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International
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RFID luggage tags to debut at Heathrow
Next month, London’s Heathrow International Airport will become the largest European airport to test the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to track luggage as it moves throughout the airport. Depending on the specific technology, some tags may be readable from several feet away.
RFID tags will be part of the labels attached to each piece of luggage at check in. While this technology is more expensive than printed labels, savings will likely be achieved from a more streamlined process and fewer lost bags, which should also improve customer satisfaction. The International Air Transport Association estimates RFID technology could save airlines more than $800 million USD each year.
Source: The Register (U.K.)
Virgin Blue plans to launch new, long-haul carrier
As travel from United States to the Asia Pacific region has grown rapidly in recent years, one airline has identified a way to take advantage of this trend by creating an airline to specifically serve the U.S.-Asia Pac market.
Australian airline Virgin Blue has announced it plans to launch a new, long-haul airline called V Australia. It hopes to run 10 flights weekly between Australia and locations in the United States by late 2008.
Virgin Blue plans to invest $62 million USD in V Australia, including $2 billion on six Boeing planes. The new carrier recently received approval from Australia’s International Air Services Commission to fly the routes and is currently waiting for similar regulatory approval from the U.S. government.
Sources: Reuters, New Zealand Herald
