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Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker said today that the WWF report on aviation, which questions the need for airport expansion in the light of the impact of rising oil prices on the number of flights, is 'yet further evidence that the Government's determination to bulldoze through a third runway at Heathrow is not only environmentally damaging but also economically unviable.'

Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways have announced today that they are to operate under one name, Thomson Airways, from May 1 2009. The rebranding follows the merger of the tourism division of TUI AG and First Choice Holidays last September, when both airlines became part of TUI Travel UK and Ireland. The merger creates the UK's third largest airline.

Leeds Bradford Airport based budget airline Jet2 is the subject of a probe after a newspaper raised concerns about extra costs it adds on to ticket prices, the Sunday Sun reports. The newspaper reports that Jet2 passengers have to pay a 'fuel supplement', which is not revealed on its advertised rate. It is only when customers buy their tickets online the extra cost is revealed.

US airlines say they cannot afford to fly new routes or maintain all flights to China and other countries that restrict access, but they still want to keep their rights to serve those destinations.

A stark warning of further US airline collapses has been given as high oil prices hit yearly costs to the tune of $30 billion, travelmole.com reports. A study by the Business Travel Coalition and Airline Forecasts estimates that US airlines will only be able to generate $4 billion in fare increases and incremental fees while fuel prices are record highs of $130 a barrel.

Flybe have axed one of their new routes due to rising fuel costs. The service between Glasgow Airport and Newquay in Cornwall - only launched in April - will stop on August 2.

Luton Airport based all business class airline Silverjet, grounded two weeks ago after funds ran out, was left without a buyer and made its 420 staff redundant yesterday after a takeover fell through.

US aviation regulators on Thursday night ordered immediate inspections of Eclipse 500 small private jets because of an engine thrust problem that surfaced during a harrowing landing in Chicago this month.

US Airways said on Thursday it will reduce its work force by 1,700, or about 5 percent, and will cut more capacity than planned and introduce new fees as the airline industry battles record fuel prices and a weakening economy.

Virgin Blue, Australia's No. 2 airline, said it will cut some domestic routes and raise fares by an average AUD$5 on more than half its routes in the face of a 21 percent rise in its fuel costs this year.

Air Mauritius said on Friday it expects profit in fiscal 2009 to drop to EUR4 million euros (USD$6.2 million) from EUR16 million the year before due to rising fuel prices.

As soaring fuel costs lead more airlines to cut back on flights, US airports may have to begin trimming bond-financed projects that were based on forecasts of flight increases, analysts said.

As expensive and uncomfortable as air travel may be for passengers, the pain is worse for airlines, as fuel costs approach 40 percent of a ticket price -- even after two years of fare increases.

As expensive and uncomfortable as air travel may be for passengers, the pain is worse for airlines, as fuel costs approach 40 percent of a ticket price -- even after two years of fare increases.

EasyJet and CFM International celebrated delivery of the airline's first A319 aircraft powered by CFM56-5B Tech Insertion engines. The delivery is part of the budget airline's ambition to be recognised as one of the world's most environmentally-efficient. The new engines will reduce NOx (mono-nitrogen oxides) emissions by 25% and bring considerable progress in terms of CO2 emissions, fuel consumption and maintenance costs, it said in a statement.

The RockNess music festival may have led to Inverness Airport's radar going wrong on Saturday - to the extent that some flights were delayed or grounded, the Press & Journal reports. Airport bosses believe that broadcasting at the huge event at Dores, on the shores of Loch Ness, may have interfered with the air traffic radar wavelength.

US aircraft maker Boeing began testing its 787 Dreamliner's power systems yesterday in an effort to meet a revised schedule to fly the plane by year-end and deliver it to the first customer in the third quarter of 2009.

Air France has said that congestion at Heathrow is unnecessarily pushing up airlines' fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The French flag-carrier criticised air traffic control practices at Heathrow as it touted its own environmental record at an event in Paris yesterday.

Holiday makers using Bristol Airport are being warned not to drink to excess before boarding their flights, as we approach the busy summer period. Know Your Limits signs are being placed in bars and at check-in desks in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour.

A music festival is set to cause major disruptions for air travellers at East Midlands Airport this weekend. Passengers heading to or from the airport are being urged to allow more time for journeys as thousands flock to Donington Park for the Download Music Festival this weekend.