Continental and United 'eye UAE landing rights'

Dubai: American carriers Continental and United Airlines could begin flying to the UAE soon, a top US official said yesterday.

Marion Blakey, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), said the two airlines were keen to follow in the footsteps of Delta Air Lines, which will begin flights from its Atlanta hub to Dubai in late May.

The two airlines could also enter into a code-sharing agreement with Etihad Airways to network Abu Dhabi with various points in the US, Blakey added, noting that Etihad has expressed interest in partnering with US carriers. Currently, the Abu Dhabi-based airline flies non-stop to New York and Toronto, Canada.

"Etihad is engaged in lots of discussions with other airlines, but in no way is anything imminent and on the table," a spokesperson told Gulf News. "These discussions are laying a foundation which will hopefully bear fruit in the future."

The FAA's office in Abu Dhabi will help the FAA certify foreign carriers flying into the US as well as repair centres here serving US airlines.

Dubai Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) could be entering the field of space tourism, according to a US aviation official.

Marion Blakey, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), said DAE has a "real interest" in this growing field. In the US, the FAA regulates rocketry and space flights in addition to commercial air travel.

"I'm going to keep a sharp eye on [DAE], because I know there is great potential to develop an industry for people who want to experience space."

If true, this would make the second space travel project in the UAE after Space Adventures.