Continental Airlines is expected to sell its remaining stake in Panama's Copa Airlines Inc. (CPA) but retain commercial links, amid talks that could see both carriers switch to a rival global alliance. Continental retains a 10% stake, worth around $100 million at current prices, in Copa, and has requested a waiver to a twoyear lock-up on further sales that expires at the end of June.

Pete McDonald, executive vice president and chief operating officer, has been named chief administrative officer. John Tague, executive vice president and chief revenue officer, is now chief operating officer. Here's how United chairman, CEO and president Glenn Tilton explained the deskshuffling: We are focused on the long term, and with our financial resilience and these changes announced today, I have tremendous confidence in our ability to execute against our plan. By bringing together those responsible for revenue, costs and execution, we have a clear line of sight and shared accountability across key areas, better alignment around actions we are taking to combat record high fuel costs and can more quickly implement other necessary changes to the business.

Virgin America plans to launch service at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport later this year, invading the business travel turf long dominated by United and American Airlines. Virgin, affiliated with British billionaire Richard Branson, also is gambling by flying into a controversy over congestion at the busy airport. This week, the San Francisco-based upstart plans to formally petition the Federal Aviation Administration for eight daily landing slots at O'Hare, while requesting two gates from the city of Chicago. Virgin aims to begin its Chicago operations in November, when O'Hare is slated to open a new runway designed to allow the airport to handle more flights during foul weather. That should enable O'Hare to handle more than 88 landings per hour, which is the limit set by regulators.

Bankrupt Frontier Airlines said it will increase the charge for taking antlers on its planes to $100.00 from the previous charge of $75.00. Colorado-based Frontier is the latest airline to announce new fees in an attempt to counter the cost of record oil prices, which have roughly doubled in the past year. "During hunting season, people do bring antlers back in cargo" said a spokesman for Frontier. "If you look at some of the other airlines, they also have an actual antlers fee, so it does happen," he added. Frontier said it also plans to charge a $25 fee for a second checked bag, cancel half-price infant seats and take no more bookings for pets traveling in cabins. The fee for children traveling alone on Frontier flights will increase to $50 from $40. "Unfortunately, we need to review our fee structure to help offset this incredible increase in fuel," said Frontier Chief Executive Sean Menke.

Believe it or not, this is an unedited quote from one of the Presidential candidates "We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK," Should we ask if it ok for us to go to the toilet as well?

Police probing fuel theft from plane at jetport; Witnesses report seeing a now-fired worker siphoning the fuel into a jug. An airport worker is being investigated by police for allegedly siphoning jet fuel from JetBlue Airways aircraft for use as heating fuel. The company reported the theft to police this week after witnesses reported seeing the man siphoning fuel from an Airbus 320 into a five-gallon jug at Portland International Jetport. Airline officials said they were aware of thefts on Monday and on April 28, although it was not clear why the theft went unreported after the earlier incident. The airline told authorities they believe the man stole at least 25 gallons, worth about $160 at the spot rate for jet fuel of roughly $6 per gallon, although airlines pay less. To make matters worse, the flight was delayed over two hours. The company said the delay cost almost $3,000 in additional operating costs, including paying crews to stay past the scheduled end of the shift, and may have delayed other flights because aircraft typically make another trip shortly after landing. It also inconvenienced the passengers on the nearly full 150-seat aircraft. But it was the unauthorized touching of the jet that upset the airline.

The exquisite food fit the occasion, with a first class international assortment, including sushi, sashimi, rib eye steaks and baby lamb chops. Pictured is Rocco Manniello, Owner - A & R Food Service, Panini Restaurant, and Employee cafeteria at Terminal One.