This article from NYTimes.com has been sent to you by psa188@xxxxxxxxx /-------------------- advertisement -----------------------\ Explore more of Starbucks at Starbucks.com. http://www.starbucks.com/default.asp?ci=1015 \----------------------------------------------------------/ Virgin Atlantic Is Busy Making News May 6, 2003 By JOE SHARKEY Virgin Atlantic Airways has been busy making news recently. First, Virgin's irrepressible chairman, Sir Richard Branson, announced last month that his airline was prepared to take over operation of the Concorde fleet that arch rival British Airways has said it plans to retire after the summer. Last Friday, meanwhile, Virgin dispatched what it described as the first nonmilitary aircraft to land in Iraq since the war started. The Virgin 747 carried 60 tons of medical supplies to Basra in conjunction with British military relief operations. In a statement, Virgin's chairman noted that besides providing critical medical supplies, the flight indicated the importance of the ultimate return to Iraq of commercial air transportation, with "resumption of trade links" and personal travel to and from the country. Fewer Screeners At U.S. Airports For about a year, some frequent fliers have joked that T.S.A. really stands for "thousands standing around," as the employees among the new force of 56,000 federal security screeners often found themselves with little to do during certain times at some airports. Citing "budget realities," the Transportation Security Administration announced plans to lay off 6,000 of those screeners - 3,000 by the end of this month and another 3,000 by Sept. 30. In announcing the layoffs, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to airport security. James C. May, the president of the Air Transport Association, the airline industry's trade group, reacted to the news in a statement. "With the summer travel season upon us, and our travel and tourism markets struggling for recovery, it is imperative that air travelers continue to find both first-class security and first-class service at the airport," he said, adding, "We fully understand the economic realities the T.S.A. is facing, but we know, too, that the agency has proven over and over again that it can adapt and get the job done." http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/06/business/06MEMO.html?ex=1053226944&ei=1&en=835ec043ff7aa0f0 HOW TO ADVERTISE --------------------------------- For information on advertising in e-mail newsletters or other creative advertising opportunities with The New York Times on the Web, please contact onlinesales@xxxxxxxxxxx or visit our online media kit at http://www.nytimes.com/adinfo For general information about NYTimes.com, write to help@xxxxxxxxxxxx Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company