TOKYO — Suspects in the terror plot uncovered in the United Kingdom were planning on destroying multiple flights using liquid explosives and electronic devices, Michael Chertoff, secretary of the Dept. of Homeland Security, confirmed in a press conference.

Sources have told CNN and other news outlets that electronic detonators may have been disguised as automobile remote control key fobs.

Chertoff also said that additional sky marshals are being sent to the U.K. to provide additional protection on flights between the U.K. and United States.

Interesting advice from TSA Administrator Kip Hawley:

1. “De-clutter your bag” so that TSA screeners have a clear view through the X-ray machine.

2. “Enjoy your trip.”

Update: Chertoff confirmed U.S.-flagged carriers were the target in the late-stage planning by the suspects, but did not name specific airlines.

TOKYO — Counter-terrorism officials in Washington, D.C. have told The Associated Press that the bombing plot uncovered by British authorities targeted three U.S. airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Continental Airlines.

Update: British Home Secretary John Reid said that the loss of life would have been “unprecedented” had the suspects carried out their attacks and destroyed the targeted flights. According to Reid, 21 people are now in custody in Britain.

TOKYO — The United States Department of Homeland Security has raised the terrorism threat level to red, its highest level, for all flights departing airports in the United Kingdom and bound for the U.S., the AP reports.

The remainder of commercial aviation has been elevated to the orange, or “high” risk, level.

A statement from DHS includes additional information on prohibited items.

“Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane. This determination will be constantly evaluated and updated when circumstances warrant. These changes will take effect at 4:00 AM local time across the country.”

The change follows the uncovering of a bomb plot in the United Kingdom.

DHS plans an 8 AM EDT press conference to discuss the threat level change. In the mean time, the press release indicates there is no imminent threat domestically.

“Currently, there is no indication, however, of plotting within the United States. We believe that these arrests have significantly disrupted the threat, but we cannot be sure that the threat has been entirely eliminated or the plot completely thwarted.”

TOKYO — Authorities in the United Kingdom have arrested 18 and airlines there have banned carry-on luggage following a bomb plot that would have targeted U.S.-bound flights from the U.K., Reuters and The Associated Press are reporting.
“A major terrorist plot to allegedly blow up aircraft in mid-flight has been disrupted in a joint, pre-planned, intelligence-led operation by the Metropolitan Police anti-terrorist branch and security services,” a London police spokesman said, according to Reuters.
In an press release, British Airways cited an official advisory:
“British Airways, acting on instruction from the UK Government, wishes to advise passengers that no items of hand baggage can be carried on board any aircraft departing any UK airport.
“The UK Government has advised that this instruction will apply to all airlines operating from UK airports.”
No information has been posted to the web sites of Ryanair or bmi British Midland. An advisory on EasyJet’s site gives additional details.
“[W]ith immediate effect NO hand-baggage will be allowed on aircraft. Only certain essential items will be allowed into the cabin – provided they are contained in transparent plastic bags, which will be issued at airports. All other items are required to be packed into hold baggage and checked-in on arrival at the airport.”
British Airways specifically mentions all battery-operated devices, noting that cell phones and laptop computers are not allowed in the cabin.
Virgin Atlantic posted a list of permitted items that could be carried on board, but noting that no items may be carried in a passenger’s pockets.
There was no information released on how long the ban would last.
Update: A spokesman from United Airlines says the U.S. airline is complying with the order and has restricted passengers from carrying any bags on board flights leaving the U.K.
Other European airlines are canceling flights to the U.K. in the wake of the bomb plot, including Air France and Spain’s Iberia. Both airlines cited the lengthy delays at London Heathrow as reasons for their cancellations of flights to the airport through 10 AM GMT. (Reports from Reuters.)
The BBC reports that Heathrow has been closed to all incoming flights not already in the air at the request of airport operator BAA. Passengers at Manchester and Glasgow airports are also experiencing lengthy delays.

Sources tell us today that Delta Air Lines has asked Republic Holdings to backstop for competitor Mesa Airlines — because of Mesa’s inability to provide aircraft as provided for in its contract with Delta for part of its expanded JFK service.

Under an agreement between Delta and Mesa, Mesa, under its Freedom Airlines operation, is slated to fly 12 37-seat De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft in support of Delta’s expanding hub operations out of JFK.

But this week it was announced that Delta was replacing Dash-8 aircraft with Beech 1900s on several Delta Connection flights that are slated to begin next week. Additional new service is slated to begin in September.

Yeah. That’s right. Beech 1900s. Goes right along with Delta’s latest advertising image of a “sanctuary in the sky” doesn’t it?

Today we were told by sources that the problem appears to be that Mesa apparently leased Dash 8 100s from a Canadian lessor. Fine, but one big problem. The aircraft did not have GPWS kits installed.

We understand that Mesa now has one aircraft equipped with the necessary GPWS, but that availability of additional GPWS systems for the aircraft is nil. None to be had. Maybe for months.

As a result, Mesa apparently has only one Dash 8 and 2 1900s available to start the new Delta Connection service out of JFK next week.

Not surprisingly, we understand the folks at Delta are none too happy about this situation. They are so unhappy, in fact, that we understand they have contacted Republic Holdings about providing aircraft.

As one of our sources told us, Republic would certainly have no problem getting 10-12 Embraer 135s up and running to provide feed — if that is what Delta chooses to do. Tuesday, Republic folks were told, according to one source, “to ramp up.”

Not sure how all of this is going to work out — but it’s clear Delta does not want to run its new highly-touted JFK service utilizing Beech 1900s.

As for Mesa, it’s clearly not a good week.

This news comes the same week load factors for its new “go!” Hawaiian operation came in lower than what the company had previously indicated. Load factor for July was 73.9%. Not surprisingly the airline promptly announced yet another fare sale for its Hawaiian operation after the traffic numbers were released — with select $29 one-way fares through the end of the year on sale through the end of this week.

Finally, Mesa posted poor numbers in the DOT Air Travel Consumer Report for June that was released this week. Not only did the airline post a 5% cancellation rate in June, it also posted the most complaints of any airline. On-time performance for the airline was 66.7%.