The Department of Transportation (DOT) has released, for the first time, monthly data on the causes of airline delays, showing that weather in October was a major factor in flight delays by larger U.S. airlines. Of the nearly 550,000 flights operated in October by the reporting carriers, almost 1,700 were delayed by extreme weather which interfered with flight operations, and more than 13,000 were delayed by weather that prevented the aviation system from operating at full capacity. Other flights were delayed when the previous flight using the same aircraft was delayed by weather and other causes.

The airline wanted 30 percent. Instead, the most well-paid pilots in the business Thursday offered just nine percent in wage concessions -- their contribution to improving the airline's ailing bottom line. Pilots also offered to give back a pay raise contracted for next year. Delta says that's going to mean its costs are about $1 billion higher than its competitors. Committee members think Delta wants wage concessions along the lines of those granted by bigger bankrupt airlines like American and United. The union's negotiating committee said it "does not believe (Delta's) pilot costs must be aligned with the pilot costs at restructured or bankrupt airlines for our company to be profitable."

First (Ever) Such Agreement Between the Two Countries As part of the continuing effort to strengthen US-Vietnam relations, ease travel and expand trade between the two countries, US Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and Vietnamese Transport Minister Dao Dinh Binh today signed the first-ever comprehensive US-Vietnam air services agreement. "Since our two countries signed a bilateral trade agreement late last year, our economic ties have become stronger," said Secretary Mineta. "Last year, the United States and Vietnam engaged in almost $3 billion in direct trade. Today's agreement solidifies that partnership and lays the groundwork for even greater growth and success in our economic relationship."