Source: US DOT The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released data on the submissions (complaints, inquiries, and opinions) it has received from consumers about air travel for June-December 2023 and the full calendar year 2023. The submissions about air travel in calendar year 2023 are the highest number on record except for calendar year 2020. The release of the submissions data in the Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) was delayed primarily because of the high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the time needed to review and process these consumer complaints using the Department's outdated legacy consumer complaint application system. Over the past three years, complaints made [...]

Source: FAA FAA makes additional $1 billion available for Airport Terminal Program grants and announces nearly $290 million in awards for airport improvements, improving safety and efficiency. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is announcing a seventh round of Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) totaling $289 million to 129 airports across 40 states, improving the safety and efficiency of air travel. The projects are funded under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's AIG program, part of the $25 billion in total funding for airport improvements such as terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements, and air traffic infrastructure improvements. "Americans are flying in record numbers, and the Biden-Harris Administration continues to invest in our airports to make travel [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for May 2024 global air cargo markets showing continuing strong annual growth in demand. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 14.7% compared to May 2023 levels (15.5% for international operations). This is the sixth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 6.7% compared to May 2023 (10.2% for international operations). "Air cargo demand moved sharply upwards in May across all regions. The sector benefitted from trade growth, booming e-commerce and capacity constraints on maritime shipping. The outlook remains largely positive with purchasing managers showing expectations for future growth. Some dampening, however, could come as the US imposes stricter conditions [...]

Source: TSA Eligible passengers can use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling from the U.S. on nearly 100 airlines The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the expansion of its TSA PreCheck® program with the addition of Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, Ethiopian Airlines and Saudia. Nearly 100 airlines now participate in the program. TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program enabling low-risk travelers to enjoy a secure and efficient screening experience at more than 200 U.S. state and territory airports, and one foreign Preclearance airport at the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas. TSA PreCheck passengers travel with ease and may keep on their shoes, belts and light jackets and are not required to remove laptops, 3-1-1 liquids and food [...]

Source: TIACA The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) signed an MoU during the first TIACA Event Central Asia. The primary objective of the MoU is to strengthen cooperation between TIACA and JARUS with the mission of promoting the contribution of unmanned aviation, specifically air cargo, to global economic and social development. Key points of this agreement: To work collaboratively to enhance a safe global unmanned air cargo transport system. To work towards educating and developing projects with governments and private entities to achieve an efficient industry in terms of costs and operations. To promote the specific needs of air cargo for the unmanned air cargo sector. To promote safety in the [...]