Indian Finance Minister inaugurates first Boeing 777 flight from Delhi to Brussels: Brussels Airport, Jet Airways and Brussels Airlines present close

The Indian Finance Minister, Mr. Chidambaram, arrived in Brussels. He flew with the first Jet Airways Boeing 777-300 ER flight from Delhi to Brussels and experienced at first hand the efficiency and comfort of the European hub of Jet Airways. The Chairman of Jet Airways, Mr. Naresh Goyal, welcomed Minister Chidambaram to Brussels Airport, together with Mr. Wilfried Van Assche, CEO of Brussels Airport and Mr. Philippe Vander Putten, CEO of Brussels Airlines. Mr. Chidambaram also unveiled a plaque commemorating this first Boeing 777-300ER from Delhi to Brussels.Brussels Airport as a unique transfer experience

Brussels Airport, Jet Airways and Brussels Airlines took the opportunity to present their close mutual cooperation to the Indian and Belgian media. Jet Airways, the leading Indian private sector carrier, Brussels Airport and Brussels Airlines jointly offer a unique travel experience to India, with its unequalled service and quality level.

Jet Airways is the largest and finest private sector airline in India. Jet Airways chose Brussels Airport as its European hub because of the efficiency of this hub, the central location of Brussels and the available expansion options from Brussels Airport. Jet Airways opens up India from Brussels, with flights to Delhi and Mumbai, and even more Indian destinations are in the pipeline. The airline is setting new quality and service standards in the sector.

Brussels Airport guarantees the most efficient, seamless transfer experience in Europe. Individual passenger care is taken to a higher level and the airport will be investing in advanced design infrastructure.

Brussels Airlines guarantees punctual and daily flights from and to 55 European cities, of which a major part connects well with the Jet Airways flights. Moreover, the departure times of Brussels Airlines’ flights to 14 African destinations connect perfectly with the flight schedules of Jet Airways, thus allowing also efficient and comfortable connections to these destinations. As such Brussels Airlines and Jet Airways, who are code share partners for the flights to India, are effectively opening ‘the gates’ to India.

A unique transfer product
Brussels Airport, Brussels Airlines and Jet Airways have created a unique transfer product. Brussels Airport will increasingly become a major European hub for flights to India, Africa, Canada and the United States, thus linking up large parts of the world.

The cooperation between the three partners entails commitments such as absolute dedication on the transfer flights, in service and assistance, quality, comfort and efficiency. Jet Airways and Brussels Airlines have also entered into a code share agreement for the flights to India, which will be extended with more destinations in the short term. This agreement renders the frequent flyer programmes of Jet Airways and Brussels Airlines compatible.

As the airport of the capital of Europe, Brussels Airport aims to offer more direct connections to the rest of the world. The new cooperation helps strengthen the airport’s international position.
The airport currently welcomes 17 million passengers per year. Jet Airways will contribute a further 1 million passengers per year, with additionally the transfer passengers travelling through Brussels Airport with Brussels Airlines and Jet Airways.

Swiss to invest over one billion CHF in fleet renewal activities

Swiss is to invest substantially more than CHF 1 billion in renewing its intercontinental aircraft fleet, replacing nine Airbus A330-200s with bigger and more advanced A330-300s. With the service entry of the new aircraft, Swiss will provide First Class cabins throughout its long-haul fleet.

According to the carrier, it will also be the only airline in the world to offer First Class to all its long-haul destinations. With the Airbus A330-300s accommodating more seats than the aircraft they replace, the fleet renewal will also increase Swiss`s long-haul seating capacity. Swiss can thus benefit from the present market growth while simultaneously achieving a 13-per-cent reduction in the specific CO2 emissions of its A330 fleet. Swiss will also be adding four more Airbus A320 aircraft to its European operations over the next few years. Swiss is investing substantially more than CHF 1 billion in its long-haul aircraft fleet, replacing nine of its eleven Airbus A330-200 aircraft with new A330-300s. The resulting capacity increase will allow Swiss to secure its share of the projected market growth. The additional seats also enable the company to further reduce its costs per seat and thereby sharpen its competitive edge.

"Swiss is investing in modernising and enlarging its fleet," says CEO Christoph Franz. "And it`s our improved profitability that has given us this scope to ensure that we remain wholly competitive in the longer term. Swiss is growing steadily and sustainably."

Lufthansa is also supporting Swiss in its forward-looking strategy, which will further strengthen the role and position of the Zurich hub. By purchasing the nine new aircraft, Swiss will also substantially increase the proportion of owned aircraft in its long-haul fleet. The new transports will also enable the company to reduce the specific CO2 emissions of its Airbus A330 contingent by a further 13 per cent. The Swiss fleet already consumes only 3.8 litres of fuel per 100 passenger-kilometres, a 16-per-cent reduction on the 4.5 litres of five years ago. First Class to all intercontinental destinations

After replacing its Airbus A330-200s with the larger A330-300, Swiss will feature First Class cabins throughout its long-haul fleet. The investment will thus make Swiss the only airline in the world to offer First Class to all its intercontinental destinations, further enhancing its credentials as a top quality airline. Swiss`s Airbus A330-200s will be gradually and seamlessly phased out in favour of the more advanced A330-300s. The first four A330-300s will enter service in 2009, with the remaining five following in 2010 and 2011. Two of the present eleven-member A330-200 fleet will be replaced next year with the previously-announced arrival of two further Airbus A340s, which will also be equipped with First Class cabins. An expanded European fleet

Swiss will also take delivery of two more Airbus A320s for its European fleet at the beginning of next year. And the company is purchasing two new A320s for delivery in 2011 and 2012. The four additional A320s will enable Swiss to benefit from the present growth in the European air transport market and to further expand its network in response to demand. The above capacity increases will also provide more jobs at Swiss: a further 165 positions will be created in the company`s flying corps alone.

Changi lauded in Best Airport awards

European business travellers have once again voted Singapore’s Changi Airport the ‘Best Airport in the World’ – the twentieth consecutive year in which the airport has won the title. Changi Airport has held the title, which is awarded by Business Traveller magazine, since 1988.

The award followed last week’s announcement that the magazine’s readers in the Asia-Pacific region had also voted Changi ‘Best Airport in the World’ for 16 years in a row. In April this year, Changi was voted ‘Best Airport in the World’ by the Middle East edition of the magazine – a title it has held for the past four years.

“Winning these awards is an endorsement that we are doing most things right,” says Lim Kim Choon, director general and chief executive officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. “Nonetheless, we are also aware that there are areas we can do better and we are seeking ways to continuously improve our service standards and facilities further.”

Fire drill at Singapore Changi

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) conducted a fire drill at Singapore Changi Airport’s new Terminal 3 as part of a series of tests and trials ahead of the launch of flight operations on 9 January 2008. The drill demonstrated the operational readiness of the Airport Emergency Service (AES).

The drill simulated a fire starting in a restaurant’s kitchen, leading to smoke engulfing the restaurant. Simulated casualties with injuries were also deployed to enhance the realism of the exercise. In response, more than 10 airport emergency officers were activated to ensure the swift evacuation of the terminal building and effective mitigation of the situation. About 250 participants, including airport agency staff, airport tenants and other volunteers, took part in the drill.

CAAS’s director general and chief executive officer, Lim Kim Choon, says, “The exercise enabled AES to put into effect Terminal 3’s Fire Emergency Plan and familiarise the fire wardens and airport staff with the evacuation routes and fire assembly areas.

The fire drill is one of 50 trials and tests being conducted at Terminal 3 prior to its opening.

Boeing 787 Could Be Unsafe - Report

Boeing's new carbon-composite 787 Dreamliner may turn out to be unsafe and could lead to more deaths in crashes, according to a report by veteran journalist Dan Rather to be broadcast in the United States.

The new plane, which is mostly made from brittle carbon compounds rather than flexible aluminium, is more likely to shatter on impact and may emit poisonous chemicals when ignited, Rather will report based on interviews with a former Boeing engineer and various industry experts, according to a transcript of the show.

"The problem is all the unknowns that are being introduced and then explained away as if there is no problem," said Vince Weldon, a former Boeing engineer, in an interview to be broadcast as part of Rather's report.

Weldon compares a recent crash in a standard aluminium plane where the dented but intact fuselage kept fire at bay and allowed the passengers to leave the plane alive.

"With a composite airframe, the fuselage would not crumple, it would shatter... that shattered hole would be there for the fire that's going into the airplane," Weldon says in the interview. "Instead of everyone getting out, it would be a far less positive result."

Weldon says he was fired by Boeing after a 46-year career because of his persistent complaints about the design of the 787. He claims he represents the view of others at Boeing who were afraid to speak out.

Boeing, which did not provide officials for on-camera interviews in Rather's report, said on Tuesday Weldon's claims were not valid and the plane would not fly if it is not safe.

"We've looked at Mr. Weldon's claims. We've had technical committees review them. We do an exceptional amount of testing," said Lori Gunter, a spokeswoman for Boeing's commercial plane unit. "Absolutely, these materials are safe. They are tested, they will be certified."

She said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must find the 787 to be as crashworthy as aluminium planes, and the plane was doing well in those tests so far. She declined to comment on the circumstances of Weldon's departure from Boeing.

Boeing's lightweight, fuel-efficient 787, which has become its most successful plane launch ever, is set for its first test flight between mid-November and mid-December after a three month delay due to a shortage of bolts and problems programming the flight control software.

The first 787 is due to be delivered to Japan's All Nippon Airways in May next year, meaning it will have at most six months of flight tests, much shorter than previous airliner programs.

Boeing's rival Airbus is also working on a composite fuselage for its new A350 jet, but it is some years behind Boeing in the design and production process.

In Rather's report, Weldon and other experts also argue that the carbon-composite fuselage would not survive a lightning strike as well as aluminium, would emit toxic fumes when burning, and could easily be damaged without any visible sign.

Weldon says Boeing was misrepresenting to airlines the ease of maintenance on carbon fuselage planes. The report cites experts referring to Airbus planes that had carbon parts with problems that were not easily visible.

Rather's report also includes aviation experts who see little or no problem with the 787.

"I'm excited to ride on the 787. I'm excited to fly in composite aircraft," says Joseph Rakow, an engineer at consulting company Exponent, in an interview in the report.

Todd Wissing, a commercial pilot, says he would fly the 787 as long as the composite materials are rigorously tested.

"We put safety as our top priority," says Wissing in the report. "We use the 21st century inspection methods with these new materials. Then we have complete confidence that we can get in that airplane with our passengers and go fly because that's what we can do."(Reuters)

Kuwait Talks To Boeing, Airbus On USD$4 Bln Order

Kuwait is in talks with Boeing and Airbus on buying about 36 aircraft for around USD$4 billion, a source close to the negotiations said on Tuesday.

Last month state-owned Kuwait Airways cancelled an order for 19 passenger planes worth about USD$3 billion from a local leasing company after parliament refused to approve funding.

Kuwait's transport minister now heads a committee comprising Kuwait Airways officials mandated to negotiate with Airbus and Boeing.

The committee "is due to present a report to parliament on what to buy, after two months", said the source, who declined to be identified. "There have been talks with the two companies."

Kuwait Airways lost most of its fleet -- 15 planes -- during Iraq's 1990-1991 occupation of the Gulf Arab oil producer.

The Middle East's fourth-largest oil producer is looking to buy Boeing 787 and Airbus A320 aircraft, said the source. The source did not say how Kuwait would fund the purchases. (Reuters)

AirAsia X Eyes 25 Airbus A350 Aircraft

AirAsia X, a Malaysian budget long haul carrier that counts British billionaire Richard Branson as a shareholder, is considering buying up to 25 Airbus A350 planes, the airline said on Tuesday.

"The A350 looks very good and that is the most logical choice as we are already on the Airbus, but we are also looking at Boeing," AirAsia X director Tony Fernandes said. "We would be foolish not to."

AirAsia X, which will make its debut soon, has already ordered 25 A330-300 planes for flights from Malaysia to Australia and China.

The need to plan ahead for new plane purchases is important given the long waiting time. Boeing's 787 planes could take as long as five years to deliver and the A350s could take up to seven years.

"It's a long way away, but around about the same number of planes that we have now," AirAsia X Chief Executive Azlan Osman-Rani told reporters when asked about the number of additional planes the airline needs.

Malaysia's AirAsia owns a 20 percent stake in AirAsia X, as does Britain's Virgin Group, controlled by Branson.

Airasia X, which aims to fly 10 million passengers a year within five years, expects to list its shares on the Malaysian stock exchange by 2010, Azlan said.

Fernandes, who is also AirAsia chief executive, said his budget carrier has already hedged 40 percent of its fuel needs at the moment.

He said AirAsia's business has not been affected by Sunday's crash of a Thai budget airliner in the resort island of Phuket.

"It is very wrong of the press to indicate that low cost carriers are less safe," he said. AirAsia also operates in Indonesia and Thailand.

In Malaysia, shares of AirAsia as well as state carrier Malaysia Airlines have slumped as oil prices touch record highs.

US crude hit a new record on Tuesday above USD$81 per barrel on worries about rising demand amid tight world supplies heading into the winter heating oil season. (Reuters)

CAA steps in after collapse of Perfect Choice

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the United Kingdom has stepped in to protect customers booked with Perfect Choice after the company ceased trading. Perfect Choice was based in Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, and operated flights and package holidays to Turkey from major UK airports.

The firm held Air Travel Organiser`s Licence (ATOL) number 6048 issued by the CAA and provided a £486,283 bond. The CAA is currently making arrangements for customers abroad to complete their holidays and return to the UK, and to refund fully those with forward bookings.

There are an estimated 500 holidaymakers currently abroad and a further 1,250 with bookings who are yet to travel.

The CAA is currently issuing the following advice to customers of Perfect Choice:

Customers due to travel

• If you are due to travel on a Perfect Choice flight or air holiday you should submit a claim to the CAA. Claim forms are available on the ATOL website at atol.org.uk. Do not go to your departure airport as all holidays have been cancelled.

Customers currently abroad on holiday

• The CAA will be making arrangements to ensure customers with Perfect Choice remain in their holiday accommodation and fly home as planned.


• Information will be made available to representatives in resort, but if you have a query please contact the CAA during office hours on +44 (0)20 7453 6350.

Dubai promotes Ramadan to Japanese

As part of a marketing and promotional initiative to increase the number of overseas visitors to Dubai during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has launched its inaugural “Dubai – Taste of Ramadan” travel campaign in the Japanese market.

The DTCM initiative is a tourism campaign targeting Japanese leisure travellers to visit Dubai during the Holy Month and to experience first-hand the cultural attractions of Dubai during this special occasion.

The programme itself is regarded as a world first for a tourism office to conduct such a campaign highlighting the attractions of Ramadan to a non-Muslim overseas market. A special brochure in Japanese language, highlighting “Ramadan Tours”, provides visitors with a useful and reference to the attractions of Dubai during Ramadan as well as details of the Holy Month.

The brochure also features information about the sharing of Iftar dinners with local UAE populace, an overview of the special festivities planned at various heritage sites, the culinary delights of Iftar banquets at Dubai’s hotels, and a brief introduction of the “Ramadan Sales” shopping bargains offered by various retailers throughout the city.

Following a series of marketing initiatives and an official launch of the campaign by the DTCM Japan office in May earlier this year, the campaign has been warmly received by the Japanese travel industry with 10 major Japanese travel wholesalers and travel agents creating special “Ramadan Tours” in order to further promote the cultural attractions of Dubai to the Japanese.

According to DTCM`s estimations, through this programme an increasing number of Japanese and UAE residents will be able to create a meaningful and long lasting basis for greater mutual understanding between the two peoples at the grass-roots level.

The culturally themed tours are expected to prove popular especially among Japan’s senior leisure and young culture seeking women market segments who seek cross-cultural experiences with locals when choosing a potential holiday destination.

There is a great underlining interest among the Japanese regarding Arab and Islamic culture, however due to distance and language differences many Japanese were not aware of Dubai’s cultural attractions. The “Dubai – Taste of Ramadan” campaign will provide the vehicle to both simultaneously promote the local cultural richness of Dubai and the special attractions of Ramadan as a unique and special time of year for the Japanese to visit Dubai.

2007 is the inaugural launch of the campaign, which is expected to grow in scale every following year.

Last year, the number of Japanese visitors to Dubai saw an increase of over 37 per cent. This year too the increase is expected to continue as a higher number of Japanese arrived in the first six months, resulting in another 37 per cent increase in visitors compared to the same period in 2006.

The success of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM) activities in the Japanese market was recently recognised and acknowledged by the Japanese tourism industry, with DTCM being awarded the prestigious “Best Tourism Office” award by the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA). It is only the second time JATA has presented such an award.

Singapore and USA expand acceptance of aeronautical products

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have signed revised Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness (IPA) that will expand the scope of U.S. acceptance of aeronautical products from Singapore. The first Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement IPA was concluded between Singapore and the United States in 2004.

The revised IPA, which details the terms of acceptance, will further strengthen the technical cooperation between the two aviation authorities. A key highlight of the revision is FAA’s acceptance of certain supplemental type certificates (STCs) issued by CAAS on transport aircraft. STC is the certification of a major modification done on an aircraft. This new scope is in addition to the FAA’s acceptance of technical standard order appliances provided for in the earlier IPA.

With the revised agreement, Singapore-based aerospace companies can now seek CAAS certification of aircraft interior modifications done on any transport category aircraft. This will expedite their U.S. approval through validation, thus benefiting the aerospace companies.

The IPA was signed by Mr Lim Kim Choon, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer (DG & CEO), CAAS, and Mr Robert Sturgell, Acting Administrator, FAA, in Montreal, at the sidelines of the 36th Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly. The signing was witnessed by Singapore’s Minister for Transport and the Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Raymond Lim, and the United States’ Head of Delegation, US Council Representative, Ambassador Donald Bliss.

DG & CEO Mr. Lim highlighted the key benefits of the expanded agreement to the aerospace industries of Singapore and the United States. “The signing of the revised IPA signifies the further strengthening of the regulatory cooperation in aviation safety between CAAS and the FAA. This will greatly benefit aerospace companies in both countries as they will be able to access more regulatory resources in a timely and less costly manner,” said Mr Lim.

Perth Convention Bureau becomes carbon neutral

In a move designed to promote Western Australia as a ‘green’ business events destination, the Perth Convention Bureau is offsetting its carbon footprint. The Bureau has joined WA-based Carbon Neutral, an environmental group that undertakes the planting of native trees to offset the carbon emissions of its contributing members.

Carbon Neutral has calculated the Bureau’s carbon footprint based on staff business travel over a 12 month period.

It is the first Bureau in Australia to formally embrace the burgeoning carbon neutral movement.

Says the Bureau’s Director of Corporate Services, Christine McLean: “As a long haul destination from the UK and Europe in particular, we are conscious of the need to be actively supporting an environmentally sustainable future. We have a real concern that delegates will curtail travel to conferences held here if they aren’t able to offset their carbon emissions.”

Mclean went on to say “Indeed, when bidding for international and national conferences there is a real possibility that we could lose out to other destinations that are recognised for their ‘green’ credentials. The news that Qantas has launched a carbon offset program is very welcome and will hopefully ensure that Australia continues to be seen as an attractive business events destination.”

The Bureau is also encouraging its members to embrace the carbon neutral movement.

Ms McLean said it was pleasing to see that one of its members, the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, had initiated a carbon offset program with the acquisition of 9.6 hectares of tropical rainforest in Ecuador.

Qantas launches carbon offset program

The Qantas Group launched a Carbon Offset Program, backed by a pledge to offset the carbon emissions of every international and domestic Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar flight on 19 September - the first day of the Program`s operation.

The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Mr Geoff Dixon, said Fly Carbon Neutral Day would involve almost 950 flights carrying over 100,000 passengers across the Group`s worldwide network.

"Qantas will pay to offset the equivalent of approximately 40,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases associated with these flights, with the money to be used to plant and maintain around 90,000 Mallee Eucalyptus trees across Australia in an agreement with CO2 Australia," Mr Dixon said.

"These trees will not only sequester carbon from the atmosphere but will also aid in the prevention of salinity, erosion and soil degradation and provide income for farmers."

Mr Dixon said that under the new program, Qantas and Jetstar passengers could elect to offset their share of flight emissions by making a small contribution through qantas.com and jetstar.com.

"We have undertaken a full Life Cycle Assessment of all operations, calculating the emissions associated with carrying a passenger from one point to another. An online calculator assesses data about the flight sector and automatically advises customers of their emissions and the cost of offsetting them. We have also committed to offsetting the emissions for all staff travelling for business purposes as well as those generated by the Group`s ground transport vehicles," added Mr. Dixon.

"All contributions will go towards Australia-based Greenhouse FriendlyTM approved abatement programs, which may include energy efficiency measures, generation of renewable energy and tree planting projects. These programs have been independently verified and subsequently authenticated by the Commonwealth Government`s Australian Greenhouse Office and either remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere or avoid their release in the first place."

Mr Dixon said the Qantas Group was focused on achieving a carbon dioxide savings target of more than two million tonnes by June 2011 through a range of environmental initiatives.

He said that in addition to its Carbon Offset Program, the Qantas Group was committed to driving improvements in fuel efficiency as a world leader in the development and application of technological innovation.

"Under our $25 billion fleet investment program, we are taking advantage of the latest airframe and engine designs, with both the B787 and A380 set to deliver improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions in the range of 10 to 25 per cent."

Mr Dixon said other technology-based and operational initiatives included:

• the establishment of a dedicated, business-wide Environment and Fuel Conservation department, which was working to deliver sustainable carbon dioxide emission reductions, with 130,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide saved in 2006/07 through its fuel conservation program alone, equivalent to the removal of 30,000 cars from Australian roads



• the use of Required Navigation Performance (RNP) advanced satellite navigation procedures that utilise Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to optimise flight approach and departure tracks


• the development of User Preferred Routes, enabling the airline to alter its flight paths where possible to make the best use of higher level wind patterns


• the introduction of Variable Cost Index Flight Planning to ensure aircraft operate at optimal speed, based on daily variation in wind, temperature and weight - maximising efficiency and reducing fuel burn and emissions.

He said Qantas would continue its focus on existing conservation strategies relating to energy, water, and waste usage in all areas of the operation - inflight and on the ground.

Finnair adds ARINC seatback messaging on new long-haul jets

Finnair, the national flag carrier of Finland, has asked its satellite solutions provider ARINC to deploy the ARINC seatback SMS / e-mail messaging service on Finnair’s newest A340 aircraft, used on Asian routes. The service is now operational on Finnair’s two newest A340’s, which were delivered in May and June, and ARINC will deploy the service on additional A340s after delivery in 2008.

Finnair joins five other airlines offering ARINC’s seatback messaging solution, with more airlines to be announced imminently. ARINC’s seatback messaging solution is a joint initiative of ARINC and Panasonic which runs on Panasonic’s 2000e, 3000, 3000i and latest eX2 platforms. Seatback messaging allows airline passengers to stay in touch with the ground by exchanging simple e-mails and SMS text messages using Panasonic’s In-Flight Entertainment handsets and seatback screens already installed on the aircraft.

Finnair, with its hub strategically located in Helsinki, is enjoying strong 30% annual traffic growth on its ten Asian routes. It is currently renewing its long-haul fleet with the new wide-body A340s.

“ARINC congratulates Finnair on its vision and its success in expanding service between Europe and Asia,” stated Ed Montgomery, ARINC Managing Director. “ARINC`s experience indicates seatback messaging is a convenience very much appreciated by passengers on today’s long international flights.”

“Finnair is pleased with the initial response of our customers to ARINC’s seatback messaging service,” stated Lohimaki Tero, Finnair, Director IFEC and Cabin Interiors. “We believe by allowing passengers to stay in touch during long flights we can make a positive contribution to their overall comfort and customer satisfaction.”

Durban International prepares for 2010 World Cup

As predicted in PassengerTerminalToday.com, work has officially started on a new international airport in Durban to cope with the expected influx of tourists for the 2010 World Cup.

South African transport minister Jeff Radebe says the new airport will be able to handle 7.5 million passengers annually and accommodate long-haul and the largest new generation commercial passenger aircraft. "The work we are doing here should bury whatever doubts that might still exist about our state of readiness for hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup," he said at a ceremony marking the start of construction and the start of a 1,000-day countdown to the tournament.

King Shaka International airport is being constructed by the Ilembe consortium, led by Group Five and Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon. The Indiza group, which included Grinaker-LTA.

Officials are playing down suggestions that the Indiza consortium, led by Grinaker-LTA, will challenge the tender award in the courts. Radebe says the contract was fairly awarded to the Illembe consortium. "It is now all systems go for the construction," he said.

Rohan Persad, CEO of Dube Tradeport, which awarded the contract, says, “It is not a threat at all.” He says the consortium lodged a dual application and that Dube Tradeport is prepared to defend its decision in court.

South Africa is undergoing a major overhaul of its transport system in preparation for the World Cup, which it hopes will act as a catalyst for economic growth and a boom in tourism. The airports at Johannesburg and Cape Town are being expanded, new roads are being built and rail links upgraded in a package costing more than US$5.6 billion.

Golden triangle services before year end

By the end of the year, business executives will be able to fly on a so-called ‘golden triangle’ of direct routes between the main business centres in China, Japan and Korea. Services between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport will begin on 29 September, while flights to Seoul's Kimpo Airport will begin shortly.

There will be four exchange flights between Haneda Airport and Hongqiao Airport every day. Two Japanese carriers, JAL and ANA, and two Chinese Carriers, China Eastern and Shanghai Airline, will operate the flights.

Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is located only 13km from Shanghai's city centre, and central Tokyo is 16km, or just under 30 minutes, from Haneda Airport. "Most of the passengers are travelling on business," says a representative of ANA Sky's business department.

Interestingly, both Hongqiao and Haneda are domestic airports. Hongqiao switched to domestic flights when Pudong Airport was finished in 1999.

Monkey business in New Delhi

Airport officials in New Delhi were forced to close the VIP lounge and security area for more than an hour when a monkey scampered into the international departures terminal. Wildlife experts were called upon to capture the animal, and they used fruit to lure it into a net. The animal reportedly entered the building through a hole in the ceiling during construction work.

Phuket Airport reopens after crash

Phuket International Airport has reopened following Sunday's crash of a budget passenger airliner in which 89 people were killed and more than 40 injured. More than a thousand passengers were stranded at the airport after the crash, and services were suspended Sunday afternoon. The crashed plane, which was operated by Thai budget carrier One-Two-Go, skidded off a runway at Phuket International Airport during a landing attempt in heavy rain and strong crosswinds.

Gulf Air heralds new aviation era for the Kingdom

Bahrain`s aviation achieved a new milestone as the Kingdom`s flag carrier Gulf Air made its first flight with a Bahrain registered aircraft. Flight GF056, operated by Airbus A340 under the Bahraini registration A9C-LB, flew to Mumbai, India on the maiden voyage under the command of Bahraini Gulf Air Captain Nabeel Al Khayyer.

Bahrain Finance Minister H.E. Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa with Gulf Air Board Chairman Mahmood Al Kooheji and Civil Aviation Undersecretary Captain Abdulrahman Al Gaoud with other senior Civil Aviation and Gulf Air Management officials at the airport to see first Bahrain-registered Gulf Air aircraft take off.

"This is a milestone for the Kingdom of Bahrain, and it also reflects the commitment of the whole country towards the flag carrier," says Gulf Air Board Chairman Mahmood Al Kooheji.

"After the successful implementation of the new network, Gulf Air adds Bahrain`s aircraft registration as another milestone in its flight plan to success." "We want to thank everyone involved in the aircraft registration process, especially the Civil Aviation team, working under the guidance of H.H. Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and headed by Captain Abdulrahman AlGaoud for their outstanding support and professionalism to make this happen," says Gulf Air Board Chairman Mahmood Al Kooheji.

"I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to Gulf Air employees for their hardwork, dedication and commitment to bring in a new era for our airline," says Mr. Al Kooheji, who also expressed gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for making the start of this registration process, a smooth transition.

Gulf Air`s acting Chief Executive Bjorn Naf echoed similar remarks and signaled a positive direction for Gulf Air.

"Gulf Air is the most established carrier in the region and this milestone will see the beginning of more positive things to come," says Mr. Naf.

"We are thankful to the entire team, which has made this changeover happen in a record time," says Mr. Naf, adding that the re-registration process for the entire Gulf Air fleet will be completed by the end of the year.

Swissport and easyJet conclude ground handling agreement for Zurich Airport

Swissport International has concluded a new collaboration agreement with easyJet for the provision of ground services at Zurich Airport. Under the new accord, Swissport Zurich will handle some 12 flights a week for the rapidly-growing low-cost carrier from September 18 onwards.

EasyJet will initially operate two services a day on its new Zurich-London (Luton) route. Following the example of their developing bases at Basel & Geneva, the company could potentially further expand its Zurich-based network, and operate daily services to various destinations throughout Europe.

“We’re very pleased to have concluded our new Swissport agreement,” says Jean-Marc Thevenaz, Managing Director of easyJet Switzerland. “Our collaborations at Basel and Geneva and elsewhere in Europe have been very fruitful; and it’s these positive experiences that have prompted us to put our faith in Swissport’s quality handling product for our new Zurich operations.”

“We welcome this extension of our easyJet collaboration,” adds Adrian Melliger, Swissport International’s Senior Vice President Ground Handling Switzerland & Germany. “And we’re delighted that the excellence of our value-for-money services elsewhere has convinced our partner to make use of them in Zurich, too.”

The low-fare segment remains extremely popular among air travellers, as its above-average growth continues to confirm. By 2010, one European passenger in three is expected to be travelling with a budget airline.

Changi Airport breaks record in international airport survey

In the latest poll conducted among business travellers in the United Kingdom and Europe, Singapore Changi Airport is lauded the ‘Best Airport in the World’ for 20 consecutive years. Changi Airport has held this title since 1988, making it the longest reigning champion in the history of this survey. Business Traveller (United Kingdom/Europe) magazine, which conducted the annual readers’ poll, presented the award to Changi at a ceremony in London on 17 September 2007.

Just three days ago at the 2007 Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards ceremony, Changi clinched the ‘Best Airport in the World’ award for 16 years in a row, and another ‘Best Airport Duty Free in the World’ title, which it has held for the past 10 consecutive years. The Middle East edition of Business Traveller magazine also accorded Changi its fourth ‘Best Airport in the World’ award in April this year,

Besides maintaining a strong foothold in long-running surveys, Changi performed equally well in newer surveys. In a poll organised by two-year old UltraTravel, a British upmarket travel publication, Changi topped the charts when the magazine’s readers voted it the ‘Best Airport Worldwide’. An award was presented to Changi at The Ultras awards ceremony held in May 2007.

Changi also receives recognition for its efforts in its retail offerings. This year is the second time that saw Changi winning two ‘Airport Authority withthe Most Supportive Approach to Travel Retail’ awards from Duty Free News International & Travel Retailer International. One was presented at the Raven Fox Global Travel Retail Award while another at the Raven Fox Awards for Travel-Retail in Asia/Pacific 2007.

Other than these awards, Changi has also won best airport awards given out by two UK magazines - Buying Business Travel and Wanderlust, and two Asia Pacific publications – DestinAsian and Cargonews Asia. This brings to total 11 best airport awards so far this year.

Reflecting on Changi’s awards record, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lim Kim Choon said, “Changi’s consistent performance in many of these international airport surveys may not surprise most people. Winning these awards is an endorsement that we are doing most things right. Nonetheless, we are also aware that there are areas we can do better and we are seeking ways to continuously improve our service standards and facilities further.”

Dubai Metro Trains to undergo dynamic tests in Japan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IMEX announces sustained growth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dubai braces for big Moscow fair participation

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

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

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

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

Changi Airport unveils new high-definition entertainment lounge

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

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

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

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

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

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

US Airways is to hire record number of new pilots

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

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

Asia Pacific business travellers vote for Emirates

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

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

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

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

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

Vicky Karantzavelou - Monday, September 17, 2007

Jazeera Airways starting to operate Maldives route

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)