June 2011

EVA Airways has pleaded guilty to engaging in price-fixing behavior and has agreed to pay a $13.2 million fine, according to a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) news release. EVA will now play an active role in the ongoing investigation. The plea agreement is subject to court approval.

As part of the company’s 2011 expansion initiative, Airline Network Services (ANS) has established a charter division. Equipped to handle both full- and part-load charters transporting a wide range of goods out of North America, the ANS Charter Division will serve an international audience.

FedEx Express has commenced direct service to Colombia and will create more than 200 jobs in the country over the next two years. The company has been providing service to Colombians since 1993, but has only worked through a dedicated provider; FedEx will now oversee all aspects of shipping to the Latin American country.

Japan Airlines and American Airlines have enhanced their cargo relationship, routing freight through five key cities in the U.S. and three Japanese cities. The agreement also means that Honolulu is now a key hub for the transfer of cargo between the Americas and Asia.

To meet the city's air traffic demand for the next 20 years, a third runway must be built at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), according to the airport authority's Master Plan 2030. Another option presented in the report is to maintain the two-runway status quo, which would only be a "medium-term solution."

Crediting network expansion and an increase in frequencies, Kenya Airways boasted a 20 percent year-over-year cargo growth in the 2010 fiscal year. The carrier's cargo and courier service generated Ksh$6.5 billion last year.

Citing increased demand for A320 passenger craft, Airbus has terminated its development program for the A320/A321 passenger-to-freighter conversion and dissolved Airbus Freighter Conversion.

Asiana Airlines will launch nonstop all-cargo service between Incheon International and Portland International Airport (PDX) on Sept. 2.