TAM Airlines has increased its viability study on a value chain of agricultural cultivation, industrial handling, and large-scale distribution of a new renewable and effective fuel option for aviation. It relates to a sustainable biokerosene production project, manufactured from several raw materials, among them the Jatropha curcas seeds.

Air Canada reported load factors of 81.6 percent in 2011, the second highest since 2010, when its load factors were 81.7 percent. Calin Rovinescu, president and chief executive officer, said that the airline saw traffic growth in all of the markets it serves.

A leading tennis coach and sports administrator in Canada sees the launch of nonstop Air Canada service to St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) this winter as a boost for sports-related tourism. Lionel Eli said the Virgin Islands "is not only an incredible vacation spot, but it also is perfect for sports tourism encounters."

JetBlue Airways has begun nonstop service between Hartford-Springfield's Bradley International Airport (BDL) and San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU). Special fares on the route start at $139 each way for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between Jan. 19 and Feb. 15.

The International Air Transport Association reported that global air passenger traffic continued to soften in November while cargo markets remained weak when compared to last year. Passenger traffic was 4.3 percent above November 2010 levels but this is skewed because November 2010 was a particularly weak month.

Volaris is offering an excellent 60 percent off promo sale for travel between Feb. 1 and Mar. 31, 2012. Just click the USA button on Volaris.mx and choose dates within that range to get the discount. Promotion ends Dec. 29, 2011 at 11:00 pm CT.