January 2011

The UK government is raising the tax on truck fuel on April 1. Forwarders represented by the British International Freight Association (BIFA) think it’s a Fool’s move.

Giovanni Bisignani, CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), recently called on Canada to adjust its tax structure in order to remain more competitive in the global marketplace. He said the country's policies make it more costly for people to visit Canada, noting that a trip to the country is $160 more expensive than a visit to the U.S.

Panama-based Copa Airlines is to take delivery of 10 B737-800 aircraft this year and begin new services to Toronto, Canada; Port Alegre, Brazil; and Nassau, Bahamas from June 2011.

Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) is converting a B727-200 passenger aircraft to a 12-pallet freighter configuration for an undisclosed customer. The company also is carrying out heavy maintenance on the aircraft at its conversion center in Miami, Florida.

Damco was a double winner at the British International Freight Association (BIFA) Freight Forwarding and Logistics Awards, picking up the Supply Chain Management Award and the Staff Development Award.

The European Commission (EC) has vetoed the merger of Greek carriers Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines on competition grounds following a 10-month investigation.

The UK economy could outperform many analysts’ expectations this year, according to a report by Business Monitor International (BMI).

To better position itself as a major hub for the 2012 London Olympics, Manston Airport in Kent has broken ground on a £250,000 ($396,674) Equine Border Inspection Post. Completion is expected in April. 

Officials have opened the $13.9 million Airport Response Coordination Center at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).