As a result of the US Airways Charlotte, N Carolina
commuter plane crash earlier in 2003, the FAA has notified
US airlines operating planes with more than 19 seats to
raise weight estimates for both passengers (by 10lbs) and
carry on luggage by 5lbs. Meanwhile, airlines have been
given 90 days to either introduce the new weight rules or
carry out their own surveys.

UK airport operator, BAA, has called for three new
runways to be built in the south east of England. BAA
recommend one runway dedicated to short haul planes at
London Heathrow, a second runway at London Gatwick and up
to two more at home of Ryanair, and BAA’s fastest
growing airport, London Stansted.

British Airways and Germany's Lufthansa have applied
to restart services to Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.
American carrier Northwest Airlines recently announced that
it had applied for permission from the US Department of
Transportation to start flights to Iraq. The UK's
Virgin Atlantic, which has flown emergency medical supplies
into Iraq since the end of hostilities, also expressed an
interest in providing commercial services.