SkyTeam carriers Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will start codesharing beyond their hubs, following approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation earlier this year. The two carriers will provide customers with service to destinations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East from their hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta and New York-JFK.

Ryanair Holdings PLC, the low-cost Irish airline, unveiled a deal that will allow passengers to use mobile phones and other hand-held devices during flights, The Wall Street Journal reported last week. Ryanair has signed up telecom company OnAir-partly owned by European Aeronautic Defense & Space Co. to fit its fleet with a lightweight technology that will allow passengers to make and receive cell phone calls, text messages and emails while in flight.

Air Jamaica has announced an increase in service to the Eastern Caribbean nations of St. Lucia and Barbados, effective January 11, 2007. George deMercado, senior executive of Air Jamaica, announced that the airline will boost its nonstop schedule from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Hewanorra International Airport in St. Lucia from three to four weekly flights, adding northbound and southbound flights on Wednesday to the current Sunday, Monday and Thursday rotation.

Aviapartner Handling announced last week it has signed a major contract with Iberia for the provision of full handling services in Rome-Fiumicino, Milan-Malpensa, Milan-Linate, and Venice. The 3-year contract covers between 2,800 & 3,000 flights in Rome, around 2700 flights in Milan, and around 1750 flights in Venice. These flights are operated with MD87, MD81, A320, A321, B757 aircraft.

LAB, the Bolivian airline, is again offering its route Spain’s Madrid in an L-1011, 309-passenger jetliner. In the same way, two Boeings 767s are available to cover the Northern route (Panama, Mexico, Miami and Washington). The flights to Madrid will leave on Mondays and Thursdays and a third weekly frequency is planned to be offered beginning September.

Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings announced this week the beginning of direct flights to the city of Rio de Janeiro, starting November 15. “With the addition of flights to the city of Rio de Janeiro, Copa Airlines continues to strengthen its position in the region and the success of our Hub of the Americas, the main hub in Latin America for both business and leisure travelers,” said Jorge Garcia Icaza, Commercial Vice President of Copa Airlines.