Caribbean Airlines took over operations of Air Jamaica on Saturday, May 1. Air Jamaica will continue its current operations under a contractual arrangement with Caribbean Airlines. “There will be no disruption of service, as all tickets previously issued to the passengers will be honored,” said Dennis Lalor, Air Jamaica’s chairman.

Carlson, a privately held global hospitality and travel company, and the publicly held Rezidor Hotel Group AB announced that they have entered into an agreement with Formosa International Hotels Corporation (FIHC) under which FIHC will acquire the Regent luxury hotel business.

YTB International, Inc., announced its financial results for the year ended Dec. 31, reporting that total revenue for the year decreased 58 percent to $67.3 million, compared to $159.5 million for fiscal 2008.

Barcelona Hotel Group, a financial investment group, and Dow Hotel Company LLC have signed a letter of intent to acquire and operate hotels. Under terms of the agreement, Dow will become a Strategic Alliance Member and co-invest with affiliates of Barcelona to acquire first-class, full-service hotels over the next 12 to 18 months.

United Airlines and US Airways said that once again they are discussing a merger, although it might probably take weeks before one is announced and it is far from a done deal. The talks are the latest in the money-losing aviation industry’s efforts to consolidate in order to speed its return to profitability.

Uruguayan regional airline Pluna SA has confirmed the purchase of another seven CRJ 900 aircraft from Canada’s Bombardier, Inc. at a cost of “nearly” $200 million, which will bring its total fleet to 14 of these aircraft.