ANN 04.01.07 SPECIAL EDITION REALTIME REPORTING: Hot on the heels of global oil marketer Halliburton's move of its headquarters from Houston, TX to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Aviation Administration announced this week it will also relocate its operations to the small oil-rich principality, from Washington, DC.

"Let's face it -- we're not exactly welcome here anymore, what with all the disgruntled general aviation pilots grousing about 'airline-supported user fees' and what not," said agency spokesperson Peter Smith. "While the FAA will continue to reign its influence over all matters related to aviation and aerospace in the United States, it will now do so from a safe and comfortable distance."

Few details of the move are known at this time, other than full relocation is expected to be completed by the end of summer -- just as the FAA's proposed reauthorization bill will come to a vote.

"We REALLY hope that funding comes through," Smith added. "You do NOT want to tick the guys off down at Ryder Truck Rental of Dubai." The spokesman refused to comment on reports Adminstrator Marion Blakey was in line to become the new CEO of Emirates.

ANN will continue to follow this developing story.

FMI: www.f-a-a-u-a-e-m-o-u-s-e.gov