Aviation Week In Review - September 15, 2012

Airline Industry News

Governmental and Regulatory

Republicans on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee criticized the Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday for the problems that the Next Generation Air Transportation System is facing.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a measure that would end additional baggage checks on flights from 14 foreign airports. The Transportation Security Administration has said the 14 airports have security levels that meet or exceed U.S.standards.
U.S. government auditors plan to examine a program that allows airlines to self-report safety issues to the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Industry and Labor

AMR bankruptcy committee anticipates making a decision regarding the future of American Airlines by the end of the calendar year, according to a note in a document filed in court Friday.
General Electric has completed ultrasound checks of four Boeing 787s, which are powered by a GE engine that failed during ground taxi tests.
AMR, which received court approval Wednesday for revamped contracts with its flight attendants and mechanics, will continue to work on a new contract agreement with its pilots.
Nicholas Calio, the president and CEO of Airlines for America, said the GOP and Democratic national conventions gave "short shrift" to transportation policy.
FedEx and United Parcel Service have received approval from China to begin express-package services in the country.
As speculation over an American Airlines merger with US Airways continues, American's routes to Latin America are receiving greater attention. These routes, dominated by American, could become an area of strength for US Airways if the merger occurs.