Aviation News Update: In-Flight Internet & Fuel Surcharges

Filed in archive Aviation News on January 23, 2008

Here's the best of the aviation news I've missed.

Airlines Abandon Higher Fuel Surcharge

A doubling of the fuel surcharge tacked on to most tickets by American Airlines and other carriers has apparently flopped, the second straight unsuccessful effort by airlines to boost the fee. American last week raised its fuel surcharge to $40 from $20 for many round trip flights, and over the weekend other carriers went along. But by Monday, Northwest Airlines Corp. had began a gradual retreat, which forced other airlines to also drop the fee, according to analysts who watch air fares.

American Airlines to Offer In-flight Internet

American Airlines has started installing equipment for high-speed Internet service on jetliners used for cross-country trips. American, the nation's largest carrier, said Tuesday it completed installation on one Boeing 767 last week and plans to add equipment and test the technology on all 15 of the 767s it uses primarily on transcontinental flights

Thai flight attendants protest after soap opera airs

A new Thai soap opera about flight attendants is ruffling feathers among flight professionals, who claim that the show portrays them in a "humiliating and demeaning" way. After a three day premiere on Thai airwaves, union members were so horrified by the show that they asked the country's culture minister, Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon, to yank the remaining episodes.