Richard Sealy, tourism minister of Barbados, is big on branding and wants to see more of it on his island. “As a tourism destination, we are a little weak right now in that area,” he said. “It’s a problem, especially for the U.S. market. Americans respond well to brand names.”

TAM and Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline and a founding member of the Star Alliance, signed a Memorandum of Understanding today in Sao Paulo providing for the implementation of a codeshare agreement and reciprocal frequent flyer mileage accumulation for members of the carriers’ loyalty programs, TAM Fidelidade and Aeroplan.

Irish holding company Kingplace has agreed to acquire and relaunch all-premium-class carrier Silverjet. The airline, which operated flights from London Luton Airport to Newark and Dubai, ceased operations on May 30 when anticipated funding from a United Arab Emirates investor fell through.

Cruise ships will be allowed to open late-night casinos in port after Cabinet approved a plan aimed at fighting off increasing competition from rival cruise destinations.

In a message to employees on Friday, United Airlines CEO Glenn Tilton said the airline would not pursue a merger at this time, according to several published reports.

AirTran will defer delivery of 18 Boeing 737-700 aircraft. The planes, originally scheduled for delivery 2009 through 2011, will be delivered 2013 through 2014.