Aero says evacuation of passengers pursued safety standards

Aero Contractors Airlines said, on Monday, that the evacuation of passengers from one of its aircraft that caught fire on Sunday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, followed globally recognized safety procedures.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some passengers on the flight, from Port Harcourt to Lagos, continued injuries when the airline's Boeing 737 aircraft landed and caught fire.

The airline, in a report by its Media Consultant, Simon Tumba, said that the evacuation was carried out after the aircraft had landed securely in Lagos. "The evacuation was ordered by the captain following globally recognized safety actions after-on-board smoke detectors were activated," he said.

"We currently consider that this was due to dampness and warm air mixing in the cabin forming a smoke-like vapour. As the crew could not be 100 percent certain that the vapour was safe after landing, all the 84 passengers were evacuated to the tarmac where they were moved to the airport terminal in a bus."

Mr Tumba also added that Aero was in stable touch with the passengers, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other regulatory bodies in line with international operating procedure.

Delta put off Boeing 787 deliveries to at least 2020

Delta Air Lines has delayed its Boeing 787 Dreamliner deliveries awaiting 2020 to 2022, the company reported Monday.

Delta inherited the order for 18 787-8 aircraft when it took over Northwest Airlines, and previous reports had recommended it might cancel the order.

On Monday, the airline said it reached an agreement with Boeing last month to reaffirm the order while deferring the deliveries, which were formerly set for 2008 to 2010. Boeing itself has frequently delayed delivery of the first 787 to commence customer All Nippon Airways, and that delivery is currently set for the middle of the first quarter of 2011.

Asked about Delta's filing, Boeing spokesman Jim Proulx said: "We are delighted that Delta's reaffirmed its commitment to the 787," adding it would unsuitable to comment further on any customer discussions.

Also Monday, Delta reported that it has approved to sell the four 737-800 aircraft it has on order with Boeing to third parties instantly after delivery.

Southwest Airlines pilots earn increase through company profitability

Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) yesterday announced it has received official notice from the airline that its pilots will obtain a 3% increase due to the company's profitability.

The raise is part of a negotiated profitability-based contract which ties in the achievement of the company with any pay raises pilots may receive.

When the contract was originally valued during negotiations a 0% raise was seen as probable due to the company's recital at the time and the economy.

The wage boost for the pilots comes as a surprise and is seen as a positive sign of a changing economic climate.