SUBANG/ TOKYO : ANA and Malaysia Airlines are extending their code-sharing agreement to include domestic sectors within both countries, effective December 1 this year.
In the second expansion since they began code-sharing in March 2004 on flights between Malaysia and Japan, ANA will carry Malaysian Airlines’ flight code, MH, on journeys between Tokyo and Fukuoka, and Tokyo and Nagoya, while Malaysia Airlines will carry the ANA flight code, NH, on journeys between Kuala Lumpur and the Malaysian destinations of Langkawi, Kuching, Penang and Kota Kinabalu.
“ANA passengers will have the convenience of travelling to even more destinations in Malaysia – including the ever popular resorts of Penang and Langkawi – using just ANA’s flight code and a single e-ticket,” said Keisuke Okada, ANA’s executive vice president International Relations. “With through baggage and on-line booking, it will make their journeys simpler and smoother,” he continued.
Malaysia Airlines Managing Director/CEO, Datuk Sri Idris Jala said “The further enhancement of this code share agreement strengthens our hub-and-spoke business strategy that allows our customers access to many destinations in Japan. As both carriers provide seamless passenger connections to more domestic destinations in Japan and Malaysia, we are optimistic that our load factor on the Malaysia-Japan return routes will further improve and contribute to our bottomline”.
“The strategy of developing hub-and-spoke is a crucial part of our Business Turnaround Plan. To date, we are seeing yield and load factor improvements on routes which we do hub-and-spoke," he added.
About Malaysia Airlines and All Nippon Airways Code Share Agreement
In February 2004, Malaysia Airlines and All Nippon Airways (ANA) signed the first code share agreement on air routes between Japan and Malaysia on a “block seat” arrangement basis where a pre-determined passenger seat inventory of Malaysia Airlines was marketed by ANA.
Currently, Malaysia Airlines operates 14 weekly return services between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo with two return services operated via Kota Kinabalu. It also operates daily services between Kuala Lumpur and Osaka with two flights from Osaka to Kuala Lumpur operated via Kota Kinabalu. All these flights are operated using a 282 seater Boeing 777-200 aircraft. It also operates 3 weekly services between Kuala Lumpur and Nagoya using a 229 seater Airbus 330-200 aircraft.
ANA operates two daily flights on the Tokyo Narita – Nagoya and Tokyo Narita – Fukuoka routes. One each of those flights will carry the Malaysia Airlines flight code
December 02, 2007
ANA and Malaysia Airlines Expand Code-share Co-operation Networks to include domestic cities in Japan and Malaysia from December 1, 2007
Boeing Delivers Okay Airways’ First 737-800 on Lease from AWAS
SEATTLE, Nov. 29, 2007 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] yesterday delivered a Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 to Tianjin-based Okay Airways Company Ltd., the Peoples’ Republic of China’s first private airline. The new airplane, which is the seventh 737 in Okay Airways’ fleet, is under lease from AWAS.
This 737-800 is the first new-airplane delivery for Okay Airways and the first new-airplane delivery in four years for AWAS, an aircraft leasing company based in Dublin, Ireland.
“Okay Airways selected the Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 to provide the optimum in safety, reliability and economics,” said Liu Jieyin, president of Okay Airways. “We believe that the Next-Generation 737-800 is the best airplane to meet passenger needs and generate profits for the company, while offering lower ticket prices and benefiting our customers.”
Okay’s 737-800 will be used primarily in passenger service, initially for routes such as Tianjin to Kunming, Changsha, Zhang Jiajie, Guilin, Hohhot, Taiyuan and Harbin, followed by other routes as the fleet expands.
“We are very proud of our relationship with Okay Airways, which is yet another milestone in our 90-year history with China,” said Rob Laird, vice president, China and East Asia Sales - Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “China’s projected growth and the superior economics and reliability of the Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 provide an excellent basis for Okay Airways’ success.”
The Boeing 737-800 is the best-selling version of the successful Next-Generation 737 family of airplanes, which are the world’s most popular and reliable commercial jet transports. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the 737-800 has been selected by leading carriers throughout the world. The single-aisle jet, which can seat between 162 to 189 passengers, can fly 260 nautical miles farther and consume 6 percent less fuel per seat while carrying 12 more passengers than the competing model.
To date, Boeing has received more than 2,400 orders for the 737-800 from 79 customers.
Source: Boeing
Boeing, Qatar Airways Celebrate 777-300ER Delivery
DOHA, Qatar, Nov. 29, 2007 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways today celebrated the arrival of the first Boeing airplane to join the airline’s fleet. Qatar Airways’ new flagship 777-300ER arrived after a nearly 15-hour direct flight from Paine Field in Everett, Wash.
Qatar has ordered a total of 27 777s with options for five additional airplanes. Qatar also has ordered 30 787 Dreamliners and holds 30 options.
Lee Monson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East and Africa, led the Boeing contingent at today’s ceremonies in Doha.
“Today truly marks a milestone in our relationship with Qatar Airways,” Monson said. “We look forward to a strong future of cooperation as we see Qatar’s Boeing fleet expand to become the core of its operations.”
Source: Boeing
December 01, 2007
Oman set to limit liquids on flights
"In line with new global security guidelines issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, effective January 1, 2008, established security measures will commence to restrict the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels in the carry-on baggage of travelling passengers on commercial flights originating from all airports in the Sultanate," says a statement released by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Under the restrictions, liquids, gels and aerosols are referred to as LAGs, and include but are not limited to water and other drinks, soups, syrups, jams, stews, sauces and pastes, foods in sauces or containing high liquid content; creams, lotions, cosmetics and oils, perfumes; sprays; gels, including hair and shower gels; contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foam and deodorants; pastes including toothpaste; liquid-solid mixtures; mascara, lip gloss or lip balm; and any item of similar consistency at room temperature.
New security screening measures require that all LAGs be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of specified dimensions (approximately eight by eight inches).
All LAGs must be carried in containers with a capacity not greater than 100ml each (or the equivalent in other volumetric measurements like fluid ounces). Any LAGs carried in a container larger than 100ml is not permitted, even if the container is only part-filled.
Containers with LAGs must be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding one litre. The containers must fit comfortably within the transparent plastic, which must be completely closed.
Each passenger is permitted to carry only one such bag, which is to be presented separately for screening. Exemptions are allowed for medication for which prescriptions and/or medical certificates are required.
Other exemptions are baby milk/food, provided the baby is travelling as well, and special dietary products.
To facilitate screening and to avoid a cluttered X-ray image, transparent plastic bags with the 100ml containers must be presented separately from other carry-on items, coats, jackets and laptop computers for X-ray screening at all screening points.
Passengers are advised that items exceeding the allowed limits will not be permitted to be carried in the hand baggage.
AIRPORT NEWS
IATA slams Bush for inadequate congestion response
Right: Giovanni Bisignani, IATA director general, accuses President Bush of attempting to alleviate air traffic congestion with a 'political placebo'
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling on the White House and Congressional politicians in the United States to take more aggressive short-term action to reduce air traffic congestion.
IATA’s director general, Giovanni Bisignani, warns there will be more air delays next summer if the US Government continues to move too slowly in making capacity and efficiency improvements. “President Bush’s recent announcement about making limited airspace changes in an attempt to alleviate congestion during the holidays is a political placebo for a serious long-term illness,” says Bisignani.
The White House is considering peak pricing at New York JFK airport to reduce delays, but Bisignani says: “Congestion pricing has never worked effectively for air transport anywhere in the world, so it is foolhardy to believe that it will work in New York.”
He claims the US Government should immediately implement IATA’s Worldwide Scheduling Guidelines and introduce infrastructure improvements. “There’s already a list of at least 75 projects that could begin tomorrow and we can’t wait any longer.”
Macau breaks through five million barrier
Macau welcomes its five millionth passenger so far this yearMacau International Airport yesterday (Thursday 29 November) registered its five millionth passenger so far this year – the first time the airport has exceeded five million passengers in a single year.
Airport officials predict the airport will handle over 5.5 million passengers this year, close to the six million design capacity for the airport.
Ms. Liu Suning, executive director of Macau International Airport, says that the airport is investing US$500 million to develop the airport in line with a five-year development plan produced by Dutch consulting company NACO. The first phase of the airport expansion includes the extension of the southern area of the passenger terminal and an expansion of the retail area by 2009. After completion, the retail and restaurant area will increase to 2,627m² and 3,631m² respectively. The departure hall will also increase to 9,450m², while the number of boarding gates will double to 12.
The expansion at the airport is due to be complete by 2012, by which time capacity will have risen to 12 million passengers annually.
Macau International Airport is the smallest of four international airports in the Pearl Delta region after Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Frankfurt prepares for 2D barcodes
Next year Frankfurt Airport will introduce 2D barcode technology for boarding cards
Fraport will roll-out its ‘2D barcode’ technology for boarding cards in 2008, which simplifies the check-in and transfer process for passengers. The system enables passengers who have already printed their boarding card at home to bypass the check-in counter, provided they are travelling with hand baggage only.
The system will also be installed in the transfer areas of the airport. Boarding passes of transfer passengers will be scanned and compared with actual flight information. This comparison will enable ground service employees to inform travellers about gate changes or changed departure times.
Fraport predicts that the system will generate valuable management statistics, such as the time passengers spend within the terminal as well as passenger flows.
Frankfurt Airport will also open six new food outlets in 2008, including a 128m² coffee bar operated by Casualfood, which is due to open early in the New Year. Another 65m² bar will be opened on the third floor of Terminal 2 in the summer of 2008.
Germany’s largest airport will also get two new restaurants in mid-2008. A new 200m² fast food restaurant will open its doors in the summer, while the airport will also get a 200m² casual dining restaurant.
A new Starbucks outlet and an Asian noodle counter are also planned in the E section of Terminal 2.
LAX plans US lead in Airbus A380 services
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has pledged the city’s airport terminal facilities will be ready for commercial Airbus’s A380 services following a billion dollar modernisation initiative. The plane returned to Los Angeles International Airport this week for further testing.
“Los Angeles is the obvious destination for the first US flights of new large aircraft, so it is critical that LAX has the infrastructure necessary to receive them,” says Villaraigosa. “We are investing the resources necessary to be ready for next-generation aircraft and to preserve LAX’s status as a premier international gateway.” LAX is expected to be the first US destination of an A380 passenger flight next year with a service provided by Qantas Airways.
LAX claims to be the leading US airport for travel to the Asia/Pacific region, and Asia/Pacific carriers account for 40% of A380 orders.
LAX officials claim that by 2012 LAX will have 12 daily A380 flights, the most of any airport in North America.
More than US$1 billion has been invested in airport modernisation projects in Los Angeles since the beginning of the Villaraigosa Administration, including a US$723.5 million renovation of Tom Bradley International Terminal.
T-ray future for airport security?
Scientists at the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory are working with collaborators in Turkey and Japan to develop a compact device that uses terahertz radiation, or T-rays, to detect dangerous articles and substances in passenger luggage.
Scientists claim t-rays are far better suited to security scans than x-ray devices
Although terahertz radiation does not penetrate through metals and water, it does penetrate many common materials, such as leather, fabric, cardboard and paper, making it far better suited than existing x-ray and metal detection technology for security screening.
T-rays also have a safety benefit over x-rays, they are far less powerful, and are therefore incapable of ionising atoms, which can cause cellular damage that can lead to radiation sickness or cancer.
The scientists have been able to produce a compact T-ray device thanks to developments in semiconductor technology. They have created a solid-state semiconductor capable of generating radiation at around one terahertz.
"You can make those frequencies if you are willing to put together a whole table full of expensive equipment,” explains Ulrich Welp of Argonne's Materials Science Division. “But now we've been able to make a simple, compact solid-state source.”
A scientific paper based on the research, "Emission of Coherent THz Radiation from Superconductors," appears in the 23 November issue of Science.
Sita plans Bangalore baggage reconciliation
An integrated passenger-baggage reconciliation system will go live at Bangalore International Airport when it opens on 30 March next year. Sita claims the system will be India’s first deployment of such technology.
Marcel Hungerbuehler, chief operating officer of Bangalore International Airport (BIAL), says, “Given our location in the home of India’s formidable IT industry, it is entirely appropriate that this world-class airport should take advantage of the latest technology that Sita is providing to ensure an operationally efficient, secure and passenger-friendly airport.”
The Sita system combines barcodes, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and highly redundant IP-based global connectivity to ensure baggage gets to its destination on time.
“This is a significant milestone for the air transport industry in India and will set a benchmark for the future development of airports,” says Elyes M’Rad, regional vice-president, Sita. “Passenger-bag reconciliation reduces aircraft delays through quicker off-loading in case of passenger no-shows and automatically redirects bags that missed their connection onto alternative flights.”
Sita’s system in Bangalore includes two modules, BagManager and BagMessage. BagManager interfaces with check-in and baggage sortation systems, and integrates with flight information systems for updates on aircraft loading. It can also be linked to the airport’s security systems to verify that bags have been screened and that passengers are matched with the correct luggage.
BagMessage provides airport managers with the latest information about passenger bags as required.
Chinese scanner detects explosives
Nuctech claims its latest scanner can identify dangerous liquids in hand luggage within five seconds
Scanners capable of detecting liquid explosives will be installed in all of China’s 147 airports before the 2008 Olympic Games, says Yang Chengfeng, head of the public security division of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). And all civil airports have been required to install at least one such scanner this year.
So far, Nuctech’s THSCAN LS 8016 X-Ray Liquid Security Scanner is the only equipment approved for installation at airports throughout China. Nuctech has just installed its LS 8016 X-Ray Liquid Security Scanners at White Tower International Airport in Huhhot.
Using proprietary Chinese x-ray technology, the scanner allows rapid detection of potentially explosive or hazardous liquids, without the need to open the container. In a demonstration to the media, the THSCAN LS 8016 Liquid Scanner successfully identified and distinguished explosive, flammable, and corrosive liquids from ordinary daily-use substances within five seconds.
For airports, the adoption of the THSCAN LS 8016 X-Ray Liquid Security Scanner will allow both checked and carry-on luggage to be scanned quickly and more thoroughly than ever before, reducing inconvenience without compromising security.
Chinese airports have traditionally adopted an interesting method for security checking unidentified liquids – they would ask the traveller to take a sip!
Liquid security detector starts trial at Ruzyně
Prague’s airport is this week beginning testing of a new technology designed to detect hazardous liquids. The new device, known as Emili 1, uses microwaves and could eventually lead to the elimination of the security ban on liquids in hand luggage.
“We are testing it in operating conditions and are interested in how it affects the process of security screenings,” says Stanislav Jonáš, security specialist at Prague-Ruzyně International Airport. The tests over the next two weeks will focus on how the machine impacts wait times, rather than how well it detects dangerous liquids.
It will be tried at Terminal 2, which is used for flights to and from Schengen zone countries. During the test, nothing will change in current security regulations and passengers will still not be allowed to bring drinks past the security checkpoint. Instead, the machine will be tested on the few liquids that are already allowed on board.
Although other devices that seek to detect harmful liquids are being tried at terminals worldwide, Prague is the first to test the Emili 1, which was developed by Julich-based company, Emisens. The company claims that Emili 1 can scan a liquid bottle in one second.
Emisens director, Norbert Klein, says he is in talks with airport officials in Dubai and Tel Aviv about testing the machine there. Emisens is also developing a portable scanner to detect ceramic instruments, and on a step-on scanning device for shoes.
Eva Krejčí, spokeswoman for Ruzyně Airport, says it is too early for airport officials to be considering buying Emili 1.
Oman Air begins Gatwick flights
Oman Air has begun its first service to Europe with the launch of non-stop flights between Muscat and Gatwick Airport. Gatwick is the airline’s 24th destination, and it plans to launch a 25th destination by the end of 2007.
Oman Air CEO Ziad bin Karim Al Haremi says the new destination is part of an ambitious route expansion plan with a special focus on long-haul routes and will result in a substantial increase in commercial ties and tourist flow between Oman and Britain.
The airline also operates direct flights to destinations to the Indian subcontinent, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Kochi, Hyderabad, Thiruvanthapuram, Chennai, Lucknow, Jaipur, Karachi and Chittagong, plus domestic flights linking Muscat with Khasab and Salalah.
Baggage handling revolution on way
Researchers at the Delft University of Technology are currently developing a revolutionary system that aims to replace manual baggage handling altogether. The university is designing an automated loading system for aircraft containers called SkyBax.
The SkyBax system weighs and measures luggage immediately after baggage check-in at the airport. The associated computer program then determines how all pieces of luggage should best be stowed within specially designed containers. The filling of containers will be done automatically.
This way, SkyBax relieves workers of the physical strain of lifting heavy bags, reduces the number of employees required for baggage handling and minimises the opportunity for pilfering. Labour is only needed for process control. “It’s an optimal system for security,” confirms Roel Reynen of start-up company Quintech that developed the system in cooperation with the university.
Delft researchers claim their SkyBax system determines how all pieces of luggage should best be stowed within specially designed containers
As fewer employees are needed for baggage handling, researchers believe SkyBax could provide important cost reductions. Moreover, by automating the container-loading process, a higher capacity can be achieved in terms of bags per minute and loading ratio. According to the researchers, the new technology improves system throughput and customer service, reduces costs and decreases processing times.
Companies participating in the pilot project are Schiphol Group, KLM and manufacturer Vanderlande Industries. A pilot project is planned for Schiphol airport, but no start date has yet been announced.
RAK Airways takes off on inaugural flight to Dhaka
RAK Airways – the UAE’s newly launched fourth national carrier – took off on its inaugural flight to Dhaka, Thursday 29th November. The full-service airline will fly to Dhaka three times a week, and plans to increase the frequency of flights in the near future.
Commenting on its maiden flight, Captain Khalid Almeer, Chief Operating Officer of RAK Airways, said: “I am pleased to announce that RAK Airways has taken off on its inaugural flight. We have been working very hard to achieve this milestone and are proud to contribute to the economic development of Ras Al Khaimah.” He further added, “We look forward to servicing our customers and will take pride in making each flight a stress-free, comfortable experience.”
Launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. RAK Airways also plans to unveil more destinations, including cities in the GCC countries, India, Nepal, and Tanzania, within three to six months as part of an ambitious growth strategy.
RAK Airways will be operating Boeing 757s for its start-up operations, and will consider introducing more flights if it experiences high enough demand.
The airline plans to undertake trans-continental flights over the next two to three years, and aims to cover about 20 destinations within the Gulf, South Asia, Middle East and East Africa.
Aviation industry needs to tackle looming pilot shortage
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned the world’s airlines of a severe pilot shortage unless industry and government work together to change training and qualification practices. IATA issued a new estimate that the industry may need 17,000 new pilots annually due to expected industry growth and retirements.
"Increasing the retirement age to 65 will help but it can’t be the only solution. It’s time to ring the warning bell. We must re-think pilot training and qualification to further improve safety and increase training capacity," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA Director General and CEO.
He told the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) International Safety Forum, "the industry is concerned that there are no global standards for training concepts or regulation. Pilot training has not changed in 60 years - we are still ticking boxes with an emphasis on flight hours."
IATA supports the competency-based approach of multi-crew pilot licensing (MPL) training programmes. Unlike traditional pilot training, MPL focuses from the beginning on training for multi-pilot cockpit working conditions.
It also makes better use of simulator technology. Europe was among the first regions to adopt MPL and Australia and China are moving ahead with implementation.
IATA launched the IATA Training and Qualification Initiative (ITQI) to support a global approach to MPL implementation. "Our goal is to increase the pool of candidates and training capacity while improving standards," said Bisignani.
As part of ITQI, IATA will host a database to track the progress of MPL cadets and allow the industry to make training adjustments, if necessary. IATA also called for greater cooperation with governments. In China, IATA is working with the government to develop the syllabus and incorporate MPL into national regulation.
Bisignani also called on government leaders at the Safety Forum to incorporate the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) into their own regulations. Most recently, Mexico, Costa Rica and Turkey have committed to make use of IOSA.
"The list is growing too slowly," Bisignani said. "There is no cost to government and the results are clear."
South Africa Grounds Nationwide Air's Flights
South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) said on Friday it had grounded Nationwide Airlines flights, raising fresh concerns after an engine fell off one of the airline's planes earlier this month.
SACAA said the company could not guarantee continued safety and that it had suspended approval for the unlisted airlines' maintenance organization, which had failed to comply with regulations to meet the authority's safety standards.
SACAA also suspended the certificates of airworthiness of all aircraft maintained by Nationwide. Both suspensions took effect at midnight, November 29, the SACAA said in a statement.
"As a result of this action the aircraft that constitute the Nationwide air fleet will not be permitted to undertake any further flights until their airworthiness status has been verified," the air authority said.
On November 2 South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority grounded all Boeing 737-200 aircraft in the country for safety checks after an engine fell off the wing of a Nationwide Airlines aircraft carrying 106 passengers in Cape Town. There were no injuries sustained by anyone on board or on the ground.
Nationwide's spokesman Rodger Whittle had earlier said all its domestic and international flights had been grounded by the country's civil aviation authority, but did not know how long the ban would last.
"The civil aviation authority has removed our aviation maintenance organization license, which effectively grounds our airplanes," he said.
"We do not know for what period of time, we have asked the civil aviation authority for clarification and information, and we don't anticipate that it will be a long situation."
Whittle said the airline operates about 50 to 55 flights a day, locally and internationally.
Nationwide, which has flights to London's Gatwick Airport, says on its web site that it has more than 350 domestic, regional and international weekly flights, including to Zambia.
Turkish Plane Crash Kills All 57 On Board
A Turkish domestic airliner crashed in the mountains in southwest Turkey on Friday, killing all 57 people on board, officials said.
Private AtlasJet Airlines Chief Executive Tuncay Doganer said the cause of the crash was not clear as weather conditions were normal and the aircraft had no known technical problems.
Officials said all on board were Turkish.
The 165 seat MD 83 plane, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, crashed in the early hours of Friday before it was due to land in the city of Isparta. It had been flying from Istanbul with 49 passengers and seven crew.
The plane crashed outside Keciborlu, a town some 12 km (7.5 miles) from Isparta's Suleyman Demirel Airport.
The death toll, previously reported as 56, rose to 57 as a baby on the plane had not been counted, Turkish Pilots Association Chairman Tuna Gurel told a news conference, adding it was too early to speculate on the cause of the crash.
Fifty-three of the bodies have been recovered.
Media reports said emergency workers had retrieved the plane's data recorders, which were expected to shed light on the cause of the crash.
Turkey is in the grip of winter with snow and fog common on higher ground in much of the country.
"No matter what measures you take, plane accidents happen and we see that 80 to 85 percent are due to human error," said Transport Minister Binali Yildirim, adding regular inspections had been carried out on the leased plane.
Rescue workers reached the mountainous crash site after military helicopters spotted the wreckage of the airliner.
Sahin Kartal, who lost his nephew and sister-in-law, later reached the cordoned-off site in the forested mountain.
"The authorities made us wait for news until this hour. They told us that the plane took off and then landed, but we didn't know it landed like this," Kartal said.
A reporter from state-run Anatolian news agency who arrived aboard a military helicopter said she saw bodies strewn around the crash area, with personal belongings and luggage scattered on the hillside along with aircraft debris.
Some dead passengers were still strapped to their seats.
Some 300 soldiers later sealed off the crash site to keep people away as a forensic team collected blood samples from the victims for DNA identification. Authorities used heavy machinery to clear trees from the hilly area.
Ambulances arrived and rescue workers began removing the bodies, which were to be taken to local hospitals.
Turkish television showed a large section of the plane, with emergency exits open, intact on the side of a forested mountain. It appeared the front and back of the aircraft were smashed.
Anxious relatives arrived at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport seeking news of the passengers.
"They have great pain. This is a terrible thing, we should all support them," Istanbul deputy governor Cafer Yildiz told reporters. A plane carrying the relatives flew to Isparta.
The aircraft disappeared from radar screens shortly before it was due to land at Isparta, about 150 km (90 miles) north of the Mediterranean resort of Antalya.
"As the plane was approaching its descent, it sought permission to land and after receiving a positive reply from the tower, contact was lost," Anatolian news agency quoted local deputy governor Tayyar Sasmaz as saying.
The aircraft was leased by Turkish-based World Focus Airlines to AtlasJet, which operates 15 planes.
Singapore Airlines To Increase Fuel Surcharge
As a result of a further escalation in the price of jet fuel recently, Singapore Airlines will increase its fuel surcharge for tickets issued on or after 4 December 2007. The price of jet fuel has increased sharply in recent weeks, and is now hovering around US$115 per barrel.
The new levels will apply to Singapore Airlines and SilkAir flights as follows:
· On regional routes, US$26 (from US$24) per sector, for flights between Singapore and ASEAN countries.
· US$123 (from US$104) per sector, for flights between Singapore and gateways in the United States and Canada on a single-sector basis; and
· US$75 (from US$67) per sector, on all other flights.
The new surcharge is subject to official approval in some markets, and some local variations may apply where regulatory approvals dictate.
The adjustments will offer only partial relief of higher operating costs arising from increases in the price of jet fuel.
Singapore Airlines will continue to monitor the price of jet fuel and keep the application of the fuel surcharge under active review.
