The annual cost of flight delays caused by air traffic congestion at the New York Region’s three major airports were responsible for more than $2.6 billion in losses to the regional economy in 2008, and –if no action is taken- will total a staggering $79 billion over the eighteen year span between 2008 and 2025, according to Grounded: The High Cost of Air Traffic Congestion, a report released by the Partnership for New York City.

Aruba in 2008 saw an increase of 13.4 percent in the number of arriving cruise passengers compared to 2007. In 2008, Aruba welcomed 556,090 cruise passengers, compared to 481,775 in 2007.

Blue Tulum Resort & Spa, the Riviera Maya’s all-inclusive resort, named Luis Fortanell director of management, sales and marketing. In this capacity, Fortanell oversees all aspects of the on-property guest experience at Blue Tulum, as well as external promotional efforts.

The new terminal building at Key West International Airport has opened for departing passengers. The new building is approximately 30,000 square feet and is elevated over parking.

Delta is looking to be the first U.S. airline with nonstop service to Brasilia, Brazil’s capital. Delta asked for U.S. Transportation Department approval to launch service in mid-December, starting with three weekly fights from Atlanta using Boeing 757s with 158 coach seats and 16 business-class seats.

Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc. filed its Monthly Operating Report for January 2009. Frontier reported an operating profit of $2.8 million and a consolidated net loss of $27.9 million for the month.