Subang- Malaysia Airlines invites online creative agencies to submit their proposals for the development and redesign of the national carrier’s website.
The website review is in line with changes in Malaysia Airlines as it enters into the 2nd phase of its Business Turnaround Plan (BTP). The airline is moving towards becoming a Five-star airline@LCC cost, and will launch its Malaysian Hospitality brand positioning in 2008.
There will be two rounds of review. In the first round, creative agencies are invited to submit their credentials and 1 (one) case study by 25 September 2007. They should not be working with any competing full service carrier currently.
Into the second round, 3 agency partners will be short-listed. They will be required to present the proven case study based on their past experience with an international brand. The short-listed agencies will be announced at the end of September with presentations taking place in mid October.
Malaysia Airlines Senior General Manager, Communications, Ms Indira Nair said, “Customers want to do their online transactions speedily and promptly. The new website must deliver this easy-to-use experience which is critical to support our BTP goals of increasing online sales, and reducing operating costs.
“Look and feel wise, the site must reflect the currently being developed Malaysian Hospitality brand positioning in 2008. It has to be fresh, vibrant and reflects the multi-cultural facets of Malaysia and its national carrier.”
The final selection of the agency is expected to be announced in late October.
September 21, 2007
Malaysia Airlines invites submission for website development
EMIRATES ACQUIRES SHARE IN ALPHA FLIGHT SERVICES AUSTRALIA
Enters In-flight Catering Partnership in AustraliaAs part of the agreement, Alpha Flight Services will provide in-flight catering for Emirates flights from Australia starting January 2008. This investment will be Emirates’ second joint venture operation for in-flight catering services. Its first, Emirates Flight Catering in Dubai, recently opened the world’s largest in-flight catering facility in terms of throughput capacity which could reach 115,000 meals per day.
Stewart Angus, Divisional Senior Vice President for Emirates Group Associated Companies said: “We are delighted to enter into a partnership with Alpha Flight Services in Australia. Alpha is a high quality provider of in-flight catering and has a strong future in the Australian market.
“Alpha has a strong and talented management team, and we look forward to working with them to expand the business and further enhance services to customer airlines.”
Peter Smith, Managing Director of Alpha Flight Services Australia said: “We are glad to welcome Emirates as a partner. They have extensive experience in flight catering and an established reputation in the aviation services arena. We believe their expertise will help us raise the bar in the market for quality services while adding value to our customers and operations.”
Alpha Flight Services Australia provides in-flight catering at nine airports in Australia, including all major international gateways, serving 16 customer airlines with over four million meals per annum. It is a 100% owned subsidiary of Alpha Airports Group Plc, a UK based company which provides in-flight catering and duty free services in 12 countries worldwide.
Iguana seized in Blackpool bra incident
Blackpool Airport- Officials at Blackpool Airport today confiscated a pet Iguana that a woman traveler attempted to smuggle through security.
Suspicions were aroused when a police officer noticed something moving under the woman's dress. She was stopped for questioning after a security guard noticed the iguana peeking out of her bra.
Police have decided not to prosecute the woman, who has agreed that her pet should go to a new home at Blackpool Zoo.
Airport spokeswoman Sue Kendrick, says, "Due to the security measures in place at the airport, we are used to confiscating many items. But we never expected to see an iguana."
Iguanas live in the wild in Central and South America and the West Indies.
Dubai World plans to develop resort in Zanzibar
Dubai, UAE- Istithmar, a Dubai World company, announced plans to invest US$ 150 million in developing a new luxury resort in Zanzibar, following a major strategic agreement between the company and the Zanzibar government. The 76-hectare site at Muyuni Beach will contain a 50-room residence and spa retreat, and a 150-room luxury hotel. Both of the developments will be operated by major international luxury hotel brands.
In addition, private luxury beach villas will be developed for sale at the resort, as well as a fisherman’s village and water-sports centre, a sports club and children’s centre. All developments will make the most of the access to the three kilometre length of Muyuni Beach.
Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, the parent company of Istithmar, said: “Our strategy is to develop a balanced portfolio of properties across the world in markets that will deliver the returns that we and our partners seek. Zanzibar is one of the world’s upcoming destinations and we believe that this resort will become a major contributor not just to the Istithmar portfolio, but also to the local economy and local people.”
“This is the second Indian Ocean development deal completed by Dubai World this month – following our recently cemented partnership with the government of Comoros. It marks another clear step forward in our growing relationship with Africa, which is fast becoming a major focus of our investment strategy. We expect to make further announcement of acquisitions in the near future.”
Abdul Wahid A. Rahim Al Ulama, Dubai World Group Chief Legal Officer, who negotiated the deal with the Zanzibar Government, said: “A strong working relationship with the Zanzibar Government and clear shared goals have been crucial factors in Istithmar’s investment in this development. Muyuni Beach is a truly stunning location. It is our vision to create a world-renowned eco resort, with luxury facilities to match the natural beauty of the area.”
Work on the US$ 150 million project will start immediately, with completion targeted for 2009.
The announcement of the plans for Zanzibar follows an announcement earlier this month of a partnership with the government of Comoros which will see the development of a luxury Indian Ocean island beach resort. Last year, Istithmar purchased the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, and is also behind the development of the Djibouti Kempinski Palace Hotel in Djibouti City.
CAA steps in after collapse of Perfect Choice
Civil Aviation Authority of UK- The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the United Kingdom has stepped in to protect customers booked with Perfect Choice after the company ceased trading. Perfect Choice was based in Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, and operated flights and package holidays to Turkey from major UK airports.
The firm held Air Travel Organiser`s Licence (ATOL) number 6048 issued by the CAA and provided a £486,283 bond. The CAA is currently making arrangements for customers abroad to complete their holidays and return to the UK, and to refund fully those with forward bookings.
There are an estimated 500 holidaymakers currently abroad and a further 1,250 with bookings who are yet to travel.
The CAA is currently issuing the following advice to customers of Perfect Choice:
Customers due to travel
- If you are due to travel on a Perfect Choice flight or air holiday you should submit a claim to the CAA. Claim forms are available on the ATOL website at atol.org.uk. Do not go to your departure airport as all holidays have been cancelled.
- The CAA will be making arrangements to ensure customers with Perfect Choice remain in their holiday accommodation and fly home as planned.
- Information will be made available to representatives in resort, but if you have a query please contact the CAA during office hours on +44 (0)20 7453 6350.
Travel agents urged to capitalise as Asia-Pacific`s aviation market booms
Abacus International-The Asia-Pacific region is set to become the largest regional aviation market in the world within the next three years powered by rising incomes and Asia’s unique demographics, according to travel facilitator, Abacus International. Speaking at the sixth bi-annual Abacus International Conference 2007 underway in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Mr. Don Birch, President and CEO, Abacus International said the current period of profound change and growth in the industry was a clarion call for travel agents.
“Changing airline models including the emergence of long-distance/low-cost models and the growing markets of India and China, supported by a resurgent Vietnam, are driving unprecedented levels of investment in aircraft, airports, hotels and will require ever higher levels of professionalism from all who work in the travel and tourism industry,” Mr Birch said.
“Powered by unique demographics and the rising incomes of its 3.4 billion people, Asia-Pacific is on course to become the largest regional aviation market in the world within the next three years following a 30% increase in outbound leisure air travel in recent years.”
Boeing’s predictions through to 2025 put Asia-Pacific’s regional growth at 6.4%, second only to Latin America at 6.9%, while major carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and many Chinese and Middle East carriers have all made substantial aircraft purchases which will come on line in the next five years, capping the 8% increase in seat capacity in Asia Pacific added during 2006 alone.
Asia’s hotels also enjoyed a stellar year in 2006, with a total of US$5.25 billion invested in new hotel developments, half of which were located in Macau, Beijing and Hong Kong. The bulging pipeline of hotel projects across Asia has spurred both governments and industry to provide diploma and tertiary courses in hospitality as the industry scrambles to find and develop enough skilled staff to manage to meet projected demand.
“Airports and governments stand to gain the most from this boom as airlines, both full-service and low-cost compete to offer more services to more passengers and connect new destinations. While the market is still prone to shocks from natural and political events, it displays an underlying resilience and relentless energy to grow which travel agents must also position themselves to capitalise on,” Mr Birch said.
Despite a positive growth outlook, Asia’s travel agents are experiencing pressure from intense price competition among themselves as well as from competing purchasing channels such as online and supplier-direct options.
Mr Birch said an Abacus survey of more than 1,000 Asian travel agents indicated that more than 20% intended to focus on high-margin, low volume customers to minimise their exposure to price wars. “While some travel agencies have adopted new competitive strategies, travel agents ultimately need to align more closely with the traveller and partner with their GDS provider to target those sectors that provide the best yields and best prospects for growth,” Mr Birch said.
Over the past year Abacus has highlighted the rise of ‘outcome based’ travel – the increase in travelling ‘to achieve something’. This has given rise to immense opportunities among sectors as varied as medical tourism, ‘grey travel’, women travellers, Chinese travellers, corporate travel, and the SMERFS – a more budget-conscious cousin to MICE travellers who travel for social, military, education, religious and fraternity reasons.
Mr Birch continued, “As these travel trends demonstrate, the future belongs to travel agents who are willing to embrace the changes and differentiate themselves whether by brand, the products they specialise in or through the unique channels used to reach out to consumers.”
“In essence, this means that in the changing travel landscape, the travel agent has to ‘own the customer’ and be his/her advocate. This means managing complexities and travel spend for companies and leisure travellers, building confidence by securing the best deals for every occasion, mining the rich customer data already available on-hand and above all, being nimble, innovative and entrepreneurial,” added Mr Birch.
Growing environmental awareness and concerns about sustainability are expected to be a major challenge for the industry going forward.
“The move towards more sustainable travel models is an area requiring discussion and collaboration within the industry, allowing us to adequately address both regulator and consumer concerns before they become a constraint on growth. The travel and tourism industry has traditionally been a major catalyst of economic growth. Alongside growth we have the responsibility to ensure that we build, and not damage, the communities that we develop.”
Looking ahead, Mr Birch expects Asia’s travel industry to continue registering strong growth in the years ahead, fuelled by LCC expansion, rising incomes, and the advent of an ever-more ‘tech-connected’ traveller.
“More of Asia will also go online in the coming years, giving rise to the information-savvy and resourceful traveller with a wealth of information and choices at their fingertips. In such an environment, travel agents need to have foresight and be agile enough to succeed, leveraging the full benefits of current and emerging tools to reach out to more customers in more locations with more content.”
IATA optimistic for 2007
A revised financial forecast for the world’s airlines have been announced by the International Air Transport Association. Globally, airlines are expected to post a US$5.6 billion net profit for 2007, up from the US$5.1 billion forecast in June. The average oil price for 2007 was revised upwards to US$67 per barrel (previously US$63). However, higher oil prices were more than offset by stronger than expected demand for passenger traffic and a general improvement in airline financial performance.
“While we are more optimistic for 2007, the continuing high price of oil combined with turmoil in credit markets is a cause for concern in 2008,” said IATA Director General and CEO, Giovanni Bisignani. The industry net profit for 2008 is forecast at US$7.8 billion, down from the US$9.6 billion predicted in June.
“The impact of the credit crunch puts some question marks over the industry’s performance next year and the continuing high price of fuel will become more difficult to mitigate with efficiency gains,” said Bisignani.
Underlying the forecast is a substantial shift in relative regional performance, primarily driven by capacity increases. Since 2001, Asia-Pacific based carriers, preparing to serve the massive opportunities in China and India, added 42% to their capacity and improved load factors by 2 percentage points. By contrast, North American carriers have added 11% to capacity and improved load factors by 6 percentage points. European carriers expanded capacity 29% with load factors showing a 5 percentage point increase.
These factors led to an increase in North American carriers’ unit revenues driving expected net profits to US$2.7 billion - the highest among the major regions. Conversely, poorer yields from Asia-Pacific carriers combined with sluggishness in cargo markets saw a decline in absolute profits from US$1.2 billion in 2005 to an expected US$700 million in 2007. Europe’s carriers continued to benefit from buoyant long-haul markets, improving profitability continually from US$1.6 billion in 2005 to an expected US$2.1 billion this year.
“We are clearly seeing the benefits of hard-won efficiency gains from restructuring. Labour productivity is up 56% since 2001 and non-fuel unit costs are down 15%. The drive for 100% e-ticketing by June 2008 as part of the IATA Simplifying the Business initiative will deliver US$3 billion in cost savings. Balance sheets are improving, but the US$200 billion mountain of accumulated debt continues to make civil aviation a fragile industry. Commercial freedom is a critical missing link. In the coming months, carriers will start taking advantage of opportunities created by the US-EU open skies agreement. We must now be looking forward to even broader liberalisation, including ownership. Only when we have the same freedoms as other industries to run our businesses as businesses will we be fully able to meet both investor and customer expectations,” said Bisignani.
“Our partners and governments must also get more serious about efficiency and the environment. For example, the UN estimates that inefficient infrastructure and air traffic management adds 12% or US$14 billion to our fuel bill. And it unnecessarily adds 73 million tonnes of CO2 to the environment. This must change - urgently,” said Bisignani.
LTU swiftly integrates to Air Berlin
Even after its integration into the Air Berlin Group, LTU has continued to fly under its traditional logo on long-haul flights. However, in the near future, LTU’s medium- and long-haul business flights will be operated under the Air Berlin brand. Although LTU will remain a legally independent company under the Air Berlin PLC umbrella, it will be marketed entirely via Air Berlin.
As Joachim Hunold, Air Berlin’s CEO, who will shortly become Chairman of the Supervisory Board of LTU, stated at a press conference in Dusseldorf on Thursday (20 September): "Even though there were several reasons for giving up the LTU name, we decided on a partial solution in the end. We will continue to fly under the LTU logo on traditional long-haul leisure flights, for example to South Africa, Cuba, Thailand and the Dominican Republic. However, this will not apply to our medium-haul flights and our new long-haul business flights."
"In recent years, Air Berlin has become increasingly competitive in its European destinations, whereas LTU has continued to lose market share on these routes. Moreover, since Air Berlin has acquired a high percentage of business passengers in the meantime, it makes sense to operate our business flights to the US and China under the Air Berlin brand. Outside of Germany, hardly anyone knows what exactly the three letters `LTU` mean. Conversely, the name `Air Berlin` is self-explanatory. `Air` stands for airline and `Berlin` stands for the capital of Germany. We also aim to make flight routes profitable by winning over passengers from our flight destinations."
Upgrades in Business Class
Air Berlin wants to significantly upgrade the Business Class on its long-haul flights to New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Fort Myers, Beijing and Shanghai. While a considerably improved "Relax Class" will replace the former Business Class on leisure travel flights, 30 "contoured" seats will be installed in the "Premium Business Class". This type of seat can be adjusted to a fully horizontal position. The upgrade is due to start in October and enhanced Business Class seats will be installed until the operation reaches completion. "The new Premium Business Class will make us stand out against our competitors," stated Joachim Hunold.
"Without Air Berlin, we could never have offered our passengers this kind of luxury," explained Jurgen Marbach, Managing Director of LTU. Mr. Marbach also announced that as of 1 November, a one-way flight in Economy Class from Dusseldorf to New York will be available.
Teaming up with a Chinese airline
Air Berlin has secured a partner for its flights to China, namely Hainan Airlines, the fourth-largest airline company in China. With its fleet of 125 aircraft, Hainan Airlines operates flights from Beijing to 50 cities within China. Passengers travelling from Dusseldorf to Beijing on Air Berlin will soon have flight connections on arrival in China (as soon as the flight plans have been harmonized). In return, Hainan Airlines is planning to operate a flight between Beijing and Berlin, and Air Berlin will be in charge of organizing the connecting flights within Germany and Europe.
As Joachim Hunold stated: "This partnership puts our business in China on a solid footing." Hainan Airlines is a quality carrier, comparable to Air Berlin, and is a member of the `HNA Group` which is also active in the fields of Airport Management, Hotel Management and Tourist Services.
A uniform Top Bonus program
Air Berlin and LTU aircraft will share the same layout in the near future. A uniform Top Bonus program, with which frequent-flyer miles can be collected for free travel, will be available for the entire Air Berlin Group. Passengers will be able to accumulate miles with and redeem miles for all of the companies belonging to the Air Berlin Group.
Sharjah offers free Iftar meals
SHARJAH —Sharjah International Airport has announced it will provide free Iftar meals to passengers in the transit area throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Meals will be served 15 minutes before the Maqrib prayer for the convenience of passengers.
Airport staff have been trained to welcome and guide passengers to the Iftar reception, and special signs and boards have been placed at strategic areas in the transit lounge to keep passengers informed.
“Sharjah International Airport is always keen to communicate with its passengers in different religious and social activities and to always share special moments with them,” says Ali Salem Al Midfa, director of the Sharjah Airport Authority.
Nepal plans second international airport
The Nepal government has announced plans to build the state’s second international airport, located at Neejgadh, in the Bara district, 80km south of the capital, Kathmandu.
Madhav Ghimire, secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, says the US Trade and Development Office has been asked to do a feasibility study and prepare a detailed proposal.
"The American Trade and Development Office has responded very positively in this regard," he adds. "With a credible proposal, we expect international investors to come in for its construction."
Foreign governments have shown an increased interest in recent months in supporting airport developments in Nepal. China is interested in constructing a regional airport in Pokhara, 140km west of Kathmandu, and Korea has pledged US$3 million for infrastructure improvements at the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, 200km south west of Kathmandu.
Asian Budget Airlines To Rise Above Safety Fears
Asia's budget airlines are poised for huge growth, despite recent damaging crashes, as cheap fares and new planes lure millions of passengers who have more money to spend on travel and leisure.
The latest budget airline disaster, a crash landing on the Thai resort island of Phuket this week killing 89 people, follows an Indonesian crash in January that raised safety fears for a cost-cutting sector facing high fuel prices and a shortage of pilots.
But experts say maintenance standards are as strictly regulated for budget airlines as for mainstream carriers, while Asia is a global centre for outsourcing major repairs.
"It makes for a great media story to say that another budget airline has crashed, but it's probably not fair. It's up to the governments to regulate their airlines and they should get no less stringent treatment than the full service airlines," said Nicholas Ionides, Asia Editor for Flight Magazine.
Budget flights have proliferated in the region, following a similar trend in the United States and Europe, as firms such as Malaysia's AirAsia, Australia's Virgin Blue and Singapore's Tiger Airways aim to tap Asia's growing wealth.
Such carriers undercut prices at major airlines by using aircraft more frequently, removing the widely spaced first-class compartments and packing in more seats, selling tickets directly via web sites rather than travel agents, cutting in-flight services such as free drinks and by buying older planes.
"They focus on the cost line like a laser," said Richard Pinkham, of the consultancy Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. "More and more budget airlines are buying new planes for fuel and maintenance reasons."
Older planes such as One-Two-Go's McDonnell Douglas MD-82 that crashed near Phuket are cheaper to buy, but are fuel inefficient and have higher repair bills.
International rules mean a plane has to undergo maintenance based on flight hours and the number of take-offs and landings, so a more heavily used budget plane would undergo more regular maintenance. And there is no lack of technical expertise in Asia.
International airlines are sending planes for maintenance work such as co-called D-checks, which test the plane's systems and structure, to Asian firms such as Singapore's SIA Engineering and Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company.
Passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific climbed over 6 percent this year to July, with the region now accounting for 32 percent of the global market, according to industry body IATA.
According to IATA forecasts, Asia passenger growth of nearly 6 percent in 2006-10 will comfortably beat total global growth of below 5 percent, though will lag the Middle East.
However, there are plenty of strains on budget airlines and perceptions of poor service may still put off some customers.
"I may not fly with budget carriers -- it's not worth the risk. I'd rather pay for safety, service and comfort," said Lynn Cha, a schoolteacher in Singapore.
One cost pressure is a shortage of trained pilots, leading to a bidding war even at major airlines where pilots are being poached, but harder to bear for budget carriers. China said this month it faces a shortfall of 2,000 pilots in the next few years.
The Indonesian pilot on the ill-fated One-Two-Go flight tried to land despite being warned of windshear threats, a senior Thai aviation official has said. There are international rules on how often a pilot can fly, though rules on planes vary.
Indonesia, whose airlines are banned from European airspace due to safety concerns, issued a law in 2006 that new airlines must not use planes older than 20 years. It considered cutting this to 10 years after January's Adam Air crash that killed 102.
The civil aviation department in Thailand, which relies on tourism for about 7 percent of its GDP, said it is not considering age limits for commercial airliners, and experts said other Asian governments are unlikely to follow Indonesia.
Airline shares in the region have been hammered after the latest crash, and with jet fuel prices surging to record highs over USD$93 a barrel this week. But Adam Air said this month its passenger numbers have rebounded after slumping by a third.
"No-frill carriers could face the heat from record fuel prices, but the growth in demand is so strong and that is enough to keep such airlines flying," said Tony Regan at consultancy Nexant. "People are migrating from coaches to airlines."
(Reuters)
Air Berlin To Buy Condor From Thomas Cook
Air Berlin announced plans on Thursday to buy charter carrier Condor in a two-stage deal that could land Thomas Cook a near 30 percent stake in Air Berlin.
The deal would see Air Berlin expand its fleet to around 160 planes, become Germany's second and Europe's fifth-biggest airline and give it a similar scale to low-cost rivals Ryanair and easyJet.
Thomas Cook, Europe's second-largest travel firm, will sell Condor to Air Berlin in two stages: 75.1 percent in February 2009, and the remainder in February 2010 after Thomas Cook has exercised an option to buy Lufthansa's stake in Condor.
It is also subject to Lufthansa not exercising a pre-emption right to buy the Condor shares that Air Berlin is buying.
In return Thomas Cook will take up to a 29.9 percent stake in Air Berlin worth between EUR380 million and EUR475 million, gain three seats on the airline's board and receive around EUR120 million in cash.
Thomas Cook joint chief executive, Manny Fontenla-Novoa, told reporters that the structure of the deal meant he did not expect it to trigger Lufthansa's right to buy the Condor shares, but a Lufthansa spokeswoman said she expected it would.
Thomas Cook's majority owner Arcandor demanded that Lufthansa decide within a week whether it would exercise its option but Lufthansa said it would not be rushed, adding it had until 2009 to decide.
The firms said they would save around EUR70 million a year by putting the two airlines together, adding they expected very few job losses.
It would be Air Berlin's third acquisition within a year, having already bought domestic rivals DBA and LTU.
Keeping Thomas Cook's stake just below 30 percent would allow it to avoid making a mandatory takeover offer for Air Berlin.
The UK-based firm said it expected the deal to be earnings enhancing in two years time.
(Reuters)
EC proposes global alliance to help developing countries most affected by climate change
The European Commission is proposing to build a new alliance on climate change between the European Union and the poor developing countries that are most affected and that have the least capacity to deal with climate change. Through this Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA), the EU and these countries will work jointly to integrate climate change into poverty reduction strategies.
The EU will provide substantial resources to address climate change in these countries. Measures will include better preparedness for natural disasters which are expected to become more frequent and intense through global warming. The GCCA renews the commitment of the EU Action Plan on Climate Change and Development to systematically integrate climate change into development cooperation.
Developing countries will be the hardest hit by the effects of climate change and therefore need our help to mitigate climate change and to adapt to the changes already occuring. New technology is only one way of developing towards a sustainable society without hampering development and quality of life. This communication, presented by Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel in association with Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas and External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, aims to provide for a broader range of actions through dialogue and exchange as well as practical cooperation between EU and the developing countries.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that most regions in the world, and especially those in the developing world, will be increasingly affected by climate change. Poor developing countries, and in particular the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will be among the countries hit earliest and hardest.
The EU has a leadership role in promoting international action to tackle climate change. The Spring Council 2007 put forward concrete proposals for a post-2012 international climate change agreement, and committed to significant cuts in the EU`s greenhouse gas emissions. The Global Climate Change Alliance will be an important pillar of the EU`s external action on climate change, reaching out to the countries least responsible for, but most affected by global warming.
Assistance provided under the Global Climate Change Alliance is proposed to focus on five areas: implementing concrete adaptation measures; reducing emissions from deforestation; helping poor countries take advantage from the global carbon market; helping poor countries to be better prepared for natural disasters, and integrating climate change into development cooperation and poverty reduction strategies. As Climate change affects many sectors, it needs to be integrated into poverty reduction efforts in order to ensure sustainability. Systematic climate risk assessment and mainstreaming of climate change into development strategies and programmes (“climate proofing”) are imperative in this regard.
The Commission already earmarked €50 million to the GCCA over the period 2008-10. But substantially more resources are needed to provide a response that adequately responds to the needs. Therefore an appeal is made to the EU Member States to dedicate part of their agreed commitments to increase Official Development Assistance over the coming years to the cause of coping with climate change in the most vulnerable countries.
The first occasion to discuss the Alliance with developing country partners will be the European Development Days held in Lisbon from 7th to 9th November and focusing on climate change and development.
Over the past years the link between climate change and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events became amply clear. Seven of the ten deadliest disasters of the last 20 years have occurred between 2000 and 2006. Only since July 2007, the European Commission has provided €24.5 million to the victims of natural disasters in Colombia, Caribbean, Peru, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, North Korea and the Sudan. The Global Climate Change Alliance aims to assist the most vulnerable countries in the prevention of and their preparedness for natural disasters.
Philippines promotes dive sites
In an effort to raise global awareness for its dive offerings, the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is working with Ocean Environment Australia to stage the 6th annual Celebrate the Sea Marine Imagery Festival (CSMIF) in Manila this upcoming weekend (Sept. 21 – 23).
Conducted in association with the World Festival of Underwater Pictures, Antibes – also known as the “Cannes of Underwater Film Festival,” the CSMIF is the biggest imaging event of the sea in the Asia Pacific. Since 2002, the annual festival has attracted entries from over 38 countries and a loyal following of dive enthusiasts scoping out potential dive sites for future vacations.
This year’s CSMIF includes an international prints competition featuring $30,000 worth of prizes, an exhibit on marine environmental issues, a children’s painting competition, and the Underwater Film Festival, where 15 award-winning documentary features will be brought for screening throughout the three days.
In addition, the event will feature seminars led by a panel of world renowned image makers and marine scientists such as David Doubilet of National Geographic, whale shark scientist Brad Norman, “Celebrate the Sea” author Michael Aw, and Daniel Mercier, founder of the World Underwater Picture Festival, among others.
“We are pleased that the country has been chosen as the venue of this prestigious event, adding further emphasis to the Philippines’ place on the map of top international dive sites,” said Cynthia Carrion, PDOT Assistant Secretary and Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Sports and Scuba Diving.
“The festival has evolved to be one of the most important international events of the sea as it raises public awareness and inspires people to protect and preserve our natural environment,” added Carrion.
Vernie Morales, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Chicago, offered similar sentiments, adding that “many divers visiting Manila for the festival will take the opportunity to venture outside of the city and explore some of the world-class dive sites in and around the 7,107 islands that comprise our beautiful country.”
The CSMIF will remain in Manila for the three years.
Lufthansa orders 41 new aircraft
The Lufthansa Supervisory Board has approved at today`s (20 September) meeting orders for 41 aircraft. 30 of the new aircraft from the A320 family are destined for service with Lufthansa in European traffic. Nine others of the Airbus 330-300 long-range type and two continental Airbus A320s will be joining the Swiss fleet.
Wolfgang Mayrhuber, Lufthansa Chairman and CEO said: "Our strong brand, our strong team and strong cashflow are making investments today into perspectives for tomorrow. That is good for our shareholders, customers, staff and system partners."
Successively from 2011, the Lufthansa fleet will be expanded and renewed with 30 short and mediumhaul aircraft. Of the total, 20 of the aircraft are Airbus A321s, four are Airbus A320s and six Airbus A319 jets. Mayrhuber emphasised: "We are modernising our continental fleet with the new aircraft and expanding our leading position in our European home market."
"For Swiss, this investment is the reward for the successful turnaround, for courageous strategic measures, for an excellent performance by the team and successful integration in the Lufthansa fold. With the aircraft orders, the Swiss airline is underscoring its capability to compete", Mayrhuber observed. The new Airbus A330-300s will replace the existing Airbus A330-200 aircraft in the Swiss fleet - deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2009; the two Airbus A320s destined for Swiss will be joining the fleet from 2011.
The aircraft on order are noted for their high fuel efficiency as well as low-emission and noise levels. They will ensure that Lufthansa and Swiss continue their environment and climate-friendly growth. For the renewal and planned capacity expansion of the existing Group fleet, numbering around 500 aircraft, Lufthansa now has approximately 170 new aircraft, valued at over 14 billion euros (list price), on order.
Indian Finance Minister inaugurates first Boeing 777 flight from Delhi to Brussels: Brussels Airport, Jet Airways and Brussels Airlines present close
The Indian Finance Minister, Mr. Chidambaram, arrived in Brussels. He flew with the first Jet Airways Boeing 777-300 ER flight from Delhi to Brussels and experienced at first hand the efficiency and comfort of the European hub of Jet Airways. The Chairman of Jet Airways, Mr. Naresh Goyal, welcomed Minister Chidambaram to Brussels Airport, together with Mr. Wilfried Van Assche, CEO of Brussels Airport and Mr. Philippe Vander Putten, CEO of Brussels Airlines. Mr. Chidambaram also unveiled a plaque commemorating this first Boeing 777-300ER from Delhi to Brussels.Brussels Airport as a unique transfer experience
Jet Airways is the largest and finest private sector airline in India. Jet Airways chose Brussels Airport as its European hub because of the efficiency of this hub, the central location of Brussels and the available expansion options from Brussels Airport. Jet Airways opens up India from Brussels, with flights to Delhi and Mumbai, and even more Indian destinations are in the pipeline. The airline is setting new quality and service standards in the sector.
Brussels Airport guarantees the most efficient, seamless transfer experience in Europe. Individual passenger care is taken to a higher level and the airport will be investing in advanced design infrastructure.
Brussels Airlines guarantees punctual and daily flights from and to 55 European cities, of which a major part connects well with the Jet Airways flights. Moreover, the departure times of Brussels Airlines’ flights to 14 African destinations connect perfectly with the flight schedules of Jet Airways, thus allowing also efficient and comfortable connections to these destinations. As such Brussels Airlines and Jet Airways, who are code share partners for the flights to India, are effectively opening ‘the gates’ to India.
A unique transfer product
Brussels Airport, Brussels Airlines and Jet Airways have created a unique transfer product. Brussels Airport will increasingly become a major European hub for flights to India, Africa, Canada and the United States, thus linking up large parts of the world.
The cooperation between the three partners entails commitments such as absolute dedication on the transfer flights, in service and assistance, quality, comfort and efficiency. Jet Airways and Brussels Airlines have also entered into a code share agreement for the flights to India, which will be extended with more destinations in the short term. This agreement renders the frequent flyer programmes of Jet Airways and Brussels Airlines compatible.
As the airport of the capital of Europe, Brussels Airport aims to offer more direct connections to the rest of the world. The new cooperation helps strengthen the airport’s international position.
The airport currently welcomes 17 million passengers per year. Jet Airways will contribute a further 1 million passengers per year, with additionally the transfer passengers travelling through Brussels Airport with Brussels Airlines and Jet Airways.
Swiss to invest over one billion CHF in fleet renewal activities
Swiss is to invest substantially more than CHF 1 billion in renewing its intercontinental aircraft fleet, replacing nine Airbus A330-200s with bigger and more advanced A330-300s. With the service entry of the new aircraft, Swiss will provide First Class cabins throughout its long-haul fleet.
According to the carrier, it will also be the only airline in the world to offer First Class to all its long-haul destinations. With the Airbus A330-300s accommodating more seats than the aircraft they replace, the fleet renewal will also increase Swiss`s long-haul seating capacity. Swiss can thus benefit from the present market growth while simultaneously achieving a 13-per-cent reduction in the specific CO2 emissions of its A330 fleet. Swiss will also be adding four more Airbus A320 aircraft to its European operations over the next few years. Swiss is investing substantially more than CHF 1 billion in its long-haul aircraft fleet, replacing nine of its eleven Airbus A330-200 aircraft with new A330-300s. The resulting capacity increase will allow Swiss to secure its share of the projected market growth. The additional seats also enable the company to further reduce its costs per seat and thereby sharpen its competitive edge.
"Swiss is investing in modernising and enlarging its fleet," says CEO Christoph Franz. "And it`s our improved profitability that has given us this scope to ensure that we remain wholly competitive in the longer term. Swiss is growing steadily and sustainably."
Lufthansa is also supporting Swiss in its forward-looking strategy, which will further strengthen the role and position of the Zurich hub. By purchasing the nine new aircraft, Swiss will also substantially increase the proportion of owned aircraft in its long-haul fleet. The new transports will also enable the company to reduce the specific CO2 emissions of its Airbus A330 contingent by a further 13 per cent. The Swiss fleet already consumes only 3.8 litres of fuel per 100 passenger-kilometres, a 16-per-cent reduction on the 4.5 litres of five years ago. First Class to all intercontinental destinations
After replacing its Airbus A330-200s with the larger A330-300, Swiss will feature First Class cabins throughout its long-haul fleet. The investment will thus make Swiss the only airline in the world to offer First Class to all its intercontinental destinations, further enhancing its credentials as a top quality airline. Swiss`s Airbus A330-200s will be gradually and seamlessly phased out in favour of the more advanced A330-300s. The first four A330-300s will enter service in 2009, with the remaining five following in 2010 and 2011. Two of the present eleven-member A330-200 fleet will be replaced next year with the previously-announced arrival of two further Airbus A340s, which will also be equipped with First Class cabins. An expanded European fleet
Swiss will also take delivery of two more Airbus A320s for its European fleet at the beginning of next year. And the company is purchasing two new A320s for delivery in 2011 and 2012. The four additional A320s will enable Swiss to benefit from the present growth in the European air transport market and to further expand its network in response to demand. The above capacity increases will also provide more jobs at Swiss: a further 165 positions will be created in the company`s flying corps alone.
