Some 300 IAM Members in Vancouver have overwhelmingly approved a strike resolution in response to a contract offer Union leaders called “nothing short of crap.”

Talks between Local 16 and Swissport – the vendor that provides baggage handling and ground service to WestJet airline at Vancouver International Airport – are at an impasse, said District 140 Chairman Todd Haverstock.

“The company’s final offer included no wage increases for employees on the first four steps of the pay scale or with less than two years of service,” Haverstock said in a statement.  “For other workers, the average increase amounts to slightly over 1 percent per year over a three-year agreement.” Average pay for Members at Swissport is $11.30 an hour, he said.

In all, 94 percent of the Local 16 Members voted in solidarity to favor the strike resolution.

Along with providing services for WestJet, the Members handle bags for Continental Airlines and maintain the baggage sorting equipment at Vancouver International.

As a Houston resident, I can’t help but be exposed to the advertising and promotion of our home town airline, Continental Airlines.

Recently they went through a massive undertaking, of switching airline alliances from SkyTeam to the Star Alliance. Recently, I attended a recent Corporate Forum event, hosted by Continental, and learned more about the changeover – and it made me realize what a massive undertaking this was not only from an operations point of view – but also a marketing, communications and PR view.

It was a lot more than simply taking off the SkyTeam insignia that was emblazoned everywhere (web-site, lapel pins, stationary, decals on the airplanes, etc). As you listen to the staff, they’re excited, well educated and proud of the new alliance. And as frequent fliers, we should be excited about the expanded opportunity it presents us.

Continental invested in their staff…and re-educated them on their updated brand promise with Star.

While the process of changeover took 18 months (I believe) to plan – it was executed – OVERNIGHT with all SkyTeam visuals removed (Ugh – can you imagine!) This was the first time an airline had ever executed such a massive change.  We’re now seeing “Star Alliance” livery on several of the Continental Fleet!

From a marketing point of view, the Continental team is very savvy – I just love their play on word advertising campaigns – and their current “You’re about to receive the Star treatment” is genius. I recently came back from a trip to Tokyo – and all staff members, both on the ground and on-board were very excited about promoting the new alliance, and constantly used this phrase. LOL.

Continental took advantage of Twitter on the launch week, by asking users to tweet phrases such as “Get the Star Treatment from Continental” -  the promotion to tweet this – 2 round trip BusinessFirst Tickets…ummm yeah – I tweeted – but sadly didn’t win the tickets!

I now want to go on a ‘round the world’ trip – which is promoted on the star alliance web-site…and now, (because of the alliance) for the first time my Dad can fly from Aberdeen to Houston without having to have a separate ticket for the London to Aberdeen portion – hurray!

Congratulations Continental on an amazing branding achievement!!

Copyright Photo: GSR. N78017 approaches HKG for landing after being repainted.

Continental Airlines (Houston) has painted its first Boeing 777 in the Star Alliance color scheme. Boeing 777-224 ER N78017 (msn 31679) was painted at Hong Kong and went into revenue service between HKG and Newark as flight CO 98 yesterday (December 1).

I have arrived safely in Halifax … but my luggage hasn’t. But things could certainly be worse. I must say that the Continental Airlines baggage claim folks at the Halifax airport were wonderful! Very nice and helpful. My luggage is likely on the next flight from Newark to Halifax, and there are a few women involved in the Georgia Harkness Scholars program on that flight. The baggage claim folks checked with the customs officers and, if my luggage arrives on that flight, they will give it to those women who can bring it to our hotel for me. That sure beats waiting for the lost luggage shuttle to get it here! I have already met some wonderful women and am looking forward to talking and sharing more with them over the next several days as we explore Canadian culture and religious communities.

All is well. Until next time, peace …

The most heart-warming story I’ve read so far this holiday season is the one about the federal government fining three airlines a total of $175,000 for their role in leaving a planeload of passengers stranded on a runway all night.

How apropos, as the busiest air travel days of 2009 loom.

“I hope that this sends a signal to the rest of the airline industry,” said Ray LaHood, the U.S. Dept. of Transportation secretary. “We expect airlines to respect the rights of air travelers.”

Hear, hear! Long overdue! But this begs the question: What are the rights of air travelers?

Fact is, air travelers don’t have many rights. And efforts to give them some have been stymied for years. Congress is supposedly considering the final wording of passenger rights provisions in a bill that deals with funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (read entertaining press releases here about airline, airport and air traffic control malfeasance). Congress would do well to consult the clear, easy-to-understand, basic provisions of Europe’s passenger rights laws, which have been in effect (without causing financial hardship for the airlines affected) since 2005.

But the airline industry is working diligently to water down any U.S. legislation to something akin to light beer. They are arguing over things like whether people stuck on planes should be allowed to get off after three, or four, hours. Why put people on planes that aren’t leaving, in the first place? Why keep them on planes that have arrived?

If new laws are enacted – even something with baby teeth – don’t expect the airlines to honor even the most basic rights; for the past decade, they have routinely ignored the provisions of the Air Transport Association’s Customer First service agreement of 1999 that 14 airlines pledged to honor. Airline service and customer treatment by the airlines was supposed to improve; do you honestly feel that it has? (Check out the YouTube video, “United Breaks Guitars”, below, which has been viewed nearly 6 million times to date.)

Is it any better today than it was when Northwest Airlines was accused of “imprisoning” a planeload of passengers for 11 hours during the Blizzard of 1999?

Is it better than it was on Valentine’s Day in 2007 when Jet Blue cancelled 71 flights due to bad weather, and left some passengers on grounded planes for up to 11 hours?

The 51 passengers trapped overnight last Aug. 7 on a Continental Express flight diverted to Rochester, Minn., would likely agree that service is no better. In their case – for which the recent fines were levied – service is appalling as ever. Someone at the Rochester airport inaccurately told the plane’s pilot that passengers couldn’t deplane there because there were no security screeners on duty. Come on! You get screened when you get on the plane, not off. The plane was headed to nearby Minneapolis airport, and certainly could have been provided bus or public transportation there, if needed.

Or if anyone at any of the three airlines involved – Mesaba, ExpressJet and Continental – had felt an obligation to care for passengers’ rights. Clearly they did not. They have nothing to motivate them to do so, other than common decency.

This reminds me of the old Chevy Chase skit about The Phone Company: “We don’t care, because we don’t have to.”

Isn’t it time the airlines were made to care?

Jerry Garrett

November 27, 2009

The Aviation Enforcement Office (AEO) fined Continental Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines $100,000 for their roles in keeping passengers on board Continental Express flight 2816 overnight at Rochester International Airport on August 8, 2009. Continental must also provide a full refund to each passenger and also offer passengers additional compensation to materially acknowledge their discomfort.

Mesaba Airlines was also fined $75,000. Mesaba provided ground handling for the flight.

Flight 2816 was en route from Houston to Minneapolis carrying 47 passengers when thunderstorms forced it to divert to Rochester. The airport closed and a Mesaba employee refused to open the terminal for the stranded passengers, who remaind on the tarnac overnight for 5 1/2 hours.

The passengers spent an uncomfortable night in the 50-seat jet with babies crying and a foul odor emanating from the toilet. They were allowed off the plane in the morning and later got back on for a short flight to Minneapolis-St. Paul.

 This unpresidented move should send a signal to the rest of the airline industry that airlines must respect the rights of air travelers.

Down the Thanksgiving Road – Mike

In a time of budget airlines, boarding a full-service flight is a rare blessing.

I’ve just traveled across the pond to New Jersey for Thanksgiving, and to my surprise, I had a very pleasant flight. The line at the check-in counter was bearable. My luggage was handled swiftly and professionally (and I didn’t have to pay a separate fee to check my 50-pound bag.)

Of the many things to be thankful for this November, I’m thankful for full-service airlines who still care about delivering outstanding customer service, who recognize the competition in the airline industry and the fact that they need to earn your business. For me, the airline I continuously return to is Continental.

A professional staff who is always willing to answer questions, an easy to use website, a rewards system that actually adds up to free flights: these are services that were left on the ground in the business model of budget airlines. And while yes, I enjoy flying thousands of miles for 20 euro on Ryanair, I also have begun to wonder if their staff earns bonuses for being rude to customers.

Here’s my list of the travel-blessings I’m thankful for, the things that make getting home just that little bit easier.

1. No Baggage Fees: I expect the price of a bag to be reflected in the price of my ticket. To be excited by a fare, only to find out in the last stage of booking that an additional 15 euro will be charged each way for one checked bag – that feels a bit deceitful. Continental still offers you that first bag free of charge (although I think now they charge if you aren’t a member of their OnePass program.) I appreciate those 50 pounds every December when my bag is filled to the brim with gifts for my family and friends that I’ve picked up on my travels.

2. A Full Can of Soda: This may seem trivial, but I like it when the flight attendant gives me a glass of ice, and a full can of soda. I always find myself parched on planes, and although I try to remember to purchase a bottle of water post-security checkpoint, I don’t always do so. 

3. Assigned Seats = No Lines: There’s nothing worse than arriving to the airport for a Ryanair flight back home to find a lengthy line 45 minutes before boarding time. With no assigned seats, people line up insanely far in advance, and if you’re traveling with others, you might as well get in the line too if you have any hopes of sitting together. Call me old fashioned, but I like an assigned seat, and the choice of aisle or window.

Autumnal Colors in New Jersey

4. Entertainment: A 7-hour flight across the pond is easier to swallow when you have 40 movies to choose from on demand. Continental offers incredibly recent titles (on my flight this week I watched Meryl Streep in Julie&Julia.. I think that’s still in some theaters?!) This feature also seems to keep kids quiet. If they have there own movies or cartoons to watch, it is less likely that their screaming will wake me up in the middle of my cat nap…

5. Punctual Schedules: Continental respects my time. If their is an unusual delay, a sincere apology is announced over the loudspeaker, along with the reason for the delay. If the wings are icy and something needs to be done about that, I’m fine with a time delay. If I’m sitting on the runway and no one has said a word, I find that quite bothersome. My experience suggests that not only is Continental on time, but usually even a bit early. This is one of the most important factors that has made Continental earn my business.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? What airline delivers great service to you consistently? Share your thoughts by posting below.

Российская авиация

В прошлый раз я писал про рейтинг безопасности российских авиакомпаний. Неделя началась с ряда публикаций по этому поводу. Вот одна из них на gazeta.ru. Понятно, что любой рейтинг несовершенен и не отражает всего, что творится в той или иной авиакомпании. К тому же, ни один рейтинг не сможет предусмотреть нештатные ситуации.

“Аэрофлот-Норд” всё же переименовывают в “Нордавиа – региональные авиалинии” с 1 декабря. Недавно я с удивлением обнаружил, что “Аэрофлот-Норд” больше не обслуживает дневной рейс Самара-Москва-Самара. Получается, что у “Аэрофлота” осталось лишь два рейса – утренний и вечерний. Напомню, что зимнее расписание полётов через “Курумоч” можно посмотреть здесь.

Третий терминал аэропорта “Шереметьево” всё же начал свою работу по графику 15 ноября с рейсов в Сочи и Магадан. В сети появилось ещё несколько публикаций на эту тему. “Ведомости” предлагают небольшое видео и статью. Отмечается, что автостоянка пока бесплатна, городские автобусы уже ходят до нового терминала (что не может не радовать меня лично), а в стерильной зоне Wi-Fi Интернет может быть бесплатным. В ЖЖ есть и пост с подборкой фотографий нового терминала.

Наконец, новому терминалу посвящён и материал сайта “Транспорт сегодня”. Отмечается, что заинтересованность в использовании нового терминала проявляют некоторые российские компании – “Россия”, “Татарстан”. Это помимо того, что кроме SkyTeam и “Аэрофлота” в терминал D переведут некоторые компании-конкуренты, а часть рейсов “Аэрофлота” вынуждена будет остаться в Терминале 2 (позднее в Терминале Е). Я решительно не понимаю, почему в аэрофлотовский терминал над переводить рейсы всех остальных компаний (не входящих в SkyTeam), когда самому “Аэрофлоту” уже не хватает места. Что это за странная логистика? В конце концов, в Терминал Е можно было бы перевести рейсы конкурентов, у которых с “Аэрофлотом” есть код-шеринговые соглашения, а не тащить их в третий терминал.

“Ведомости-пятница” же пишут о ещё одной новинке шереметьевского аэропортового комплекса – новой штаб-квартире “Аэрофлота” по соседству с третьим терминалом. Я летом проезжал мимо и видел это красивое здание. Вот прекрасный пример того, когда современная архитектура в нужном месте может быть украшением. В новой штаб-квартире рождаются и очередные инициативы по пересаживанию российских чиновников на самолёты российских авиакомпаний.

Но и это не всё. 25 ноября в “Шереметьево” откроется первый у нас “капсульный” отель “Воздушный экспресс”, который разместится в терминале “Аэроэкспресс”. В отличие от Японии, номера будут выполнены в более традиционном виде, нежели знаменитые капсулы, но минимализм сохраняется. Минимальное время пребывания в гостинице – 4 часа. За 4 часа в одноместном экономе нужно будет отдать 1312 рублей, за 2-местный эконом без окна 1600 рублей, а 2-местный эконом с окном 1800 рублей. Имеются также 2 и 3-местные номера бизнес класса, а также 3-местный номер первого класса. По истечении 4 часов оплата взимается по часам. В том же 1-местном экономе пребывание в течение 5 часов обойдётся в 1599 рублей. Во всех номерах есть туалет с душем, кровати, телефон и доступ в Интернет. Постояльцы обеспечиваются набором постельного белья и полотенец. Это может стать удобным решением для тех, кто должен рано вылетать из аэропорта, а приезжает в “Москву” накануне вечером. Можно заселиться в полночь, а в 4-5 утра уже отправиться в терминал на регистрацию.

Тем временем, ОАК всё же получит акции самарского “Авиакора”. Актив этот достаточно проблемный. Долги большие, производство минимально. Сохраняется вероятность того, что самарскому заводу отведут роль производителя запчастей и ремонтные функции. Собственно, ОАК не скрывает своих планов перенести производство самолётов Ан-140 в Воронеж.

Пока же некоторые самолёты хотя бы где-то сохраняют. В пригороде Барнаула открылся авиамузей. Каждый раз, когда читаешь подобные сообщения или открываешь в ЖЖ очередной репортаж из авиамузеев Киева или Ульяновска, становится стыдно и обидно за Самару, где самолёты ржавеют на тренировочной базе СГАУ.

Авиация за рубежом

OAG (Лондон) подвела итоги голосования и представила рейтинг гражданской авиации 2009 года. Этот рейтинг считается одним из самых авторитетных.

Авиакомпания года: Singapore Airlines
Лучшая авиакомпания на трансатлантических маршрутах: Virgin Atlantic
Лучшая авиакомпания на транстихоокеанских маршрутах: Singapore Airlines
Лучший салон первого класса на международных линиях: Singapore Airlines
Лучший салон бизнес-класса: Continental Airlines
Лучший салон экономического класса: British Airways
Лучшая североамериканская авиакомпания: Continental
Лучшая авиакомпания Ближнего Востока и Южной Азии: Emirates
Лучшая бюджетная авиакомпания: Southwest Airlines
Лучшая авиакомпания Латинской Америки: LAN
Лучшая авиакомпания Африки: South African Airlines
Лучшая авиакомпания Западной Европы: Virgin Atlantic
Лучшая авиакомпания Центральной и Восточной Европы: CSA Czech Airlines
Лучшая авиакомпания Австралии и Океании: Qantas
Лучший аэропорт: Singapore Changi

“Аэрофлот”, кстати, попал в число финалистов в категории “лучшая авиакомпания Центральной и Восточной Европы”.

В прошлую пятницу Рик Сини вспомнил о том, что число 13 отсутствует в салонах некоторых компаний. Так, 13-го ряда нет у Continental Airlines, Alaska и AirTran. А в салонах Lufthansa, согласно Рику Сини, нет 13 и 17 рядов, так как в Италии и Бразилии несчастливым считается ещё и число 17. Однако надо понимать, что сидящие в “14” ряду, на самом деле оказываются в 13-м.

Любители авиации могут заинтересоваться видео с компьютерной симуляцией полёта А320 компании US Airways, который в начале года удачно приземлился на реку после столкновения со стаей птиц над Нью-Йорком.

Авиапутешествия

Сергей Доля разместил в своём блоге подборку ссылок на материалы о разных ситуациях, которые могут быть восприняты пассажирами как нештатные. Заметки призваны развенчать некоторые аэрофобные мифы.

Если Вы уже не боитесь (или никогда не боялись), Вас может заинтересовать предложение от Air France. До конца ноября можно забронировать перелёт по маршрутам Москва-Париж-Нью-Йорк или Санкт-Петербург-Париж-Нью-Йорк на период с 23 ноября 2009 по 31 марта 2010 года. В чём изюминка предложения? В том, что шесть раз в неделю, кроме среды, перелёт из Парижа в Нью-Йорк и обратно осуществляется на двухпалубном A380. А билет туда-обратно (со всеми сборами) в экономическом классе обойдётся всего в 20500 рублей (при бронировании через сайт компании).

А ещё у Air France и KLM есть предложение для любителей Европы – билет в три европейских города по цене одного. За 15000 рублей (со всеми сборами) можно выбрать любой европейский город из 13 (Ницца, Тулуза, Женева, Мюнхен, Цюрих, Милан, Рим, Лиссабон, Барселона, Эдинбург, Лондон, Берлин, Вена) помимо Парижа и Амстердама. Например, можно забронировать билет по маршруту Москва-Париж-Лондон-Амстердам-Москва за 15000 рублей. Фактически, Вы платите только за билет до Лондона (или другого города по выбору), а остановки в Париже и Амстердаме совершаете бесплатно. Бронирование до 30 ноября, перелёт до конца марта 2010 года.

Ну, а японская ANA решила модернизировать свои салоны. Увеличенное расстояние между креслами в экономе, разделители и двойные подлокотники в премиум-экономе, горизонтально раскладывающиеся кресла в бизнес-классе и полностью приватные места в первом. Бретт Снайдер предлагает взглянуть на всё это великолепие. Новые кабины появятся в 2010 году на самолётах Boeing-777-300ER, летающих между Японией и Северной Америкой или Европой.

Please click on AG icon for a direct link to the Continental Airlines photo gallery.

Continental Airlines (Houston) announced it will start Newark-Munich daily service with Boeing 767-200 ER equipment starting on March 27, 2010.

Press release:

finance.yahoo.com/news/Continental-Airlines-prnews-3861191615.html?x=0&.v=1

OceanAir tem planos de crescimento 

Fokker 100 da OceanAir em SDU (Foto: Aidan Formigoni / Clique para ampliar)

A OceanAir levará novidades para o Festival de Turismo de Gramado: a incorporação de 4 aeronaves Airbus 319 à sua frota a partir de março de 2010 e como isso deverá beneficiar os passageiros da Região Sul do país . Ainda em 2009, a companhia reforçará sua malha aérea com novos voos (São Paulo/Juazeiro do Norte e São Paulo/Salvador) com a entrada em operação de mais um Fokker Mk 28, reafirmando foco de servir cada vez melhor seus clientes. Segundo Renato Pascowitch, diretor executivo da companhia, a OceanAir, que apresentou crescimento de aproximadamente 50% em 2009. Para 2010 o previsto é um crescimento superior a 30%, passando dos 2,5 milhões de passageiros transportados.

As principais conquistas da OceanAir esse ano foram: Primeira colocada na preferência do passageiro, segundo Ranking Popular da Anac (www.anac.gov.br/passageiro); novos Airbus 319, com capacidade para 132 passageiros cada, passam a integrar a frota OceanAir em 2010; harmonização dos programas de fidelidade Amigo (OceanAir) e Avianca Plus, permitindo ao passageiro das duas empresas acumular pontos e resgatar prêmios; mais de 600 mil participantes do Programa Amigo (Programa de Fidelidade); renovação dos interiores da Frota de MK28; ampliação de code-shares com Avianca para Porto Alegre, Florianópolis, Brasília, Salvador e Belo Horizonte.

British Airways renova parceria com cartão de crédito

A companhia aérea British Airways anunciou uma promoção especial com a operadora de cartão de crédito American Express. Com a renovação do acordo, até o dia 31 de janeiro de 2010, um ponto do programa Membership Rewards se transforma em duas milhas no Executive Club, programa de milhagem da empresa inglesa. Os pontos podem ser trocados por passagens aéreas ou upgrades de classes nos voos diários da Britsh de São Paulo para Londres ou Buenos Aires ou em um dos três voos do Rio de Janeiro para a capital argentina. A transferência automática dos pontos é feita pelo call center da Amex e é válida para os associados Gold e Platinum da operadora de cartão. Outra vantagem é que os pontos transferidos poderão ser utilizados também nas outras companhias integrantes da aliança One World como a American, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Finnair, Qantas e Mexicana, entre outras.

Estrangeiras pontuais no Brasil

Relatório recente da ANAC mostra o desempenho da aviação comercial no Brasil, no passado mês de outubro. Entre as empresas aéreas estrangeiras (que realizam mais de 70 voos por mês no Brasil) as mais pontuais em outubro foram a LANChile (6,8%), Copa Airlines ( 7,6%) e Continental Airlines (7,7%). Os índices de atrasos indicam o percentual de voos que decolaram com defasagem superior a mais de 30 minutos. As menos pontuais em outubro foram a Aerolineas Argentinas (36,2%) Ibéria (33,3%) e TAM Mercosur (31,5%).

A mais pontual das regionais

Entre as principais companhias brasileiras com serviços aéreos regionais a mais pontual, no passado mês de outubro foi, segundo a ANAC, a Pantanal, que registrou apenas 11.6% de suas decolagens com atrasos superiores a 30 minutos.

Melhor visibilidade em “clássicos”

A Hawker Beechcraft está oferecendo uma melhoria notável para seus modelos clássicos “Baron” e “Bonanza”. Trata-se dos equipamentos EVS-100 e EVS-600 (de Enhanced Vision System), que melhora a visibilidade frontal para o piloto mesmo em condições adversas de iluminação. Operando com câmeras térmicas de infra-vermelho, o sistema penetra fumaça, nebulosidade e nevoeiro e garante maior segurança nos pousos e decolagens. Os novos sistemas estarão agora disponíveis para os aviões saídos de fabrica e como “retrofit” para exemplares mais antigos.

Airbags em aviões leves

A Hawker Beechcraft lançou novos Amsafe Seatbelts Airbags para o piloto e o co-piloto de seus aviões “Baron” e “Bonanza”. Essa medida reflete o resultado de pesquisas que mostram que em muitos pousos forçados os ocupantes dos assentos da frente nessas aeronaves sofrem ferimentos na cabeça e pescoço que podem ser evitados pelo uso do novo equipamento.

Novo presidente da ABAG

Tomou posse em São Paulo o novo Presidente da ABAG – Associação Brasileira de Aviação Geral, Francisco Lyra, eleito para o biênio 2010/2011. Ele substitui Ruy Tomas de Aquino.

Nova proposta sueca ao Brasil

Numa dura disputa para obter para seu caça “Gripen” o contrato brasileiro de compra para 36 exemplares para a FAB, a sueca Saab, com o apoio do Reino Unido, sugeriu novas vantagens ao Brasil. Uma delas seria qualificar a Embraer como sua representante de vendas da aeronave a outros países da América Latina e outra envolveria a compra, para a Força Aérea da Suécia, do novo avião tanque KC-390 e do treinador “Super Tucano”. Sabe-se que os suecos precisarão substituir seus atuais treinadores Saab 105 e os transportes Lockheed “Hercules” na próxima década.

Lufthansa lança jogo virtual 

A Lufthansa acaba de lançar um quiz premiado para agentes de viagem. É o eXperts Knowledge, um jogo online em que os agentes podem testar seus conhecimentos sobre a Lufthansa, a Swiss e sobre aviação de maneira geral. Não basta apenas saber as respostas, é preciso ser rápido para acumular prêmios. A grande vantagem é poder jogar quantas vezes quiser e melhorar a performance a cada partida.

Os dez melhores jogadores levarão para casa diversos prêmios. O primeiro colocado vai ganhar um porta retrato digital, um DVD duplo Índia Exótica, uma bolsa courier e um kit de escritório com pen drive. O eXperts é uma plataforma da Lufthansa e da Swiss para agentes de viagens, com informações para reservas e diversas promoções e ofertas.

Informações: www.lufthansaexperts.com .

United e Continental oferecem novas vantagens 

A United Airlines e a Continental Airlines fizeram um acordo para beneficiar os membros dos seus planos com status elite. Na ocasião, seus passageiros ganharão upgrades automáticos na outra empresa nos voos internos dos Estados Unidos, caso haja disponibilidade.

Além disso, os clientes da Continental com status elite poderão ocupar lugares na Economy Plus da United, a área dianteira da parte econômica, com maior espaço entre as poltronas. Os clientes frequentes da United com status elite, por sua vez, poderão usar automaticamente o setor Premium Seating nos voos da Continental.

As decisões fazem parte de uma série de benefícios obtidos pelos clientes das duas empresas depois que ambas anunciaram um acordo de parceria global. Esses benefícios incluem facilidades para o acesso às cidades servidas pelas duas empresas, reconhecimento comum do status elite dos planos de fidelidade das duas empresas e possibilidade de os planos de milhagem das duas empresas serem usados para acumular e usar milhas em viagens pela outra.

Embraer vende 20 aviões para Argentina

A Embraer vai vender 20 aviões modelo 190 AR para o governo argentino. A compra envolve cerca de US$ 700 milhões. Parte do financiamento, cerca de 85%, será realizado via Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES) e o restante por meio do Banco de la Nación Argentina. As nove primeiras aeronaves serão entregues em junho de 2010 e as demais em 2011.

O acordo para a venda das aeronaves foi firmado dia 18 de novembro durante reunião dos presidentes Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva e Cristina Kirchner. No encontro, a presidente argentina elogiou a iniciativa. “Os aviões farão parte da nova frota de aeronaves e envolve um grande investimento”, disse Cristina. “É um tema de questão econômica e política.”

De acordo com Lula, o BNDES é um “parceiro entusiasta” da integração da parceria Brasil e Argentina. Segundo ele, desde 2005, foi desembolsado US$ 1,2 bilhão para projetos de ampliação e modernização da infraestrutura da Argentina e seu parque produtivo.

TAM tem novo integrante no Conselho de Administração

Em Assembléia Geral Extraordinária realizada hoje, a TAM S/A aceitou o pedido de renúncia da conselheira Flávia Turci e aprovou a eleição de Emilio Romano como o novo integrante do Conselho de Administração da companhia. Emilio Romano é presidente do Grupo Puerta Alameda (GPA), que atua com desenvolvimento imobiliário no México, e presidiu, de 2004 a 2007, a companhia aérea Mexicana. Maria Cláudia Oliveira Amaro permanece na presidência do Conselho e Mauricio Rolim Amaro, na vice-presidência, cargos que ambos ocupam desde abril de 2007.

Continental Airlines for the second consecutive year took top honors in Business Travel News’ Annual Airline Survey, with corporate travel buyers rating it as outperforming its domestic peers in half of the 10 survey categories.

Besting competitors in flexibility in negotiating transient pricing, distribution, problem resolution, communications and account management personnel, Continental also for the second year in a row edged out American Airlines for the top spot, this time by seven-hundredths of a point on an ascending scale of one to five.

American Airlines placed second on the strength of its flexibility in negotiating meeting pricing and negotiating services and amenities. Rounding out the top three, Southwest Airlines once again led the industry in overall price value and the quality of its customer service.

Corporate travel buyers, however, found little cause for praise this year, as less than one-tenth of the respondents said that overall airline customer service has improved in the past 12 months. Buyers pointed to their growing discontent with an airline industry that has continued to find new ways to charge for old things, while trimming services, frequencies and capacity. Each category that corporate travel buyers rated this year and last registered a satisfaction decline.

Aircomplane.com realizes that not everyone who is potentially affected by airline news has time to source and read all that is printed about the airline industry. Therefore, we will post relevant articles here as they become known to us. Please feel free to suggest any that you encounter.

Del Quentin Wilber of The Washington Post recently wrote an article on December 13, 2006 on the possibility of a Continental Airlines and United Airlines Merger. You can take a look at Mr. Wilber’s article here: “Continental, United Discussing Merger: More Industry Consolidation Possible.”

(NOTE: Many publications, The Washington Postincluded, offer “Comments” areas following the online versions of their articles. Please take a moment and let your thoughts be known there, too.)

Российская авиация

Один из владельцев “Аэрофлота”, Александр Лебедев, дал интервью сайту Aviation EXplorer. Среди приоритетов названы: расширение за счёт приобретения новых активов (например, акций S7), развитие аэропортового хозяйства (ввод в эксплуатацию “Шереметьево-3”, появление новых базовых аэропортов), обновление флота, дальнейшая оптимизация маршрутной сети, сокращение издержек. Кроме того, г-н Лебедев назвал усилия правительства по созданию “Росавиа” ошибкой в связи со значительным избытком провозных мощностей.

Конечно, создание нормального перевозчика на базе ряда разорившихся мелких компаний было бы неплохим начинанием и составило бы конкуренцию “Аэрофлоту”, что бы последний ни говорил про избытки мощностей. Но проект “Росавиа” – действительно, ошибочен. Государство распыляет свои ограниченные финансовые возможности на второго государственного флагмана, вместо того, чтобы инвестировать в нынешнего национального перевозчика. В конце концов, можно было бы сделать “Аэрофлот” полностью государственным, сосредоточившись на доведении до ума и блеска авиационного лица страны. Вместо этого, наше правительство разбазаривает активы ради друзей известного всем господина.

Что касается “дочек” “Аэрофлота”, то одну (“Аэрофлот-Дон”) уже переименовали в “Донавиа”. Теперь настала очередь “Аэрофлот-Норда”, который в скором времени станет “Нордавиа”. Таким образом (учитывая и банкротство “Аэрофлот-Карго”), название “Аэрофлот” останется только у головной компании. Это идёт несколько вразрез с мировым опытом. Там тоже существуют даже независимые компании, которые занимаются перевозками для крупных авиалиний. Помимо собственного названия, они имеют и название, включающее наименование компании, для которой организуются перевозки (Delta Connection, Continental Express). Причём, эти компании, как правило, больше известны именно под “материнским” названием. У нас же поспешили отделить регионалов от родителя. Побоялись репутационных рисков. Вместо повышения уровня сервиса и безопасности, конечно, проще просто отнять свою торговую марку. Но это, согласитесь, поверхностный ход.

В парке “Аэрофлота” теперь появился самолёт, окрашенный в корпоративные цвета и символику альянса SkyTeam – Airbus-330 (ещё фото). В ожидании Boeing-787 парк “Аэрофлота” пополняется одними “Аэробусами”.

В деле развития аэропортового хозяйства 15 ноября должна открыться новая страница, точнее, новый терминал – “Шереметьево-3” (или Терминал D). Это будет первый в стране (крупный) терминал, построенный специально для одной авиакомпании и её партнёров (компаний альянса SkyTeam). “Ведомости” подсчитали стоимость строительства. Перевод рейсов в Ш-3 будет поэтапным – с 15 ноября этого года по 6 февраля 2010 года. Начнут с рейсов в Сочи и на Дальний Восток. Рейсы “Аэрофлота” из/в Самару SU831/832, SU835/836 планируется перевести в Ш-3 22 декабря 2009 года.

На одном из форумов написано, что после 6 февраля “исходя из пропускной способности Терминала-3” часть рейсов (в ближнее и дальнее зарубежье) будет выполняться из “Шереметьево-2”. Очень интересно получается – отгрохать новый терминал с прицелом на будущее увеличение объёмов перевозок и сразу же оказаться в ситуации, когда часть даже нынешних рейсов в новый терминал не влезает. Странным выглядит тот факт, что часть рейсов собственно “Аэрофлота”, для которого и построен терминал (в том числе, рейсы в Киев, Ташкент, Анталью, Шанхай, Бангкок, Пекин и другие города) переведут в Ш-2, зато в Ш-3 попадут рейсы компаний, которые не входят в SkyTeam – Air Malta, Malev, Turkish Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Adria Airways, SAS, MIAT, Cyprus Airways, LOT. Как это понимать?

Самарские самолётостроители заявили об интересе к их детищу – самолёту-амфибии Л42М – со стороны иностранных заказчиков. Правда, пока самолёт даже не поднялся в небо. Но с самарской малой авиацией всегда так: фирмы построят один экземпляр и уже “готовят контракты”, а потом всё затихает.

Теперь пассажиры “Аэрофлота”, вылетающие из Самары смогут зарегистрироваться на рейс в Интернет за 24 часа до вылета. Видимо, компания только опробует эту систему, так как за рубежом обычно нет ограничений по городам вылета, где можно зарегистрироваться на рейс онлайн.

Авиация за рубежом

В прошлый раз я писал о том, что United Airlines отправила в отставку Boeing-737, заменив самолёты этого типа Аэробусами. Теперь настала очередь другого перевозчика из Star Alliance заменить Boeing-737 самолётами Airbus – Air New Zealand.

А в Хитроу завершается передислокация авиакомпаний. С 17 ноября рейсы “Аэрофлота” будут обслуживаться в терминале-4.

Continental Airlines не исключает возможности слияния с United Airlines, если будущее покажет прибыльность другого недавнего союза – Delta и Northwest. А пока гранды американской авиаиндустрии занимаются слияниями и перебегами из одного альянса в другой, мелкие региональные компании оказываются на коне уже сейчас. За десятилетие объём бизнеса регионалов в США вырос на 10%. Эти компании ныне перевозят каждого четвёртого пассажира на внутренних рейсах. На их долю приходится больше половины всех взлётов в американских аэропортах. И из 20 крупнейших региональных компаний только одна несёт убытки.

Авиапутешествия

Теперь бесплатный доступ к сети Интернет (Wi-Fi) открыт и в международном аэропорту Бангкока, который не хочет отставать от конкурентов – Сингапура и Гонконга.

В одном из блогов рассказывается об одном рейсе Singapore Airlines – Сингапур-Ньюарк. Это самый протяжённый из действующих регулярных коммерческих маршрутов (18,25 часа в США и 18,5 часа обратно). А ещё на этом маршруте компания использует самолёты Airbus-340 только в одноклассной компоновке – бизнес-класса (100 мест).

Но иногда для того, чтобы попасть в элитный класс на борту мало иметь туда билет. Рик Сини сообщает, что одному из пассажиров United сначала предоставили повышение класса обслуживания за бонусные мили, а потом, когда он подошёл к выходу на посадку, отказали в месте в салоне бизнес-класса, так как он был одет в тренировочный костюм. United поняла свою промашку слишком поздно, когда выяснилось, что злополучным пассажиром был один из руководителей крупнейшей сети магазинов электроники Best Buy. Теперь в United напоминают, что единственными правилами дресс-кода являются наличие какой-либо одежды и обуви.

А ещё Рик Сини пишет про одну семейную парочку из Финикса, которая промышляла тем, что забирала чужой багаж с карусели и удалялась, пользуясь тем, что в американских аэропортах никто не проверяет, кто чей багаж берёт. Полиция нашла в доме у супругов около тысячи чужих чемоданов. Неудивительно, что пара частенько устраивала “распродажи” во дворе. Так что не зевайте, когда пойдёте в очередной раз забирать свою сумку после полёта и не кладите в регистрируемый багаж ничего ценного.

 Continental Airlines Inc. may look again at combining with UAL Corp.’s United Airlines in the event that Delta Air Lines Inc.’s takeover of Northwest Airlines Corp. succeeds.

Continental will focus on its new membership in the United- led Star Alliance marketing group and is “very pleased” to remain independent. Houston-based Continental, the fourth-biggest U.S. carrier, would reconsider the strategy should Delta’s purchase of Northwest result in higher earnings.

A combination of Continental with United, the third-biggest U.S. airline, may be “inevitable” to compete against bigger rivals. Fort Worth, Texas- based AMR Corp.’s American Airlines is the second-largest U.S. carrier.

No other city celebrates the holiday season quite like Cleveland.  Enter Positively Cleveland’s Facebook-based contest and you and a guest could win a trip for two to experience the holidays in Cleveland Plus. Already here? Enter to win and bring home two friends or family members to celebrate with you.

The trip includes two Continental Airline vouchers* to fly to Cleveland and a two-night stay at the Cleveland Airport Marriott, a newly-revitalized hotel minutes from the airport with updated guestrooms and the new AMP 150 restaurant by celebrity chef Dean Max that highlights “America’s Modern Palate” with local artisan products and handcrafted cuisine. 

The contest winner of this festive trip for two also receives two (2) tickets to A Christmas Story House, the actual home used in the filming of the cult classic Christmas movie, as well as tickets to a stage production of “A Christmas Story” at The Cleveland Play House.  Also included in this celebratory prize pack are two (2) passes for  “Holly”wood Christmas Movieland, a comprehensive display of holiday movie memorabilia, and tickets for two (2) to explore the “Deck the Hall” display included a gaily decorated mansion and estate at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.  In the University Circle area, the winners get to enjoy the outdoor ice skating rink and the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Winter Show.  And, in the Cleveland Metroparks, they have the option of experiencing the thrill of riding a toboggan as speeds of 20 to 50 miles per hour down the only public ice chutes in Ohio. And, the duo can see Great Lakes Theater Festival’s production of the story of a miser seeking redemption in “A Christmas Carol” or board jolly Lolly the Trolley for the holiday city lights Silver Bell Tour.

To enter, become a fan of the Positively Cleveland’s Facebook fan page.  Tell us on our wall about the best holiday gift you’ve ever given and include the tag #clefortheholidays between Monday, November 2, 2009 and Sunday, November 15, 2009 (11:59pm EST).  You are then entered in the drawing to win a trip for two to experience Cleveland Plus and our holiday season cheer.  The winner will be announced on our Facebook fanpage Monday, November 16, 2009.  (*some restrictions apply, see rules) –Submitted by Corinne Allie, Social Media Specialist

Did you know that airlines offer different methods to help you either beef up your mileage balance or gain elite status faster?  This is a 3 part series that will cover Continental, United and Delta promotions on earning mileage faster.

Continental usually runs one or more promotions at any given time.  The best source of this information is on their website .  This article will cover the best ones going on now.

1. Elite Status Twice as Fast – This promotion runs from September 9 to December 15, 2009 and is as easy as booking a flight on Continental then flying.  You get double the miles which are used to qualify you for elite status.  Free upgrades!
2. Extra Mile program – This is in keeping with other major airlines efforts to charge fees for doing nothing, but, here it is anyway.  Valid for all of 2010 (January 1 to December 31), the extra mile program gets you 50% extra miles on all flights depending on the fee you choose.  The catch is it’s only valid up to 12,500 to 17,500 miles and does not count towards elite status.

If you just do these 2 things, you’ll be on your way to free award travel, and free upgrades in no time!

Turkish terá voo sem escalas entre SP e Istambul

A330 da Turkish Airlines (Foto: Airliners.net / Clique para ampliar)

A operadora paranaense MGM levou 15 agentes de viagens do Sul e Sudeste do Brasil para uma viagem a Istambul e à Capadócia, na Turquia, e foram recebidos com a boa notícia de que a Turkish, em abril, vai operar o voo sem escalas em Dakar, ou seja, São Paulo-Istambul direto. Lidera o grupo a gerente internacional da MGM, Priscila Manfredini. Participam Cidneia Levandovski(Winners Tours), Geraldo Agner (DKlassen), Maria Catapan (Diamante Turismo), Nair Piana (GR Turismo), Terezinha Araujo (Premier Turismo), todos de Curitiba, Marco Antonio dos Santos (Marjotur), Maria Celia Gularte (Celia Tur) e Joana Oliveira (Cosmos Turismo), agentes de viagens em Balneário Camboriu, Julio Pereira (Método Turismo), de São Paulo, Tania Simioni (Kuster Turismo), de Guarapuava, Tatyana Satyro (Martha Rio Turismo), Maria Elise Toscani (Expoente Turismo), de Porto Alegre, e Reinaldo Matte (Matte Turismo), de Santa Cruz do Sul. Em 2010 Istambul será a Capital Cultural da Europa, um motivo a m ais para visitar a cidade que terá intensa programação.

TAM é indicada ao Travel Star 2009

A TAM Linhas Aéreas é indicada ao Travel Star 2009, na categoria “Melhor Companhia Aérea Offline de Longhaul”. O prêmio é o maior evento de gala do turismo suíço e prestigia as empresas que mais se destacam no setor, com base na opinião de agentes de viagens. Essa é a primeira vez que a TAM participa da disputa, que congrega ainda companhias de grande expressão no mercado mundial, como KLM, Air France, Lufthansa e British Airways, na mesma categoria. Empresas offline de longhaul são aquelas que não operam voos de longa distância partindo da Suíça, mas mantêm lojas que vendem passagens via seus respectivos Gateways para os clientes que queiram se deslocar para destinos cobertos por elas. A vencedora será conhecida no dia 3 de novembro, em Montreux, na Suíça. Em sua 17ª edição, o levantamento ouviu 723 agentes de viagens do país, sendo 71% do território suíço, 25% da parte francesa e 4% da área italiana. O Travel Star 2009 premia as melhores empresas do setor de turismo, hotelaria e aviação em 19 categorias.

Continental Airlines e Air China lançam programa de cooperação 

A Continental Airlines e a Air China estão lançando um programa de cooperação com vantagens para seus viajantes. Os membros do programa OnePass da Continental irão ganhar Milhas de Qualificação Elite (EQM) ou Pontos de Qualificação Elite (EQP) em todos os voos programados que são operados pela Air China. Além disso, podem resgatar prêmios para viagens de ida e volta e prêmios em todos os voos programados que são operados e comercializados pela Air China. Já os membros do programa PhoenixMiles da Air China irão ganhar Milhas Status em todos os voos programados que são operados pela Continental e resgatar prêmios para viagens de ida e volta e  prêmios em todos os voos programados que são operados e comercializados pela Continental.

Boeing oferece helicópteros Apache e Chinook para a Índia

Na última semana de outubro, a Boeing Company entregou ao governo da Índia duas propostas oficiais, referentes à oferta de helicópteros de ataque AH-64D Apache e de transporte pesado CH-47F Chinook, ligadas às duas concorrências em andamento naquele país asiático, para aeronaves de asas rotativas destas duas categorias. Através das duas concorrências, as Forças Armadas indianas buscam a aquisição de 22 helicópteros de ataque, e de 15 de transporte pesado, mas ainda não foi anunciada uma data para a escolha da proposta vencedora. O AH-64D Apache Longbow é a mais nova versão do Apache; enquanto o CH-47 Chinook é o mais poderoso helicóptero de transporte militar existente no Ocidente. Caso vença as concorrências, a Boeing anunciou já que os Apache indianos serão produzidos em sua fábrica em Mesa, no Arizona (EUA), enquanto os Chinook saíram da linha de montagem da fábrica em Ridley Park, na Pensilvânia (EUA).

Setembro tem tarifa média de R$ 267, diz Anac

A tarifa média das passagens aéreas brasileiras em setembro, segundo informa o Relatório de Yield Tarifa sobre o transporte aéreo doméstico regular de passageiros da Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (Anac), em 67 ligações monitoradas, foi a segunda mais baixa deste ano. Segundo a Anac, o valor apurado foi de R$ 267 – a mais baixa havia sido apurada em junho, com tarifa média de R$ 266,84. Quando comparada com setembro de 2008, quando a tarifa média medida foi de R$ 433,21, a diferença é de -38,37%. A pesquisa da Anac não considera as tarifas especiais para o mercado corporativo (segundo acordos entre aéreas e empresas públicas e privadas), nem as tarifas de fretamentos. Em relação ao número de assentos comercializados, o estudo da Anac verificou uma queda: 1.182.498 em setembro de 2008 para 1.054.123 em setembro deste ano. O preço cobrado por passageiro por quilômetro voado, em setembro deste ano, teve o menor valor cobrado – R$ 0,41320. Na comparação ao mesmo mês de 2008, a diferença é de –32,33% (R$ 0,61058).

Iberia oferece mais espaço na classe executiva

A Iberia está realizando uma transformação na classe executiva, a Business Plus. Para oferecer poltronas totalmente horizontais, a companhia vai retirar uma fileira completa de assentos, incrementando dessa forma o espaço disponível para cada cliente em mais de 30 centímetros. A separação entre as fileiras da cabine passará a ser de 183 centímetros – hoje são 152 centímetros – e os espaço pessoal de cada cliente terá mais de 2,2 metros. A mudança está sendo feita nos aviões Airbus A340 com os quais a Iberia realiza os voos para os Estados Unidos, América Latina e sul da África. Os A340/600 terão 42 assentos da Business Plus e os A340/300 vão dispor de 36 poltronas na mesma classe, frente aos 52 assentos e 42 assentos, respectivamente, que contam antes da transformação. Toda a frota dessas duas aeronaves deve estar renovada até março de 2010.

(a previous post from the former NuPoppa blog)

INT: Portland International Airport. It’s the Continental overnight flight from Portland to Newark. People are milling about, attempting to wipe the sleep from their eyes as they prepare to board. DOUG had just come from California earlier in the day, where he was working for three days. He had about a couple of hours to drive out to his in-laws to have a quick dinner with his wife, in-laws and son. He is on his way back to Philadelphia to go to the funeral of his 101-year old grandfather. He is tired, bags under his eyes, but seems to be rallying. The elite passengers are called to board and DOUG ambles to the gate and meekly hands his boarding pass to the agent. A wan smile is all that can be mustered as he lopes to his seat on the plane. As is his habit, DOUG leans his head down on the window and tries to get shut-eye. He has always seemed to have had bad luck with seatmates and this is his way to show that he’s really not interested in conversation.

(Music up: “A Wink and a Smile” by Harry Connick, Jr.)

A mop-headed boy walks towards the seat next to DOUG. He looks to be around 8 or 9 years old. He is carrying a green backpack. His MOM and SISTER settle in the seats across from the boy named TOBY.

TOBY
Hello.

DOUG
Hi. How are you?

TOBY
I’m good.

(Music up: “Make Someone Happy” by Jimmy Durante)

TOBY pulls a handheld video game out of his bag. He fires up a basketball game. He is also a big Celtics fan, being from New England. DOUG leans over to see what’s going on. TOBY notices that DOUG is watching the screen and politely tilts it towards DOUG so that he can get a better look.

TOBY
It’s an NBA game. But there are WNBA players and you can’t really pick the players that you want. See? Ray Allen is playing for the Warriors and some WNBA player is on the team.

DOUG
Yeah, that’s kind of weird.

TOBY
Yeah, but it’s still a fun game. What team do you like?

DOUG
Portland Trail Blazers.

TOBY
Yeah, they’re good.

(Music up: “Dreams” by The Cranberries)

DOUG turns his attention to his iPhone, where he begins playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour. TOBY leans over to get a better look. DOUG tilts it towards TOBY and shows him how to play the game. DOUG, who usually ends up with 400-pound, sweaty people next to him on flights, smiles because he’s enjoying sharing video games with his seat-neighbor. DOUG starts thinking about his little son.

(Music up: “Over the Rainbow” by Harry Nilsson)

TOBY’S MOM leans in from the other row to make sure that he’s not bothering DOUG. DOUG gives her a little wave that implies, “nah, everything is cool.” By this point, DOUG is showing TOBY pictures of his son on his iPhone. DOUG tells TOBY why he’s headed back to New Jersey. MOM leans over again to say something to TOBY but he beats her to the punch.

TOBY (loudly)
HE’S GOING BACK TO NEW JERSEY BECAUSE HIS GRANDFATHER DIED!

MOM winces at that comment but DOUG laughs it off thinking, “ah, kids.” DOUG finds out that TOBY is almost 9 and he begins to think about his own son and what he might be at 9 years old. He also thinks about the things he would say to his son at 9 years old.

(Music up: “Over the Rainbow” by Harry Nilsson again)

Before the flight takes off, DOUG teaches TOBY how to keep electronic devices on and hidden from flight attendants. If here were older, he would teach him the “briefcase trick” where you can get more legroom in coach. In gratitude, TOBY pulls up his green backpack and opens it.

TOBY
You want some candy? I’ve got Nerds, Twizzlers, Sour Patch Kids. Oh, and a juicebox.

DOUG
No thank you, I’m cool.

TOBY
Really?

DOUG
Yep.

TOBY
How did your grandfather die?

DOUG is taken aback a little, but pauses. Now that DOUG is a father himself, he sees this as what all of the fu**ing books like to call a “learning opportunity.”

DOUG
Well. He was just old.

TOBY
How old was he?

DOUG
101.

(Music up: “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” by Carly Simon)

It takes TOBY a second to absorb that large number. He leans over to his MOM.

TOBY
HE WAS 101!

TOBY’S MOM gives a quasi-approving nod with that move where the eyes get wide open out of fear that someone (DOUG) was offended. She mouths “I’m sorry” to DOUG. DOUG, now realizing that TOBY is very nice and looks like the kid from “Sleepless in Seattle,” his favorite movie, just lets it slide and mouths “no problem” to MOM.

(Music up: ah hell, let’s go with “Bye, Bye, Blackbird” by Joe Cocker)

The plane’s door is about to close and the flight attendants ask that all electronic devices be shut off. DOUG and TOBY look at each other, smile and bury their games under their arms.

(Music up: “Gotcha”, The Theme From Starsky and Hutch by Tom Scott. What? I ran out of relevant songs on the “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail” soundtracks — cut me a break.)

(END OF SCENE)

—————

Script Notes

The part of DOUG is played by John Cusack. Or Tom Hanks — whoever is available. Or, if neither of them are around, maybe David Spade.

TOBY is played by Ross Malinger, the actual Jonah Baldwin in “Sleepless in Seattle,” but he is somehow magically transported back to what he looked like back then.

MOM is played by the ever cool Kathy Najimy.

We couldn’t find a role for Meg Ryan. Sorry.

However, we gave five roles, in later scenes, to the world’s coolest person, Zooey Deschanel. All of those roles were Zooey just acting like Zooey but she’s so cool, it doesn’t really matter now, does it?

This script was not done using Final Draft, but I do know how to use the program.

I do like Nora Ephron and I wish her, Meryl Streep and Amy Adams the best of luck with “Julie and Julia.” Please note, the chances of Nora Ephron reading this are highly remote. But, in case you are, let’s have a lunch at The California Canteen on Cahuengua, I’d like to pitch you this story. It was really cute.