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Volume 6, Issue 39, October 1, 2008 |
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The risk of runway collisions continues to be a growing threat with the number of close calls higher than was reported last year, according to recently released statements. This is another item added to the long list of problems facing the Federal Aviation Administration. The most recent serious collision was documented two weeks ago in Allentown, Pa. Twenty-four of the most serious types of incursions were reported in fiscal year 2008, even though the FAA has been working harder at upgrading runway safety. Numbers are down from 2001, but Gerald Dillingham, the Government Accountability Office’s top expert on aviation safety, warns that the risk of runway collision remains high.
Last December, the GAO warned that travelers were facing a serious threat of a catastrophic incursion because of the floundering FAA federal leadership, outdated technology and overworked air traffic employees. The GAO also acknowledged that more incursions are results of human error than technological malfunctions. Another chief complaint, from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, is that a lack of employees leaves some facilities inadequately staffed.
In light of the warnings, the FAA has made plans to install electronic mapping equipment in 80 planes (on four airlines) that will provide the aircraft’s ground position. Another proposed update calls for runway status lights to be installed at 21 airports over the next three years. Long-term plans include satellite-based map systems on all airliners. The technology will allow pilots to track their aircraft both on the ground and in the air and map the positions of other airplanes. 
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Travel Promotion Act of 2008 last week. The initiative is designed to attract millions of international travelers to the United States, helping to reverse a decline since 9/11, while also creating new jobs and spurring economic growth. The legislation, at no cost to taxpayers, will create a public-private partnership that will help promote the United States as a prime destination for international travelers. Since foreign travelers are often put off by the security and entry requirements for U.S. travel, the legislation includes a provision to communication by explaining policies and making them easier to understand.
LAN Airlines announced plans to add a premium economy cabin. The service, a first of its kind in South America, will be offered on short-haul flights on the A320. The new class will entitle ticket holders to preferential check-in, boarding and baggage delivery, as well as access to LAN lounges and frequent flyer mile bonuses. In other LAN news, the carrier is also upgrading the economy class in-flight entertainment systems on its B767s flying long-haul routes.
An indefinite strike has been organized through the Tourism Employees Association of Maldives. Hotel and resort workers have announced the strike, affecting all hotels, resorts, airports and other tourist outlets, as a show of support for their demand that hotel and resort workers’ basic labor rights be included in the country’s laws. Beginning Oct. 5, travelers can expect delays and disruptions to any travel plans. The strike is also expected to hurt the economy of the Maldives as hotels and resorts account for more than 30 percent of the national income.
Singapore Airlines has recently announced plans to begin service to Riyadh (RUH), Saudi Arabia’s capital. The service, beginning Dec. 14, 2008, will operate four times a week from Dubai (DXB). In addition to announcing the new route, the airline is increasing its weekly flights to Istanbul (IST) (via DXB). Effective Oct. 26, the service will jump to six weekly flights.
Flying just got a lot noisier! Both Ryanair and TAM Brazilian Airlines have plans for onboard cell phone usage. Ryanair will be launching the service in a few weeks, allowing passengers to make phone calls and send text messages. To overcome the interference problem, the budget carrier installed an onboard mast that will weaken the phone signal. The catch — use of the service will cost passengers as much as normal international roaming calls. In other news, TAM has reached an agreement with OnAir to offer in-flight mobile service. Passengers will be able to use cell phones for calls, text messaging and emails. TAM will be the first carrier within the Americas to offer this service, expected to begin in late 2009.
180 Breunig Road
New Windsor, NY 12553
tel 845 567 2700
www.homewoodsuitesstewartairport.com
It is rare that a U.S. airport operates commercial and military flights from the same runways and air space, but at Stewart International Airport (SWF), located 60 miles north of New York City, the small eight-gate passenger terminal sits across the tarmac from the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing facility. Because of the military presence, the main runway is a long 12,000 feet, with only a few commercial airlines using the airport. The underutilization of Stewart will soon change because the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey took control of the commercial portion last year, pledging to make it New York City’s fourth major airport.
Last year the folks at Hilton Hotels had the good sense to open the first hotel, Homewood Suites, located within the airport grounds. I stayed at the 125-room property recently before a 6 a.m. departure and it is easy to see why it has become so popular, offering low rates, a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, free WiFi, heated indoor pool, two-line phones and desk, 32-inch flat screen TV and a fully equipped in-suite kitchen with a dish washer and two-burner stove. There are other accommodations nearby, but none that close to the terminal, or that provide so many extended-stay amenities.
I checked in to the hotel during the afternoon and was able to use the fitness room and guest-laundry facility. I was pleasantly surprised to find a complimentary dinner (stir-fried chicken and rice) and non-alcoholic drinks served to all guests from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. in the lobby, standard practice Monday-Thursday. My suite was large, with lots of natural light from two huge windows, and the furniture, carpeting, bathroom fixtures, and bed coverings were pristine, as you would expect from a property that is less than a year old. The 24-hour on-site convenience store, selling snacks, microwavable items, and soft drinks, is great for guests wishing to use the in-suite fridge or microwave. In the surrounding areas, guests can visit Newburgh Waterfront (where upscale and casual restaurants, cafés, and bars are situated just steps from the scenic Hudson River), The Culinary Institute of America and the innovative Dia: Beacon Museum.
At 5 a.m. the next morning I climbed into the hotel van for the one-minute drive over to the terminal. In the coming years, as Stewart Airport increases its flight operations, this convenient and well appointed property will also need to expand to keep up with demand.
Score: ••••• Ron Bernthal
Through Nov. 20, Little Dix Bay, the renowned resort on Virgin Gorda, BVI, is offering guests the chance to upgrade to a deluxe oceanfront cottage. Guests booking a gardenview room (valued at $425 per night) will automatically be upgraded to a recently renovated oceanfront cottage (valued at $758 per night). The upgrade includes a buffet breakfast for two. For more information on Little Dix Bay, check out the October issue of Global Traveler. To book your hotel stay, call 888 ROSEWOOD or 284 495 5555.
To help celebrate its 25th anniversary, Priority Club Rewards is giving away double points or miles on each qualifying stay (begins with your second stay). If you stay at a Staybridge or Candlewood Suites, points are doubled. The offer is valid through Dec. 15 at the following locations: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.
Delta Air Lines and Delta Shuttle are offering a special promotion now through Dec. 15. New or existing members of Delta SkyMiles can earn double Medallion Qualification Miles when they fly Delta Shuttle between LaGuardia (LGA) and Logan International Airport (BOS) or Reagan National Airport (DCA). To be eligible for the promotion, register here.
After recently completing exciting renovations, the Langham Hong Kong is offering guests a chance to save almost 50 percent during their stay. The Grand Deal Package offers guests a rate of $277 per night for Grand Room accommodations, daily buffet breakfast at L’Eclipse restaurant and complimentary Internet connection. To book a stay now through the end of the year, visit the website or call 852 2378 9988.
Through Dec. 15, HHonors members who stay at participating hotels in Europe, the UK and Ireland are eligible to receive 15,000 points. Register here for the promotion and over the course of five stays (Sunday-Thursday) receive 1,000 points for your first stay, 2,000 for the second and so on through 5,000 points.
