The International Air Transport Association (IATA) praised President Dilma Rousseff’s strategic focus on aviation and urged a quick follow-up with critical reforms to improve the industry’s competitiveness. Preparations to host the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics make urgent progress necessary.

State carrier Caribbean Airlines has recorded one of its busiest periods for the just concluded Carnival season. From February 27 until March 13, the airline transported more than 85,000 passengers.

Air Canada said it will cut capacity and eliminate some unprofitable routes this year because of high fuel costs. Last month, Air Canada said that its 2011 system-wide capacity growth would be in the 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent range versus 2010. In response to higher fuel prices, Air Canada now expects 2011 system-wide capacity growth of 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent versus 2010.

Aeromexico has announced a new daily flight between Fresno, California and Guadalajara, Jalisco, adding more options for Fresno travelers.

Airberlin, which codeshares with American Airlines and has strengthened its hubs in Berlin and Dusseldorf, has new codeshare connections with future oneworld partners and plans to expand the destinations it serves in Italy. In addition, Airberlin is launching a comfort initiative, including a new Sky Interior in Boeing aircrafts, a new interior design for the B737-800 and B737-700 and new seats in Airbus 330-200.

LIAT, the Antigua-based regional airline is looking at acquiring jet aircraft to operate services to Miami and even New York. This is the word from Vincentian Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, chairman of LIAT’s three shareholder governments following a meeting in Barbados Monday.