Safest-ever year for world’s airlines
The world’s airlines had their safest ever year in 2004, with five crashes and a death toll of 466 people. This compares with 702 deaths in 2003; last year’s figure was the lowest since 1984, when there were far fewer aircraft operating. According to a report in The Guardian, the five crashes involved two African-registered aircraft and three from Asia. The newspaper states that European and American carriers have now gone more than three years without a crash that has been blamed on the aircraft or pilot. David Learmount, of Flight International, which published the information, is quoted as saying: “Each generation of modern aeroplanes is more reliable and safer than its predecessors. Extremely clever pieces of kit in the cockpit have become compulsory throughout much of Europe and North America.” The figures so not include crashes attributed to terrorism, including two Russian aircraft that were reportedly brought down by Chechen extremists in August. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026