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Self-Check-In Kiosks at Airports
Continental Airlines was the first airline to use Self-Check-In Kiosks for check-in at Newark Airport. This cut cost of checking in a passenger from $3.68 with a Ticket Counter Agent to 16 cents with the machine. link text -
The Start of Interent Booking for Travel
Microsoft launches a small company called Expedia. This will change how people book their travel from their computer. link text -
Semptember 11th Attacks
On that day 4 passenger airliners were hijacked by 19 Islamic extremist associated with Al-Qaeda killing over 3,000 people. The FAA forced all aircraft and then closed the airspace in the United States. This also affected the stock market in the United States, especially hitting the airline industry hard. link text link text -
TSA Takes Over Screening at Airports
Airport screening was changed from the private sector to the federal government when President Bush signed the new law. This created some new security improvements, including 100% screening of check bags, adding Federal Air Marshall's to certain flights, and having reinforced cockpit doors. -
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Airlines Mergers
Starting with the TWA and American Airlines merger, the airline industry went from 10 major airlines to 4 major airlines. During this period of time several airlines had to file bankruptcy. link text -
Last Concorde Flight
With the operating cost going up British Airways sent 100 passengers from John F Kennedy Airport to London Heathrow, ending the Concorde flying life. link text -
Airbus A380 Entered Service
Singapore Airlines flew with passengers the first Airbus A380 from Singapore to Sydney. This allowed airlines to fly longer flights with more passengers. Today the Airbus A380 flies to 120 destinations, 60 airports, and 13 airlines. link text -
100% Paperless
IATA ends the life of the paper airline ticket. It reduces the cost of tickets from $10 to $1, allows a person to do self-check-in for flights, and eliminates lost tickets. link text -
Icelandic Volcano
When the Eyjafjallajokull erupted it caused air traffic in Europe to be grounded. Passengers were stranded and the finical loss can be felt around the world. link text
