Toronto looks forward to Emirates' arrival

Nigel Page, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, The Americas (left) sits with Peter Sedgley, Emirates Cargo Commercial Operations to share plans around the upcoming Toronto service at a press briefing at the Carlu in Toronto. The briefing was a scheduled part of the airline’s roadshow sales presentation hosted for hundreds of local travel and cargo agents from the area

In preparation for its anticipated arrival in Toronto, Emirates Airline hosted its roadshow event to introduce its products and services to travel and cargo agents. Emirates begins flying non-stop between Toronto and Dubai on 29th October operating its Boeing 777 -300ER aircraft on the route.

The event, which was attended by about 700 travel and cargo agents, introduced the audience to the airline’s various product and service offerings, its growing route network, tourism in Dubai, as well Emirates’ commitment to promoting Toronto as its first Canadian gateway.

“Not only do we see a great many travellers moving between Toronto and the Far and regional Middle East, we also see more and more Canadians choosing Dubai as a leisure destination,” said Nigel Page, Emirates Senior Vice President, Commerical Operations The Americas. “In addition, we expect to see more leisure travellers from our global network choosing Toronto for their vacation plans with the introduction of services.”

“Toronto looks forward to welcoming Emirates. The Toronto roadshow, hosting travel agents from across the region demonstrates a substantial commitment to the city. We look forward to working together through our promotional initiatives to enhance both inbound and outbound travel,” commented Roseanne Longo, Vice President, Leisure Trade Sales, Tourism Toronto.

The roadshow featured a multi-media presentation about Dubai and Emirates and a viewing gallery where guests have an opportunity to view a model of the Emirates’ world renowned Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa.

Emirates will fly its Boeing 777-300ER on the Toronto-Dubai three-times-weekly route, offering 12 First Class, 42 Business Class and 304 Economy Class seats: a total of 358 Seats in a three-class configuration.

Emirates currently employs more than 8,000 cabin crew representing more than 100 nationalities, including more than 100 crew members from North America. In total Emirates employs over 350 Canadians within the entire group with 168 flight deck crew and 90 cabin crew members.

Toronto will be one of six new Emirates destinations in 2007. Earlier this year, Emirates began service to Venice in July, Newcastle in September, Sao Paulo and Ahmedabad are planned in October and Houston in December.

Air Canada introduces paperless boarding pass for PDA users in Canada and overseas flights

Air Canada has introduced paperless boarding passes for its customers who check in using their PDA (personal digital assistant such as Blackberry or Treo) or cell phone. Air Canada’s mobile check-in service, has been enhanced to now offer customers the option of receiving an electronic boarding pass in the form of SMS text messages that the customer simply shows to airport security screening personnel and Air Canada gate agents, in lieu of a paper boarding pass.

Passengers with baggage to check proceed as usual to baggage drop off points prior to security screening. Air Canada’s new mobile service is currently available for boarding domestic Canada flights and departures to international (non-U.S.) destinations, including connecting flights, from 60 airports across Canada served by Air Canada and Jazz.

“Introduction of the mobile boarding pass is a key element in Air Canada’s initiatives to use the most recent and secure mobile and 2-D barcode technologies to simplify our customers’ travel experience,” said Lise Fournel, Senior Vice President E-Commerce and CIO. “In addition to the simplification of travel and business processes made possible by the replacement of paper with electronic documents, we’re particularly excited about the expanded application of 2-D barcode technology that gives our employees better tools to serve our customers more efficiently.”

Fraport`s passenger terminals go non-smoking

The State of Hesse Non-smoker Protection Act will also apply to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) effective October 1. Both passenger terminals will become non-smoking facilties and the “smoking islands” currently located in the departures and arrivals halls will be removed.

Passengers and visitors in the public areas will have to go outside the terminal if they want to smoke. Smoking areas with ashtrays will be available at all entrances and exits to the terminals.

In the transit areas of Terminals 1 and 2, Fraport AG will initially test five glass-enclosed smoking cubicles with ventilation and carbon-filter systems – which will probably be installed in the first quarter of 2008.

Gulf Air streamlines management structure

Gulf Air is streamlining its management structure to put in place a smooth chain of command and enhance operational efficiency as the airline continues with its ongoing alignment programme. “We are well under way in implementing our plans as we continue building a successful team to see Bahrain’s flag carrier soar to new heights,” says Acting President and Chief Executive Bjorn Naf.

“It is important to have the right team in place for our plans to succeed and we are making the necessary alignments as we continue on our way forward.”

“We have some very seasoned people joining us both locally and from outside the Kingdom of Bahrain to take over certain crucial areas of the business.”

Seasoned Bahraini lawyer Nabeel Mohammed Saeed joins Gulf Air as Executive Vice President Legal and Corporate Affairs.

Another Bahraini, Ahmed Al Banna, a senior Labour Ministry official, will soon be assuming the position of Vice President Human Resources.

Gulf Air also welcomed highly seasoned executives from regional carriers, who have recently assumed responsibilities or are in the process of joining the airline’s team. These include, Mr. Christopher Cain as Vice President Flight Operations (from Emirates) and Mr. Paolo Fitze as Vice President Safety (from Etihad).

Meanwhile, Gulf Air bids farewell to its Executive Vice President Marketing Lee Shave who has the left the company.

Menzies Aviation partners with Viva Macau in Sydney

Menzies Aviation has being awarded the Viva Macau’s ground services and cargo handling contract at Sydney International Airport in Australia as the company announced. The three year contract signed on 13th August, 2007 is for services commencing on the last week of August. Viva Macau’s fleet of B767 aircraft will operate three flights a week from Sydney to Macau direct with the possibility of extending the frequency to daily towards the end of the year.

Viva Macau partners Menzies Aviation at their home base airport of Macau and with the tagline of “Simply Different” is the first international low cost carrier connecting the world with Macau. The contract in Sydney is a great extension of the current relationship enjoyed with Viva Macau within the Asia Pacific region.

Alistair Reid, Managing Director, Menzies Aviation Australia, said: “We are delighted to see new carriers coming to the Australian market and even more pleased when they partner Menzies Aviation in Sydney. The contract with Viva Macau demonstrates the great relationship established between Viva Macau and Menzies Aviation. We wish Viva Macau every success and growth in Australia.”

Banyan Tree`s first city club in Asia to launch in Seoul

Banyan Tree has signed a management contract for its first Banyan Tree branded city club development in Asia in vibrant and cosmopolitan Seoul, South Korea. Situated in Namsan, a popular tourist spot right in the heart of the city that offers a panoramic view of Seoul, Banyan Tree Club & Spa is the first branded private membership club in Korea according to the hotel operator.

“Korea has always been an important market for Banyan Tree and bringing the brand here is a significant step that we have had to be very careful about. We are delighted that with the Banyan Tree Club & Spa, Seoul, we are entering Korea in a manner that allows us to deliver the standards that have come to be expected of us to our member and guests in Korea and from around the world,” said Executive Chairman, Mr Ho Kwon Ping.

Developed by Urban Oasis Inc, the project will also include a 59-suite Banyan Tree city hotel featuring full fledged hotel facilities and F&B amenities. This will be the seventh addition to Banyan Tree’s city hotel portfolio which currently comprises of properties which are spread across various key cities in different regions such as Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai and Dubai.

Malaysia Airlines invites submission for website development

Subang- Malaysia Airlines invites online creative agencies to submit their proposals for the development and redesign of the national carrier’s website.

The website review is in line with changes in Malaysia Airlines as it enters into the 2nd phase of its Business Turnaround Plan (BTP). The airline is moving towards becoming a Five-star airline@LCC cost, and will launch its Malaysian Hospitality brand positioning in 2008.

There will be two rounds of review. In the first round, creative agencies are invited to submit their credentials and 1 (one) case study by 25 September 2007. They should not be working with any competing full service carrier currently.

Into the second round, 3 agency partners will be short-listed. They will be required to present the proven case study based on their past experience with an international brand. The short-listed agencies will be announced at the end of September with presentations taking place in mid October.

Malaysia Airlines Senior General Manager, Communications, Ms Indira Nair said, “Customers want to do their online transactions speedily and promptly. The new website must deliver this easy-to-use experience which is critical to support our BTP goals of increasing online sales, and reducing operating costs.

“Look and feel wise, the site must reflect the currently being developed Malaysian Hospitality brand positioning in 2008. It has to be fresh, vibrant and reflects the multi-cultural facets of Malaysia and its national carrier.”

The final selection of the agency is expected to be announced in late October.

EMIRATES ACQUIRES SHARE IN ALPHA FLIGHT SERVICES AUSTRALIA

Enters In-flight Catering Partnership in Australia

DUBAI, U.A.E., – Emirates, the Dubai-based airline and travel services provider has reached an agreement to acquire a 49 per cent interest in Alpha Flight Services Australia – a leading provider of in-flight catering services in Australia.

As part of the agreement, Alpha Flight Services will provide in-flight catering for Emirates flights from Australia starting January 2008. This investment will be Emirates’ second joint venture operation for in-flight catering services. Its first, Emirates Flight Catering in Dubai, recently opened the world’s largest in-flight catering facility in terms of throughput capacity which could reach 115,000 meals per day.

Stewart Angus, Divisional Senior Vice President for Emirates Group Associated Companies said: “We are delighted to enter into a partnership with Alpha Flight Services in Australia. Alpha is a high quality provider of in-flight catering and has a strong future in the Australian market.

“Alpha has a strong and talented management team, and we look forward to working with them to expand the business and further enhance services to customer airlines.”

Peter Smith, Managing Director of Alpha Flight Services Australia said: “We are glad to welcome Emirates as a partner. They have extensive experience in flight catering and an established reputation in the aviation services arena. We believe their expertise will help us raise the bar in the market for quality services while adding value to our customers and operations.”

Alpha Flight Services Australia provides in-flight catering at nine airports in Australia, including all major international gateways, serving 16 customer airlines with over four million meals per annum. It is a 100% owned subsidiary of Alpha Airports Group Plc, a UK based company which provides in-flight catering and duty free services in 12 countries worldwide.

Iguana seized in Blackpool bra incident

Blackpool Airport- Officials at Blackpool Airport today confiscated a pet Iguana that a woman traveler attempted to smuggle through security.

Suspicions were aroused when a police officer noticed something moving under the woman's dress. She was stopped for questioning after a security guard noticed the iguana peeking out of her bra.

Police have decided not to prosecute the woman, who has agreed that her pet should go to a new home at Blackpool Zoo.

Airport spokeswoman Sue Kendrick, says, "Due to the security measures in place at the airport, we are used to confiscating many items. But we never expected to see an iguana."

Iguanas live in the wild in Central and South America and the West Indies.

Dubai World plans to develop resort in Zanzibar

Dubai, UAE- Istithmar, a Dubai World company, announced plans to invest US$ 150 million in developing a new luxury resort in Zanzibar, following a major strategic agreement between the company and the Zanzibar government. The 76-hectare site at Muyuni Beach will contain a 50-room residence and spa retreat, and a 150-room luxury hotel. Both of the developments will be operated by major international luxury hotel brands.

In addition, private luxury beach villas will be developed for sale at the resort, as well as a fisherman’s village and water-sports centre, a sports club and children’s centre. All developments will make the most of the access to the three kilometre length of Muyuni Beach.

Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, the parent company of Istithmar, said: “Our strategy is to develop a balanced portfolio of properties across the world in markets that will deliver the returns that we and our partners seek. Zanzibar is one of the world’s upcoming destinations and we believe that this resort will become a major contributor not just to the Istithmar portfolio, but also to the local economy and local people.”

“This is the second Indian Ocean development deal completed by Dubai World this month – following our recently cemented partnership with the government of Comoros. It marks another clear step forward in our growing relationship with Africa, which is fast becoming a major focus of our investment strategy. We expect to make further announcement of acquisitions in the near future.”

Abdul Wahid A. Rahim Al Ulama, Dubai World Group Chief Legal Officer, who negotiated the deal with the Zanzibar Government, said: “A strong working relationship with the Zanzibar Government and clear shared goals have been crucial factors in Istithmar’s investment in this development. Muyuni Beach is a truly stunning location. It is our vision to create a world-renowned eco resort, with luxury facilities to match the natural beauty of the area.”

Work on the US$ 150 million project will start immediately, with completion targeted for 2009.

The announcement of the plans for Zanzibar follows an announcement earlier this month of a partnership with the government of Comoros which will see the development of a luxury Indian Ocean island beach resort. Last year, Istithmar purchased the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, and is also behind the development of the Djibouti Kempinski Palace Hotel in Djibouti City.

CAA steps in after collapse of Perfect Choice

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

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

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

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

Customers due to travel

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

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.

Travel agents urged to capitalise as Asia-Pacific`s aviation market booms

Abacus International-The Asia-Pacific region is set to become the largest regional aviation market in the world within the next three years powered by rising incomes and Asia’s unique demographics, according to travel facilitator, Abacus International. Speaking at the sixth bi-annual Abacus International Conference 2007 underway in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Mr. Don Birch, President and CEO, Abacus International said the current period of profound change and growth in the industry was a clarion call for travel agents.

“Changing airline models including the emergence of long-distance/low-cost models and the growing markets of India and China, supported by a resurgent Vietnam, are driving unprecedented levels of investment in aircraft, airports, hotels and will require ever higher levels of professionalism from all who work in the travel and tourism industry,” Mr Birch said.

“Powered by unique demographics and the rising incomes of its 3.4 billion people, Asia-Pacific is on course to become the largest regional aviation market in the world within the next three years following a 30% increase in outbound leisure air travel in recent years.”

Boeing’s predictions through to 2025 put Asia-Pacific’s regional growth at 6.4%, second only to Latin America at 6.9%, while major carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and many Chinese and Middle East carriers have all made substantial aircraft purchases which will come on line in the next five years, capping the 8% increase in seat capacity in Asia Pacific added during 2006 alone.

Asia’s hotels also enjoyed a stellar year in 2006, with a total of US$5.25 billion invested in new hotel developments, half of which were located in Macau, Beijing and Hong Kong. The bulging pipeline of hotel projects across Asia has spurred both governments and industry to provide diploma and tertiary courses in hospitality as the industry scrambles to find and develop enough skilled staff to manage to meet projected demand.

“Airports and governments stand to gain the most from this boom as airlines, both full-service and low-cost compete to offer more services to more passengers and connect new destinations. While the market is still prone to shocks from natural and political events, it displays an underlying resilience and relentless energy to grow which travel agents must also position themselves to capitalise on,” Mr Birch said.

Despite a positive growth outlook, Asia’s travel agents are experiencing pressure from intense price competition among themselves as well as from competing purchasing channels such as online and supplier-direct options.

Mr Birch said an Abacus survey of more than 1,000 Asian travel agents indicated that more than 20% intended to focus on high-margin, low volume customers to minimise their exposure to price wars. “While some travel agencies have adopted new competitive strategies, travel agents ultimately need to align more closely with the traveller and partner with their GDS provider to target those sectors that provide the best yields and best prospects for growth,” Mr Birch said.

Over the past year Abacus has highlighted the rise of ‘outcome based’ travel – the increase in travelling ‘to achieve something’. This has given rise to immense opportunities among sectors as varied as medical tourism, ‘grey travel’, women travellers, Chinese travellers, corporate travel, and the SMERFS – a more budget-conscious cousin to MICE travellers who travel for social, military, education, religious and fraternity reasons.

Mr Birch continued, “As these travel trends demonstrate, the future belongs to travel agents who are willing to embrace the changes and differentiate themselves whether by brand, the products they specialise in or through the unique channels used to reach out to consumers.”

“In essence, this means that in the changing travel landscape, the travel agent has to ‘own the customer’ and be his/her advocate. This means managing complexities and travel spend for companies and leisure travellers, building confidence by securing the best deals for every occasion, mining the rich customer data already available on-hand and above all, being nimble, innovative and entrepreneurial,” added Mr Birch.

Growing environmental awareness and concerns about sustainability are expected to be a major challenge for the industry going forward.

“The move towards more sustainable travel models is an area requiring discussion and collaboration within the industry, allowing us to adequately address both regulator and consumer concerns before they become a constraint on growth. The travel and tourism industry has traditionally been a major catalyst of economic growth. Alongside growth we have the responsibility to ensure that we build, and not damage, the communities that we develop.”

Looking ahead, Mr Birch expects Asia’s travel industry to continue registering strong growth in the years ahead, fuelled by LCC expansion, rising incomes, and the advent of an ever-more ‘tech-connected’ traveller.

“More of Asia will also go online in the coming years, giving rise to the information-savvy and resourceful traveller with a wealth of information and choices at their fingertips. In such an environment, travel agents need to have foresight and be agile enough to succeed, leveraging the full benefits of current and emerging tools to reach out to more customers in more locations with more content.”

IATA optimistic for 2007

A revised financial forecast for the world’s airlines have been announced by the International Air Transport Association. Globally, airlines are expected to post a US$5.6 billion net profit for 2007, up from the US$5.1 billion forecast in June. The average oil price for 2007 was revised upwards to US$67 per barrel (previously US$63). However, higher oil prices were more than offset by stronger than expected demand for passenger traffic and a general improvement in airline financial performance.

“While we are more optimistic for 2007, the continuing high price of oil combined with turmoil in credit markets is a cause for concern in 2008,” said IATA Director General and CEO, Giovanni Bisignani. The industry net profit for 2008 is forecast at US$7.8 billion, down from the US$9.6 billion predicted in June.

“The impact of the credit crunch puts some question marks over the industry’s performance next year and the continuing high price of fuel will become more difficult to mitigate with efficiency gains,” said Bisignani.

Underlying the forecast is a substantial shift in relative regional performance, primarily driven by capacity increases. Since 2001, Asia-Pacific based carriers, preparing to serve the massive opportunities in China and India, added 42% to their capacity and improved load factors by 2 percentage points. By contrast, North American carriers have added 11% to capacity and improved load factors by 6 percentage points. European carriers expanded capacity 29% with load factors showing a 5 percentage point increase.

These factors led to an increase in North American carriers’ unit revenues driving expected net profits to US$2.7 billion - the highest among the major regions. Conversely, poorer yields from Asia-Pacific carriers combined with sluggishness in cargo markets saw a decline in absolute profits from US$1.2 billion in 2005 to an expected US$700 million in 2007. Europe’s carriers continued to benefit from buoyant long-haul markets, improving profitability continually from US$1.6 billion in 2005 to an expected US$2.1 billion this year.

“We are clearly seeing the benefits of hard-won efficiency gains from restructuring. Labour productivity is up 56% since 2001 and non-fuel unit costs are down 15%. The drive for 100% e-ticketing by June 2008 as part of the IATA Simplifying the Business initiative will deliver US$3 billion in cost savings. Balance sheets are improving, but the US$200 billion mountain of accumulated debt continues to make civil aviation a fragile industry. Commercial freedom is a critical missing link. In the coming months, carriers will start taking advantage of opportunities created by the US-EU open skies agreement. We must now be looking forward to even broader liberalisation, including ownership. Only when we have the same freedoms as other industries to run our businesses as businesses will we be fully able to meet both investor and customer expectations,” said Bisignani.

“Our partners and governments must also get more serious about efficiency and the environment. For example, the UN estimates that inefficient infrastructure and air traffic management adds 12% or US$14 billion to our fuel bill. And it unnecessarily adds 73 million tonnes of CO2 to the environment. This must change - urgently,” said Bisignani.

LTU swiftly integrates to Air Berlin

Even after its integration into the Air Berlin Group, LTU has continued to fly under its traditional logo on long-haul flights. However, in the near future, LTU’s medium- and long-haul business flights will be operated under the Air Berlin brand. Although LTU will remain a legally independent company under the Air Berlin PLC umbrella, it will be marketed entirely via Air Berlin.

As Joachim Hunold, Air Berlin’s CEO, who will shortly become Chairman of the Supervisory Board of LTU, stated at a press conference in Dusseldorf on Thursday (20 September): "Even though there were several reasons for giving up the LTU name, we decided on a partial solution in the end. We will continue to fly under the LTU logo on traditional long-haul leisure flights, for example to South Africa, Cuba, Thailand and the Dominican Republic. However, this will not apply to our medium-haul flights and our new long-haul business flights."

"In recent years, Air Berlin has become increasingly competitive in its European destinations, whereas LTU has continued to lose market share on these routes. Moreover, since Air Berlin has acquired a high percentage of business passengers in the meantime, it makes sense to operate our business flights to the US and China under the Air Berlin brand. Outside of Germany, hardly anyone knows what exactly the three letters `LTU` mean. Conversely, the name `Air Berlin` is self-explanatory. `Air` stands for airline and `Berlin` stands for the capital of Germany. We also aim to make flight routes profitable by winning over passengers from our flight destinations."

Upgrades in Business Class

Air Berlin wants to significantly upgrade the Business Class on its long-haul flights to New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Fort Myers, Beijing and Shanghai. While a considerably improved "Relax Class" will replace the former Business Class on leisure travel flights, 30 "contoured" seats will be installed in the "Premium Business Class". This type of seat can be adjusted to a fully horizontal position. The upgrade is due to start in October and enhanced Business Class seats will be installed until the operation reaches completion. "The new Premium Business Class will make us stand out against our competitors," stated Joachim Hunold.

"Without Air Berlin, we could never have offered our passengers this kind of luxury," explained Jurgen Marbach, Managing Director of LTU. Mr. Marbach also announced that as of 1 November, a one-way flight in Economy Class from Dusseldorf to New York will be available.

Teaming up with a Chinese airline

Air Berlin has secured a partner for its flights to China, namely Hainan Airlines, the fourth-largest airline company in China. With its fleet of 125 aircraft, Hainan Airlines operates flights from Beijing to 50 cities within China. Passengers travelling from Dusseldorf to Beijing on Air Berlin will soon have flight connections on arrival in China (as soon as the flight plans have been harmonized). In return, Hainan Airlines is planning to operate a flight between Beijing and Berlin, and Air Berlin will be in charge of organizing the connecting flights within Germany and Europe.

As Joachim Hunold stated: "This partnership puts our business in China on a solid footing." Hainan Airlines is a quality carrier, comparable to Air Berlin, and is a member of the `HNA Group` which is also active in the fields of Airport Management, Hotel Management and Tourist Services.

A uniform Top Bonus program

Air Berlin and LTU aircraft will share the same layout in the near future. A uniform Top Bonus program, with which frequent-flyer miles can be collected for free travel, will be available for the entire Air Berlin Group. Passengers will be able to accumulate miles with and redeem miles for all of the companies belonging to the Air Berlin Group.

Sharjah offers free Iftar meals

SHARJAH —Sharjah International Airport has announced it will provide free Iftar meals to passengers in the transit area throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Meals will be served 15 minutes before the Maqrib prayer for the convenience of passengers.

Airport staff have been trained to welcome and guide passengers to the Iftar reception, and special signs and boards have been placed at strategic areas in the transit lounge to keep passengers informed.

“Sharjah International Airport is always keen to communicate with its passengers in different religious and social activities and to always share special moments with them,” says Ali Salem Al Midfa, director of the Sharjah Airport Authority.

Nepal plans second international airport

The Nepal government has announced plans to build the state’s second international airport, located at Neejgadh, in the Bara district, 80km south of the capital, Kathmandu.

Madhav Ghimire, secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, says the US Trade and Development Office has been asked to do a feasibility study and prepare a detailed proposal.

"The American Trade and Development Office has responded very positively in this regard," he adds. "With a credible proposal, we expect international investors to come in for its construction."

Foreign governments have shown an increased interest in recent months in supporting airport developments in Nepal. China is interested in constructing a regional airport in Pokhara, 140km west of Kathmandu, and Korea has pledged US$3 million for infrastructure improvements at the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, 200km south west of Kathmandu.

Asian Budget Airlines To Rise Above Safety Fears

Asia's budget airlines are poised for huge growth, despite recent damaging crashes, as cheap fares and new planes lure millions of passengers who have more money to spend on travel and leisure.

The latest budget airline disaster, a crash landing on the Thai resort island of Phuket this week killing 89 people, follows an Indonesian crash in January that raised safety fears for a cost-cutting sector facing high fuel prices and a shortage of pilots.

But experts say maintenance standards are as strictly regulated for budget airlines as for mainstream carriers, while Asia is a global centre for outsourcing major repairs.

"It makes for a great media story to say that another budget airline has crashed, but it's probably not fair. It's up to the governments to regulate their airlines and they should get no less stringent treatment than the full service airlines," said Nicholas Ionides, Asia Editor for Flight Magazine.

Budget flights have proliferated in the region, following a similar trend in the United States and Europe, as firms such as Malaysia's AirAsia, Australia's Virgin Blue and Singapore's Tiger Airways aim to tap Asia's growing wealth.

Such carriers undercut prices at major airlines by using aircraft more frequently, removing the widely spaced first-class compartments and packing in more seats, selling tickets directly via web sites rather than travel agents, cutting in-flight services such as free drinks and by buying older planes.

"They focus on the cost line like a laser," said Richard Pinkham, of the consultancy Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. "More and more budget airlines are buying new planes for fuel and maintenance reasons."

Older planes such as One-Two-Go's McDonnell Douglas MD-82 that crashed near Phuket are cheaper to buy, but are fuel inefficient and have higher repair bills.

International rules mean a plane has to undergo maintenance based on flight hours and the number of take-offs and landings, so a more heavily used budget plane would undergo more regular maintenance. And there is no lack of technical expertise in Asia.

International airlines are sending planes for maintenance work such as co-called D-checks, which test the plane's systems and structure, to Asian firms such as Singapore's SIA Engineering and Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company.

Passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific climbed over 6 percent this year to July, with the region now accounting for 32 percent of the global market, according to industry body IATA.

According to IATA forecasts, Asia passenger growth of nearly 6 percent in 2006-10 will comfortably beat total global growth of below 5 percent, though will lag the Middle East.

However, there are plenty of strains on budget airlines and perceptions of poor service may still put off some customers.

"I may not fly with budget carriers -- it's not worth the risk. I'd rather pay for safety, service and comfort," said Lynn Cha, a schoolteacher in Singapore.

One cost pressure is a shortage of trained pilots, leading to a bidding war even at major airlines where pilots are being poached, but harder to bear for budget carriers. China said this month it faces a shortfall of 2,000 pilots in the next few years.

The Indonesian pilot on the ill-fated One-Two-Go flight tried to land despite being warned of windshear threats, a senior Thai aviation official has said. There are international rules on how often a pilot can fly, though rules on planes vary.

Indonesia, whose airlines are banned from European airspace due to safety concerns, issued a law in 2006 that new airlines must not use planes older than 20 years. It considered cutting this to 10 years after January's Adam Air crash that killed 102.

The civil aviation department in Thailand, which relies on tourism for about 7 percent of its GDP, said it is not considering age limits for commercial airliners, and experts said other Asian governments are unlikely to follow Indonesia.

Airline shares in the region have been hammered after the latest crash, and with jet fuel prices surging to record highs over USD$93 a barrel this week. But Adam Air said this month its passenger numbers have rebounded after slumping by a third.

"No-frill carriers could face the heat from record fuel prices, but the growth in demand is so strong and that is enough to keep such airlines flying," said Tony Regan at consultancy Nexant. "People are migrating from coaches to airlines."

(Reuters)

Air Berlin To Buy Condor From Thomas Cook

Air Berlin announced plans on Thursday to buy charter carrier Condor in a two-stage deal that could land Thomas Cook a near 30 percent stake in Air Berlin.

The deal would see Air Berlin expand its fleet to around 160 planes, become Germany's second and Europe's fifth-biggest airline and give it a similar scale to low-cost rivals Ryanair and easyJet.

Thomas Cook, Europe's second-largest travel firm, will sell Condor to Air Berlin in two stages: 75.1 percent in February 2009, and the remainder in February 2010 after Thomas Cook has exercised an option to buy Lufthansa's stake in Condor.

It is also subject to Lufthansa not exercising a pre-emption right to buy the Condor shares that Air Berlin is buying.

In return Thomas Cook will take up to a 29.9 percent stake in Air Berlin worth between EUR380 million and EUR475 million, gain three seats on the airline's board and receive around EUR120 million in cash.

Thomas Cook joint chief executive, Manny Fontenla-Novoa, told reporters that the structure of the deal meant he did not expect it to trigger Lufthansa's right to buy the Condor shares, but a Lufthansa spokeswoman said she expected it would.

Thomas Cook's majority owner Arcandor demanded that Lufthansa decide within a week whether it would exercise its option but Lufthansa said it would not be rushed, adding it had until 2009 to decide.

The firms said they would save around EUR70 million a year by putting the two airlines together, adding they expected very few job losses.

It would be Air Berlin's third acquisition within a year, having already bought domestic rivals DBA and LTU.

Keeping Thomas Cook's stake just below 30 percent would allow it to avoid making a mandatory takeover offer for Air Berlin.

The UK-based firm said it expected the deal to be earnings enhancing in two years time.

(Reuters)

EC proposes global alliance to help developing countries most affected by climate change

The European Commission is proposing to build a new alliance on climate change between the European Union and the poor developing countries that are most affected and that have the least capacity to deal with climate change. Through this Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA), the EU and these countries will work jointly to integrate climate change into poverty reduction strategies.

The EU will provide substantial resources to address climate change in these countries. Measures will include better preparedness for natural disasters which are expected to become more frequent and intense through global warming. The GCCA renews the commitment of the EU Action Plan on Climate Change and Development to systematically integrate climate change into development cooperation.

Developing countries will be the hardest hit by the effects of climate change and therefore need our help to mitigate climate change and to adapt to the changes already occuring. New technology is only one way of developing towards a sustainable society without hampering development and quality of life. This communication, presented by Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel in association with Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas and External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, aims to provide for a broader range of actions through dialogue and exchange as well as practical cooperation between EU and the developing countries.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that most regions in the world, and especially those in the developing world, will be increasingly affected by climate change. Poor developing countries, and in particular the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will be among the countries hit earliest and hardest.

The EU has a leadership role in promoting international action to tackle climate change. The Spring Council 2007 put forward concrete proposals for a post-2012 international climate change agreement, and committed to significant cuts in the EU`s greenhouse gas emissions. The Global Climate Change Alliance will be an important pillar of the EU`s external action on climate change, reaching out to the countries least responsible for, but most affected by global warming.

Assistance provided under the Global Climate Change Alliance is proposed to focus on five areas: implementing concrete adaptation measures; reducing emissions from deforestation; helping poor countries take advantage from the global carbon market; helping poor countries to be better prepared for natural disasters, and integrating climate change into development cooperation and poverty reduction strategies. As Climate change affects many sectors, it needs to be integrated into poverty reduction efforts in order to ensure sustainability. Systematic climate risk assessment and mainstreaming of climate change into development strategies and programmes (“climate proofing”) are imperative in this regard.

The Commission already earmarked €50 million to the GCCA over the period 2008-10. But substantially more resources are needed to provide a response that adequately responds to the needs. Therefore an appeal is made to the EU Member States to dedicate part of their agreed commitments to increase Official Development Assistance over the coming years to the cause of coping with climate change in the most vulnerable countries.

The first occasion to discuss the Alliance with developing country partners will be the European Development Days held in Lisbon from 7th to 9th November and focusing on climate change and development.

Over the past years the link between climate change and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events became amply clear. Seven of the ten deadliest disasters of the last 20 years have occurred between 2000 and 2006. Only since July 2007, the European Commission has provided €24.5 million to the victims of natural disasters in Colombia, Caribbean, Peru, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, North Korea and the Sudan. The Global Climate Change Alliance aims to assist the most vulnerable countries in the prevention of and their preparedness for natural disasters.

Philippines promotes dive sites

In an effort to raise global awareness for its dive offerings, the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is working with Ocean Environment Australia to stage the 6th annual Celebrate the Sea Marine Imagery Festival (CSMIF) in Manila this upcoming weekend (Sept. 21 – 23).

Conducted in association with the World Festival of Underwater Pictures, Antibes – also known as the “Cannes of Underwater Film Festival,” the CSMIF is the biggest imaging event of the sea in the Asia Pacific. Since 2002, the annual festival has attracted entries from over 38 countries and a loyal following of dive enthusiasts scoping out potential dive sites for future vacations.

This year’s CSMIF includes an international prints competition featuring $30,000 worth of prizes, an exhibit on marine environmental issues, a children’s painting competition, and the Underwater Film Festival, where 15 award-winning documentary features will be brought for screening throughout the three days.

In addition, the event will feature seminars led by a panel of world renowned image makers and marine scientists such as David Doubilet of National Geographic, whale shark scientist Brad Norman, “Celebrate the Sea” author Michael Aw, and Daniel Mercier, founder of the World Underwater Picture Festival, among others.

“We are pleased that the country has been chosen as the venue of this prestigious event, adding further emphasis to the Philippines’ place on the map of top international dive sites,” said Cynthia Carrion, PDOT Assistant Secretary and Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Sports and Scuba Diving.

“The festival has evolved to be one of the most important international events of the sea as it raises public awareness and inspires people to protect and preserve our natural environment,” added Carrion.

Vernie Morales, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism in Chicago, offered similar sentiments, adding that “many divers visiting Manila for the festival will take the opportunity to venture outside of the city and explore some of the world-class dive sites in and around the 7,107 islands that comprise our beautiful country.”

The CSMIF will remain in Manila for the three years.

Lufthansa orders 41 new aircraft

The Lufthansa Supervisory Board has approved at today`s (20 September) meeting orders for 41 aircraft. 30 of the new aircraft from the A320 family are destined for service with Lufthansa in European traffic. Nine others of the Airbus 330-300 long-range type and two continental Airbus A320s will be joining the Swiss fleet.

Wolfgang Mayrhuber, Lufthansa Chairman and CEO said: "Our strong brand, our strong team and strong cashflow are making investments today into perspectives for tomorrow. That is good for our shareholders, customers, staff and system partners."

Successively from 2011, the Lufthansa fleet will be expanded and renewed with 30 short and mediumhaul aircraft. Of the total, 20 of the aircraft are Airbus A321s, four are Airbus A320s and six Airbus A319 jets. Mayrhuber emphasised: "We are modernising our continental fleet with the new aircraft and expanding our leading position in our European home market."

"For Swiss, this investment is the reward for the successful turnaround, for courageous strategic measures, for an excellent performance by the team and successful integration in the Lufthansa fold. With the aircraft orders, the Swiss airline is underscoring its capability to compete", Mayrhuber observed. The new Airbus A330-300s will replace the existing Airbus A330-200 aircraft in the Swiss fleet - deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2009; the two Airbus A320s destined for Swiss will be joining the fleet from 2011.

The aircraft on order are noted for their high fuel efficiency as well as low-emission and noise levels. They will ensure that Lufthansa and Swiss continue their environment and climate-friendly growth. For the renewal and planned capacity expansion of the existing Group fleet, numbering around 500 aircraft, Lufthansa now has approximately 170 new aircraft, valued at over 14 billion euros (list price), on order.

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

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

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.”