Caribbean Sun Airlines and Caribbean Star Airlines have unveiled new schedules for spring 2006 offering a wide range of customer-friendly enhancements. Effective for travel commencing April 2, the new schedules feature new routes, expanded service on key existing routes, and new arrival/departure times in select markets for improved connectivity with carriers serving cities in Europe and North America.

Star Alliance has selected Lufthansa Systems as a preferred supplier to introduce Alternative Content Access Platform (ACAP). The overall ACAP project was launched back in June 2005, when the airline alliance sought bids from various vendors to create alternative distribution channels, with the aim of cutting the $2 billion which the 16 member carriers spend annually on GDS fees. The new platform will be available in Europe during the course of 2006 and will gradually be expanded to a global presence, including markets in Asia-Pacific.

Tony Ryan, founder of the hugely successful European low-fare carrier Ryanair, is investing in a new low-fare airline in Mexico that plans to take flight in September. Ryan, members of the Ryan family and Ireland-based Kite Investments set up a company called RyanMex to take a 49 percent stake in the new airline called Viva AeroBus.

As part of its ongoing strategy to provide differentiated products and services to its customers, United Airlines today announced its initial investment in upgrading the international first and business class travel experience for United´s customers. United has selected B/E Aerospace, Inc., the world´s leading manufacturer of aircraft cabin interior products, to design and manufacture premium seats for a program initially valued at up to $165 million.

British Airways, the airline that knows London best and proves it everyday, is giving travelers a free London Pass when they book a round-trip sale fare ticket to London from any USA gateway. This money saving offer, which starts at $398 from JFK or Newark, guarantees that travelers –especially families- will get the most out of their journey across the pond.

Air Berlin will start flying from Belfast City Airport to eight destinations in Europe via its hub in London Stansted. There will be departures morning and evening each way during the week, and one flight each way on Saturday and Sunday. With fast trains from Stansted to Liverpool Street station in London´s financial district, and Air Berlin´s superfast transfer system including full baggage transfer at London Stansted, the airline is targeting both business customers going to the City and holidaymakers transferring onto Europe, as well as the typical low-cost customer who appreciates Air Berlin´s superior customer service.