IATA, Iberia, Heathrow Airport and PKF
IATA signs MOU with Russia
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Russian ministry of transport for closer co-operation between the two sides.
IATA, which represents most of the world's legacy airlines, said the "strategic partnership" with Russia will focus on safety, security, technology, airport infrastructure, air navigation, ground handling and training.
Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and ceo, said: ""IATA's global standards can contribute significantly to the development of safe, efficient and environmentally responsible aviation in Russia.
"I was particularly encouraged by President (Dmitry) Medvedev, who noted that cooperation between the Russian Federation and IATA was a priority."
www.iata.org
Iberia crew call off strikes
Cabin crew at Iberia have called off a series of strikes set for later this month and in December.
The union representing the crew, Sitpla, said it had reached agreement with the airline over a wage dispute.
Reuters reported its spokesman as saying: "Once the (wage) agreement has been signed the strike will be officially called off."
Cabin crew stopped work at the Spanish nation national carrier on October 26 and 27 and November 10 and11, forcing it to cancel scheduled flights.
www.iberia.es
Heathrow's Terminal Two closes
London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Two closes today (November 23) after 54 years.
The building will be demolished to make way for a new £1bn replacement.
The terminal opened in 1955 and most recently was used by airlines in the Star Alliance like Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines.
Colin Matthews, ceo of BAA which owns the airport, said: "The closure of Terminal Two marks an important moment in the modernisation of Heathrow.
"We look forward to the new Terminal 2 providing a new home for the Star Alliance and a better experience for our passengers, with less impact on the environment."
Lee Hock Lye, Star's vp product and services said: "The closure and subsequent demolition of Terminal Two will make way for our new home at Heathrow.
"This will finally allow our member carriers to operate under one roof at one of the world's largest aviation hubs, placing us on at least an equal footing with others."
Work will begin on the new Terminal Two next year and it is due to open in2014.
www.baa.com
Call to cut UK VAT on tourism
The UK government should be pressed to cut VAT levels on tourism, hotel consultants PKF said.
Richard Wild, its director of VAT, when the UK level reverts to 17.5% in January after a spell at 15%, UK hotels would be paying "three times more VAT than in many other European countries".
"We have one of the highest VAT rates in Europe in respect of tourism yet, whilst other countries are considering and implementing reductions in the rate of VAT in this area, the UK's VAT rate is set to increase," he said.
Mr Wild said that VAT on hotels in Germany would be cut from 19% to 7% in January while France has applied a reduced rate of VAT to visitor attractions of 5.5% for several years.
The UK government has also come under fire from the tourist and aviation industry for increasing the Airport Passenger Duty earlier this month.
www.pkf.com