Comair agreed on a $75,000 fine for its 2004 Christmas computer meltdown. The Department of Transportation launched an investigation as to Comair as to whether or not the airline violated unfair and deceptive practices provisions when it blamed the problem on weather which would absolve it of responsibility in providing hotel accommodations for stranded passengers. However, with $50,000 forgiven if no similar problems arise over the next 14 months, it can avoid the fine completely if it also provides additional service to customers during the next year. The airline neither admitted nor denied the charges when it settled with DOT last month although both cited an email sent late Christmas Day blaming the cancellations on weather. For a complete report see the next issue of Regional Aviation News.