Search

Delta Air Lines and AT&T's Global Information Solutions unit plan to form a joint venture for handling Delta's information-processing operations. AT&T hopes that the new alliance will help it recover from sluggish revenues. Delta is trying to return to profitability and gain some ground on its rivals, who have already implemented efficient information systems. Delta believes that its alliance with AT&T will help it provide travelers with quick and accurate information while improving its competitiveness. However, data-industry analysts are not overly excited about the AT&T-Delta team. Some feel that the $400 million that Delta expects to save is less than what most companies envision saving when making major operating changes. However, the joint venture will receive over $200 million in guaranteed annual revenue from Delta, and it will have 1,200 employees from both AT&T and Delta.

UAL Corp.'s new flight-mapping software is allowing the carrier to find more efficient routes to minimize fuel consumption, flight time, and the fees that airlines must pay to countries for using their airspace.

The Federal Aviation Administration, the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization and the European Commission are to share aircraft safety information and will join with the International Air Transport Association, the airline industry's organization in creating a network of of information sharing.

The European Court of Justice has ruled that an agreement between the U.S. and the European Union to have airlines turn over passenger information in order to fight terrorism is illegal and violates European privacy laws.