends on April 29th, 2010 is a unique opportunity to do something good for your community that is satisfying, fun, and possibly “record setting.” Subaru is proud Host Sponsor of Dining Out For Life®, an annual fundraiser held in over 50 cities and nearly 3,000 restaurants across North America. Subaru is rallying support of this great cause via social media in a campaign called TwEAT Out, Fight AIDS! Here is how to...

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Chinese Boy Channels Whitney Houston and Susan Boyle, is Latest Internet Sensation

April 8, 2010
By
7 year old Lin yu Chun

Just a few days after video of a young man singing a pitch-perfect version of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” on a Taiwanese reality show hit YouTube, the contestant is already being called “The Chinese Susan Boyle” (although he’d actually be the Taiwanese Susan Boyle). Like the Scottish singing sensation, who shocked the judges of “Britain’s Got Talent” and the world with her perfect rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” almost exactly a year ago, Lin Yu Chun has...

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