SMITH BACK AT WORK
Lunn Poly managing director Ian Smith was back at work on Monday after returning from holiday in Florida where he suffered a mild stroke. It is believed doctors gave Smith a clean bill of health but he was not available for comment.
JONES QUITS LINCOLN
Lincoln Travel managing director Bryn Jones has left the company to start his own consultancy, BRJ Associates. Jones said he had disagreed with other managers over the way forward for the company.
PRINCESS IN FOR NCL?
P&O Cruises’ US arm, Princess Cruises, is reported to be in negotiations to buy Norwegian Cruise Line. P&O and NCL refused to comment.
BOOST FOR VIRGIN
Virgin Atlantic’s hopes of starting a domestic US airline have been boosted by plans to ease ownership rules, allowing foreign ownership of US carriers to rise from 25% to 49%.
MONARCH’S WOE
Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas is expected to be withdrawn until the end of February due to an accident in St Maarten in December. Around 10 week-long cruises are being cancelled. Customers are being offered an alternative cruise or a full refund and £300 off a future cruise.
PAL TAKING ADVICE
Former Cathay Pacific managers have set up a team to help Philippine Airlines avoid further shutdowns. The team will advise PAL on its search for a new shareholder and restructuring. PAL has debts of $2.1bn and faces another shutdown unless a rescue plan is agreed soon.