New airport scanner tested in lab
New airport scanner tested in lab — A government lab is testing a “very promising” new machine that would allow airline passengers to keep their shoes on while going through security checkpoints, the nation’s aviation security chief said Thursday. (USA Today)
Ground workers reach agreement with NWA — Northwest Airlines Corp. and its baggage handlers and ramp workers reached a tentative agreement early Friday aimed at slashing the bankrupt airline’s labor expenses, union and airline officials said. (AP)
Oil prices rise to nearly $70 a barrel — Oil prices rose Friday as traders judged recent declines premature given persistent concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and the upcoming summer driving season. (AP)
Summer travel costs are rising — The cost of travel has been going up all year and that is making it difficult - but not impossible - to find summertime bargains. The U.S. travel industry is enjoying greater pricing power in large part because it has succeeded in minimizing the supply of airline seats, hotel rooms and rental cars at a time when demand for these services is rising. (AP)
Doctor: states unprepared for bird flu — Bird flu will hit the United States — it’s only a matter of time — and not all states are ready to respond to the deadly virus, the Homeland Security Department’s top doctor warns. (AP)
Senate wants border passports delayed — The Senate voted to delay for 17 months a requirement that Americans re-entering the United States after cruises or short visits to Canada and Mexico show passports or high-tech identification cards. (AP)
New Orleans’ aquarium reflects tourism woes — For almost nine months, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas has been closed. The aquarium is New Orleans’ crown jewel of visitor attractions along the Mississippi River, hosting 730,042 visitors last year, more people than attend Mardi Gras. (USA Today)
Philly hosts more sleepovers — The Philadelphia metropolitan area has seen a 55% increase in overnight tourist stays by leisure travelers from 1997 to 2005, according to a report released Wednesday by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. (AP)
Delta starting Sioux Falls-Atlanta flight — Delta Air Lines said earlier this week it is adding a flight between Sioux Falls and Atlanta, effective Aug. 7. The new service will be provided by Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Delta said in a release. (AP)
US Airways CEO upbeat on progress — The merged carrier on May 9 reported a $5 million net profit for the first quarter of 2005, one of only three major airlines to do so. Over the next 90 days, the airline expects to combine America West’s and US Airways’ computer systems, including those for accounting and frequent-flier programs. The airline also plans to unite two Web sites into one. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
JetBlue predicts profitability in next three quarters — Shares of JetBlue Airways Corp., the Forest Hills-based low cost carrier, rose Thursday after company chairman David Neeleman said the airline expects to be profitable in each of the remaining quarters this year. (Newsday)
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.