WASHINGTON -- American, United and Continental joined Delta in
vying for seven additional weekly frequencies in the U.S.-Brazil
market that will become available on Oct. 1 as a result of a new
aviation agreement.
In filings with the Transportation Department, American said it
wants the frequencies for daily nonstops between Miami and Manaus,
while United Airlines would offer daily service between Los Angeles
and Sao Paulo.
Continental proposed nonstops between Houston and Sao Paulo,
with continuing service to Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte,
Brasilia, Curitiba and Porto Alegre with code-share partner
Vasp.
Delta previously bid to operate from New York (Kennedy) to Sao
Paulo and Rio.
In other DOT news:
Continental filed to operate from Houston to Merida, Tampico
and Veracruz, Mexico, beginning April 5. The carrier would offer
three weekly nonstops between Houston and Merida, a daily nonstop
to Tampico and four weekly nonstops to Veracruz.WestJet Express Airlines sought approval to conduct interstate
charters using leased DC-9-21 aircraft. The Fresno, Calif.-based
new entrant would offer its services in the Western region of the
U.S. to charter operators, tour operators, destination resorts,
special event groups and travel agencies. Its founder is Mitchell
Allee, who also owns CMS Solutions, which develops software for
airlines. Its president and general manager is James Patterson, who
has more than 30 years of industry experience, including a stint
with United Express/WestAir. The new entrant plans to add up to
three aircraft by the end of its second year.