Aviation Intelligence Reporter – September 2013


The ICAO Assembly – It is What You Cannot See That Counts
The DoJ, AA and USAir: So Much for Competition
Aviation Regulation: Refusing to Answer the Call?
Pre-Clearance: Only for America’s Airlines
Business Aviation: Some Noses Down; Some Wheels Up
Aviation Advocacy Cryptic Crossword 005 – Solution


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The ICAO Assembly – It is What You Cannot See That Counts

It might be hard to hold back your excitement, but in late September the great and the good of the air transport industry will meet again in Montreal’s single most architecturally post-Soviet building to engage in a process Stalin himself would recognise – the meaningless assembly of the peoples of the Republics of the Union. Even experienced ICAO-watchers are struggling to summon up much enthusiasm.

The DoJ, AA and USAir: So Much for Competition

Back in the real world any hopes that the needs of this century could be met by fair and transparent competition hit clear air turbulence when the US Department of Justice announced that it opposed the planned merger between American Airlines and US Airways. It is hard to know where to start. The DoJ’s pleadings are poorly written and show a very shallow understanding of the industry. But it is fair to say that this represents the thinking of the administration – the very same administration that is more than likely to ratify the Air Transport Conference proceedings in Montreal.

Aviation Regulation: Refusing to Answer the Call?

The Aviation Intelligence Reporter has spoken previously about the parallels between telecoms and aviation. The comparison, certainly on the regulatory side, is never flattering. It is about to be even less flattering. Less flattering, and ever more starkly drawn. You will be able to see the difference inside single aircraft.

Pre-Clearance: Only for America’s Airlines

The government of the UAE and the US Department of Homeland Security are currently finalising the arrangements for the DHS to provide preclearance in Abu Dhabi Airport for passengers bound for the USA. ‘So what?’ you ask. Anyone that has been lucky enough to pre-clear, in Dublin or Shannon in Ireland, or in various airports in Canada for example, think it is a Good Thing. It can save hours of waiting in various US airport queues and because the aircraft can then land in domestic terminals, rather that specially designated international ones, it can also save long transfers.

Business Aviation: Some Noses Down; Some Wheels Up

Business aviation is still near stall. Even as time is called on the seemingly endless recessions in the US and Europe, BizAv activity in these mature markets continues to dwindle. This year is on track to see the feeblest number of new aircraft deliveries of any year since 2008, and flight activity continues to ebb downwards. This month the industry´s associations are trying to talk it up in Brazil at the annual Latin America Business Aviation Exhibition. But at least for the near future, these and other emerging markets are relative minnows compared to the US and Europe.

Aviation Advocacy Cryptic Crossword 005 – Solution