AIRPORT NEWS

CIAL in talks on Sri Lankan airport project

Right: Cochin International Airport is India’s first public-private partnership airport project

Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa has invited Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) for six days of talks starting on 28 January, concerning construction of a new airport in the country.

CIAL built Cochin Airport, which is India’s first public-private partnership airport project. CIAL managing director S. Bharath says, “The invitation for this came from Rajapaksa and we have taken this opportunity with a lot of excitement.

“If what they want is just the building of the airport, we are prepared for that and if they want us to take care of the operations part also, we are ready for that too. We are ready for what they want,” he adds.

Stakes in CIAL are owned by the Kerala state government, the company’s directors, public sector banks and public sector organisations, including Air India, non resident Indians and Indian residents, while private commercial banks hold a 2% stake in the company.

CAA lists pricing options for Stansted

Right: CAA is trying to determine how to regulate fees at Stansted for five years from April 2009

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published five different options for the way it calculates fees charged by Stansted Airport. The options would come into effect for a five-year period starting 1 April 2009.

It has invited comment on the options by 17 March and will make a recommendation to the Competition Commission in April. The commission will take about six months to conduct an inquiry before reporting back to the CAA, which will make a decision in March 2009.

The publication of the pricing options follows last week’s decision by the UK government that passenger charges at London Stansted should continue to be regulated (see: CAA drops Manchester fees regulation - news.php?NewsID=2924). The CAA recommended last summer that Stansted price controls be dropped, but the government says there is insufficient capacity in London to ensure charges are competitive.

London’s three main airports, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, are all operated by BAA, a unit of Madrid-based Grupo Ferrovial.

• Option one: an inflation plus option that includes reference to airport investment plans.
• Option two: involves price caps for current airport facilities, but allows unregulated fees for new developments.
• Option three: competitive tendering of terminal developments to minimise costs and therefore fees.
• Option four: a market-led approach that caps fees according to forecasts of the airport’s costs and competitive position.
• Option five: a precautionary price cap, which is set to prevent excessive prices in the event that the airport acquires a dominant position.

The options are described in detail here.

Dr Harry Bush, the CAA’s Group Director of Economic Regulation, says, “We fully accept the Secretary of State’s decision that Stansted Airport should continue to be price-regulated… our job is now to develop proposals that are proportionate, taking into account the market power held by Stansted Airport; do not prejudice the commercial position of other, competing airports; and encourage the efficient investment in capacity that passengers in the market want. The consultation we have begun today represents a first step in the process of developing an appropriate framework and price cap proposals for Stansted. We welcome views on them.”

Manchester to give Concorde new home

From July, passengers travelling through Manchester Airport will be able to view the supersonic plane Concorde in a specially-built US$2.2 million (£1.1 million) hangar and visitor centre.

The 68m x 38m covered glass, steel and hi-tech PVC structure will form the central part of the airport’s exhibitions, which last year attracted some 250,000 visitors.

The new visitor centre is designed to protect Concorde from the elements – it has been on display at Manchester for the last five years. It will also feature an education centre for school tours, a corporate hospitality suite, an aviation exhibition, and a glass-walled restaurant with views of Concorde and the airport’s runway.

Manchester’s operations manager, Andrew Holl, says, “Concorde is very close to our hearts here at the airport and we know that her many thousands of visitors feel passionately about her care for the future. The hangar will not only protect Concorde for future generations to enjoy, it will also provide a great day out for the thousands of people we expect to visit in the future.”

Light aircraft causes Singapore airspace shutdown

Two Australians aboard a Cessna 208 Caravan floatplane caused a 50-minute shutdown of Singapore's airspace, aviation officials said today

On Tuesday night the aircraft approached without an approved flight plan, prompting two Singapore Air Force F16 fighter jets to scramble during Changi Airport's busiest period. The two missile-armed fighters intercepted the Cessna and signalled it to land. The two Australians were escorted away by police, who are investigating the incident.

Altogether, the shutdown of commercial airspace affected 23 aircraft, disrupting flights in and out of Changi. Passengers were delayed and many thousands of dollars in fuel was lost as the airliners circled Singapore while awaiting permission to land.

The Cessna began its flight from Thailand's Koh Samui island.

Singapore Air Criticized Over Elephant Ad

An animal rights organization criticized Singapore Airlines on Thursday for an advertisement using an elephant to sell flights.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said the offending advertisement, calling on travellers to "visit colourful India", featured a man holding a bullhook forcing an elephant to bow.

"There's nothing colourful about tearing elephants away from their families and habitats and forcing them to perform for tourists under the threat of beatings," Ingrid Newkirk, PETA's president, said in a statement.

Singapore Airlines said the scene was depicted in a drawing and that the ad had not been used recently.

"That this group chooses to pick on a drawing... shows they clearly aren't aware of the work that our airline is supporting, to facilitate well-managed conservation projects," said a Singapore Airlines spokeswoman. (Reuters)

Jet, Kingfisher Eye SriLankan Air Stake - Report

"Indian carriers Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines are eyeing the stake held by Emirates in SriLankan Airlines, the Economic Times said, citing unnamed industry officials.

Emirates, the largest Middle East airline, said earlier this month it was interested in selling its 43.6 percent stake in SriLankan Airlines and wanted around USD$150 million for it.

The Sri Lankan government already owns 51 percent of the airline and has said it may buy Emirates' stake. The management of SriLankan Airlines will revert to the government on April 1.

"For Indian carriers, a major attraction in acquiring a stake is the booming business from India to Colombo with over 100 flights a week," the paper said.

A spokeswoman for Jet declined comment, while a spokesman.

Jet Airways already operates flights to Colombo and is boosting its international operations to counter growing competition in the domestic market.

Jet acquired India's Air Sahara last year. It has approached British airline bmi's majority shareholder about the sale of his stake, the Sunday Telegraph reported at the weekend.

Kingfisher is controlled by India's biggest alcoholic beverage maker, the UB Group. It is merging with Deccan Aviation and is scheduled to start flying overseas this year.

Tiger adds third Indian service

SINGAPORE – Singaporean LCC Tiger Airways has launched sales of its third service to India with a new Bangalore route. Tiger is the only Singapore-based low fare airline to operate between India and Singapore. Flights between Singapore and Bangalore will commence from June 1, 2008 and operate four times a week.

Tiger earlier this year obtained authority to operate extended twin engine operations (ETOPS), which enables the airline to operate more efficient direct routings between Singapore and points in southern India.

With this additional route between Singapore and India, Tiger is well poised to serve a growing Asia Pacific network that covers three continents (China, India and Australia) as well as Southeast Asia and serve a combined market in excess of three billion people.

To celebrate the launch of the new routes with its customers, Tiger Airway will offer celebratory fares for Bangalore from just S$59.99 (US$41.40) one way. This fare is applicable for travel between June 1 and October 24, 2008.

Boeing, Gulf Air Close 787 Dreamliner Deal

SEATTLE, — Boeing and Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air today finalized negotiations for up to 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in a deal that could be worth approximately $3.9 billion at list prices if all options are exercised. The agreement is for 16 787s on direct order with purchase rights for eight additional 787s.

“Gulf Air has been a premier carrier in the Middle East for more than half a century,” said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for The Middle East and Africa. “We look forward to helping Gulf Air revitalize its fleet through the superior economics and passenger comfort that the Dreamliner will bring.”

Throughout 2007, Gulf Air and Boeing conducted an extensive airplane acquisition analysis that explored the unmatched strengths of the 787. With the best fuel burn in its class, lower maintenance costs due to the 787’s revolutionary composite structure, and interior features and comfort that add to the Dreamliner’s marketability, the 787 has been validated by airlines across the globe. The 787 is the fastest-selling new airplane program in history with a total of 857 orders from 56 customers since launch in 2004.

“As the cornerstone of our fleet, the 787 will help re-establish Gulf Air’s predominance within The Gulf,” said Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Bjorn Naf. “Our goal is to increase the airline’s efficiency and profitability, and we have selected the 787 to be the core of our fleet for the next generation to meet both our passengers’ and our stakeholders’ expectations.”

In addition to bringing big-jet range to mid-size airplanes, the 787 provides unmatched fuel efficiency and will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than today’s similarly sized airplane. The Dreamliner travels at speeds similar to today’s fastest wide-bodies, Mach 0.85, and also allows airlines greater cargo revenue capacity. Passenger improvements on the 787 include larger windows, an interior environment with higher humidity and overall increased comfort and convenience.

“We are committed to Gulf Air’s success,” said Mahmood Kooheji, Gulf Air’s Board Chairman. “In choosing the 787, we are confident that we’ve made the very best choice for the long-term success of the airline.”

Source: Boeing

AIRPORT NEWS

Kuwait International Airport has record 2007

The Kuwaiti Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) says Kuwait International Airport handled 6.9 million passengers (over 900,000 more than in 2006), 57,000 commercial flights and 176,000 tonnes of cargo in 2007.

Salah Al-Majed, head of the DGCA air transport department, attributes the increase to expanded operations by several airlines including Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, IranAir and Sri Lankan Airlines.

Sea-Tac to become green airport

Right: Sea-Tac Airport to go green

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) has published an environmental report as the first stage in a new initiative to become greener. The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory identifies airport emissions and airport officials hope that it will become the industry-standard method of measuring emissions.

The report looks at emissions caused by the Port of Seattle, the airport, the public and aircraft during 2006, and includes items such as ground access and support vehicles, and facilities (eg. lighting, heating, air conditioning).

“Sea-Tac Airport is one of the first airports in the nation to take the initiative to identify our greenhouse gas emissions footprint,” says John Creighton, Port of Seattle Commission president. “I view the information in this study as a call to action. In the next several weeks, the Commission will be considering both action at the local level and advocacy of initiatives at the federal level to more comprehensively address airport air emissions. We will use the information in this study to help us create strategies to reduce our air emissions and environmental impacts.”

Cochin International Airport to undertake upgrade programme

Cochin International Airport to undertake upgrade programmeWith the view to further improving the existing infrastructure in Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is planning to construct extra parking bays, 3 at present and 2 more after September 2008.

CIAL also plans a new Domestic Arrival Terminal to ease the congestion arising out of the unprecedented growth in airline and passenger traffic through Cochin International Airport, and the proposals for this infrastructure up gradation would be placed before the next meeting of the Board of Directors of CIAL for their approval for undertaking such up gradation.

Managing Director S Bharath wishes to assure the traveling public of Kerala that, CIAL will take all steps to maintain its reputation as a Passenger Friendly Airport and take adequate steps for upgradation of infrastructure facilities to meet the demands of airline and passenger traffic growth in future.

Manchester named UK’s best regional airport

Manchester Airport has been named as the UK’s Best Regional Airport in the Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards 2008. The airport, which handles more than 22 million passengers a year, was praised by the judges for the handling of heightened security restrictions and for its commitment to customer service. The airport’s managing director, Andrew Cornish, and group marketing director, Kate Harrison, accepted the award. Cornish says, “We are very pleased and proud to have been presented with this award. We pride ourselves on giving passengers the very best possible experience.”
Left: Manchester Airport is named UK’s best regional airport

Air India May Lease Up To 15 Aircraft In 2008

Air India is looking to lease 10-15 aircraft this year to replace older planes and after Boeing said there would be delays in delivering its new 787, a company official said on Monday.

Air India, which has a fleet of 140 aircraft, has placed orders for 111 aircraft with Boeing and Airbus to be delivered up to 2011.

It had hoped to receive four Dreamliner 787s in 2008 and an equal number in the first half of 2009.

"Due to Boeing 787 delays and phasing out of older aircraft, we are looking at 10 to 15 aircraft for leasing," V. Thulasidas, chairman and managing director of National Aviation, which runs Air India, told reporters.

Boeing said on Wednesday it would push back first test flight and deliveries of the 787 by about three months, as it struggles with outsourced production of the new plane.

The Dreamliner, the fastest-selling plane in history, is now about nine months behind schedule.

Thulasidas said Air India had to phase out 14 aircraft, which it has delayed doing due to a shortage of planes.

"We have put out a request to all leasing companies and aircraft manufacturers to let us know how many and what kind of aircraft they can make available to us from 2008-11," he said.

Aircraft availability could become a major constraint, he said.

Boeing expects airlines in India to buy more than 900 new planes worth over USD$86 billion in the next 20 years on the back of strong passenger growth.

Rival Airbus expects Indian firms to place orders for 1,100 passenger and freighter aircraft valued at about USD$105 billion in the same period.

"Air India and the government in past had committed the mistake of ordering aircraft and then forgetting all about the need for aircraft for many years.

"I am sure we will not commit that mistake in future," Thulasidas said, adding the firm would finalize orders for new aircraft to expand beyond 2011 in 2008. (Reuters)

Monarch expands its onboard recycling programme

Following the successful launch of its full onboard recycling programme on Gatwick flights in October, Monarch is extending the initiative to include all flights operating into Birmingham International Airport. The extension of the scheme will mean that all aluminium, plastic, glass and paper used during these flights will now be recycled after landing.

Monarch pioneered the scheme as part of its ongoing environmental planning, known as MAP (Monarch and the Planet). Through this work, all aspects of the airline’s business are being evaluated to help improve its environmental footprint.

The scheme means that all recyclable items, such as aluminium drinks cans, plastic wine and water bottles, glass wine and champagne bottles plus newspapers/magazines are placed into a separate recycling bag by cabin crew during the flight. This is subsequently collected by cleaning staff at Gatwick Airport and Birmingham Airport on the flight’s arrival for recycling.

Commenting on the extension of its onboard recycling programme, managing director of Monarch Airlines, Tim Jeans said, “Over the past 3 months our onboard recycling initiative on flights into Gatwick has been fantastically received by both Monarch cabin crew and customers, with many customers assisting the process by separating their own recyclable waste before collection by the crew.

Monarch is the principal independent supplier of charter seats to tour operators large and small, flying to around 100 destinations across Europe, America, Africa and Asia from the UK’s principal and regional airports.

The scheduled service division of Monarch Airlines offers low cost services from Birmingham, London Luton, London Gatwick and Manchester Airports to destinations in Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Cyprus.

The airline, based at Luton, operates 23 Airbus and eight Boeing aircraft. The airline will also be one of the first UK carriers to take delivery of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft with six due for delivery between 2010 and 2013.

Deccan opens MRO hangar at Chennai Airport

Simplifly Deccan officially opened a USD2.9 million MRO hangar at Chennai International Airport. The new 70,000 sq ft facility has capacity to handle one A320 or two ATR aircraft, and will provide basic and medium level maintenance checks and protective storage for Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines aircraft, as well as function as a repair shop and assembly area.

The Hangar, which took nearly two years to build, has a total construction area of 3,200 square meters. The maintenance hall spans 46 meters wide, 54 meters deep and 17 meters high. The hangar has space for one Airbus A320 and 2 ATR aircraft at one time and is designed and equipped to be a world class facility.

Despite the considerable dimensions of the new hangar, particular attention was given to achieving a high degree of utilisation of the available space. It is equipped with an engineering and training facility and a state of the art engineering maintenance conference room.

Achieving infrastructure upgrades and optimal safety standards are the cornerstones of Deccan’s operation strategy. The new Hangar at Chennai will provide a tremendous fillip to Deccan’s maintenance and service efficiency reducing the “downtime” of aircraft and bearing a positive impact on the on time performance of Deccan flights.

Following the Hangar inauguration Capt. G.R Gopinath - Executive Chairman Deccan said, “The Deccan- Kingfisher combine is aggressively building up its infrastructure to ensure better maintenance of its fleet. The hangar facility in Chennai will strengthen our
engineering competence and is consistent with expansion plans of the airlines.”

Optimism for US international visitation numbers

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that 4.1 million international visitors traveled to the United States in October 2007, an increase of 15 percent over October 2006. Total visitation for the ten months of 2007 was up 10 percent from the same period in 2006. International visitors also spent $11.1 billion during the month, up 21 percent from October 2006 and $100.4 billion year-to-date, up 13 percent from the first ten months in 2006.

Highlights of October 2007 International Arrivals1 to the United States

Canadian visitation was up 18 percent over October 2006 and nine percent for the year. Air arrivals were up seven percent for the month and six percent year-to-date.

Arrivals from Mexico (traveling to interior U.S. points) were up 13 percent in October 2007 and 17 percent for the year. Air arrivals were up 14 percent for the month and 10 percent year-to-date.

Overseas arrivals (excluding Canada and Mexico) were up 14 percent over October 2006 and up 10 percent for the year.

Visitation from Western Europe was a “driver” growing 18 percent in October 2007 and up 12 percent year-to-date. Arrivals from the United Kingdom were up 15 percent in October and seven year-to-date. Visitors from the U.K. accounted for 41 percent of all Western European arrivals this year.

The other top Western European countries that had grown by double digits in October were Germany, France and Italy, up 13 percent, 22 percent and 19 percent, respectively, for the month. Arrivals from Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden grew 40 percent, 17 percent, 24 percent and 22 percent, respectively, in October. For the ten months of 2007 all of these countries posted double-digit growth.

Eastern European arrivals were up 14 percent in October and 10 percent for the ten months of 2007. Visitation from Russia, which accounted for 25 percent of arrivals from Eastern Europe in October, was up by 20 percent.

Visitation from Asia increased two percent in October and four percent year-to-date. Growth was driven by visitation from India and the Peoples Republic of China, which jumped 33 percent and 16 percent, respectively for the month and grew by 43 percent and 25 percent, respectively, for the year. Japanese arrivals were down five percent in October 2007 and down four percent year-to-date. Japan accounted for 57 percent of all Asian visitors so far in 2007 and is the only major market this year with a decline in traffic. South Korean and Taiwanese visitation each grew by three percent for the month and were up seven percent and four percent year-to-date.

Arrivals from South America were up 23 percent in October and 17 percent for the year. Double-digit growth in visitation from Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Argentina were noted for the month and year-to-date. Brazil was the top arrivals market for South America, accounting for 28 percent of arrivals from the region in 2007. Central American arrivals were up 24 percent in October and 13 percent for the year. Guatemalan visitation was up 32 percent.

Travel from Oceania increased 16 percent in October and 10 percent for the year. Australia increased 15 percent in October and 11 percent for the year accounting for 80 percent of all arrivals from Oceania in 2007.

Visitation from the Caribbean was up 20 percent in October and 11 percent for the year. Air arrivals accounted for 94 percent of all arrivals and were up 22 percent for the month. Visitation from the Bahamas was up 36 percent in October. Middle Eastern arrivals were up five percent in October while African visitation increased by 13 percent.

Middle Eastern and African arrivals were up 12 percent and 10 percent, respectively, for the year. Israel accounted for 50 percent of arrivals from the Middle East and was up 11 percent for the year.

TOP PORTS October 2007 Year-to-Date

Overseas arrivals (which excludes Canada and Mexico) were up 11 percent through October 2007. Arrivals through the top 15 ports-of-entry accounted for 83 percent of all overseas arrivals, about the same as the total arriving through these ports in the ten months of 2006.

Twelve of the top fifteen ports posted increases in arrivals for the ten months of 2007. Eight of the top airports posted double-digit increases. New York maintained its lead in non-resident arrivals with a 16 percent increase.

Arrivals through Newark were up 16 percent, moving it into 4th position, ahead of Honolulu, which dropped two percent compared to last year. Boston and Detroit moved into 12th and 13th positions, ahead of Sanford.

Swissport secures deal with SAA for new airport ground handling service in South Africa

South African Airways’ (SAA) ground handling services will now be carried out by ground services provider Swissport South Africa Ltd as Swissport International announced. An agreement has been concluded between the two organisations whereby Swissport South Africa will handle SAA’s entire airport ramp handling requirements within South Africa. The agreement will take effect from 1 February 2008.

“We are delighted that Swissport South Africa has agreed to handle SAA. Between the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Swissport South Africa and SAA, we will work hard to remedy some of the baggage-related problems that our customers have been experiencing,” says Chris Smyth, SAA General Manager Operations. “Ultimately, we are confident that Swissport South Africa will succeed in providing a reliable, efficient and quality service to our passengers,” says Smyth.

Swissport Cargo Services South Africa remains the Cargo Handling Agent of choice for all carriers at O.R. Tambo, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth Airports and does not form part of the Ramp Handling agreement between SAA and Swissport South Africa.

Swissport South Africa will focus on services for SAA at O.R Tambo, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London International Airports.

“We are very pleased that SAA has displayed confidence in Swissport’s ability to provide a world class service. We are looking forward to this agreement leading to a mutually beneficial, lasting relationship with SAA,” says President and CEO, Willy Hallauer, Swissport South Africa Pty Ltd.

Anantara Resorts expands its operations in the Middle East

Anantara Resorts, the hospitality and leisure organization in the Asia-Pacific region, is set to manage two unique five-star resorts in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Anantara, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, will manage the boutique Desert Islands Resort & Spa, which will be the centre piece of the unique Sir Bani Yas island experience, as well as the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab retreat, planned for the inspiring Liwa desert in Arabia’s Empty Quarter (Rub Al-Khali). The two will be the first Anantara-managed hotels in the emirate.

“Anantara has established an exceptional reputation within Abu Dhabi for the operation of its ultra-deluxe spa at the seven-star Emirates Palace Hotel,” said Mubarak Al Muhairi, managing director, TDIC and director general of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

“It will now bring its internationally-renowned reputation for delivering distinct experiences immersed in culture, heritage and natural beauty to these truly unique resorts. Once again TDIC has delivered on its commitment to engage with world-class partners to deliver unsurpassed hospitality experiences for the most discerning travellers.”

The 64-room Desert Islands Resort & Spa, which is scheduled for a soft-opening in the second quarter of next year, will be central to the opening up of Sir Bani Yas, a former Royal eco-resort which lies 8 km off Abu Dhabi’s western coastline. Sir Bani Yas is the largest of eight islands which, together with an onshore gate, will ultimately make up the multi-experiential Desert Islands destination.

“Starting the second quarter of this year, guests at the Desert Islands Resort & Spa, will have access to this inspirational island with its unique wildlife herds, including some previously-threatened breeds which were successfully bred in captivity under the directive of the late UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan,” said Lee Tabler, CEO of TDIC.

“Sir Bani Yas has been something of a closely kept secret which will now be attainable by resort guests and a select number of day visitors.”

“Creating a destination experience is at the core of the Anantara philosophy and one that the brand takes seriously,” said Michael Sagild, COO of Minor International, Anantara’s holding company. “All our resorts offer first-class, unobtrusive service, spa facilities and a range of adventure activities associated with their individual locations. Abu Dhabi is a very welcome addition to our highly selective destination portfolio, which currently includes luxury resorts in Thailand, the Maldives and Bali.”

DWTC projects set to add ten thousand hotels rooms by 2015

Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC) two major commercial destination projects – Dubai Exhibition City and Dubai Trade Centre District – will add over 10,000 hotel rooms to the UAE’s overall capacity when all phases of development are completed by 2015.

Profiled at this year’s Tourism Development Projects and Investment Market (TDIM) exhibition, the hospitality offerings within these pioneering DWTC projects will exponentially increase the number of rooms available to Dubai’s visitors, enabling the future growth of both tourist attractions and business events like TDIM.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC, said: “We have ambitious plans in place to contribute to the growth of business tourism in the UAE and proactively support the ongoing increase in number of visitors to the region. Both of our integrated mega-projects will not only work as stand-alone commercial destinations that will attract greater number of business travellers to Dubai, but will also make a significant contribution to the city’s overall hospitality infrastructure.”

Dubai Exhibition City (DEC) – the seven sq. kilometre integrated commercial destination anchored around the major exhibition facility, Dubai Exhibition World (DEW) – will offer a full range of three, four and five-star accommodation starting at 2,500 rooms by 2010, when its first phase opens, and eventually ramping up to a total hospitality offering of up to 7,500 rooms post completion of all three phases of the development.

Such significant increase in hotel capacity will ensure that visitors and exhibitors to even the busiest trade events will be able to find suitable accommodation, conveniently located in the same precinct as the planned state-of-the-art DEW venue said Helal Saeed Al Marri.

Also, as a mixed-use development providing a range of office, retail, hospitality, industrial and residential offerings adjacent to the new Al Maktoum International Airport, DEC will be a completed integrated commercial destination that provides easy access to all its users, significantly alleviating stress on Dubai’s road infrastructure and the resultant current traffic congestion in the main city and town centre areas.

Dubai Trade Centre District (DTCD) – the area surrounding the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre – is also set to transform the availability of high quality accommodation at the centre of Dubai.

DWTC has signed agreements with four major hotel operators to provide 1,150 rooms and 500 serviced apartments within the District in phase one which will open in 2010.

The hotel rooms will comprise 600 rooms in the business economy category, 450 in the upper upscale and 150 in the luxury segment of the market, while the Condo Apartments will cater to the high and luxury end of the market. Plans are also in place to scale up the hospitality offering to a total of 2,500 rooms by completion of all phases by 2015 at DTCD.

Both developments are designed to be uniquely integrated, commercial lifestyle destinations that promote global business tourism with networking opportunities and world-class infrastructure, enabling Dubai to host the most prestigious conferences, exhibitions and events.

Qatar Airways To Launch Flights To Guangzhou

Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways today announced plans to serve the southern Chinese industrial port city of Guangzhou from the start of the summer flying season to further cement its position in one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Beginning March 31, Doha-based Qatar Airways will become the first airline from the Gulf to serve Guangzhou. It will operate four flights-a-week non-stop using an Airbus A330 aircraft in a two-class configuration of up to 24 seats in Business Class and a maximum 248 in Economy.

The addition of Guangzhou strengthens Qatar Airways’ China network, where it already flies to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong with a total of 16 flights a week. Guangzhou takes the airline’s capacity into China up to 20 flights a week. From May 1, Qatar Airways adds a fifth weekly service to Guangzhou.

Passengers flying Qatar Airways from Europe, Middle East and Africa will have excellent connections to Guangzhou via the airline’s operational hub of Doha, capital of the State of Qatar.

The new services will provide a strong sporting link as Doha hosted the biggest ever Asian Games in 2006, while Guangzhou is set to host the next sporting extravaganza in 2010.

Guangzhou, also known by its older English name of Canton, has a population of almost 10 million people and is the capital of Guangdong province. Situated on the Pearl River, the city is only 120 kilometres northwest of China’s thriving business capital of Hong Kong.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said Guangzhou would complement the airline’s daily services to Hong Kong, offering business and leisure travellers an exciting opportunity to visit two key Chinese cities in such close proximity to each other.

“China is, and will continue to be, a strategically vital part of Qatar Airways’ expansion plans – and no serious airline can afford to ignore a country with a thriving and buoyant economy,” he said.

“Since we entered the China market four years ago, we have gradually introduced new routes and increased capacity into this exciting country.

“First with Beijing, followed by Shanghai, then Hong Kong, we are set to further widen our presence in China by adding the southern industrial city of Guangzhou to our rapidly growing international network. It is a historic move for Qatar Airways as we will be the first airline from the Gulf to operate into Guangzhou.”

Beginning May 1, Al Baker said Qatar Airways would increase capacity further into Guangzhou with a fifth weekly scheduled flight.

He added: “With China hosting the Olympic Games later this year when Beijing takes centre stage for this two-week sporting extravaganza, Qatar Airways is proud to be part of China’s success story. Furthermore, both Guangzhou and Doha have a strong sporting link as we hosted the Asian Games in Qatar just over 12 months ago, and it will be the turn of Guangzhou in 2010 to take charge of this fantastic sporting event.”

Qatar Airways’ China operation currently includes daily flights to Hong Kong; four weekly services to Beijing; and five services a week to Shanghai.

The airline operates a modern fleet of 60 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 81 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Far East and North America.

The airline is one of an elite group of carriers with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry research company. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways’ cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the fifth year running in 2007 following a survey of more than 12 million passengers. During the current 2007/08 financial year, Qatar Airways expects to carry more than 10 million passengers worldwide. For more information, log onto www.qatarairways.com

The Doha – Guangzhou schedules, effective 31 March 2008 are:-

Depart Doha International Airport

Monday, Tuesday, Friday QR876 at 0230, arrive Guangzhou at 1535
Thursday QR874 at 0230, arrive Guangzhou at 1535

Depart Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Monday, Tuesday, Friday QR877 at 2030, arrive Doha International Airport at 2359
Friday QR875 at 0055, arrive Doha International Airport at 0425

Russian Who Killed Skyguide Controller Appointed To Gov't Job

Appointed Less Than Two Months After Release From Prison

The sad, strange saga of Vitaly Kaloyev, the Russian man who served less than three years in prison for the murder of a Swiss air traffic controller he blamed for the loss of his family in a 2002 midair collision, took another odd turn this week... when he was elected to high-level post in regional government.

As ANN reported, Kaloyev was released from prison in November, under an order from Switzerland's highest court. Kaloyev, 51, had served time since October 2005 for the murder of Skyguide controller Peter Nielsen.

Nielson was the sole controller on duty July 1, 2002 when a Bashkirian Airlines Tupolev Tu-154 collided with a DHL Boeing 757 over southern Germany, in airspace under Nielsen's watch. The crash killed 71 people, including Kaloyev's wife and children.

The distraught architect was convicted for the February 2004 murder of Nielson, in front of the Swiss man's family. Kaloyev admitted to the court he must have killed Nielson, who he blamed from the crash, though he couldn't remember doing so. He was sentenced to eight years in prison, later reduced to a five-year term.

The Associated Press reports Kaloyev was appointed as construction and architecture minister in North Ossetia on Friday... less than two months after he was released from prison, .

"He didn't agree to it immediately. We spoke a month ago, and he went back and forth but finally today he agreed to it," regional construction minister Yevgeny Rodionov told NTV.

Kaloyev's case brought widespread sympathy from the Russian population. The Swiss government chose to release the man from prison early, under a statute that allows for early release for good behavior.

In September, four other Skyguide employees were found guilty of negligent homicide in a separate case, which focused exclusively on the sequence of events leading to the crash.

Prince William goes solo with the Royal Air Force

Flying Officer HRH William Wales has flown his first solo flight with the RAF after just nine days training. Prince William is being fast-tracked through the RAF’s six month pilot training course in just four months. He started flying training at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire on 7 January.

He flew his solo at the RAF’s Central Flying School in a Grob training aircraft. Later it is planned for the Prince to fly the advanced Tucano trainer at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in Yorkshire and finally Squirrel helicopters at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire.

Flying Officer Wales is following in the footsteps of Prince Charles and Prince Philip who both qualified as pilots with the RAF.

After his solo the Prince said: “It was a lot of fun. I was a bit nervous at the start but I was told to get on with it so I did. I’m still here to tell the tale and so far I havn’t been billed for any damage!

“It’s the same sense of camaraderie in the RAF as in the Army. I’m being ribbed a bit by my friends here but I’m sticking up for the Army as much as I can. The guys here are great and very dedicated.”

During his training, Prince William is being accommodated in similar quarters and following the same intensive working day as the other students on the course.

Although the 25-year-old Prince will not be deployed on live operations, he will get experience in the Tornado GR4 and the Typhoon during his short tenure with the RAF.

services is the best way to understand how the military operates and to appreciate the differences between them. It is a vital part of preparations for a future King.

During his time with the RAF he will maintain his Army commission in the Household Cavalry and also plans to serve a stint in the Navy, which along with his RAF commission will give him the Services “full house” that is traditionally expected of a British monarch.

Training the Prince at 1 Sqn Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) is Sqn Ldr Roger Bousfield. Both attended the daily 0800 meterological brief, at which weather briefer Pilot Officer Stuart Minnis caused the Prince and colleagues to chuckle when he noted among other air movements in the area that there were “no Royal Flights today.”

Sqn Ldr Bousfield then took the Prince through pre-flight planning and daily checks before they kitted up and walked to their Grob for the first flight. Sqn Ldr Bousfield told the Prince: ”Today you will be doing normal circuits and we may simulate an engine fire and stalling. Remember when going around for finals to keep 75 knots and 20 degrees of bank and if the landing is bumpy put the power full on and go around. Don’t be afraid to throw it awayway and try again”. After confirming he understood, the briefing ended with Flying Officer Wales stating: “Can’t wait!”

Gp Capt Andy Naismith, Officer Commanding No 1 EFTS, said; ”The Prince is showing natural ability – he is learning quickly and working hard in the evenings on private flying study. He is always up to speed for the next day’s training.”

Trainer Squadron Leader Ken Marsh said: “Prince William hasn’t got the time to have a full-time military career. We are teaching him to be a competent pilot for his future roles but he will be flying in some operational airplanes.”

Media were invited to RAF Cranwell today to watch Prince William gain further experience, flying into cloud in poor weather using instruments, and looking for better weather at altitude. The flight was followed by a normal instrument approach to Cranwell – and the Prince landed after a round trip of about 100 miles at an average speed of 100 knots.

Commandant of the RAF’s Central Flying School, Group Captain Nick Seward said: “The attachment is part of the wider programme of events designed to prepare Flying Officer Wales for his future role as head of the Armed Forces. He will start his training on 1 Sqn of 1 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) at RAF Cranwell learning to fly the RAF’s Tutor trainer, which is used to train all RAF pilots. Its side-by-side seating and handling characteristics make it an ideal first training aircraft.

“Having completed the basic flying phase, FO Wales will move to 1 FTS at RAF Linton-on-Ouse where he will learn to fly the Tucano. A faster, more capable aircraft, the Tucano is used as a lead-in for all RAF fast jet pilots. Its handling is similar to that of a fast jet. The Tucano took over the role as fast jet trainer from the Jet Provost, which Prince William’s father Prince Charles flew as a student pilot in 1971.”

After successful completion of the Tucano course, FO Wales will move to RAF Shawbury and learn to fly the Squirrel helicopter. The Squirrel is used by all three services as their basic rotary trainer. The Prince will complete an intensive course designed to familiarise him with basic helicopter flying.

Because it is not intended that the Prince will fly specific operational aircraft, his course has been shortened to meet his needs, however if successful he will be awarded his RAF wings and a graduation ceremony has been planned for April – the month when the RAF celebrates its 90th anniversary.

After graduation the Prince will be attached during his final weks with the RAF to several front line units including Support Helicopters, Search and Rescue, Air Transport and Fighter to gain further understanding of the use of air power.

Gp Capt Seward said: “During his time with us FO Wales will be realising a personal ambition to learn how to fly and this will be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Royal Air Force. The RAF is very proud of its links with the Royal Family and all involved are looking forward to and are extremely excited by the project, as is Prince William – especially as he will be following in the footsteps of Prince Charles who undertook flying training here at RAF Cranwell in 1971.”

The aim over the next few months is to make Prince William’s flying training and introduction to the RAF as enjoyable as possible. He will be expected to fully integrate at work and socially and will not be given any preferential treatment. On completion he will understand the challenges of modern air power, the role and nature of the RAF and its relevance over the past 90 years and into the future.

Course colleague Flying Officer Mark McKee from County Down said: “He was elated when he landed after going solo – I hope to do mine in the next day or so so I was listening very carefully to his read-out of the flight. He has settled in really well over the past two weeks and is a great laugh.”

Editor: Steve Willmot

Photographer: Sgt Graham Spark/Cpl Scott Robertson

Source: RAF

Royal Jordanian to commence operations to China

Royal Jordanian will commence regular service to Hong Kong as of 21-Jan-08, operating via the Thai capital, Bangkok, with initial three weekly flights. The service is scheduled to increase to five flights in the coming summer.

The service is scheduled to increase to five flights in the coming summer.

President/CEO Samer Majali said that opening this route services the active commercial movement between the two countries. The service will have a great impact on businessmen and tourists, and will stimulate relations between Jordan and China in all fields of interest. Hong Kong is a major international economic centre and a magnet for businessmen from all over the world.

Majali added that RJ's decision to add Hong Kong to its route map follows the airline's membership in the oneworld airline alliance which joins among its members Cathay Pacific and Dragonair, the Cathay Pacific group member. Dragonair joined oneworld on November 1 last year. With the addition of Hong Kong, the airline will fly to 55 destinations worldwide.

The president also voiced expectations of increased demand on travel between Jordan and China after connecting Amman and Hong Kong with three weekly flights via Bangkok, to which RJ operates daily flights in the winter and five direct weekly flights in the summer. He pointed out that the newly refurbished Airbus A310s will service the route.

Hong Kong is the world's eleventh largest trading location; its economy is dominated by services, which account for over 90% of its gross domestic product. Together with Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, Hong Kong is known as one of the Four Asian Tigers. Hong Kong maintains a highly capitalist economy built on a free market policy, low taxation and no intervention on the part of the government. It is an important centre for international finance and trade, with the greatest concentration of corporate headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region.

RJ will open another new route to Baku in Azerbaijan at the beginning of next April.

Date posted: 21-Jan-08

Gulf Air becomes regional partner of World Economic Forum

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has entered into a regional partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF). The airline will be making its presence strongly felt at the WEF annual conference being held from 23rd to 27th January at Davos, Switzerland.

“As the national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain, we are proud to be part of Bahrain’s delegation led by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheik Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to represent Bahrain on a global stage,” says Gulf Air Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Mahmood Al Kooheji.

“Our involvement is an important development for both the Kingdom of Bahrain and Gulf Air. For many years now Bahrain has been the financial hub of the Middle East and as this gains momentum it is important that Gulf Air supports the increasing important role that Bahrain plays on the global stage.”

President and Chief Executive Bj�rn N�f, who hails from Switzerland, says he is proud to be part of Bahrain’s delegation to his home country, Switzerland.

“Bahrain is a small country with big opportunities and I am proud to be part of the delegation to promote with progressive Kingdom in my homeland.”

The theme of this year’s conference ‘The Power of Collaborative Innovation,’ is of particular interest to Gulf Air, says N�f.

Gulf Air’s business agenda is aligned to and driven by the dynamic growth plans of the Kingdom and as we look to the future ambitions of Gulf Air and Bahrain there is no doubt that collaborative innovation will form a key factor in enabling us to achieve our goals.

Date posted: 20-Jan-08

Air Arabia begins Nepal hub operations and launches FlyYeti.com

Air Arabia has commenced operations from its newest hub in Kathmandu, Nepal, with the launch of its new JV with Yeti Airlines, FlyYeti.com, Nepal's first LCC. FlyYeti.com's inaugural flight took off from Kathmandu Airport on 20-Jan-07 to Sharjah.
FlyYeti.com is a joint venture between Air Arabia and Yeti Airlines, a leading domestic carrier in Nepal. Air Arabia a major shareholder in the new company, will apply its successful low-cost business model to the management and operation of FlyYeti.com.

"This newest hub will give air travellers who use Air Arabia access to new destinations in India and wider South Asia, as well as the Far East and Central Asia," said Adel Ali, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia "Now people who wish to fly to these regions will have access to a competitive fare with the highest quality service possible via Air Arabia and FlyYeti.com."

Based in Kathmandu, FlyYeti.com will provide affordable and convenient service to a broad range of international destinations. The new carrier will start service from Kathmandu airport this week to two destinations, Sharjah and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and will extend its operations to further destinations across South and Central Asia, the Far East, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent in the near future.

"The new hub will allow Air Arabia passengers to reach new destinations throughout South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and Far East, all with the same high standard of service they have come to expect from Air Arabia itself. FlyYeti.com will also give customers in the Gulf states and wider Middle East an exceptional and inexpensive way to connect to these destinations," said Ali.

The large expatriate population of Nepal living in the MENA, South Asia and East Asia markets will also benefit from the partnership and hub, giving these passengers access to the vast network of both airlines. Operations officially commenced on January 20, 2008, with the inaugural flight from Kathmandu to Sharjah. FlyYeti.com's new website can be viewed at www.flyyeti.com.

flyglobespan to offer business class on Bristol-Toronto service

Flyglobespan announced plans to offer a business class option on its weekly Bristol-Toronto service, which will commence in May-08.

Flyglobespan is offering business class fares from GBP318 (one way, includes tax). Benefits include a 38 inch seat pitch, 40kg luggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding, and complimentary drinks and in-flight entertainment.

The service from Bristol International to Toronto Hamilton Airport will operate weekly from 26-May-08

AIRPORT NEWS

Cologne Bonn plans build as it beats 10 million

Right: Cologne Bonn is planning an extension of the shop and catering concourse in Terminal 1 this year

Cologne Bonn Airport has announced that its Terminal 1 will get a Euro 13 million (US$19 million) makeover this year, including an extension of the shop and catering concourse, and an increase in the number of central security control points from 10 to 18 lanes.

The aim of the new security system is to improve passenger through-flow, and the new checkpoints are due to be operational by November 2008. “We’re already known as the airport where everything is close at hand, and now we want to become the quickest airport with the shortest waiting times,” says Michael Garvens, chief executive officer of Cologne Bonn Airport.

The airport’s Terminal 1 will be extended in two phases by more than 1,100m². It will include two new rows of shops on both sides of the central control. Construction work on the first phase will start in March 2008 with the handover to the tenants in the summer of 2008. Work on the second phase is planned to start in late October 2008 and will be completed at the end of March 2009.

The airport passed the 10 million passengers milestone in 2007 as passenger traffic grew by 6%. The airport is now the sixth largest airport in Germany, overtaking Stuttgart.

Low-cost airlines are the main driver behind the airport’s growth. Low-cost traffic to Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, Greece and Turkey has grown particularly fast. Garvens foresees the introduction of long-haul, low-cost flights soon. “The low-cost, long haul segment is heading slowly in the right direction,” he says.

QinetiQ’s SPO system destined for US airports

Right: QinetiQ's SPO threat detection system measures the waves naturally emitted by the human body and determines if there are any “cold” objects, such as metals, plastics and ceramics concealed under a person’s clothing

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has chosen QinetiQ’s SPO threat detection system to provide enhanced security technology for US travellers.

The camera-based system uses advanced millimeter wave technology combined with sophisticated software algorithms to screen people one at a time. The technology detects and measures the waves naturally emitted by the human body and determines if there are any “cold” objects, such as metals, plastics and ceramics concealed under a person’s clothing. Suspicious objects trigger a red light on the display monitor, prompting the operator to search the individual.

TSA has purchased 12 SPO units from QinetiQ under an ID/IQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) contract that allows for additional purchases over the next two years.

The agreement follows recent operational trials of SPO technology at the Staten Island ferry terminal and Pier 90 in New York City. Similar technology was deployed last fall at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, but TSA has not yet announced which airports will receive the first 12 units.

QinetiQ claims the system is particularly suited to busy airport environments because it can detect concealed threats, such as explosive devices, from many metres away and there is no need for passengers to slow their pace.

“The contract with the TSA is a great example of the synergies that have been made possible through the development of QinetiQ North America,” says Graham Love, group chief executive of QinetiQ. “We expect to see further significant deployments of this and other QinetiQ security technologies to worldwide markets in the future.”

FIFA’s soccer store debuts at Changi

Right: World's first FIFA store opens at Singapore Changi Airport's new Terminal 3

International football's governing body, FIFA, has launched its first global store selling jerseys, T-shirts, balls and other official merchandise at Singapore Changi Airport's newly-opened Terminal 3.

The store sells FIFA- and World Cup-branded items, and similar outlets are planned at airports in London, Tokyo and Los Angeles, it said.

"FIFA and its various World Cup events have become part and parcel of people's everyday lives,” says Mohamed bin Hammam, president of the Asian Football Confederation and a FIFA executive member. “The official store will be a great opportunity to reach out to football fans across the length and breadth of the world."

The store is managed by Singapore-based Global Brands Group, which was appointed by FIFA in 2005 to be the worldwide exclusive licensing representative until 2014.

Iran plans private future for Qeshm

Iranian authorities are reportedly seeking a private operator to manage Qeshm International Airport in southern Iran. The airport, which dates back to 1996, is served by commercial air services linking Qeshm Island to the United Arab Emirates and Tehran. Qeshm Free Zone Organization (QFZO) has committed to providing additional land for expansion in future.

China Eastern Studying Air China Tie-Up Proposal

China Eastern Airlines said it had received a proposal for a "strategic partnership" with Air China that could bring it a cash injection of USD$1.9 billion and involve a tie-up between many of the airlines' operations.

China Eastern, the country's third largest airline, said it was studying the proposal, and did not give any sign that it might modify its strong opposition to accepting Air China as a strategic investor.

"The board of our company is now dealing with this proposal, and we will announce our decision when it has been made," China Eastern said in a statement on Sunday.

The proposal was made 10 days after minority shareholders in China Eastern rejected a USD$920 million plan for Singapore Airlines and Singapore investment agency Temasek to buy 24 percent of China Eastern.

The parent group of Air China, China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC), proposed that it and China Eastern's own parent group buy a placement of 2.98 billion new Hong Kong-listed H shares in China Eastern, the statement said.

The shares would be bought for no less than HKD$5 each, compared to China Eastern's last traded price in Hong Kong of HKD$6.75. CNAC, which already owns 3.9 percent of China Eastern, would end up with a stake of under 30 percent.

The share issue would inject at least HKD$14.9 billion (USD$1.9 billion) of cash into China Eastern, reducing its debt-to-asset ratio from 94.33 percent to 77 percent, China Eastern quoted CNAC's proposal as saying.

CNAC also suggested that regardless of whether or when its equity investment went ahead, Beijing-based Air China help Shanghai-based China Eastern form an "operations hub" in Shanghai to strengthen the use of its route network and other resources.

The two airlines would consolidate their cargo operations in a joint venture, and cooperate in areas such as sharing flights, frequent flyer programs, maintenance and ground service.

"We believe fully carrying out this proposal would bring concrete cooperative benefits to both sides, while benefiting shareholders, the companies, employees and society," CNAC was quoted as saying.

CNAC calculated that its investment in China Eastern would allow the airline to save at least CNY776 million yuan (USD$107 million) in annual interest expenses, and bring the two airlines around CNY5 billion annually in synergies from higher revenues and lower costs, China Eastern said.

The alliance would help to make Shanghai and Beijing major air transport hubs in northeast Asia, while boosting the airlines' competitiveness in global markets, CNAC added.

When shareholders voted on the Singapore plan, CNAC had already said it would offer to pay at last HKD$5 per share for a major stake in China Eastern, making the Singapore offer of HKD$3.80 per share look unattractive.

After the shareholder vote, China Eastern chairman Li Fenghua insisted he would not consider Air China as a strategic investor, saying an alliance with the flag carrier would not benefit his airline and he would continue pursuing the Singaporean tie-up.

Singapore Airlines, however, has responded ambiguously, saying it will not walk away from its deal but also that it will not get into a bidding war.

Further complicating the situation, Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways, a partner of Air China, has said it is willing to support any bid for China Eastern by the Air China group, though CNAC's proposal did not mention Cathay.

Some China Eastern executives say they think CNAC may be content to use its proposal to block an alliance between China Eastern and Singapore Airlines, regardless of whether any part of its proposal is actually implemented.

"This is just a gesture," a China Eastern official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of the proposal. He declined to comment on what the airline's formal response would be. (Reuters)

Jet Interested In bmi Majority Stake - Report

ndia's Jet Airways has approached unlisted British airline bmi's majority shareholder and chairman Sir Michael Bishop about the sale of his stake, a newspaper reported.

Jet expressed its interest before Christmas in conjunction with a Middle-Eastern airline, believed to be Emirates, the Sunday Telegraph report said, without naming its source.

The approach to Bishop, who owns 50 percent plus one share in the private company part-owned by Lufthansa and SAS, was made through a third party and no formal meetings have taken place, the article said.

Both Virgin and British Airways have previously expressed an interest in buying the stake, the paper said. (Reuters)

Best Air launches operations with Dhaka-Chittagong service

14 January 2008 marked Best Air’s inaugural passenger flight from ZIA International Airport Dhaka to Shah Amanat International Airport Chittagong.

The passenger flight launch was inaugurated by Mr. M. Haider Uzzaman the Chairman of Best Air, His Excelency Mr. Abdul Latif Ali Al Mawash Ambassedor of Kuwait and His Excellency Mr. Chatermpol Thanchitt Ambassador of Thailand.

The airline will operate four daily flights on the Dhaka Chittagong route, two flights from Dhaka to Chittagong and two flights back from Chittagong.

With valet service, individual customer care program, escort service, meal choice and unique online ticket reservation Best Air is set to become the predominant airline in Bangladesh

BA's longhaul flights back to normal after Boeing accident at Heathrow

British Airways is planning to operate all of its longhaul departures from London Heathrow and up to 90 per cent of its shorthaul departures today (Friday, January 18) but is strongly advising customers to check ba.com for the latest flight information before leaving home.

Due to the disruption on Thursday January 17 a number of aircraft, pilots and cabin crew are out of position and this is having a knock-on effect on some shorthaul services on Friday.

A number of flights into Heathrow will also be cancelled throughout Friday January 18. All flights to and from London Gatwick are expected to operate as normal.

Customers due to travel on a cancelled flights will also be able to refund or rebook their flights. This can be done via the airline's website or by calling British Airways.

"Any customers on cancelled flights are urged not to come to the airport as this will cause additional congestion," says BA in a statement.

BA has confirmed yesterday (17 January 2008) that a Boeing 777, registration GYMMM operating flight BA038 from Beijing to Heathrow was involved in an incident at Heathrow airport.

British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh said: "We are very proud of the way our crew safely evacuated all 136 passengers on board with only three minor injuries." There were three flight crew and 13 cabin crew on board.

Sheikh Ahmed opens three hotels in Dubai Festival City

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, has formally opened three luxury properties in Dubai Festival City at a ceremony on Thursday (January 17, 2008).

In the presence of officials, businessmen and hotel management, including the DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed cut the ceremonial ribbon to symbolically declare the luxury properties open to business. The hotel staff accorded a warm welcome to the VIPs.

Also present were Mr. Sultan bin Mejrin, Director General of Dubai Land Department, Mr. Juma bin Humaidan, Assistant Director General of Dubai Land Department, Mr. Issam Al Humaidan, Dubai’s Attorney General, and Mr. Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, DTCM Executive Director Media Relations and Acting Director Business Development.

On arrival, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed was welcomed by Mr. Abdullah Al Futtaim, Chairman of Al Futtaim group, and Mr. Omar Al Futtaim, CEO of Al Futtaim Group, owners of the three properties and Dubai Festival City.

The elegant InterContinental Dubai Festival City, superior upscale Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City and the lavish long-stay InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City are the latest luxury hotels to open in Dubai. All the three properties have been completed in just three years. The project is the largest in the history of IHG; having three properties open simultaneously within the same location is a first for the group.

Together with the two hotels and InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City, the group will offer more than 1,000 rooms within the multi-billion dirham Dubai Festival City development. Both the hotels are internally connected to the Festival Waterfront Centre, the 550 retail outlets and 90 restaurants and cafes are just a minute’s walk away. Two 18-hotel championship golf courses are also close to hand, as is a scenic stroll along the waterfront promenade, connecting to the 100 berth Festival Marina.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed toured the 36-floor InterContinental Dubai Festival City which is a visually iconic example of modern architecture and offers stunning views of the city’s skyline, picturesque Dubai Creek and the new Festival Waterfront Centre. There are 121 suites, three Presidential Suites and one Royal Suite. The brand’s iconic Club Intercontinental is located on the 26th floor offering panoramic views of Dubai.

The Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is a 316-room property, including 16 suites and two Presidental Suites, is designed for business travelers.

The InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City has 212 stylish high-rise apartments, encompassing studios, one, two and three bedroom suites and a stunning royal suite spread over two floors with private elevator.

ITB Berlin relaunches website

Following an extensive technical and graphical relaunch the ITB Berlin is now ready with an updated logo and a revised website. “The internet is the most important instrument for communication and marketing for the ITB Berlin”, according to David Ruetz, Senior Manager and ITB Berlin Director. “Our aim is always to be one step ahead of the market and its requirements. That is why, in addition to visually redesigning the web pages new modules have been included and the navigation structure has been made easier to use. As a result all the various target groups can find the relevant information more quickly in their respective navigation areas. New features include improved, faster access via the newsticker, and quicklinks that give direct access to information about the ITB Berlin for specific target groups.”

The new download centre is yet another outstanding service. “With this download centre we can provide our customers with the basis for successfully marketing their appearance at the ITB Berlin”, says David Ruetz, emphasising the importance of this convenient service.

“The optimised web portal of the ITB Berlin is setting the standard at Messe Berlin, and will be introduced in turn as the websites for each of the company’s events are relaunched. In addition to an attractive new design we have also ensured that access is barrier-free”, explains Dr. Jana Dewitz, Divisional Director Marketing & Media at Messe Berlin.

The internet pages can now be read and operated by any user, including those with visual handicaps. The ITB Berlin website complies with the guidelines laid down in the “Barrier-free Information Technology Regulation” (BITV), making it largely accessible to people with various disabilities. Suitable text recognition programmes have also been introduced. “Another advantage of the barrier-free internet: in future content from the ITB Berlin portal can be easily displayed on mobile terminals”, says Dr. Dewitz, referring to some of the additional benefits of this development.

Emirates abandons SriLankan management, to retain 43.6% stake for the moment

Emirates has announced that it will not renew its existing ten-year contract for the management of SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka. The management contract expires at the end of Mar-08.

Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline and Managing Director Sri Lankan Airlines stated: "Emirates has notified the Government of Sri Lanka that it will not be renewing the Shareholder's Agreement which expires on 31st March 2008 and accordingly, with effect from 1st April 2008, management control of Sri Lankan Airlines will pass to the Government of Sri Lanka. Emirates will continue to manage the Company until 31st March 2008. Emirates will also retain its 43.6% equity in the Company for the time being, and continue to have a Board presence."

Revamped branding for airberlin

The airberlin group has revised it brand identity and launched a new advertising campaign. The repositioning of the airberlin group as a global business is associated with the group’s acquisitions, which is to be reflected in the airline’s image.

With immediate effect, the airberlin logo will be a combined mark, consisting of a figurative and a word element, and will be used internationally. The company name will be in lower case and written as one word. The colour HKS15 remains the same, but the font is now "Chalet airberlin". The new claim is: "airberlin. Genau deine Airline." (airberlin. Your kind of airline.)

The airberlin.com website has already been revised and features the new image. The first print advertisements will appear from 07-Jan-08. The outdoor advertising campaign will start on 11-Jan-08 in 21 German cities, as well as in Vienna and Zurich. The television commercials will run from 19-Jan-08. The first aircraft bearing the new livery will be rolled out in Jan-08, with the other aircraft being gradually updated throughout the year.

Joachim Hunold, airberlin’s CEO commented: "On account of our growth in recent years, passengers now benefit from a wider range of flights and a dense network within Germany, taking them to major cities throughout the world and to holiday destinations. Business travellers should feel just as comfortable on board as families, enjoying the same personal attention on longhaul and on short-haul flights. This makes airberlin the perfect airline for every passenger, meeting individual travel preferences and service expectations. The new branding emphasises this claim."

Monarch Airlines carries 3.7 million scheduled passengers in 2007

Monarch Airlines celebrated a record-breaking year carrying 3.7 million scheduled passengers during 2007, a 15.8% year-on-year increase.

The launch of eight new routes during the year helped passenger numbers surge with the introduction of Birmingham to Ibiza; London Gatwick to Ibiza and Murcia; London Luton to Almeria, Ibiza and Larnaca as well as Manchester to Ibiza and Jerez services.

Capacity increases on a number of popular routes and the launch of further new services in 2008 is expected to further stimulate growth for the airline in 2008. Following on from the successful launch of services from London Luton to Larnaca in Mar-07, the LCC will continue its expansion to the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as add a new service from Manchester to Murcia in Feb-08.

Passenger traffic for Dec-07 also improved 10.6% year-on-year to over 184,500 passengers.

ISLAND AVIATION GOES REGIONAL

Island Aviation has received operations permit from the Government of India to operate schedule flights to Trivandrum, India. Special ceremony was held on 07th January 2008 at Nasandhura Palace Hotel on 07th January 2008 to officiate the handing over of this permit to Island Aviation.

Executive Director at the Civil Aviation Department, Mr. Mahmood Razee handed over this permit to Island Aviation. Mr. Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem – Managing Director of Island Aviation received this on behalf of the company. Mr. Razee and Mr. Saleem made their statements at this ceremony. Mr. Mahmood Razee in his speech said, quote "IAS is an operating airline meeting the aeronautical requirements stipulated under the Maldivian Air Legislation. The choice of jet or turboprop for sector lengths of about 500km is fundamentally driven by economics. IAS by choosing to commence services with a turboprop airliner has also addressed some of the other elements of the business for this level of stage lengths” unquote.

Managing Director of Island Aviation, Mr. Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem stated in his remarks, quote “To realize our goal, we will continue to invest in our expansion this year as well” unquote.

The first flight from Male’ to Trivandrum will be operated on 25th January 2008. Dash8 aircraft will be used for this operation and daily flights will be operated between Male’ and Trivandrum. All the departures from Male’ will be at 1530 hrs everyday.

AIRPORT NEWS

Indian government seeks low airport fees

The Indian government has asked private companies developing new airports at Hyderabad and Bangalore not to make flying out of them prohibitively expensive for passengers.

Agreements currently in place allow an airport development fee of US$17 to US$23 to be charged per passenger, however the aviation ministry has requested that the GMR and Siemens Project Venture-led consortias wait until the delayed Indian Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (see: Regulator planned for India’s airports) is in place to decide on a more ‘reasonable’ amount.

With fuel and congestion surcharges and other fees plus rising fares, the cost of flying from these airports could potentially become too expensive for passengers. “As it is there are serious connectivity issues. With road networks still incomplete, the airports are nearly a two-hour drive away from the cities and are costlier to get to. If in addition, passengers have to pay up to US$25 (Rs 1,000) more for flying out, the reaction could be adverse,” says a senior official

Mumbai airport to be revamped by year-end

Right: The first phase of a facelift of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport should be complete by the end of this year

The Mumbai state Government has prioritised US$13.2 million for a facelift of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

The project will be undertaken by airport operator, Mumbai International Airport (MIAL), and will be carried out in two phases: Phase one will see the upgrade of Terminal 2A and phase two will renovate Terminals 2B and 2C. Phase one is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

The programme also includes upgraded runways, 106 aircraft parking stands, 51 boarding bridges and 316 check-in counters.

Changi seeks stakes in overseas airports

Right: Changi International Airport is part of a network of airports owned by Changi Airports International

Changi Airports International, the overseas investment unit of Singapore’s main airport operator, plans to buy stakes in as many as 15 airfields, says chief executive officer Chow Kok Fong.

Chow says the company aims to manage US$700 million of airport assets within the next three years and that overseas revenue in five years may climb to as much as 20% of sales from less than 5% now.

The company wants to tap growth in the Middle East, China and India, where governments are upgrading airports as more people fly. Global passenger air traffic is projected to jump 29% by 2011, threatening to overwhelm airports, according to an October 2007 forecast by the International Air Transport Association.

The company secured its first direct investment in China last month, acquiring a 29% stake in the Nanjing Lukou International Airport for US$138 million. Funding for future purchases will mainly come from its parent, says Chow.

“We are looking at several deals, which we hope will crystallise over the next three years,” he adds. “A lot of the growth that we expect in China will come from the central and western region. So, we will be spending a lot of our efforts in that region.”

China Scurries To Contain Mice On United Flight

The United States, concerned about tainted imports from China, has exported its own batch of potentially harmful goods to Beijing in the form of mice on a flight from Washington, state media said on Tuesday.

Chinese inspectors found eight mice, dead and alive, on a United Airlines flight to Beijing after the airline reported the stowaways to local quarantine officials upon landing on Sunday afternoon, Xinhua news agency said.

The report prompted an "emergency team" to rush to the aircraft, Xinhua said, to "put rat poison and mouse traps at every possible corner on the aircraft, including the cockpit".

"Eight mice, dead and (alive), were found at last... hidden in pillows," the agency said.

The surviving mice were sent to labs for testing, it said.

The incident was reported in most newspapers on Tuesday, citing experts warning of dozens of fatal viruses that the mice could spread, and the risk of deadly accidents from them chewing through the plane's wiring and circuits.

"We are taking this matter seriously and have begun a full investigation with the authorities to determine how this happened and ensure it is resolved," United Airlines said in a statement.

"It would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage as the investigation is currently under way."

China has been rocked by a number of quality scandals involving food, toys and drugs in recent months, but has repeatedly accused foreign media of biased reporting, while making a point of naming foreign companies it claims have sub-standard product problems. (Reuters)

China Eastern Shareholders Sink Singapore Air Deal

China Eastern Airlines shareholders rejected a deal to sell a 24 percent stake to Singapore Airlines for USD$920 million, opening the door for bigger rival Air China to make a play for the country's third-largest carrier.

Analysts say loss-making China Eastern, squeezed by record fuel prices, would return to the negotiating table with Singapore Air and its parent Temasek to try and get a better deal.

A less favored option would be to submit to the Air China group's advances.

Singapore Airlines, the world's most profitable airline, which had hoped to gain access through the acquisition to China's fast-growing air travel industry, said in a statement it was disappointed but would continue to build a relationship with China Eastern.

The collapse of a deal two years in the making and blessed by the Beijing government highlights the unpredictability of a Chinese corporate scene that usually bows to politics.

Cathay Pacific, which already has an alliance with Air China, has bolstered the airline's case by saying it would seriously consider teaming up on a joint investment in China Eastern.

"There's not much difference between domestic airlines in terms of management expertise and branding," China Eastern Chairman Li Fenghua told reporters after minority shareholders torpedoed the Singapore Air deal.

"In this case, one and one would not equal more than two."

Air China's parent, China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC), has said it will submit a rival offer for China Eastern within two weeks.

The battle over an airline that has made losses in three of the past five years underscores the lure of an industry dominated by three players but which is growing at more than 16 percent a year ahead of this summer's Beijing Olympic Games.

"Air China seems committed to making a higher bid. But Singapore would have brought a lot of international management expertise to China Eastern," said Kelvin Lau, analyst at Daiwa Institute of Research.

CNAC, which owns 3.9 percent of China Eastern but which has more than 12 percent of its Hong Kong stock, had argued for weeks that the sale to Singapore was being done on the cheap -- a perennial worry among domestic investors fearing a fire-sale of Chinese assets to foreign firms.

Shares in China Eastern and Singapore Airlines were suspended on Tuesday, pending the vote. Air China ended the day down 3 percent as investors cashed out of its recent rally.

Days ahead of the vote, CNAC had signaled it would try to derail the agreed HKD$3.80 per share sale to Singapore Air, saying it would offer at least HKD$5 a share. Singapore Air and China Eastern insisted their deal was fair at six times the airline's end-2006 book value.

Analysts say Air China feared the creation of a strong competitor based in the commercial hub of Shanghai -- where Air China is traditionally weak.

Some said investors may now favor a tie-up between China Eastern and Air China, the world's most valuable airline by market capitalization, especially if Cathay gets on board.

Others said Singapore Airlines and Temasek could be persuaded to return to the table with a sweetened bid.

"With the deal vetoed, SIA's out of the picture for the time being. Obviously, that's a positive for both Cathay Pacific and Air China -- less competition," said CLSA analyst Adrian Lowe.

"My sense is they'll probably give up, given how things have played out, (but) some minority shareholders from China Eastern are hoping for a bidding war." (Reuters)

AirAsia launches direct flights to Yogyakarta

Beginning 30 January 2007, AirAsia will commence direct flights to Yogyakarta, Indonesia from Kuala Lumpur, documenting its entry into its 13th destinations in Indonesia. The Airline of the Year 2007 has the most extensive service into Indonesia sprawling across cities such as Bali, Balikpapan, Banda Aceh, Bandung, Batam, Jakarta, Medan, Padang, Palembang, Pekan Baru, Solo, Surabaya and now Yogyakarta.

AirAsia will begin with four (4) flights per week to Yogyakarta departing from LCC Terminal, Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The airline’s new 180-seater Airbus A320 will be deployed for the route.

Yogyajarta is a city with outstanding historical and cultural heritage. Renowned for being the centre of classical Javanese fine art and culture, Yogyakarta is also known as one of Indonesia’s most important centres for higher education. A visit to Kraton, the Royal Palace of the Sultan, will have one mesmerized with Gamelan, the beautiful Javanese traditional music and Ramayana ballet.

Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia, said, “Yogyakarta has long been on our list of destinations that we want to fly to and it certainly adds value to our route network. The new service into Yogyakarta augurs well for both countries in promoting the exchange of tourist, labour, and small and medium enterprise traffic. In addition, year 2008 marks an exciting year for Indonesia as it is Visit Indonesia Year and we are excited to be able to play a key role in promoting the beautiful city and people of Yogyakarta to the rest of the world.”

“By means of AirAsia’s extensive route network in ASEAN, amazing low fares and high safety standards, we are optimistic in boosting tourism economy for all the countries we fly to, and specifically in this case, we are also looking forward to strengthening our domestic routes in Indonesia via our hub in Jakarta.”

easyJet to maintain one bag rule

The Government recently announced that on 7 January 2008, the restriction of one piece of hand luggage will be lifted at 22 of the UK’s airports. This will leave 40 key commercial airports with the one bag rule still in place, including easyJet bases at Belfast, Bristol, East Midlands, Liverpool and Luton. In addition, some of the BAA airports, notably Gatwick, have applied to the CAA for a price increase.

easyJet has decided to maintain its policy of allowing each UK departing passenger to carry one piece of hand baggage (dimensions up to 55x40x20cm with an unlimited weight allowance). Passengers are advised to check this website for more information on baggage allowances, but can be assured that by following this simple policy, they can continue with their journey as normal.

Andy Harrison, easyJet’s Chief Executive, commented: “There is massive scope for customer confusion in an environment where UK airports are adopting different policies. The only way to maintain a simple and standard policy is to maintain our one bag policy.”

“Also some of the major BAA airports are using the relaxation of the one bag rule as a pretext to further increase passenger charges. They increased charges when the restriction was introduced and now they want to increase charges again to remove it! easyJet will continue to resist such attempts and calls on the CAA for its full support”