Hoteliers take top honours at the Amadeus Thai Hospitality Awards

Weeks of speculation over who would take home the tourism industry’s top honours came to a close on Wednesday when 20 gold statuettes, or ‘Hospys’, were awarded at the 2007 Amadeus Thai Hospitality Awards. Prizes were awarded in 4 categories including one new category with a special trophy. This special category created by Amadeus was for the corporate division of a hotel chain which has proactively imbibed technology to streamline its processes and offer seamless service to its customers.

The official ceremony was held at the Royal Paragon Hall in Bangkok in conjunction with the International Food & Hospitality Show 2007.

Tom Aikins, the event founder, said: “The Amadeus Thai Hospitality Awards is an opportunity to recognize outstanding individual achievements, but also to celebrate the success of the Thai hospitality industry as a whole.”

The event was attended by more than 100 top hoteliers, restauranters and industry professionals. According to Bruno des Fontaines, Vice President of the Hospitality Business Group at Amadeus Asia Pacific, “The challenge for the Thai hotel industry is to continue its development in order to keep pace with growing tourism and an increasingly competitive market.”

“Hotels must look at ways to enhance the guest’s experience and improve the efficiency of their operations. These awards show that there are many hotels that are focusing on these areas, and Amadeus is proud to recognise these outstanding achievements. Our regional headquarters is based in Bangkok, where we work very closely with our partners in the hospitality sector to continually drive enhancements to our suite of industry-leading technology solutions,” said Bruno.

Full List of Winners

Small Hotels:

• For best Executive Housekeeper – Tassanee Prysi, Anantara Hua Hin
• For best Chief Engineer – Chockchai Siriwan, Sila Evason Samui
• For best Executive Chef – Donald Lawson, Anantara Koh Samui
• For best Food & Beverage – Panuphon Punmaneekul, Evergreen Laurel
• For best Human Resources – Thaweerat Suriyaphunt, Royal Princess Larn Luang
• For best Resident Manager – Andreas Kraemer, Sila Evason Samui
• For best General Manager – Pornthep Hantrakarnpong, Royal Princess Larn Luang

Medium Hotels:

• For best Chief Engineer – Ekachai Chucheepchai, Amari Orchid Resort
• For best Information Technology – Suwat Chawna, Amari Orchid Resort
• For best Human Resources – Varunyou Markpol, The Sukhothai
• For best Sales & Marketing – Andrew Cornelio, Dusit Laguna Resort
• For best Financial Controller – Kamonphan Ratanatikul, Royal President
• For best General Manager – Mongkolchai Thammachote, The Davis Bangkok

Large Hotels:

• For best Executive Housekeeper – Nathamon Wathananusak, Chaophya Park
• For best Restaurant Manager – Panicha Tailanan, Sofitel Centara Grand
• For best Public Relations – Sommai Yocapajorn, Dusit Thani
• For best Food & Beverage – Somjai Homcheunjai, Amari Atrium
• For best Financial Controller – Krisana Chirachinda, Pan Pacific
• For best Resident Manager – Niwatcharee Wungsoontorn, Amari Atrium
• For best General Manager – Andrew Wood, Chaophya Park

New Category: Amadeus Award for excellence in imbibing new technologies in the hospitality industry – Jean Marc Lafosse, Group Director of Operations, Centara Hotels and Resorts

Vicky Karantzavelou - Wednesday, September 12, 2007

UK Infrastructure must keep pace with travel & tourism growth

The United Kingdom’s Travel & Tourism economy is expected to generate over £190 billion in 2007, growing faster than the current rate of inflation at 3.3 per cent per annum between 2008 and 2017, according to the latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Despite this positive growth industry leaders convened in Canary Wharf in London’s financial district to raise their concerns about continued inaction to address deepening infrastructure constraints, which is jeopardizing economic prospects and seriously affecting the experience of millions of travellers across the world.

The United Kingdom, which stands as the 5th largest Travel & Tourism economy, contributing 9.1 per cent of GDP and 8.5 per cent of employment in 2007, has received increasing criticism in recent months for its mismanagement of increasing pressures on its infrastructure system, most notably at the main airport hubs.

Presenting these statistics, WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten warned that the UK government must react now to maintain this strong economic position. The impact would heavily affect the UK’s Travel & Tourism industry and wider economy.

He added “The current focus is on climate change and this industry cannot be demonised as the cause. It is quite simple - efficient infrastructure and less congestion will have a positive impact on the environment.”

At the meeting, Manchester Airports Group CEO Geoff Muirhead CBE highlighted the importance of the aviation industry to the UK economy “The four Manchester Airport Group airports (Manchester, East Midlands, Bournemouth and Humberside) generate more than £3 billion for UK plc, and support thousands of Travel & Tourism jobs. Inbound tourism is clearly good news for the British economy, while overseas travel allows UK citizens the chance for a well earned break in a sunnier climate. We need to find ways of supporting both these aspects of tourism much more effectively, given their importance to the UK economy as a whole.”

Hospitality and leisure development will also continue to grow and will create greater jobs opportunities explained Whitbread Chief Executive Alan Parker “The hospitality industry depends heavily on the infrastructure of air, road and rail links, which transport clients to the hotels. If infrastructure does not keep pace with growth, then business and tourism could drift away from the UK to other markets on the continent.”

WTTC Chairman Geoffrey Kent concluded “The government must put in place a long term infrastructure plan with at least a 15 year horizon. The 2012 Olympic Games will provide the platform, focus and budget for this long-term plan, which will drive the forecasted tourism demand.”

EC updates black list of banned airlines

The fifth update of the Community’s list of airlines banned in the European Union has been adopted by the European Commission yesterday (11 Sptember). This was first drawn up in March 2006 and last amended in July. The new list replaces the previous one and can already be consulted on the Commission’s website[1]. With this update the Commission is banning in the European Union two new airlines that have been found to be unsafe: Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines from Ukraine and the Iranian company, Mahan Air.

“This latest update illustrates once more that the black list is a dynamic instrument which the Commission can use whenever necessary, without having to wait for the quarterly reviews”, said Jacques Barrot, Commission Vice-President in charge of transport.

On the basis of notifications from several Member States, the Commission questioned the two carriers (Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines and Mahan Air) and the respective national civil aviation authorities responsible for their supervision. It also consulted the committee of Member State air safety experts, whose task it is to assist the Commission in such matters and who unanimously approved the bans.

ASTA launches new web site

The development of a new Web site, with new and improved features has been announced by ASTA. The new site has a planned launch date of mid-November. According to the Society, the new site will look different from the current site and users will have a more personal experience when interacting with the site. Though the content will be the same, where the information is housed and managed will be different. Among the new features are a new buyer’s guide, which will make it easier for Allied members to participate and add information about their company, an electronic postcard service and interactive financial tools that will allow members to benchmark their financial status against others in the industry.

“The goal of the new site is to make it easier for our members to use and find resources. Although we will retain much of the current content, there will be new and rebuilt areas as well as different levels of access to the site depending on your membership. We`re confident, thanks to rigorous staff and member testing, that the new site will greatly enhance ASTA members` ability to find and use resources as well as enhance their overall membership satisfaction,” said Cheryl Hudak CTC, ASTA president and CEO.

ASTA has been working up to this goal since January 2007 when select new features were unveiled such as the eLibrary, the Learning Communities and recently, an electronic version of ASTAnetwork. ASTA’s white papers are currently kept in the eLibrary, along with other resources for agency operations, sales, legal and legislative issues, suppliers and technology and GDS. In the Learning Communities, there are a series of message boards under the topics of agency operations/legal, premium networking community, selling travel and technology. These boards allow members to share ideas, ask for collaboration from colleagues and share solutions to every day problems.

Banyan Tree`s Angsana Resort & Spa to operate first resort in Jordan

A new management contract has been signed by Banyan Tree for their first Angsana Resort and Spa by the Dead Sea in Jordan. This new management contract follows from the Groups’ continued strategy of expansion in the Middle East.

This is the Group’s ninth property in the region and adds a sixth project in the portfolio of Angsana properties which are currently being developed in Abu Dhabi, Dubai (two properties), Fujairah and Oman.

“We are very pleased to be able to bring our brand of Asian hospitality and wellness that is stepped in culture and historical significance into a destination that is equally rich in culture and history. Angsana Resort and Spa Dead Sea will further our desire to provide our guests with truly unique experiences throughout the Middle East,” said Executive Chairman, Mr Ho Kwon Ping.

Angsana Resort and Spa Dead Sea is developed by the British led Belavista Overseas Investment Corporation and is located on one of the last remaining beachfront sites of the world famous Dead Sea in Jordan. Designed by WATG, the development is scheduled to be completed in 2011 and will see a total of 220 hotel rooms and suites, 256 residential apartments and will be offered for sale, a first on the Dead Sea.

Toxic Spill At Tel Aviv Airport

Firefighters and hazardous material teams went into action at Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport on Tuesday after a toxic substance spilled while being loaded onto a plane, officials said.

Zeev Sarig, director of operations at Ben-Gurion, outside Tel Aviv, described the substance as a fertilizer ingredient bound for the Czech Republic.

"One of the porters noticed an acrid smell and activated the appropriate (emergency) drill," Sarid told Israel's Army Radio. "The spill was located immediately and we took no chances."

An Israeli police spokesman said that though containment efforts were still under way, elsewhere at Ben-Gurion work was continuing as usual. The spill was being treated as an accident, police said.

Army Radio said three porters were hospitalized but described their condition as satisfactory.

Israeli media described the plane affected by the spill as belonging to Czech Airlines. (Reuters)

Changi Airport welcomes Air Bagan

Air Bagan, a private airline from Myanmar, launched its maiden flight to Singapore on 7th September. The aircraft touched down at Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 at 1500 hours. The passengers and crew onboard the flight were warmly received at a welcome ceremony organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Besides senior officials from CAAS, the ceremony was attended by His Excellency, Win Myint, Ambassador of Myanmar to Singapore, and Mr Tay Za, Chairman of Air Bagan.

Air Bagan will operate 14 weekly scheduled flights between Singapore and Yangon using an Airbus A310-200 aircraft.

Air Bagan joins two other airlines at Changi Airport in offering passenger flights to Yangon. SilkAir operates 28 weekly scheduled flights between the two cities, while Jetstar Asia Airways operates six weekly scheduled flights. With Air Bagan onboard, there will now be 48 weekly scheduled flights between Singapore and Yangon.

CAAS’ Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lim Kim Choon said, “The launch of Air Bagan’s flights comes at an opportune time when growth in passenger traffic between Myanmar and Singapore is at its strongest. Passenger traffic between our two countries reached 156,000 in 2006, representing an impressive growth of 23.5% compared with the previous year. This strong growth has continued into 2007. For the first 6 months of this year, passenger traffic between Myanmar and Singapore grew by a robust 24.5% to reach 92,000 passengers.”

Mr Lim continued, “CAAS would like to encourage Air Bagan to capitalise on this growth in passenger traffic, and consider mounting more flights to Singapore, in particular from new points in Myanmar. Air Bagan can be assured of maximum support by the whole Changi team in its operations to Singapore.”

Vicky Karantzavelou - Monday, September 10, 2007

Kingfisher Airlines partners with OnAir for mobile phone and internet services

OnAir has been selected by Kingfisher Airlines to offer its passengers a full range of passenger communication services as the company announced at the Aircraft Interiors Expo Asia. Starting in 2008, Kingfisher Airlines’ long-haul passengers will be able to use Webmail OnAir and Webchat OnAir, followed in 2009 by Internet and Mobile OnAir to access the Internet during flights, as well as send and receive emails and make and receive phone calls.

OnAir`s services will initially be installed on five new Airbus A330s and five new Airbus A340s with plans in place to install the system across its entire longrange fleet. Kingfisher Airlines will use its A330s on routes to Europe and Asia, while the A340s will service longer nonstop flights, such as to the USA.

Hitesh Patel, Executive Vice President, Kingfisher Airlines, said, “We pride ourselves on our high levels of service, including state-of-the-art inflight entertainment and Live TV at every seat. Being the first, not just in India but also in the world, to offer our guests all of OnAir’s communications services, is truly a great opportunity.”

Benoit Debains, CEO of OnAir, said, “We are pleased to be selected by Kingfisher airlines, a leading airline in passenger service and comfort. This decision is setting a new standard for air travel in one of the most dynamic regions for air travel and telecommunications.”

The service is based on an onboard server, and is connected to the ground infrastructure through SwiftBroadband, Inmarsat’s broadband satellite infrastructure.

Fees will be based on data download for Internet usage, and per flight for webmail and instant messaging, and for Mobile OnAir the cost will be similar to international roaming rates, with passengers being billed by their operator in their regular bill.

Vicky Karantzavelou - Monday, September 10, 2007

CAAS and GAI launches Changi Airport Advisory Group

Mr Liew Mun Leong, the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore officially launched today (11 September) the Changi Airport Advisory Group (CAAG). CAAG is intended to retain the expertise of some of the most experienced minds, who have been involved in the development and management of Changi Airport, for both the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Changi Airports International (CAI).

In his speech, Mr Liew said: “The first three advisors to join this group – Wong Woon Liong, Ho Beng Huat and Chiang Hai Eng – have collectively more than a century of dedicated experience in airport organisation, operations management and routes development. In the aviation sector, they represent the most respected names and as Singaporeans, they want to make a mark for Singapore in this field. They will have free-ranging roles to lead high level strategic or operational teams, to mentor the younger managers and to advise the management teams in both, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Changi Airports International.”

CAAG will be chaired by CAAS Adviser, Mr Sim Kee Boon, whom Mr Liew credited as “the person who was the key driver responsible for making Changi into an international name that is associated with the superlatives of airport planning and management.”

Mr Wong Woon Liong has developed a wide network of contacts with many airport authorities throughout the world during his 15-year tenure as Director-General of CAAS. He is a very well known figure in the aviation industry having led Changi Airport successfully for many years. His experience and contacts are very valuable for Changi to grow internationally as an air hub. Mr Wong speaks excellent Mandarin and has a special interest in China.He will be involved in helping to develop strategic relationships for many of CAI’s projects in that market.

Mr Ho Beng Huat was an important member of the team which was responsible for developing and managing Changi. He personally spearheaded the introduction of the airport processes which provides Changi with its characteristic efficiency and service quality. Mr Ho’s main task will be to review the management operations on the ground in the CAI operated airports and to help steer development proposals for new airports.

Mr Chiang Hai Eng is a specialist in air route development and the formulation of aviation regulatory frameworks. He will help CAI formulate strategies to market its airports to airlines and increase the connectivity of these airports. He will also help new airports and existing airports to improve their processes for the purpose of safety certifications.

Mr Chow Kok Fong, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airports International welcomed the establishment of CAAG: “This arrangement means that these eminent persons are still actively helping Changi Airport but in a different way. They will be included as part of what we call our ‘helicopter teams’. In essence, they can be mobilized to any of our overseas airports to attend to any novel management or operational situation which we may encounter overseas. Few people can do this as well as they can because in order to handle these unexpected situations, you need to accumulate battle hardened experience through long association with a top airport like Changi. By having them on board, it gives us a very strong advantage against those of our competitors who are merely financial players in looking for airport investments.”

Vicky Karantzavelou - Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Ahmedabad prepares for Emirates

The Emirates wide-bodied aircraft in its distinctive livery will soon become a familiar sight over Ahmedabad skies, and the airline is leaving no stone unturned in its attempts to introduce the product to the city’s travel and cargo community ahead of the launch of its six-flights-per-week service.

Senior executives from the airline’s headquarters in Dubai and Mumbai office officially presented Emirates’ brands and products to over 500 travel and cargo agents at an elaborate road show in Ahmedabad on 10th September. The Emirates delegation includes Salem Obaidalla, Vice President Commercial Operations West Asia and Indian Ocean, and Orhan Abbas, Vice President India & Nepal, amongst others.

Effective 28th October, Emirates will power its Indian operation with the launch of direct, non-stop flights to Ahmedabad – the airline’s ninth Indian and 95th global destination, and its fourth new route in 2007, after Venice, Newcastle and Sao Paulo. The Dubai-based carrier which is on the threshold of one of the biggest and most exciting growth graphs ever witnessed by an airline will later this year launch services to Toronto (29th October) and Houston (3rd December).

Mr Obaidallah noted: “Last year, Emirates embarked on a major expansion in India focusing on Southern India, and this year, after a span of over two decades, we are re-entering the country’s western skies; our first footprint in West India being Mumbai in 1985. We are delighted with this development, as is Ahmedabad’s travel trade, who have already shown overwhelming interest in our product offerings that include Emirates SkyCargo, Emirates Holidays, and our Passenger Sales products.”

On the route Emirates will operate modern jets: the Airbus A330-200 in a three-class configuration of 12 First, 42 Business and 183 Economy Class seats, and the Boeing 777-200 in a two-class configuration of 42 Business and 304 Economy Class seats.

EMIRATES TOWERS OVER NEWCASTLE

The Newcastle Emirates Tower at Newcastle Airport, pictured with an Emirates aircraft in the foreground. Emirates Airline launched daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Newcastle on 1st September 2007.

NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND, 5th September 2007 - Britain's newest air traffic control centre was today named The Newcastle Emirates Tower as the Dubai-based international airline announced a new sponsorship partnership with Newcastle International Airport.

The airport, scene of the launch of its first ever scheduled long haul service between Dubai and Newcastle last Saturday, unveiled the state-of-the-art tower at a ceremony attended by Emirates Airline President Tim Clark and the Right Honourable Nick Brown, MP, UK government minister for the North East.

The new tower, standing 45 metres high, commands a panoramic view of Newcastle and the surrounding coast and countryside and is being heralded as a new icon for the region.

The Newcastle Emirates Tower will carry the award-winning airline’s logo and today gave VIP guests the perfect view of the incoming Emirates flight EK035.

Mr Clark said today: “Our sponsorship of this stunning new tower reflects the close co-operation we have enjoyed with Newcastle Airport in the successful launch of our daily service between Newcastle and Dubai.

“This is another first for Emirates and the tower reflects our own vision – modern, innovative, and designed with the customer in mind.”

David Laws, Chief Operating Officer of Newcastle International Airport, said: “We are delighted that Emirates is joining us in a partnership that supports a modern, progressive future for our operation. It is fitting that such a cutting-edge facility will carry the Emirates name.”

The £8.2 million landmark development stands at twice the height of the Angel of The North and replaces the previous tower which served the airport for 40 years. The UK’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has installed the latest systems making it the one of the most technologically advanced control towers in the UK.

DCAA receives China and Maldives team

Dubai: The director-general of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Mohammad Ahli, received at his office two separate high profile delegations from China and Maldives recently. The delegation from Maldives was led by Ali Hussain Didi, CEO of the Maldives Airports Company. Discussion at the meeting revolved around Maldivian plans to build as many as 10 airports on the archipelago as a strategic move to boost the island nation's tourism.

Finnair Traffic Up On Asia Flights

Finnish national carrier Finnair's total passenger traffic increased in August, boosted by strong growth in demand for flights to Asia and Europe, it said on Friday.

Finnair's total revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) rose 19.8 percent to 1.77 billion in August, after a 16.5 percent climb in July, the company said in a statement.

Traffic was up 35 percent on Asian routes and nearly 30 percent on European flights, Finnair said in a statement, but added that demand for North America flights dropped 5 percent.

The carrier's overall passenger load factor remained unchanged year-on-year at 77.1 percent.

Finnair carried about 709,800 passengers in August. (Reuters)

Nepal Air Sacrifices Goats To Appease Sky God

Officials at Nepal Airlines, Nepal's state-run airline, have sacrificed two goats to appease Akash Bhairab, the Hindu sky god, following technical problems with one of its Boeing 757 aircraft, the carrier said Tuesday.

Nepal Airlines, which has two Boeing aircraft, has had to suspend some services in recent weeks due to the problem.

The goats were sacrificed in front of the troublesome aircraft on Sunday at Nepal's international airport in Kathmandu in accordance with Hindu traditions, an official said.

"The snag in the plane has now been fixed and the aircraft has resumed its flights," said Raju K.C., a senior airline official, without explaining what the problem had been.

Local media last week blamed the company's woes on an electrical fault. The carrier runs international flights to five cities in Asia.

It is common in Nepal to sacrifice animals such as goats and buffaloes to appease different Hindu deities. (Reuters)

TUI and Carnival withdraw anti-trust filing for joint venture

TUI AG and Carnival Corporation will withdraw their anti-trust filing with the relevant authorities for a joint venture to develop a new cruise brand. TUI and Carnival had planned a joint venture and had filed this with the relevant authorities.

Reason for the withdrawal is the extremely difficult environment with regards to competitive law making it impossible to close the transaction in Carnival’s current business year. Failure to do so would create adverse tax consequences for the companies and would have a severe impact on the economies of the transaction. TUI and Carnival have, therefore, decided not to implement the joint venture in the proposed form.

TUI AG will stick to its plans to expand its own cruise activities. This will now happen mainly within the framework of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises today operates four cruise liners and is one of the leading operators of premium and luxury cruises in the German speaking market. The fleet includes the MS Europa, the only ship in the world rated with “5-Stars Plus” by the Berlitz Cruise Guide. In the British market, TUI’s subsidiary, TUI Travel, also operates five cruise liners under the Thomson Cruises brand as well as two ships under the Island Cruises brand.

Can Airbus make it big in Asia?

By Sharanjit Leyl
Business reporter, BBC News, Hong Kong

Just before dawn earlier this week, Hong Kong residents scaled the heights of one of the city's tallest peaks to await a spectacle.

Airbus wants to drum up more Asian business

After an hour or two of anticipation, they were rewarded by the sight of something they had never seen before: the biggest passenger aeroplane in the world, flying above Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour on Monday morning.

It was all part of a publicity ploy from European manufacturer Airbus, which makes the A380.

The flight follows more than a year of bad publicity brought on by production delays.

There was more embarrassment just two days before the aircraft's arrival for Asia's largest airshow in Hong Kong. The plane that made Monday morning's flight had scraped its wing in Bangkok and had to have its wingtips removed.

John Leahy, Airbus's chief operating officer for customers, admits it has not been a smooth ride.

"Every plane is difficult to build - the bigger the more difficult," he says.

"It's been a manufacturing nightmare to build it. Now we've got the production process solved. It took a two year delay, though."

Rivalry

Still, the plane has been a hit with locals. Despite several security barriers and long lines, many of the delegates at the Hong Kong Asian Aerospace show turned up to see just how big it was, both inside and outside.

But some critics say that the A380's sheer size and pulling power have not stopped it from lagging behind Boeing in Asia.

In China alone, for instance, 60% of the commercial planes are made by Boeing.

The American manufacturer did not fly down any of its planes to Hong Kong for display; instead, visitors to the airshow had to make do with plastic models at the manufacturer's exhibition booth.

arry Dickenson, a senior vice-president at Boeing, says he is confident of his company's lead over Airbus in Asia.

"They have a lot of ground... to recover," he says. "They are in a different situation from us, driven by different motivations.

"We have our plans. We have our planes. We have the products that the airlines and the world prefer."

Home-grown talent

But even as the two giants in plane manufacturing slug it out for a slice of Asia, one Chinese manufacturer already has lofty ambitions of its own.

Just a few steps from the Boeing booth at the show, China Aviation Industry Corporation 1 - otherwise known as Avic1 - has a display of its own aeroplane.

The ARJ21 is one of China's first passenger jets, capable of carrying nearly a hundred people.

Backed by the Chinese government, the manufacturer hopes to take on its western rivals.

Jim Eckes, an aviation analyst from IndoSwiss Aviation, thinks they may have a good chance.

"China is going after Boeing and Airbus's low-end market," he says. "They're displaying here on a par not quite as big as Boeing or Airbus - but they're here."

Air Malta to provides operational support to Etihad Airways

Air Malta has successfully concluded an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways by which it will be wet-leasing two Airbus aircraft for the winter period starting September 1st 2007. The Maltese airline has also concluded another agreement to provide operational support on another Airbus A320 aircraft owned by Etihad.

The two Air Malta A320 aircraft with registration 9H-AEP and 9H-AEQ will be wet-leased and will be operated by Air Malta cockpit and cabin crew. They are expected to fly on Etihad’s routes from Abu Dhabi to Beirut, Dammam, Karachi, Muscat, Bahrain, Cairo, Doha, Kuwait, Amman, Damascus and Tehran.

Following another agreement reached between the two airlines, another A320 aircraft recently purchased by Etihad will also be maintained by Air Malta engineers and flown by Air Malta pilots.

In a statement issued by Etihad, the airline said that it is adding the first narrow-bodied aircraft to its fleet as it expands regional flights with the aim of developing its regional network.

Commenting on these agreements Air Malta Chief Executive Joe Cappello said, “We are looking forward to this operation. This is more good news for Air Malta as through these agreements with Etihad we managed to lease our excess winter capacity whilst generating additional revenue for the airline. This lease has also created new opportunities for our pilots and engineers to work abroad and we believe that in the course of these wet-leases our employees will continue garnering further experience in their professional careers. Last winter we had also managed to wet-lease two other Airbus aircraft to two foreign operators; an Air Malta aircraft operated from Santiago in Chile while another aircraft operated from Tripoli.”

“These agreements are a further confirmation of the high standards we enjoy amongst our staff, operations and equipment. We wish to thank all our employees and management who have worked hard on finalising these leases and to all our crew who will be operating them,” added Cappello.

Etihad currently has a fleet of 27 wide-body aircraft and it placed a US$2.2 billion order with Airbus for 12 new wide-body aircraft in June. The order includes four A340-600s, five A330 passenger aircraft and three A330 freighters.

Vicky Karantzavelou - Wednesday, September 05, 2007

DUBAI TO HOST FIFA BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP

DUBAI, U.A.E., 27th August 2007 - FIFA announced on Sunday that the United Arab Emirates will host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 in Dubai. The city has quickly become the sporting capital of the Middle East and the announcement further underlines that fact.

At the same occasion FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke presented that France will stage the 2008 competition in the city of Marseille, the first time in the event’s history that it will be held outside of its birthplace of Brazil.

Emirates, the Dubai-based award winning international airline, is an Official FIFA Partner and fully supported the bidding of the UAE and Dubai for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, said: “Dubai is the perfect choice as the venue for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009, it is through the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that the infrastructure is in place for the city to be able to hold an event of this magnitude. Emirates is very pleased that the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will take place on our home soil in 2009 and will provide any support necessary to make this a unique experience for all football fans from all over the world."

“What's happened in the last three years since the integration of beach soccer in the FIFA family has been fantastic. I don't know if any other sport has ever made such rapid progress in such a short space of time – both on the pitch and in running the game. It is now a fascinating combination of organised football and lifestyle. By moving the event first to Marseilles and then to Dubai, we are convinced that we will be taking yet another giant step in the dynamic world of beach soccer, ” explained FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke during the announcement at the occasion of the draw for the 2007 edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Marseille."

Emirates is an Official Partner of the FIFA World Cup™ with close links to FIFA and all its projects in the 2007–2014 period. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ Emirates became the first airline to be an Official Partner of the world's premier football tournament.

In 2004, Emirates and Arsenal Football Club signed the biggest club sponsorship in English football history - in addition to the Fly Emirates logo on the players' shirts, Emirates also has the naming rights of their new home, the Emirates Stadium. Emirates also sponsors Paris Saint Germain Football Club and Hamburger SV.

Emirates' longest range aircraft touches down

Emirates recently welcomed the first of its 10 Boeing 777-200LRs on order, bringing the fast-expanding airline`s fleet count to 108. This new aircraft also represents the 50th Boeing 777 to have joined the fleet of the airline. The technically-advanced Boeing 777-200LR will make its debut for Emirates on the airline`s non-stop Dubai to Sao Paulo route which will be launched on 1st October 2007, representing the first non-stop air link between the Middle East and South America. The same aircraft type will also be used on the Dubai – Houston service which begins on 3rd December. The Emirates` Boeing 777-200LR is equipped with eight luxurious private suites in First Class, 42 of its latest lie-flat seats in Business, and generous space for 216 passengers in Economy.

Banyan Tree to operate first resort in Mauritius

Banyan Tree has signed a new management contract in the Republic of Mauritius, to operate a new resort located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. This will be the first project for the Group in Mauritius. This follows on earlier announcements in the year on management deals in China and Mexico and its recently announced management deal in Bodrum, Turkey.

“Banyan Tree has always enjoyed a strong presence in the Indian Ocean as a premier operator of top end resorts and residences. This project further entrenches our pole position in the region and enhances our ability to continue to provide our guests with exclusive getaways in the most exotic surroundings,” said Executive Chairman, Mr Ho Kwon Ping.

Banyan Tree will manage its first luxury resort property in Mauritius in collaboration with Tatorio Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Greenoak Holdings Limited. The first phase of the project will be launched with the start of the sales of the branded residences this October. The resort is projected to be completed in 2010.

This new development is not expected to have any material financial impact on the Group’s earnings and its net tangible assets for 2007.

Rania Deimezi - Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Swiss air crash verdict expected

The Russian children on board were going on holiday to Spain

By Imogen Foulkes
BBC News, Berne

A court in Switzerland is due to deliver a verdict in the trial of eight employees of the air traffic control company Skyguide.

The eight are charged with manslaughter and negligence over a midair collision in 2002, in which 71 people died.

The prosecution wants prison sentences of up to 15 months for the accused.

Two investigations have already found what are described as organisational deficiencies within Skyguide, claimed to have contributed to the accident.

All eight men on trial maintain their innocence - seven still work for Skyguide.

Seventy-one people died when the Russian charter flight carrying children on holiday collided with a cargo plane in Swiss airspace on 1 July 2002 - the wreckage came down in Germany.

Controller stabbed

The trial revealed that minutes before the crash a single air traffic controller was in charge of 15 planes, he made 118 radio contacts with them, and he was guiding a plane into land.

The controller was stabbed to death in front of his wife at his home

Technical repairs were being carried out and some radar systems were not working.

That air traffic controller was later stabbed and killed by the father of two of the children who died.

At the time Skyguide insisted that having just one air traffic controller on duty was normal - but it has since outlawed the practice, and provided financial compensation to some of the bereaved families.

What many Russian relatives say they want from this verdict, however, is an official admission of responsibility for the crash.

Deals take off at Hong Kong airshow

By Sharanjit Leyl
Business reporter, BBC News, Hong Kong

From the manufacture of wing tips to the upholstery that goes on to the seats, planes mean big business - and it is getting even bigger.

Visitors look at models of the Airbus A380 at the Asian Aerospace show in Hong Kong
Asia's biggest airshow is a newcomer to Hong Kong

Five hundred companies from more than 20 countries, as well as 10,000 trade visitors, are at Hong Kong's Asian Aerospace show this week to strike deals that will shape the future of Asia's aviation industry.

And much of it seems to be focused on China. One of the mainland's big three carriers is already celebrating a $1bn deal with Singapore Airlines inked earlier in the week.

It will bring finance and know-how to China Eastern Airlines, which is based in Shanghai. It also shows the direction the industry's big players are looking.

According to Vincent Liu, the manager of service standards at China Eastern, there is increasing demand for travel within China and more foreigners are flocking to the mainland.

It means the airline business is "increasing vastly, especially for China Eastern", he says.

One of the supporting organisers of this year's Asian Aerospace is also keeping a keen eye on the mainland.

Martin J Craigs, president of Aerospace Forum Asia, says: "The centre of gravity has moved north over the last 20 years.

"China is a big market that's growing - 180 million passengers right now and 780 million in 20 years. That's a new aircraft delivered every two-and-a-half days for 20 years."

Eastern gateway

But the market is not without risks. Already the Chinese government is placing limits on the number of flights over the mainland, because of fears that too much demand could overwhelm the existing infrastructure.

That is perhaps partly why Asia's biggest airshow has chosen to move to the relatively new surroundings of Hong Kong's international airport, after having spent nearly two decades in Singapore.

Tony Tyler - the newly-installed chief executive of Hong Kong's biggest airline, Cathay Pacific - is trying to turn Hong Kong into a stronger hub and gateway to China.

Cathay Pacific notice board
Cathay Pacific has been extending its routes in mainland China

He contends there are still challenges to rival Shanghai, which is quickly becoming a vital business destination.

"Shanghai's a huge city, it's clearly going to be a major city," he says.

"But as an aviation hub, it has disadvantages, as the domestic and international operations operate out of essentially two different airports. That prevents it from being an effective hub for mainland China."

Still, many of the plane manufacturers and suppliers who have come from countries as far afield as Romania and Canada have one thing on their minds - courting China.

Hong Kong, in its role as gateway to the world's fastest-growing economy, may provide an essential link now.

But critics predict that the Asian Aerospace show may well move again, to Beijing or possibly even Shanghai.

First outing for faster Eurostar

Eurostar is making its inaugural journey from Paris to London via Britain's new high-speed line.

The train - carrying members of the media - will arrive at St Pancras International station, instead of Waterloo, for the first time.

The 186mph (300km/h) line is expected to cut journey times from Paris to London by 20 minutes to 2hr 15min. It will open to the public on 14 November.

Construction of the line and revamping St Pancras cost £5.8bn in public funds.

The high cost of the project is partly due to some major engineering challenges, including laying track to pass over the River Medway, under the River Thames and through 11 miles of tunnels beneath London.

	PROJECTED JURNEYIMES London-Paris 2 hrs 15 mins London-Brussels 1hr 51 mins London-Lille 1hr 20 mins

The 306-mile (490km) test-run is expected to set a new record for the journey time between Paris and London.

The train was due to leave Paris at 0944 BST and is expected to reach speeds of up to 186mph - 50% faster than domestic rail services.

It will join the new 68-mile (110km) line, known as High Speed 1, at the Channel Tunnel near Folkestone, before arriving at St Pancras at about midday.

The train will pass through the new £100m Ebbsfleet International station near Dartford, in Kent.

Seven services to Paris and five to Brussels will start running from Ebbsfleet from 19 November and a ticket office has been opened at Bluewater Shopping Centre two miles from the station.

It's as quick and more frequent and we will be matching airline prices Richard Brown Eurostar chief executive

Trains have always travelled along the French section of the route at high speeds, but were forced to slow down on the British side because they shared a track with commuter services in and out of London.

Richard Brown, chief executive of Eurostar, said he hoped that by 2010 10m people would travel by Eurostar each year.

"Today marks Britain's entry into the European high-speed rail club," he added.

"We can now run trains at high speed all the way from the Channel Tunnel to London, making journeys between cities quicker, more convenient and far greener than flying."

He said journey times to Paris, even for people travelling from Yorkshire, would be broadly the same as for those flying due to lengthier check-in times at airports.

"It's as quick and more frequent... and we will be matching airline prices."

Nigel Harris, managing editor of Rail Magazine, said he was thrilled to be among the first passengers to travel on the new high-speed line.

Trains will run from the new St Pancras from November

He said it would mean hundreds of thousands of people from the North would be able to travel to Paris without facing the drag of travelling across London on bus, Tube or train to get to Waterloo.

London and Continental Railways (LCR), the company behind the construction of the new line, said it was the first new railway for 100 years and Britain's largest single construction in history.

A spokesman for LCR said it would be a "very powerful catalyst" for regeneration.

He said LCR had a commitment to repay some of the £5.8bn in government money from profits generated from large areas of land bought around the track.

St Pancras station, which has undergone an £800m refurbishment, will eventually be linked to the site of the 2012 Olympics at Stratford, east London. (BBC News)

Virgin's Branson To Shun Thirsty 4-Engined Planes

Virgin Group boss Richard Branson said he would aim to avoid buying fuel-thirsty four-engined planes in future to curb fuel costs and the environmental impact of his fast-growing airlines.

Fears that CO2 emissions from airlines are fueling climate change will not reduce demand for air travel, he added, but innovation in biofuels could provide a solution in the next decade.

Virgin Atlantic's fleet of 38 planes all have four engines, and it has six four-engined Airbus A380 superjumbos on order.

But in April the airline said it was buying 15 of Boeing's new fuel-efficient carbon-composite 787 jets with two engines, which burn 27 percent less fuel than the Airbus A340s they will replace.

"Global warming has become a priority, but it also makes good economic sense to be eco-friendly," Branson told reporters, adding he favored two-engined jets for the future. "We've just announced the 787, which has two engines."

In the past Branson favored four-engined planes because he said passengers, staff and pilots preferred them.

But aviation's impact on the environment has become a hot topic in Britain this summer, with climate change protesters camping at London's Heathrow Airport to protest against the industry's rapid expansion.

From 3 percent of mankind's total contribution to global warming in 2005, aviation's emissions are set to rise by a factor of two to five by 2050, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said in a major report this year.

Branson, who was in London to promote the PICNIC environmental innovation competition, doubted travelers would be deterred by the figures and called on politicians to act.

"Realistically, flying is something people need to do and will do," he said. "I don't think people will change their habits if it affects their lifestyle."

"It's up to business leaders and politicians to come up with ways of reducing emissions," he added. "I suspect governments should make sure fuel prices don't drop."

Virgin is developing biofuels for aircraft alongside Boeing and engine-maker GE Aviation and plans to test them next year.

"We've said we will fly a jet engine on a 747 using biofuels sometime next year, people say the end of next year," said Branson. "But I believe we'll be able to bring that forward. We have to make sure it's economically viable to roll out across the Virgin fleet."

"Hopefully, ten years from now our planes can be carbon neutral," he added. "It's not just charitable. We've got to come up with a fuel that knocks oil for six."

Branson has pledged that for the next 10 years all profits from his 51 percent stakes in Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Trains will be invested in renewable energy.

"I've got a dirty business with my planes... Let's put some money into doing something about it," he said.

Branson also holds smaller stakes in Australian airline Virgin Blue, Malaysia's AirAsia X, US low-cost airline Virgin America and Virgin Nigeria. (Reuters)

Airbus Sees Booming Chinese Jet Demand

European plane-maker Airbus expects Chinese airlines will need up to 150 of its jets a year over the next five years, including its giant A380s, as Chinese carriers expand to serve a domestic and international travel boom.

Airbus foresees local carriers needing 113 of its A380s -- the world's largest passenger aircraft -- over the next two decades.

Asia and China are a pivotal battleground between Airbus and Boeing, both of whom are battling to sell airliners to the country's three top carriers: China Southern, China Eastern and Air China.

"Over the next year we will see incremental orders from China for A380," John Leahy, chief operating officer, customers, told reporters on the first day of the Asian Aerospace forum.

"The demand in the Chinese market will see, for us, around 100-150 aircraft each year for the foreseeable future (of around 5 years), which is one of the reasons that we decided to put our own assembly line in China."

Travel to and from China, the world's fourth-largest economy, is expected to continue climbing alongside its double-digit economic growth, dwindling restrictions and increasingly open skies.

Morgan Stanley estimates that global airline seat capacity will expand 3.8 percent in 2007 and 5.2 percent in 2008 -- driven largely by Asia. For Asia alone, those estimates rise to 8-9 percent for 2008-09, versus 5 percent in 2007.

Leahy did not say how Airbus had arrived at its forecasts.

Airbus, which this year is edging out Boeing in the annual race to sell planes globally after losing in 2006, expects its first assembled-in-China jet to be delivered in 2009. The assembly line in Tianjin should hit full capacity -- four planes a month -- in 2011, Leahy said.

China Southern Air, the country's largest carrier by fleet size, has placed five orders for the A380, on which Airbus has spent more than USD$10 billion developing. (Reuters)

Banyan Tree to operate first resort in Bodrum

Banyan Tree enters the Turkish market with the signing of a new management contract in Turkey. This follows on earlier announcements in the year on management deals in China and Mexico and furthers Banyan Tree’s continued expansion into new destinations around the world.

“This project exemplifies Banyan Tree’s ability to continually lead the markets by tapping into what we see as Bodrum’s yet unrealized potential as a high-end resort and vacation home ownership destination. Banyan Tree Bodrum is another key step in the Group’s diversification into key regions globally,” said Executive Chairman, Mr Ho Kwon Ping.

In its first foray into Turkey, Banyan Tree will manage a boutique resort and residential development located in the northern coast of the Bodrum peninsula. Developed by Osmanli Yapi 1 Insaat Turizm Sanayi ve Tic. A.S., a subsidiary of the London listed Ottoman Fund, the resort will also include a 4,000 square meter spa facility featuring Banyan Tree’s spa treatments.

These new developments are not expected to have any material financial impact on the Group’s earnings and its net tangible assets for 2007.

Rania Deimezi - Tuesday, September 04, 2007

W Hotels to open first property in Indonesia

W Hotels will open its first property in Indonesia in 2009 as Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide revealed. W Retreat & Spa-Bali will be the brand`s fourth retreat in the world, following the W Retreat & Spa-Maldives, which opened in September 2006, and the impending openings of W Retreat & Spa-Vieques, scheduled to open in late 2008, and W Retreat & Residences-Koh Samui, scheduled to open in 2009.

The newly built W Retreat & Spa-Bali will be located in the Seminyak area on the paradise isle of Bali, featuring 232 rooms, including 80 villas.

"Following the success of our first W Retreat & Spa, the award-winning W Maldives, W Retreat & Spa-Bali is a terrific extension of our brand`s growth in the Asia Pacific region," said Ross Klein, President, Starwood`s Luxury Brands Group. "The rich and deeply spiritual culture of Bali, combined with the cosmopolitan style and energy of Seminyak, provides a perfect setting for the newest edition to our Retreat & Spa product offering. With the announcement of W Retreat & Spa-Bali, the W brand continues to extend beyond the boundaries of everyday travel, offering a magical mix of sexy destinations and sublime design."

"We are thrilled with the signing of W Retreat & Spa-Bali, marking the entry of the W brand into Bali, undeniably one of the top-rated resort destinations in the world," said Miguel Ko, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.

"The W Retreat & Spa - Bali will be a unique alternative to the more traditional Bali resorts. Located on a seven hectare absolute beachfront site in Seminyak, the resort will be within walking distance to Bali`s most trendy boutiques, galleries, restaurants and clubs. This addition of this retreat, coupled with The Luxury Collection, Le Meridien and Westin properties will certainly strengthen our presence in Bali," added Ko.

"We are thrilled that we will open W Retreat & Spa- Bali, the first W resort in Indonesia, and to start our partnership with Starwood Hotels & Resorts," said Magda Hutagalung, President Director of PT Dua Cahaya Anugrah. "Given the energy and style of the island, Bali, known as the most popular island destinations in the world, is certainly the most appropriate fit for the W brand," added Magda.

Fiona Jeffery appointed Chairman of WTM

Fiona Jeffery, Managing Director of World Travel Market, part of Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), has been appointed to the role of Chairman. She will be concentrating on the event’s strategic development, as well as building and developing Just a Drop and WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Day. Jeffery continues to report to Richard Mortimore, Managing Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions.

The day to day running of the global business event in London is to be undertaken by Craig Moyes, recently appointed Exhibition Director. He has spent 15 years in the exhibition industry, including experience in travel and tourism sectors.

In announcing the management changes, Richard Mortimore, Managing Director of RTE said: “Many congratulations to Fiona, who has been responsible for driving and developing the World Travel Market brand for 20 years. Her contribution to the evolvement and growth of the event has been exemplary. Craig Moyes appointment means that she will have more time to concentrate on key aspects of the business, including the development of partnerships. She will also continue her role as spokesperson for World Travel Market.”

Jeffery was instrumental in helping take these issues up the industry agenda. She has also increased the internationalism of World Travel Market and ensured its leading role as a major global business forum for the travel and tourism industry.

She founded Just a Drop on behalf of the international industry nine years ago, highlighting the importance of clean water, particularly for children under the age of five whose immune systems are unable to cope with dirty water. The charity, of which she is Chairman, has raised nearly $1.6m and helped over 800,000 children and their families living mostly in remote areas in 24 countries.

Moyes says he is looking forward to the new challenges of World Travel Market. He added: “There is no other business event on earth like World Travel Market and I feel privileged and delighted to be involved”.

In 1993, Moyes and his business partner successfully launched China International Boat Show in Shanghai, managing the event until 1996.

Michael Verikios - Monday, September 03, 2007

Kuoni concludes acquisition of Russia-based UTE Megapolus Group

Following approval of the transaction by the Russian competition authorities, Kuoni Travel Holding Ltd. formally acquired a majority shareholding in Russia-based tour operator UTE Megapolus. Kuoni has acquired 80% of share capital under the transaction; the remaining 20% remain in the possession of the company’s founding shareholders.

UTE Megapolus specialises in providing high-quality leisure travel products for a more affluent clientele. Its product portfolio includes ski vacations in the Alpine region, beach holidays in Greece and Croatia, and India and China travel itineraries. The Moscow-based company has four sales outlets in the capital and one in Nizhny Novgorod, and generated total turnover of CHF 51 million last year with a workforce of around 200 personnel.

“I am delighted that we have now received formal approval of our acquisition from the Russian competition authorities,” says Armin Meier, CEO of the Kuoni Group. “The Russian tour operating market has seen annual growth of 10 to 15 per cent in the last few years. And it has massive further potential, especially in the field of providing high-quality travel products for more affluent customers. Our acquisition also fits exactly into our strategy of achieving further business growth in expanding markets and the specialist segment.” UTE Megapolus has won several awards within the Russian leisure travel sector for its branding and the high quality of its services over the past few years. The company distributes its products via its own sales offices and through independent travel agencies.

Eduard Kuznetsov, the company’s founder and former majority shareholder, will remain as CEO. He will report to Fons Brusselmans, Head of Business Unit Spirit, within the Kuoni organisation. All the present UTE Megapolus employees will also be retained. The parties agreed not to divulge the purchase price involved.

Singapore attracts highest numbers of business visitors

In total, close to 25,000 foreign delegates, contributing at least £13 million (SGD 40 million) to Singapore’s total Tourism Receipts, visited Singapore to attend various business events including the 27th International Epilepsy Congress, Herbalife Asia Pacific Extravaganza 2007 and the World Glaucoma Congress 2007. The events encompassed all four segments of the MICE industry including Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Exhibitions. “The high concentration of business events in the month of July reaffirms Singapore’s position as a premier destination for high-level intellectual exchange and networking opportunities. Our strategic location and extensive connectivity, professional MICE industry, excellent infrastructure and strong knowledge-based economy all combine to make Singapore an ideal destination for MICE event organisers and visitors from all over the world,” said Mr Aloysius Arlando, Assistant Chief Executive, Business Travel and MICE Group, Singapore Tourism Board (STB). “Leveraging STB’s Strategic Cluster Approach*, we will continue to build on the momentum of working with Singapore Inc government agencies and private sector industry partners to create, develop and attract more business events which will provide the platform for intellectual exchange and collaboration thus adding impetus to drive Singapore’s key economic sectors.” Business Travel and MICE is identified as one of the key drivers of tourism in Singapore, with visitor arrivals constituting approximately 28 per cent of total visitor arrivals and 35 per cent of total tourism receipts (TR) or £1.3 billion (SGD 4 billion) in 2006. The STB aims to raise the contribution of the BTMICE sector to £3.5 billion (SGD 10.5 billion) while maintaining its overall proportionate share of total TR. The increase in business events taking place in Singapore follows the launch in 2006 of the “BE in Singapore or Business Events in Singapore” Incentive Scheme, a £56.6 million (SGD170 million) initiative by the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) to finance the development of high calibre business events to be staged in Singapore over next five years (2006-2010). One of the first recipients of the scheme was Herbalife Asia Pacific Extravaganza 2007 (18 – 22 July), the largest corporate meeting that Singapore has ever hosted with close to 16,000 delegates from 14 countries. The 27th International Epilepsy Congress (8 – 12 July) was one of the largest medical conventions in the world dedicated to epilepsy. It was jointly hosted by the Singapore Epilepsy Society (SEC) and the Singapore Epilepsy Foundation (SEF), and organised by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE). Both ILAE and IBE are non-profit organisations with official links to the World Health Organization. “Singapore is an ideal venue for international congresses as it’s easily accessible with a state-of-the-art telecommunications network and an excellent infrastructure. There are countless hotels to suit all budgets and cosmopolitan cuisine to suit all tastes thanks to its international makeup. It is a welcoming, clean, and above all, safe place, something that is of paramount importance to today’s international business traveller,” said Mr Richard Holmes, International Director of Meetings, ILAE and IBE. The Congress brought together clinicians and researchers from different continents, facilitating the exchange of knowledge about this medical condition. Participants shared scientific and educational programmes that covered clinical updates and treatments. The programme also catered to clinicians who are non-epileptologists and allied health professionals who provide epilepsy care. Amidst intensifying competition, Singapore is keenly aware of the need to continually re-invent itself to remain a relevant, compelling and appealing MICE destination. Mr Arlando said: “Singapore is moving beyond being merely an efficient and effective venue. We strive to be a catalyst for business success and an exchange capital of the world where people, technology and ideas converge to create value for both business events and visitors.” With new developments such as the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort and the redevelopment of the Marina Bay area into a vibrant MICE hub that will offer up to 200,000 sqm of convention and exhibition space, as well as exciting and enriching leisure and entertainment options, the stage is set for the SECB to partner the industry to attract, create and grow even more strategic business events. Theodore Koumelis - Monday, September 03, 2007

Revenues from ancillary services an underdeveloped area in Indian aviation market

76% of Full Service Carrier(FSC) passengers and just under 79% of Low Cost Carrier (LCC) passengers in the Indian domestic aviation market were extremely, perhaps surprisingly, prepared to pay for in-flight catering if traveling on an LCC according to a new survey by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Only 29% of FSC and 21% of LCC passengers expressed a willingness to pay for LCC in-flight entertainment.

In regard to accommodation services, less than 7% of surveyed FSC and LCC passengers had arranged accommodation using the airline’s website.

Nearly 63% of FSC buyers used a travel agent to arrange accommodation, virtually the same as LCC buyers (nearly 64%).

These responses would draw to the conclusion that non-ticket revenues represent a largely untapped revenue potential for Indian airlines. Furthermore, as retail opportunities definitely exist in the Indian aviation sector (see Part 4 of this survey), it is logical to assume that airlines could also look at in-flight sales as an additional source of ancillary revenue.

These areas of activity could forseeably play a role in returning some LCCs to profitability earlier than expected.

Vicky Karantzavelou - Monday, September 03, 2007

Aviation industry registers record traffic volumes

Year-on-year passenger demand was up 5.9% for July 2007 over July 2006 while passenger demand grew 6.2% during the January-July period over the same period in 2006 according to traffic results released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for July 2007 .

Other highlights are:

• Much of this growth is facilitating economic development as business traffic is growing faster than economy traffic on long-haul routes.
• The average passenger load factor hit a record 81% in July, up 0.3% from the previous high in July 2006.



• With the exception of April 2007, monthly load factors have risen every month during the past two years.



• The average load factor during January-July 2007 was 76.5%, up from 76% recorded during the same period in 2006.
• Airlines in the Middle East continued the double-digit growth seen over the last three years with demand growth of 18.8% in July. Improved demand growth in Asia Pacific (5.5%) and Europe (4.5%), which together comprise almost two-thirds of total international traffic, boosted overall July results.

“Efficiency is the story of the summer. More people are travelling than ever before with airlines registering a monthly record of over 220 billion revenue passenger kilometres in July with record load factors. Combine that with a 10.5% improvement in fuel efficiency and a 56% increase in labour productivity since 2002 and it’s clear industry efficiencies have hit an all-time high,” said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA. “But there are risks. If the volatility in global stock markets begins to affect the wider economy, the spin-off effect could put a drag on demand. Airlines will have to maintain a prudent approach to adding new capacity.”

From 18 to 28 September the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will meet in Montreal. Aviation and the environment will be the number one issue discussed.

“Industry efficiency translates into improved environmental performance. Airlines contribute 2% of manmade C02. IATA’s vision is to do even better. We are targeting carbon neutral growth in the near term. And in the longer-term our goal is nothing less than to become carbon-free. The challenge for the 190 contracting States of ICAO is to deliver the global political leadership needed to bring this vision to reality,” said Bisignani.

Industry Registers Record Traffic Volumes, Load Factors in July

July 2007 vs July 2006	RPK Growth	ASK Growth	PLF
Africa	5.9%	6.1%	71.7
Asia/Pacific	5.5%	4.9%	78.5
Europe	4.5%	4.2%	82.1
Latin America	6.7%	8.2%	79.5
Middle East	18.8%	14.4%	80.2
North America	3.7%	4.2%	85.6
Industry	5.9%	5.5%	81.0

Jan-July 2007 vs Jan-July 2006	RPK Growth	ASK Growth	PLF
Africa	9.6%	7.6%	68.4
Asia/Pacific	6.1%	5.2%	75.0
Europe	4.9%	4.2%	77.2
Latin America	2.0%	2.6%	72.7
Middle East	16.8%	13.7%	75.3
North America	4.9%	4.8%	81.1
Industry	6.2%	5.5%	76.5

RPK: Revenue Passenger Kilometres measures actual passenger traffic ASK: Available Seat Kilometres measures available passenger capacity PLF: Passenger Load Factor is % of ASKs used. In comparison of 2007 to 2006, PLF indicates point differential between the periods compared.

Vicky Karantzavelou - Monday, September 03, 2007

Yemenia opts for global IT-services of Aviareps

Avianet, a wholly owned Aviareps’ subsidiary in the IT-sector is to handle Yemenia airline’s CRS connectivity in 17 locations worldwide. Under this contract, the acknowledged IT service provider sets up, supports and maintains Yemenia’s reservation system access via AVIANET’s global VPN network.

"The IT solution offered by Avianet is extremely cost effective and enables the customer to focus on his core business. Further clients such as Ethiopian Airlines, Air Madagascar and Air Namibia already rely on the professional IT-services of the company," said the company.

Yemenia is the official carrier of the state of Yemen. The airline, founded in 1961 under the name of Yemen Airways Company, initially served three domestic and two regional destinations with two air planes. Today, the fleet consists of nine modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Building on its good reputation in service and safety, Yemenia currently flies to 23 destinations in Asia, Africa and Europe.

Viva Macau expects high growth in traffic from Sydney to Macau

A significant growth in Australians traveling to the fast-growing Las Vegas of the East is expected following commencement of direct flights between Sydney and Macau launched by Viva Macau, Asia’s newest international low-fare airline.

At the “Welcome to Viva Macau” service launch commemoration held at Sydney International Airport, Viva Macau’s CEO, Con Korfiatis said that there has never been a better time for Australians to discover Macau particularly following the opening of the world’s largest integrated resort in Macau this week.

Korfiatis said, “The opening of Venetian Macao introduces an additional 3,000 suites, world class leisure and entertainment offerings, as well as the largest conference and exhibition facilities providing venues for international events in Macau, a vibrant city that has already attracted the world’s attention with its own charm of mixed culture.”

“We are the only airline that flies between Australia and Macau,” he added.

Korfiatis also announced a special promotion offering return ticket and three-night accommodation in a 72 square meter suite at the Venetian Macao.

At the event, Korfiatis was joined by the Honorable John Aquilina MP, Leader of the House, Parliament of New South Wales, Mr. Zhu Xiaochuan, Counselor of Consulate-General of the People`s Republic of China in Sydney, Mr. Liu Cheng, Director of China National Tourism Office in Sydney, Mr. Rod Gilmour, General Manager Corporate Affairs of Sydney Airport Corporation Limited, Mr. Marcus Gutierrez, Vice President of Casa de Macau.

Eng. Joao Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), who also sent his representative, Ms. Helen Wong, General Manager of MGTO Sydney, to attend the event, said, “We are very happy to see Viva Macau flying to Australia, contributing this way to the diversification of our tourism markets, specially now when Macau enters a new era of the conference and exhibition facilities.”

Viva Macau flies three times a week between Sydney and Macau, operated by Boeing 767 wide-body aircraft with twin-class seating: Premium and Economy Class.

BAA Says No Airport Sale Plans

BAA, the owner of Britain's three biggest airports, is not planning to sell any airports and has not decided on any job cuts, the firm said on Thursday after a newspaper said it was planning 2,000 job cuts.

However, BAA, the airport unit of Spanish infrastructure and construction firm Ferrovial, said it was undertaking a review of back-office functions, which did not involve security or customer service staff at its airports.

"No conclusions have yet been reached, and the review is ongoing," BAA said.

The Times newspaper reported on Thursday that BAA, whose airports include London's Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, was looking to cut up to 2,000 jobs and may be preparing to sell one or more of its airports.

"Ferrovial have a huge debt burden, and they can't sustain that," The Times quoted a BAA source as saying. "They are really drilling down costs, and there is going to be a complete restructuring of the business, with a couple of thousand of jobs going. It cannot be the security staff, but every other element of the business is up for review."

Stephen Nelson, CEO of BAA, hit back on Thursday, calling the report exaggerated and misleading.

"No decisions have been taken around the loss of support jobs, and we do not recognize the specific number used by The Times," he said.

Ferrovial declined to comment on the matter on Thursday.

BAA has come under criticism for delays and ageing infrastructure at Heathrow and Gatwick. The British airport operator was bought by Ferrovial in a GBP10.1 billion pound (USD$20.4 billion), debt-fueled takeover last year. (Reuters)

Young management trainees run Gulf Air for a day

Young Bahraini management trainees will be given an opportunity of a lifetime by Gulf Air, allowing them to run the airline for a day. “The key ingredient for a successful organization is its people and these young Bahrainis are going to be the leaders who will fly Gulf Air into a promising future,” says Acting President and Chief Executive Bjorn Naf.

“Aviation is a very complex business and there is nothing better than letting them experience what it’s like being a CEO for a day for their national carrier so they can experience what its like to lead in such a challenging work environment,” says Mr. Naf, who devised the idea.

As part of the deal, young management trainees will spend a full day with the CEO of the company, including shadowing him at meetings with senior management and staff.

The move is part of Gulf Air’s commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment in which these individuals are recruited, trained and empowered to take up positions of leadership in the airline while fulfilling their personal aspirations.

The management trainees are part of Gulf Air’s 24-month Graduate Entry Management programme, which rotates young graduates through the business giving them an insight into complexity of the aviation industry. During this period, they are exposed and trained to acquire functional and management skills through performance management and formal training intervention. On completion, graduates are placed in junior management roles as the first step on a structured career track.