The negotiations between Alitalia, Air France-KLM, labor unions and professional associations were stopped as Alitalia announced. The deadline for reaching the effectiveness conditions set out in the agreement signed with Air France-KLM on 15 March 15 was ended on April 2 and therefore, expired.

Iberia has signed a handling contract with the airline First Choice and, starting in April, will assist its aircraft and passengers in Spanish airports. Iberia Handling will provide handling services for the 4,000 flights to Spain that are programmed by the British airline for the summer and winter seasons.

Carnival Corp. & plc reported net income of $236 million on revenues of $3.2 billion for its first quarter ended Feb. 29. That compares to profits of $283 million on revenues of $2.7 billion for first quarter 2007. Carnival Chairman and CEO Micky Arison said that first quarter results were better than the company’s January guidance due primarily to lower-than-expected cruise costs.

Citing fuel cost spikes this month, Wachovia Bank lowered its earnings estimates for Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. for the year.

The global cruise industry is putting on a brave face as it sails into seas darkened by a faltering U.S. economy, a weak dollar and record oil prices, major cruise ship operators said at their annual convention.

Amadeus has formed a partnership with HTH Worldwide to provide its global health and safety databases to Amadeus’ travel agency subscribers in North America. The service is commissionable up to 25 percent.