Malaysian Airlines are currently embroiled in a row over saying “customers prefer to be served by young, demure and pretty stewardesses, especially Asian ladies”, and has placed age limits on its female cabin crews. The flight attendants union has launched a campaign against an MAS policy which grounds female cabin crew aged over 40. Those holding supervisory jobs are allowed to continue until 45. Imagine if this ruling applied to other airlines – no names mentioned.

British Airways are to resume direct flights between London Heathrow and Islamabad after halting services two years ago after the terrorist attacks of September 11 in the United States.

Singapore Airlines has confirmed that it is now carrying air marshals on some of its flights as part of increased security measures. They will also have surveillance cameras in place which will allow cockpit crews to check what is going on in the aircraft’s cabin.

JetBlue, the New York-based low fare airline, is to start service from Boston Logan Airport early next year. The service includes flights from Boston to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa and Denver by January 16 2004. They will be offering leather seats complete with free television, free on-board snacks and more leg room than its competitors.

Air France has announced that it intends to sign a final merger deal with Dutch airline KLM on Thursday in Amsterdam, creating Europe’s largest airline. The deal, which is scheduled to be completed in April 2004, would create a European leader and the world’s third-largest airline behind American Airlines and Delta.

UK airport update: As at 16th October, nationals of Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, India, Lebanon and Pakistan will need visas to travel through the UK. Previously, people from these countries have required visas to visit the UK, but have been able pass through the UK on their way to a third country without one.