Travel Buzz – September 30, 2011

Boeing has delivered its first 787 “dreamliner” to launch customer All Nippon Airways.

“The new jet, which was supposed to be flying passengers three years ago, has been delayed by production and design problems. But now it’s here, and airlines expect it to offer travelers much more comfort, open up new routes and provide significant fuel savings.

The first one goes to Japan’s All Nippon Airways, which has been printing the 787 logo and “We Fly 1st” on its business cards for years.

Airlines love the jet, which Boeing calls the Dreamliner. They’ve ordered more than 800, well above levels for previous new jets.”

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Virgin America will launch new seasonal service to Palm Springs.

“Virgin America is bringing its service to Palm Springs International Airport just in time for the Winter season.

Palm Springs International Airport will be the sixteenth destination in the airline’s growing network.

Virgin America will bring its service to the Palm Springs with a seasonal daily flight schedule operating from December 15, 2011 to April 30, 2012.”

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The European Union will give airlines some breathing room with regard to its upcoming Emissions Trading Scheme.

“Next year, all airlines flying to and from Europe will be brought into the program, which is currently being challenged in court by some American carriers.

Jos Delbeke, the European Union’s director general for climate action, said Monday that carriers would be allowed to emit 85 percent of their limit — or cap — free for the first year to ease the economic impact on the industry. The cap is set at 97 percent of the average aviation emissions from 2004 to 2006.

For the 2013-20 period, the cap will fall to 95 percent of that number, and the free allowances will decline to 82 percent.”