Airline Industry News - Week Ending 10.28.06

Airplane Alaska Airlines is adding several direct flights from the west coast to Mexico, including: Los Angeles and La Paz; Portland and Los Cabos; Portland and Puerto Vallarta; San Francisco and Cancun; and Seattle and Cancun.

American Airlines warns that The TSA Security North Terminal positions will be temporarily closed between October 30 and November 9 (dates subject to change) due to construction in front of the AA ticket counters.

Boeing is coming on strong with the new A380 Superjumbo, complete with room for a casino.

Delta Airlines will begin nonstop service from Boston to Chicago. It’s about time.

Emirates is getting more lounges. So far they have Heath Row, Singapore, Hong Kong and Melbourne.

Etihad Airways yesterday celebrated the official launch of its daily, non-stop, round-trip service between Abu Dhabi and New York.

JetBlue got in a little trouble with the FAA for testing allowing pilots to fly longer hours. They were also awarded 4 new daily flights from O’Hare to and from New York and Long Beach.

Mesa Airlines is reconsidering changes in flight structure between Carlsbad and Albuquerque.

Northwest Airlines will begin their new Grand Rapids to LaGuardia next Wednesday. Passengers earn 1,000 bonus miles between November 1, 2006 and February 14, 2007. Pre-registration is required.

Oasis Airlines is the first low-cost provider, beginning yesterday, from Hong Kong to the U.K.

United Airlines, for the gambling addicts, has added an auction feature on their website. A great way to spend way more miles than you need to. They’re also planning a new non-stop DC to Rome flight beginning April 1, 2007.

US Airways lauched their new Dividend Miles Shopping Mall.