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Airlines..
US Airways Launches MidAtlantic Airways
MidAtlantic Airways, US Airways’ new regional jet division,
will take flight April 4 with initial routes from both Philadelphia
and Pittsburgh. MidAtlantic will operate using US Airways’
newest 72-seat Embraer 170 regional jets. MidAtlantic, currently
based in Pittsburgh, will have three Embraer 170 regional jets
operating on eight routes in April, increasing to 13 in May, and
with 24 routes expected by June. (Source: US Airways)
Ted Comes Home
United's new low-fare carrier Ted is expanding service to Chicago's
O'Hare International Airport, United's home market and largest
hub. Ted will offer Chicago-area travelers five daily roundtrips
to Tampa, eight daily roundtrips to Las Vegas, seven daily roundtrips
to Orlando, six daily roundtrips to Phoenix and four daily roundtrips
to Ft. Lauderdale. Tickets for Ted flights out of Chicago will
go on sale on Saturday, March 27, 2004, and the distinct blue
and orange planes will begin flying from O’Hare on May 24th,
2004. (Source: Travel Weekly)
New FAA Procedure Aims to Cut Delays as Air Traffic Rebounds
The Transportation Department last week unveiled a new air traffic
control procedure designed to minimize weather-related delays
this spring and summer, as the FAA issued an annual forecast that
predicts passenger traffic on U.S. airlines will return to pre-9/11
levels next year, with growth fueled mainly by low-fare airlines
and regional jets. The new traffic procedure involves the creation
of "express lanes" in the sky that can be used by aircraft
delayed on the ground at congested airports. Previously, these
planes would have to wait until they could be absorbed into the
existing air lanes, which are often relatively full on busy routes.
"These express lanes will reduce overall delay times at congested
airports by getting planes off the ground and into the air traffic
flow as safely and efficiently as weather permits," a DOT
official said. (Source: Executive Travel SkyGuide)
FAA Annual Traffic Forecast
The FAA´s annual traffic forecast, indicates that the
post-9/11 falloff in passenger numbers has bottomed out. FAA predicts
that the total U.S. passenger count on major, regional and commuter
airlines will return to pre-9/11 levels by 2005, and will grow
by 4.2 percent a year thereafter. One significant trend cited
by FAA Administrator Marion Blakey is the growth of smaller airlines.
"We're seeing smaller planes enter our system in record numbers,"
she observed, "with regional and commuter carriers more than
doubling since 2000. These planes now account for nearly half
of all commercial activity...and point-to-point flying is becoming
a reality." ( Source: Executive Travel SkyGuide)
U.S. Transportation at Historic High
w The new data show that more people boarded commercial
flights in the USA in the October-December quarter of 2003 than
in any fourth quarter since 2000. (Source: USA Today)
Air Travel Security Update
Transportation Security Administration Plans to Test
Low-Risk Flyer Program
The government wants to begin testing a program this summer that
would allow low-risk frequent fliers to avoid extra security inspections
at airports. Passengers could volunteer to pay a fee and submit
to government background checks, but if they were not found to
be potential threats, they would avoid being randomly selected
for the follow-up screening at checkpoints where carry-on bags
pass through metal detectors. The program, which could begin in
June, is expected to appeal mostly to frequent travelers who would
think the cost would be offset by the time saved at airports.
The testing would last 90 days. Among the airports being considered
are Boston's Logan International Airport; Washington's Reagan
National Airport; Dallas Love Field; McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville,
Tn.; and West Palm Beach Airport in Florida. (Source: Associated
Press)
Cultural Etiquett - Avoiding the Clash of Cultures
It is worth the time and effort to research global etiquette
as American business travelers can make or break a deal just by
the way they exchange business cards, introduce themselves, and
behave at business and social meetings. Body language, gestures,
eye contact, facial expression and touching vary across cultures.
For instance, nodding the head up and down in Bulgaria means “no,”
not “yes.”
Travelers should avoid using any gestures considered rude or
insulting in their host country. For example:
- Never touch anyone's head in Buddhist cultures, as the
head is considered sacred.
- In Muslim countries, never touch, pass, receive, or
eat with the left hand as it is considered unclean.
- Pointing with the index finger is thought to be rude
in the Sudan, Venezuela and Sri Lanka.
- The American “A-OK” gesture has a vulgar
meaning in Brazil, Paraguay, Singapore, and Russia.
- Crossing your ankle over your knee is considered rude
in Indonesia, Thailand, and Syria.
- Pointing your index finger toward yourself is insulting
to the other person in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Social Introductions also vary per country. A general rule
in addressing people is to not use first names unless invited
to do so. In Sweden and Israel, titles are relatively unimportant
while in Germany and Austria, titles should be included during
introductions. In Korea, titles are often used in place of names.
Personal space and handshakes vary as well. Venezuelans tend
to get close, while the British prefer more personal distance.
In Latin and Mediterranean cultures, people greet with a combination
of handshake, hugs and shoulder pats.
To make the most of your next foreign business trip, keep in
mind the following:
- Research the culture before you go.
- Stay alert to cultural nuances.
- Be flexible to modify your behavior.
- Keep an open attitude of patience and respect.
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