- Current Events
- Travel Tips
- Supplier News
- Regional
- International
- Government/Legislation
- Technology
- Industry Trends/Innovation
- Supplier Spotlight
July 2005
-
U.S. e-passport deadline for VWP countries draws near
As of June 26 , travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries—including Japan, Australia, and 25 mainly European countries—must have machine-readable passports to continue to enjoy visa-free visits to the United States of up to 90 days.
A separate congressionally mandated deadline requires VWP country passports issued on or after October 26, 2005 to produce passports with digital photographs for visa-free travel to the U.S. On that date, all VWP countries must also present an acceptable plan to begin issuing integrated circuit chips, or e-passports, including a biometric identifier based on applicable standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) within one year.
America West, US Airways merger receives federal approval
The antitrust division of the U.S. Department of Justice completed its review of the proposed merger between America West Holdings Corp. and US Airways Group Inc. and granted federal approval June 24.
US Airways filed its reorganization plan with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court June 30, one of the final steps toward emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As expected, the plan is centered on the airline's merger with America West, and according to the disclosure statement, the merged airlines would operate as a "new hybrid point-to-point/hub-and-spoke low-cost carrier." US Airways’ creditors, investors, and unions have until August 9 to review the plan and submit questions, statements, or objections. At that time, the bankruptcy court will hold a hearing on the plan.
