A start up is launching a new addition of its app Service called Protect, which allows people to acquire compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. The app automatically scans users’ email account in search of flight receipts and itineraries. The functionality allows any issue to be immediately filed with the tap of a button. Protect also has capabilities that will monitor future flights for potential delays or cancellations. After parsing an email inbox, the app’s interface will reach out to help obtain compensation before formally filing anything. Service and Protect co-founder and CE Michael Schneider explained the business plan is to maintain its service free of charge and to explore monetary benefits through direct engagement with businesses instead. <br/>
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A newly settled FAA agreement has an upshot for air travellers. The reauthorisation bill, which funds the agency through Sept 2017, also requires airlines to seat families with children together at no extra charge, speed up the security screening process and quickly issue refunds for baggage fees if luggage is lost for more than 12 hours. “We’re encouraged that Congress has recognised the challenges families face when traveling and is making it a priority that airlines ensure they sit together when flying,” the Family Travel Association said. While there are exceptions, the agreement directs the transportation secretary to establish a policy to allow children under age 13 “to be seated in a seat adjacent to the seat of an accompanying family member over the age of 13” at no additional cost. <br/>
Shareholders in London's Heathrow are ready to invest GBP16b if the govt chooses it as the site for airport expansion, one of the investors said in a letter to new prime minister Theresa May. Heathrow has been campaigning for years to build an additional runway but a decision has been delayed by successive govts worried about pollution and local opposition. Transport minister Chris Grayling said he wanted to "move rapidly" with making a decision about where to build a new runway, and would be looking at the matter in the coming weeks. Universities Superannuation Scheme, which owns a 10% stake in Heathrow, said in a letter to May Tuesday that the airport's shareholders were prepared to put up the money to pay for a new runway - the first time the investors have publicly confirmed their readiness to fund it. <br/>
Boeing expects Indian carriers to order 1,850 new aircraft worth US$265b over the next 20 years, up from an earlier forecast, mainly due to new aviation rules that will boost demand. In March, the company forecast that demand from India would add up to orders for 1,740 planes over 20 years. "India continues to have a strong commercial aerospace market and the highest domestic traffic growth in the world," said Dinesh Keskar, a senior Boeing VP. "With the new aviation policies in place, we even see greater opportunities, and remain confident in the market and airlines sector in India," Keskar said. Last month, India overhauled regulations governing its aviation industry, easing rules for domestic carriers to fly overseas and spreading the country's air travel boom to smaller cities by capping airfares and opening new airports. <br/>