United Airlines plans to launch daily flights between San Francisco and Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City in December 2004, becoming the first US carrier to resume direct air links since the end of the Vietnam War.

Singapore will build Asia's first dedicated low-cost terminal for SGD$45 million (USD$26.4 million) by 2006 to cater to growing numbers of budget airlines.  There has been a huge increase in the number of budget airlines across Southeast Asia following the success of no-frills carriers such as Malaysia's AirAsia, challenging the dominance of carriers such as Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.

Tiger Airways, the budget unit of Singapore Airlines, plans to launch services in September, three months ahead of schedule.  Tiger, a venture between Singapore Air and the founder of Irish discount airline Ryanair, will be the second budget carrier to fly from Singapore's ChangiAirport after Singapore's ValuAir.

Continental Airlines said it is imposing new fees on tickets bought at US airport counters and reservation centres, as it aims to encourage online bookings and cut costs.  The Houston-based carrier said it will charge a USD$5 fee for tickets bought through its US call centres and a USD$10 fee for tickets bought at US airport ticket counters, effective immediately.

Continental wants more travellers to book tickets online, saving on personnel costs.

US Airways imposed similar fees on Tuesday, and Northwest Airlines has also implemented them.

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