Passenger baggage to be scrutinized

United Airlines is looking out for travelers who try to bring oversized bags into the cabin.

The crackdown on oversized bags on behalf of the carrier is a strategy, it says, aimed at dealing with one of the biggest complaints in terms of customer feedback. Overhead bins are frequently so overfilled with carry-on bags that a slower boarding process becomes the norm.

“We are getting feedback from customers who have the right-size bags, telling us that there is not enough space in the overhead bins,” said a United spokesman.

United communicated its plans to its MileagePlus members, reminding them that carry-on bags can be no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The airline has also been distributing size gauges, which are installed in the airport terminals, to allow the traveling public to measure their carry-on baggage before boarding. This type of aid has been in use in Europe for some years now amongst the low cost carrier sector.

Streamlining the process at Lambert St Louis

US Customs and Border Protection has admitted Lambert St Louis International to its Automated Commercial Environment Cargo Release Pilot with immediate effect.

The ACE Cargo Release Pilot (which was formerly known as Simplified Entry) allows importers to file a streamlined set of data earlier in the import process, and gives them the opportunity to update their entries, right up to the carrier’s arrival, so that information submitted is the best available.

Under ACE, CBP can review shipment information much earlier in the supply chain, and either issue an admissibility message or request additional data. Filers can then resolve issues before the aircraft departs for the US, or during transit, resulting in fewer goods being held on arrival.

ACE Cargo Release streamlines electronic transmission for the filer, and assists importers in planning and arranging their logistics. The carrier submits the manifest and/or the Air Cargo Advance Screening security filing, while the importer submits the Simplified Entry data set.

ASIG in acquisition mode

ASIG has agreed to acquire the assets of Skytanking USA, an independent provider of aviation fuel services. The company, which is headquartered in South Florida, has operations at 14 US airports, six of which represent new markets for ASIG. Skytanking USA provides commercial aircraft refueling and jet fuel facility maintenance. It also provides fuel facility maintenance and inspections for the US military forces at a total of 47 installations, which is a new addition to ASIG’s fuel services portfolio. Under the terms of the agreement, ASIG will divest four operations in Germany and Austria to Skytanking Holding, of which Skytanking USA is a subsidiary. The acquisition of assets should be completed in March subject to customary transaction approvals.
Tony Lefebvre, ASIG’s President and COO, commented on the strategy. “This acquisition represents a strategic expansion of our core fuel business in the United States. Skytanking USA, which began operations in 2003, has created a strong customer base by leveraging their expertise in aviation fuel services.”