Today’s travel briefing highlights a few stories from Europe. First up, the UK’s Guardian reports on Eurotunnel – the mega-transit that shuttles cars and trains across the channel from the UK to France. It was in debt and operating well below its initial projections. However, after 20 years and some major corporate restructuring, Groupe Eurotunnel posted its first profitable year and will pay its first dividend in 2009. Eurotunnel’s continued success is promising. It’s also exciting for all those looking to hop from city to city.

Second, get ready for in-flight chatter. There’s no quiet-car on planes, so we’re not so sure about this development, but here it goes… USA Today reports, “European regulators have dropped the ban on in-flight cellphone calls, but passengers’ ability to chat will depend on which airline they fly.”

First profit for Eurotunnel in 20-year history

“Eurotunnel, the cross-channel shuttle operator, hailed a break with its debt-ridden past yesterday by declaring its first profit in its 20-year history. Groupe Eurotunnel, the new French company forged last year after a restructuring of its huge debt, said it had earned a pro forma net €1m (£800,000) in 2007 and would pay its first dividend next year.”

[Read] the Guardian

Ability to use cellphones in flight gets closer in Europe

“European regulators have dropped the ban on in-flight cellphone calls, but passengers’ ability to chat will depend on which airline they fly. European Union regulators on Monday loosened the rules on cellphone service, a satellite-based technology that can be turned on by a captain at about 10,000 feet. It also can be turned off at any time.”

[Read] USA Today

An analysis of the Airline Quality Report

“The annual Airline Quality Report (AQR) was published today by Dr. Dean Headley out of Wichita State University. Big deal, you say, airlines continue to suck. You’ve got that right. Distill the 60 page document down to its roots and you’ll find that the industry scored its worst ranks of all time in the history of the twenty year study.”

[Read] Gadling

Health care businesses take off at airports

“Pharmacies and walk-in health clinics are opening at more airports in the USA, hoping to capture a sizable portion of travelers and airport employees who want access to basic primary health care and to fill their prescriptions at the last minute.”

[Read] ABC News

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