China Southern Airlines and KLM parnter for Beijing 2008

China Southern Airlines, in cooperation with partner KLM, and upon request by the Dutch travel agent ATP, will transport Dutch participants and visitors to and from the Olympics in Beijing in 2008. China Southern Airlines , KLM and ATP, the official handling agent for the Dutch NOC*NSF Olympic organization, recently signed an exclusive agreement, stating to transport the many hundreds of athletes, coaches, sponsors and other people involved to the various locations for the Olympic Games, which shall officially start on August 8, 2008 in the Chinese capital of Beijing.

Mr. Ren Yongdong, General Manager of China Southern Airlines Europe stated: "As a Chinese airline we are honored to act as a bridge between The Netherlands and China for this world famous sports event."

For China Southern`s partner KLM, as well as for ATP, this agreement lies within a tradition of facilitating the flights to and from the Olympic Games. "We are very proud that ATP has granted KLM this prestigious honor once more", said Director of KLM the Netherlands, Bram Graber, after the signing of the agreement.

For China Southern, having operated the routing of Amsterdam - Beijing - Guangzhou for more than 10 years, and with the six year code-share service with KLM, this project is considered an important milestone of the partnership between the two airlines.

Mr. Ren stated to believe that the city of Beijing and its people in one year’s time will be fully prepared for the Olympic Games.

"We are very much content with this cooperation between China Southern Airlines, KLM and ATP", stated Mr. Ren Yongdong, China Southern`s General Manager of Europe. "We feel very proud to welcome the many Dutch athletes and visitors in our China in 2008. And of course we wish the athletes all the best of luck!"

Guam to exhibit at JATA

As in previous years, the Guam Visitors Bureau will be present at the “JATA World Tourism Congress & Travel Fair”, which will be held at the Tokyo Big Sight from September 13th to 16th, 2007. The JATA World Tourism Congress & Travel Fair is comprised of two separate but complementary events. The JATA World Tourism Congress is a marketing conference centered around a particular theme relevant to today`s travel and tourism professionals.

This year’s theme is ‘Revitalizing the Japanese Travel Market, An Industry-wide Debate on Japan`s Global Competitiveness.’ Over the past four years, the focus has been on building the foundation for a 20 million outbound traveler market. In 2007 there will be a consolidation of the knowledge gleaned from past conferences to critically assess how to revitalize the Japanese travel industry, taking into consideration such issues as positioning, travel and revenue volume and product and service quality.

The JATA World Travel Fair is both a trade fair featuring a dedicated day for exhibitors to meet one-on-one with the Japanese travel trade and a consumer travel show where destinations and suppliers can showcase their travel offerings and appeal directly to potential Japanese travelers. As in previous years, several Guam properties, optional tours and businesses have come aboard to join the bureau in its overall Guam marketing efforts.

In addition to providing information on all topics related to tourism at its Guam booth, which will also feature over 10 hotels, shopping centers and travel agencies with their own distinct sections, the GVB will further state its presence at JATA WTF 2007 through several attractions to be held on the performance stage of the booth.

In 2006, the fair came to a close with a total of 106,241 visitors attending the annual event. The total count exceeded 2005 numbers by 2,037. The travel trade, press and general public eagerly perused through the 924 exhibition booths showcasing food, culture, travel packages, products and other incentives from 131 countries and regions.

Beijing shows off new, expensive airport

BEIJING (AP) — Beijing showed off its new multibillion-dollar airport terminal Wednesday - a mammoth structure of glass and steel with a gracefully sloping roof that the owners said is meant to impress visitors to China's capital for the 2008 Olympics.

Terminal 3 at the Beijing Capital International Airport is a centerpiece project for the Olympics designed to relieve the overloaded airport's other two terminals and accommodate the city's torrid growth for the next seven years, executives with the airport's state-run holding company said at a tour for foreign media.

The terminal, which will be opened for testing in February, is outfitted with a state-of-the-art-baggage handling system, a rail terminal to carry passengers into the city, and gates and a runway capable of handling Airbus' huge A380 superjumbo.

The terminal building alone cost $2.8 billion, and $4.6 billion was spent on all the related infrastructure added in, the executives said.

The terminal is an "important non-competition venue" for the Aug. 8-24, 2008, Olympics, said Zhang Zhizhong, general manager of Capital Airport Holding Co. He said it is intended to "give an excellent impression when visitors arrive at the airport."

Designed by British architect Norman Foster, the building attempts to combine traditional architectural elements with up-to-date technology. Its red columns and muted gold roof are meant to evoke Beijing's imperial palaces and temples while the $250 million baggage system, made by German engineering giant Siemens AG, can handle 19,000 pieces of luggage an hour, the executives said.

Beijing desperately needs a new airport, with the double-digit economic growth of recent years outstripping city planners' original projections and stressing the capital's infrastructure. The capital airport's second terminal, which opened eight years ago, quickly reached its limits, and long lines for check-in and flight delays.

Sept. 11 Damages Trial To Hear Cockpit Tapes

Tapes of the final moments before one of the hijacked airliners in the September 11 attacks crashed into the ground in Pennsylvania may be played at the first case over damages from the attacks to go to trial, a judge has ruled.

The last four minutes of the recording of United Airlines Flight 93 with sounds of passengers trying to force entry into the cockpit and to retake the plane in 2001, was ruled admissible by US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein.

The first of 41 cases left filed by September 11 victims who sued airlines and their security contractors for wrongful death is set to begin September 24. That case was filed by the wife of Patrick Driscoll, 70, who died aboard United Flight 93.

The recordings have not been released publicly but were played in court at the trial of convicted September 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui in 2006.

In a bid to encourage further settlements, the judge ruled in July that the first trials would only address damages and a second separate trial would address liability.

The plaintiff's lawyer, Donald Migliori, said the recordings that will be played, which will also include the voice of one or two of the hijackers saying they have a bomb on board, was the most important evidence at the trial.

He said most of the plaintiffs were "glad the process is starting" but frustrated the issue of damages will be decided before liability, which decides who is responsible.

"The remaining families want to be telling their stories in the full context as to why the aviation defendants should be held accountable for letting the hijackers on board with impermissible weapons," he said. (Reuters)

ANA Suspends All Bombardier Flights

All Nippon Airways said on Thursday it had suspended all flights using 14 Q400 aircraft made by Bombardier after the Canadian government said the craft must be inspected.

Bombardier asked airlines worldwide on Wednesday to ground 60 of its turboprop planes for inspections after landing gear failures forced two planes to make crash landings in the last couple of days.

ANA suspended 19 flights on Thursday morning and does not know when it will resume services using Q400s, ANA spokeswoman Keiko Ninomiya said.

Japan Airlines said it had grounded all 10 of its aircraft of the same model earlier in the day but some are now up and flying after having been inspected. The airline suspended flights using three aircraft on Wednesday.

Japan has a total of 24 of the aircraft concerned, an official at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said. (Reuters)

SIA, A380 Charity Auction Raises Over S$1.9 Million

Bidders have opened their wallets with generosity and enthusiasm to support the Singapore Airlines A380 First Flight Charity Auction. With almost all seats now sold, the total committed to charities from sold packages so far is approaching S$2 million.

Just 24 seats, listed especially for ‘last chance’ bids, remain for those who are still keen to be part of this historical flight. The seats, in Business and Economy Class in both directions, and Singapore Airlines Suites on the Sydney-Singapore leg, will be open for bids until the end of this week.

Throughout the two weeks of the auction – conducted on eBay, the world’s largest online marketplace – around 2,000 bidders pre-qualified by paying a security deposit, while several thousand others registered, so far buying 638 seats on both legs of the flight.

All the proceeds raised from the auction will be split three ways, between Singapore and Sydney charities, and a global humanitarian organisation:

• One third to Singapore’s Community Chest
  
• One third between the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, both in Sydney
  
• One third to Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders.

Cheques will be presented to the beneficiary organisations in conjunction with the First Flight on 25 and 26 October.

Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Chew Choon Seng, thanked the thousands of bidders who participated, and congratulated those who were successful in their bids.

“The auction has provided many aviation enthusiasts around the world with the opportunity to bid to be a part of history. We are pleased that the charities will benefit meaningfully from the proceeds of the auction".

“We thank all participants who demonstrated such enthusiasm and generosity. Now we look forward to the delivery of this magnificent aircraft and introducing it into commercial service” Mr Chew said.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS

A record was achieved for the sale of the first Singapore Airlines Suites package on the Singapore-Sydney flight, which sold for US$100,380 (S$153,000). The bargain of the auction was a single Economy seat from Sydney to Singapore, which sold for US$560 (S$853).

One Singaporean purchased three Singapore Airlines Suites, two Business Class seats and an Economy Class seat on the Singapore-Sydney sector, paying US$56,000 (S$85,280) for the six seats.

Australians made up the largest nationality of successful bidders (15%), followed by Singaporeans (11%), Britons (6%), Americans (4%) and Germans (3%). The other 60% come from all over the world.

Successful bidders ranged in age, from a San Francisco man who will turn 22 on the day of the flight, to a 76 year old from Vancouver, Canada.

The auction was one of the largest charity auctions, and among the most complex, ever held on eBay, and the largest it has operated across the Asia-Pacific. Some 366 auction items have been listed over the last 2 weeks, including seats in all three classes, in singles, pairs and blocks.

The eBay pages hosting details of the Singapore Airlines A380 First Flight Charity Auction recorded over 26 million hits during the auction, with Australia, Germany, the US then Canada making up the most visitors to the sites. Data suggests internet users from over 160 countries visited the auction pages at some point during the auction.

SIA to begin A380 flights

Singapore Airlines will begin scheduled services with the new Airbus A380 between Singapore and Sydney on Sunday 28 October 2007 as the carrier announced. The A380 will operate a daily return flight, replacing one of the three Boeing 747-400 services on the route. The aircraft will operate SQ221, departing Singapore in the evening and arriving into Sydney in the early morning, and return as SQ220, departing Sydney in the morning and arriving into Singapore is the early afternoon.

The 471-seat aircraft is configured in three classes: 12 Singapore Airlines Suites (on the main deck), 60 Business Class (on the upper deck) and 399 Economy Class seats (on both decks).

"Singapore Airlines is delighted to begin its operations using the new A380 to Sydney," as the carrier stated

The Business and Economy Class cabin products are modelled on those launched in late 2006 and currently featuring on the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, to global acclaim. The new Singapore Airlines Suites will be unveiled at the delivery of the A380 in October, and will feature inflight luxury, in a class beyond First.

Flight	Depart		Arrive
SQ 221	Singapore	2030	Sydney	0700 +1
SQ 220	Sydney	0850	Singapore	1345

Woman who bought £1.3m jet to beat the airport queues

By Amar Singh

A businesswoman has become the first Briton to own one of a new generation of relatively cheap private jets.

Jane Howell, a 47-year-old entrepreneur who made her fortune by developing and then selling an office interior design business, is planning to avoid the hassle and queues of airports by piloting her own £1.3 million Cessna Citation Mustang.

She plans to fly the six-seater jet over Europe, helping her to divide her time between homes in London, Salzburg and Portofino on the Italian Riviera.

She is also looking forward to stopping in the champagne region to stock up on wine.

Ms Howell, who used to fly propeller-driven aircraft, said flexibility meant she could beat the factors that delay commercial flights, such as fog or air traffic control problems.

"The difference is that I can check these things out before I leave home and alter my route or change the time I travel.

"I do not get stuck in packed airport departure lounges, waiting ages for announcements.

"The older I get, the more frustrating Peter Nicholls I find all the uncertainty and queuing of commercial f lights." Ascend, an aviation consultancy, announced today that British operators have ordered 200 very light jets which are deemed relatively easy to fly.

The six-seat Mustang, at about £1.3 million, is not the cheapest but Ms Howell said she chose it because it is simple for a solo pilot to fly.

She admitted having concerns about the environmental impact of flying but added: "The Mustang is one of the quietest and most fuel-efficient jets.

"Everyone has to make their own decision on how they want to live and mine is that I am going to fly my own jet." The Cessna Citation Mustang an "entry level business jet" costs about £150 per flying hour in maintenance and £150 an hour in fuel.

Ms Howell will also need to pay £10,000 in insurance, while airport parking can cost up to £5,000 a month.

"This is a significant day for Cessna," said Trevor Esling, vice-president of the company.

"The Mustang is ideally suited to the European marketplace and one third of our current order book is from European customers."

Bombardier Calls For Grounding Of Older Q400s

Bombardier said on Wednesday it recommended that Q400 aircraft with more than 10,000 landing gear cycles be grounded until an inspection is carried out after two crashes involving landing gear.

The Canada-based company said there were about 60 Q400 aircraft with more than 10,000 landing gear cycles. A cycle is one take-off and landing. Bombardier said it has delivered more than 160 Q400 aircraft to airlines around the world.

Bombardier, the world's third-largest manufacturer of civilian aircraft, said Transport Canada has been briefed on these recent events, and it is working with TC to establish the requirement for further possible corrective action.

Bombardier's recommendation follows crashes in Denmark on Sunday and in Lithuania on Wednesday. No one was seriously injured in either crash, according to officials.

"Until such time as investigations are concluded by the relevant aviation authorities, Bombardier cannot speculate or comment as to the cause of these incidents," the company said in a statement.

The Q400 turboprop can seat between 68 and 78 passengers, depending on configuration. (Reuters)

SAS Grounds Dash 8s After 2nd Crash Landing

Scandinavian Airlines grounded its entire fleet of Dash 8 turboprop planes and cancelled more than 100 flights after a second crash landing in four days.

An SAS plane with 52 people on board crash landed in Lithuania on Wednesday after the landing gear on the DHC-8-400 aircraft failed. Nobody was injured.

Another landing gear failure caused a similar SAS aircraft with 73 people on board to crash land on Sunday in Denmark, also without casualties.

SAS and its Wideroe subsidiary grounded their fleet of 27 Dash 8-400 aircraft until they can be inspected.

"If they are able to handle these problems through maintenance, the worst case scenario is they would lose SEK10 million Swedish kronor (USD$1.5 million) per day," said Jacob Pedersen, an analyst at Sydbank. "That's about half of a percent of what I expect SAS to earn pretax for the whole year.

"But they need to deal with this kind of fast. If they have to lease other planes there could be other costs. And if they have to change the whole landing gear on these planes it's an entirely different situation. That would be a very large bill."

The Dash 8-400 twin-engined turboprop is produced by Canada's Bombardier and can seat between 68 and 78 passengers.

SAS said Bombardier recommended that all Dash 8-400 planes worldwide with more than 10,000 landing gear cycles be grounded until inspections are carried out.

Aviation regulators in Denmark, Sweden and Norway also ruled that SAS's Dash 8-400 planes must not fly until they can be inspected.

"We grounded these planes immediately after this. Now we will conduct an investigation," said Anders Lundblad, a spokesman for the Swedish Civil Aviation Authority. "How long it will last, I guess we'll have a discussion with SAS about that." (Reuters)

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