Dubai Metro Trains to undergo dynamic tests in Japan

On the progress of trains manufacturing in Japan, the first two trains are expected to complete manufacturing by early September'07.

These trains will then undergo train functional tests like Auxiliary Power Supply, Air Supply, Brake, Air-conditioning and Doors systems under both static and dynamic conditions.

Adnan Hammadi, Director of Rail Construction Projects, Rail Agency, said, "Another important milestone in September will be the starting of Train dynamic tests where the propulsion and brake systems will be tested at the factory's test track in Osaka, Japan. This initial dynamic test will be carried out at slow speed in anticipation for the November'07 dynamic tests in Mihara, Japan where the train will be tested at up to 60km/h."

These tests will be witnessed by project Consultants and Independent Safety Assessor, in ensuring the train's compliance to the project contractual and safety requirements.

"These tests are carried out in order to ensure that the train and its equipment are compliant to the project specifications and international best practices. The trains will also be fully tested for noise, vibration, Electromagnetic Compatibility compliance as well as for Dubai environmental conditions. The train equipment suppliers of Dubai MetroDubai Metro train are well-known internationally for their railway products," he added.

The 1^st train is envisaged to be delivered to Dubai in Mar'08. While the remaining 43 trains will be delivered to Dubai by the last quarter of 2008 in preparation for passenger service commencement in Sept'09."

International Hospitality Furniture Expo 2007 meets expected demand for high-end hospitality furnishings in the gulf region

Bahrain - The recently concluded International Hospitality Furniture Expo 2007 (IHFEX 2007) was reaffirmed the potential of a dedicated furniture trade show targeted at the hospitality industry of the Gulf region, with active participation from leading, high-end furniture contract manufacturers from Asia and the Middle East.

Held from 3^rd to 5^th September at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, IHFEX 2007 featured 18 leading furniture makers and interior fit out specialists from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, high profile contract manufacturers from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia also showcased their latest designs during the exhibition.

According to Mr Tony Chan, Project Director, IHFEX 2007, "We are pleased that the inaugural IHFEX 2007 had achieved success, attracting some 300 buyers from the GCC, with exhibitors responding that the event was a small yet targeted platform for their products and services."

One of the exhibitors, Mr Andrew Ng, Managing Director, Getz Bros. & Co. (S) Pte Ltd, said, "For an inaugural show, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the buyers who visited the show. The feedback I had from some of these buyers was that they felt the show could be very useful for them, as it is the only trade show in the region dedicated to hospitality furniture contract manufacturing. I am convinced that the next edition of the show will be much improved in terms of the size of the show, the contents, and the visitor attendance."
Another exhibitor, Mr. Chesley Masias, Managing Director, Classique Furnishings Pte Ltd, commented, "Our products are unique and specially designed to cater to this niche market segment. We have some very positive projects and retail leads to follow up after the show. Although the exhibition was small in size, it's the quality as opposed to quantity of buyers that was important and I am confident that the future shows will be better received."

Catering to the hospitality industry, an interesting array of exquisite furniture pieces and accessories were displayed, which included bedding and bathroom amenities, closets and woodworks, fabrics and carpets, tile and flooring coverings, lightings and fixtures, as well as winning products of the Furniture Design Award, which was organised by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council.

The Organisers also hosted 35 buyers from KSA, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait and Oman. A profile breakdown revealed that this niche event attracted high-level decision makers who were property owners, developers, architects and interior designers.

One of the more prominent buyers at the show, Mr. Anthony Ow, General Manager-Gulf Region, Ascott International Management, Dubai, said, "We are the largest global serviced residence operator in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf Region and have ambitious plans in the MENA region. The quality and standards of products and services offered at the recent IHFEX fits very well with the expectation level of the group."

According to another buyer present during IHFEX 2007, Mr. Vahe Tutunjian, Architect & Managing Director, Bin Ghanim Consulting, Qatar, "Having attended various shows in this region, it was refreshing to see new exhibitors with such high-end quality products and services. I will consider furnishing my upcoming projects with these products."

IHFEX 2007 was jointly organised by Singapore-based MP Congress & Exhibitions Pte Ltd and International Furniture Fair Singapore Pte Ltd (IFFS). It was endorsed by the Bahrain and supported by the Bahrain Ministry of Industry and Commerce Exhibition and Convention Authority and the Singapore Furniture Industries Council.

One-Two-Go`s plane crashed at Phuket International Airport

Ninety people killed and 42 injured yesterday, when One-Two-Go`s plane crashed at Phuket International Airport, while landing in heavy rain and low visibility. The plane, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, had taken off from the Thai capital, Bangkok, with 130 passengers and crew members, to the famous tourist resort Phuket.

Almost half of the passengers were Thai, while the rest were from Australia, France, Holland, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Sweden and Great Britain. According to the airline`s list of dead passengers, which was obtained by The Associated Press, all the passengers from France, Sweden, Iran and Australia were killed, as well as the plane`s Indonesian pilot and Thai co-pilot.

Today, Thai`s authorities found the two flight data recorders from the plane, but as they claimed it`s too early to talk about what went wrong and caused the crash. Black boxes would be sent for analysis to experts in United States.

IMEX announces sustained growth

Following sustained year-on-year growth since its inaugural exhibition, IMEX – the worldwide exhibition for the meetings and incentive travel industry – announced further growth for its 2008 exhibition with record numbers of exhibitors seeking bigger stands. The hosted buyer programme is also expected to continue its worldwide expansion, due to significant increased demand.

This expansion is supported by several years of sustained and steady growth in the global meetings industry added to IMEX’s now well-established reputation for delivering new business opportunities year-on-year.

The demand for increased exhibition space is widespread across different territories and a variety of business sectors. Spain, the Czech Republic, Malta, The Canaries, Argentina, Greece, Kuoni and Steigenberger Hotels are among those exhibitors who have already confirmed sizeable space increases for 2008. New exhibitors confirmed include Capella Hotels & Resorts, GHM Hotels, China and the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau.

Explaining their decision to increase the size of their stand, Julia Hartmann, Global Sales Support at The Steigenberger Hotel Group said, “We first exhibited at IMEX in 2005 and the show turned out to be a big success for the Frankfurt based hotel group, so Steigenberger became a regular exhibitor. When all the Steigenberger brands came together to exhibit on the one stand in 2007 the result was 650 client contacts with the potential for more than 2.5 million euros of business each year - a good reason to increase our IMEX stand by 100 per cent.”

Commenting on the company’s decision to increase exhibition space at IMEX next year, Marc Schegg, Head of Marketing at Kuoni, says, “IMEX plays an important role in our sales and marketing activities. Last year`s IMEX was very successful for us and we hope that, with double the stand space in 2008, we will build-on this positive experience!”

Continued growth of the reach and quality of the IMEX hosted buyer programme, which this year welcomed over 3,500 international buyers to Frankfurt; including heightened demand for the long-haul programme from the United States, Asia and Eastern Europe, appear to be among the reasons why exhibitors have responded so positively.

Says Ray Bloom, IMEX Chairman, “Year on year we put an enormous effort into qualifying new buyers for our hosted programme to ensure that we maintain our high quality standards and deliver outstanding business opportunities for our exhibitors. This year in particular, the result of that focus has been a noticeably stronger appetite for increased space in 2008. This is also encouraging news for the wider meetings industry too. There’s a widespread buoyancy and eagerness to the market at the moment which is extremely rewarding to be a part of.”

The IMEX hosted buyer programme is also set to grow next year. It will be marked by a continued focus on all the main European markets with further expansion expected from across Eastern Europe. The long-haul buyer programme will again concentrate on North American meeting planners, although buyer groups from India, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and the Middle East have also already been confirmed.

IMEX 2008 will take place from 22-24 April in Hall 8, Messe Frankfurt, Germany.

Increased the number of flights in Europe between June and August 2007

Between June and August 2007, there were 2,792,951 flights in Europe, an increase of 5.6% compared to the same period in 2006. Despite a higher-than-predicted growth, delays caused by en-route air traffic control were contained at 2.1 minutes per flight. Between June and August of 2007, airlines were responsible for 55% of all primary delays and 18% were attributable to airports. En-route air traffic control was responsible for 15% of all primary delays. Between January and August 2007, only 11/% of all flights were delayed, on average for under 20 minutes due to air traffic management restrictions.

“Despite the substantial growth in the number of flights during the year to date and the summer period in particular, delays in Europe due to air traffic control are being contained,” said Victor M. Aguado, Director General of EUROCONTROL. “Close cooperation between all stakeholders in the context of programmes such as DMEAN (Dynamic Management of the European Airspace Network) has played an important role in helping us to deliver this positive outcome and will help us to adjust to growing and changing patters of demand in air traffic across the continent.”

During the 2007 summer period, there were on average 1,600 more flights each day than between June and August 2006. Of these, 1,200 were low-cost flights and 230 business aviation. Spain and Italy contributed the most new departures and arrivals with an additional 420 flights a day in Spain and 350 flights a day in Italy. The UK and France had an average of 200 additional flights a day while Turkey saw an increase of 150 flights each day. The lowcost sector saw particularly strong growth in Italy and Spain, while Turkey’s growth came from a recovery of charter traffic. Business aviation grew strongly in Italy and there was a jump in traffic arriving from Russia.

The summer period also saw the busiest day ever in Europe with 33,506 flights on Friday 31 August 2007.

Libyan Airways Comes Out Of Isolation and Legacy Environment through SITA Communication Services

Dubai/Libya - SITASITA today announced that it has been awarded a ten year network contract by Libyan Airways, effectively bringing the airline into the 21^st century and making it more competitive and efficient.

As a result of the agreement, the airline will benefit from a homogenized modern Internet Protocol (IP)-based network infrastructure at all locations, opening the door to cost saving technologies such as Voice over IP (VoIP), and the ability to integrate new applications such as web-based reservation systems, making the airline more competitive and better able to respond to increasing regional competition.

In addition to technology, SITASITA will be providing Libyan Airways with Project Management services during the implementation phase (while migrating from the current legacy environment to a fully IP-enabled one), as well as Service Management to ensure all systems remain operational following deployment. This will allow Libyan Airways to better manage and control the overall network, and to identify and address any potential issues before they become critical.

Eng. Abdul-Latif Tajoury, Director IT and Telecommunications, Libyan Airways, said, "Legacy technology is costly to maintain and operate, but until recently we did not have any alternatives. By leveraging SITASITA's communication services we can not only modernize our infrastructure, but also benefit from technology. VoIP can reduce our costs; contact centres can improve our customer's experience; and online reservation systems can bring in new revenue."

Eng.Abdul-Latif Tajoury, added, "SITASITA is providing invaluable expertise at every stage of the migration process, from Project Management during the implementation to Service Management following deployment. They are more than a partner to us, and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship."

Dubai braces for big Moscow fair participation

For the tenth consecutive year, Dubai will be making its presence felt at the international autumn trade fair for tourism in Russia and CIS being held in Moscow’s ‘Crocus Expo’ from September 25 to 28. Leisure-2006 has attracted a large number of co-participants from the emirate’s booming tourism industry.

Dubai’s participation in the travel trade show is being made under the umbrella of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

At a pre-event meeting held at the DTCM Head Office on Wednesday (12 September), top officials from the department briefed the co-participants about the arrangements at Dubai Stand (3D101) at the 13th edition of the show. It measures 280 square metres. Besides a large number of co-participants others attending the meeting included officials of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), Ski Dubai and Mall of the Emirates.

Representing the DTCM at the meeting was Khalifa Ali Buamaim, DTCM Director Overseas Promotions, who said the DTCM Office was leaving no stone unturned in making the participation in Leisure 2007 a big success as the Overseas Representative office in Moscow, covering Russia and CIS, has launched an extensive media campaign and has done all the groundwork to make things easy for all Dubai participants. The meeting was also attended by Khalid bin Nassar, Executive, Overseas Promotions.

Changi Airport unveils new high-definition entertainment lounge

The opening ceremony of Hi-D Lounge as officiated by CAAS
Director-General and Chief Executive Officer Lim Kim Choon

Changi Airport has officially unveiled its new high-definition entertainment facility - the Hi-D Lounge. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) partnered Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte Ltd in the design and construction of the lounge. The lounge, located in Terminal 2’s Departure Transit Mall, houses highdefinition (HD) quality screens in various sizes for passengers to enjoy HD quality programmes and interactive entertainment. The ceremony was officiated by Mr Lim Kim Choon, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, CAAS, last Friday.

The Hi-D Lounge features Panasonic’s massive 103-inch HD plasma display screen, the largest HD plasma screen available on the market, reproducing clear and brilliant images with exceptional detail. Besides enjoying high-definition quality programmes on Discovery and National Geographic channels in the Hi-D Lounge, passengers get to watch ‘live’ sporting events on the Nippura acrylic projection screen.

Mr Lim Kim Choon, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, CAAS said, “At Changi Airport, our focus is on providing passengers the ‘Changi Experience’, one that is unforgettably exciting, vibrant and enjoyable. CAAS constantly reviews and upgrades facilities to enable passengers to enjoy a welcome respite from the stress of travelling. We are proud to offer cutting-edge entertainment at the Hi-D Changi Airport Unveils New High-Definition Entertainment Lounge (Page 2 o 2) Lounge to our passengers.”

Other features of the Hi-D Lounge include the “Virtual Book”. This is a touchscreen plasma which allows passengers to “turn the page” by touching the corners of the pages to read about the history and significance of popular sports and key international sporting events, like Wimbledon, the Olympics and PGA Golf. Other features within this 270 square metre lounge include an interactive floor projection system and a digital gaming zone.

Completing the multi-sensory experience is the integrated bar – Travellers Sports Bar - within the lounge. Passengers can indulge in their favourite beverage and snacks while enjoying their favourite programme, all within the comfort of the Hi- D Lounge.

US Airways is to hire record number of new pilots

US Airways announced plans to hire more than 350 new pilots with training dates beginning in November 2007. The airline will also move 140 pilots, who currently fly for US Airways Express carriers, back to the mainline flying seats they were furloughed from several years ago. The airline`s pilot staffing needs are being driven primarily by retiring mainline pilots. New hire pilots will move onto the airline`s growing Embraer 190 fleet, which in turn will drive current pilots to other aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family. President Scott Kirby stated, "It was only two short years ago that both the former US Airways` and America West`s futures were in the air. To stand strong two years later and announce that not only will we no longer have any pilots on furlough, but also will begin to hire new pilots is simply great news for our employees and our airline. Our pilots are among the most experienced and professional in our industry, and we look forward to welcoming our returning pilots from our Express partners as well as new pilots to our airline."

Positions will be filled over the next 12 to 16 months. The airline`s Philadelphia base is home to Embraer 190 flying.

Asia Pacific business travellers vote for Emirates

Emirates’ leadership in the industry is not lost on its Asia-Pacific travellers, who have voted the airline the “Best Middle East/African Airline” for the fourth time in a row. The airline received the accolade from Business Traveller Asia-Pacific at its Annual Travel Awards 2007 held in Hong Kong recently. Over 300 leaders from the travel trade industry attended the glittering gala dinner in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the publication. The awards were presented by Guest of honour Ms Marina Mahathir, ICAAP (International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific) Liaison of The AIDS Society Asia Pacific.

Mike Simon, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Corporate Communications said: "We are delighted to receive this award, which is a vote of confidence from business travellers and our customers in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s timely, as we have recently unveiled our enhanced inflight products that maximise personal space onboard and provide an incredible choice of inflight entertainment. These innovations not only demonstrate our commitment to provide the best air travel experiences, but also sharpen our competitive edge in long-haul travel.”

In June this year, Emirates introduced an enhanced version of its First Class private suites; lie-flat massage seats in Business Class; and Economy Class seats with extra legroom; across its new Boeing 777 fleet. The airline’s cutting-edge ice [information, communication and entertainment] Digital Widescreen system, features many more firsts in the airline industry – including unique wireless handset controllers in premium classes that allow passengers to select entertainment, seat positions, lighting and massage functions. The personal digital widescreen LCD touch screens are amongst the largest in the skies at 23” in First Class; 17” in Business Class; and 10.6” in Economy.

Emirates offers passenger services to 10 countries in the Asia Pacific region – Greater China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand – with a total of 208 flights every week.

The Business Traveller Asia-Pacific survey was conducted between May and July 2007 with poll forms distributed to magazine subscribers, who travel frequently not just within the region but around the world. Readers voted for the best travel industry service providers in over 40 categories.

Vicky Karantzavelou - Monday, September 17, 2007

Jazeera Airways starting to operate Maldives route

Dubai, UAE, 11th September 2007 - Jazeera Airways announced today during a meeting of assembled industry players and media, their ambitious new winter routes, bringing the total number of the young airline's destinations to 23. Jazeera Airways' Chairman and CEO, Marwan Boodai, also unveiled their tie-up with UAE-based travel supplier Dnata, easy-purchase travel insurance, and the launch of Jazeera Airways' new in-flight magazine; "J".

"We have a lot of exciting news today," said Chairman and CEO Marwan Boodai opening the session. “We have amazing new routes from Dubai and much awaited routes from Kuwait to Jeddah and Riyadh starting on October 27th. We will also be flying non-stop to the Maldives from Dubai, non-stop to Beirut from Dubai, and we will increase our Dubai to Mumbai service to 7 non-stop flights per week.”

Jazeera Airways also announced a breakthrough alliance with American International Group (AIG), which offers online customers the option of purchasing travel insurance at the time of their booking.

"Travel Guard covers our travellers against unforeseen circumstances such as lost baggage, missed flights, theft of personal items and other incidents that can potentially ruin a holiday. It is optional and has a one-time fee average of 10 USD," said Boodai.

Boodai also announced the recent alliance with Dnata, which links the Jazeera Airways booking system directly to Dnata's. The tie-up will enable customers to walk into any Dnata office throughout the region, and make a booking with Jazeera Airways.

Attendees of Freedom Forever 2 also got a sneak preview of Jazeera Airways new in-flight Magazine "J", which Boodai promises to be unlike any other magazine in the Middle East.

Jazeera Airways is a Kuwait Shareholding Company established with a capital of USD 34 million, raised through a nation-wide upfront IPO in 2004. The airline took flight on October 30, 2005 and last February expanded its operations to Dubai by opening its second hub in the region.

The airline is less than two years old and remains the only airline in the Middle East that is neither owned nor subsidized by any government. The airline has 36,500 shareholders.