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AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Thai Airways has suspended a number of flights due to a drop in passenger numbers prompted by the war in Iraq and the outbreak of a deadly pneumonia virus. The airline has suspended a total of 28 flights to destinations including Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Greece. The cancellations are expected to run until 13 April 2003.

Continental Airlines is to move its operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from Terminal 4 to gates 6A, 6B and 8 at Terminal 2. To coincide with the move, the airline will deploy nine of its eService self-check-in kiosks at the ticket counter, and will also operate three separate curbside check-in positions at the terminal.

South African Airways (SAA) and Air Tanzania have teamed up to launch a new airline, Air Tanzania Limited (ATL) in Dar es Salaam. The new airline - which is 49% owned by SAA while 51% is held by the Tanzania government - will offer direct flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, as well as services to Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro.

Workers demolished the runway at Chicago's downtown airport yesterday (31 March) following orders from Chicago's Mayor, Richard Daley. Daley claims that he ordered workers to remove the runway as it posed a terrorist risk due to its close proximity to skyscrapers. However, critics have suggested Daley that used post-11 September fears to pursue his goal of turning the airport into a park. They also stated that the loss would add to congestion at the city's two major airports.

From 3 April 2003, Hooters Air will add services from Newark, NJ to Myrtle Beach, SC. Flights between the two cities are expected to be offered most days, at a rate of USD159 for a one-way flight. The fares do not include taxes, passenger facility charges and 11 September security fees. The airline currently operates services between Atlanta and Myrtle Beach.

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