- July 2009
- Current Events
- Travel Tips
- Supplier News
- Regional
- International
- Government/Legislation
- Technology
- Industry Trends/Innovations
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- Supplier Spotlight
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Current Events
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Clear ceases operations
As reported through its corporate Web site, Verified Identity Pass, Inc, the parent company of Clear, which operated the Clear Registered Traveler program, ceased all operations effective 1 a.m. CDT, June 23, 2009. Clear’s corporate Web site stated the reason for the closure simply as the company “has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor.”
Travelers with a Clear Registered Traveler program pass will no longer have access to designated security express lanes at airports nationwide. This change has the potential of causing longer lines and delays at security checkpoints. CWT ticketed passengers are advised to carry the appropriate identification and follow airline guidelines by allowing sufficient time to navigate airport security.
CWT does not have a business relationship with Clear and is unable to negotiate any membership reimbursements or other compensation on behalf of clients.
At this time, no other information is available; however, CWT will notify clients of any updates as appropriate. CWT clients with membership passes are also encouraged to visit www.flyclear.com for the most current information.
Sources: Carlson Wagonlit Travel, flyclear.com
FAA plans emergency actions to improve regional-airline safety
Responding to concerns over poor piloting and fatigue, and a string of six fatal commuter plane crashes, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Department of Transportation top officials met to address the shortcomings brought to light by the February 12 crash of Continental Express Flight 3407 from Newark, in which 50 people were killed. Regional airlines operate primarily under contract to the major carriers and fly half of all flights, carrying approximately 20 percent of passengers.
Randy Babbitt, the newly confirmed FAA Administrator, said that safety among the smaller airlines is not always the same as that of the majors, stating, “The last few months…are an indication that some things aren’t right.”
Following the daylong, closed meeting with government, airline, and union officials, the FAA laid out intentions and plans. Babbitt, a former consultant and Eastern Airlines pilot, said he would use his new position to make changes including new safety rules for regional carriers, some of which are listed below.
- Create new regulations on how many hours a pilot can work.
- Have safety programs in place that require close monitoring of data from every flight.
- Make changes in the law that gives airlines the right to get pilots’ detailed work histories; requiring job applicants to waive their right to privacy so that the FAA can provide data about the pilots’ performance.
Babbitt also expressed opinions that the major airlines should be more involved in regional carrier pilot training, with senior pilots mentoring the entry-level pilots; and that starting salaries are a concern—the “best and brightest” are not going to be available for long at USD $24,000 per year.
Sources: New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Businessweek.com
