Bodies, debris retrieved from Air France crash
Brazilian search crews on Saturday retrieved the first bodies from a crashed Air France flight in the Atlantic, and investigators said faulty speed readings had been found on the same type of jets. Navy ships found the bodies of two men and debris including a blue seat with a serial number matching Air France Flight 447, a rucksack containing a vaccination card, and a briefcase with an Air France ticket inside, rescue officials said.

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Sabre and Lufthansa extend content deal, shield from preferred fares program
The agreement extends the deal signed by the two parties last year which is due to expire at the end of June. The new deal, which will come into force on July 1, will continue to exempt the GDS’s agents in Germany, Austria and Switzerland from surcharges imposed under the airline’s controversial Preferred Fares Programme (PFP).

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Major European players join new industry association
The Brussels-based European Technology & Travel Services Association (ETTSA) has been established by a number of Europe’s leading travel intermediaries. Members include Amadeus, ebookers, Expedia, Opodo, Sabre - including its affiliate lastminute.com - and Travelport. Affiliated members include Booking.com.

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TUI Travel confirms speculation about strategic talks between TUIfly and Air Berlin
TUI Travel confirms that it is in discussions with Air Berlin PLC, which may involve an equity participation in an enlarged Air Berlin PLC. However, there is no certainty that these discussions will result in an agreed transaction. Further updates will be provided when appropriate.

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British Airways expects a loss of 150 million GBP in 2009-2010
http://www.abtn.co.uk/news/ba-expects-%C2%A3150m-loss-2009-2010

Sabre reports 29% drop in profits
Sabre Holdings has reported a 29% fall in profits and a net loss of $319m (€251.7m) for the fourth quarter 2008. The Texas-based parent company of Travelocity, Sabre Travel Network and Sabre Airline Solutions blamed a “challenging economic environment” for the year-on-year slump. Full year results showed earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) as “flat” at $578m (€456m) while overall net loss was $320m (€252.4m). In 2007, Sabre recorded a net loss of $84m (€84m). Sabre said its 2008 loss included a $382m non-cash charge “for the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets related to acquisitions.”
http://www.abtn.co.uk/news/sabre-reports-29-drop-profits

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