AIRPORT NEWS

BAA plans to speed up security checks

BAA claims new technology and increased numbers of security staff will cut security delays at its seven UK airports

BAA claims improvements at its seven UK airports will ensure that only 5% of passengers will take more than five minutes to pass through security next year. The airport operator claims that only 1% of passengers will be delayed for more than 15 minutes queuing for security.

The announcement comes a day after the Association of European Airlines released figures showing that Heathrow and Gatwick were the two major European airports with the worst security delays last summer. More than 41% of Gatwick flights were delayed by more than 15 minutes, while Heathrow fared little better with 38.9% of flights delayed more than 15 minutes. Both airports are operated by BAA.

Mike Forster, strategy director for BAA, says that a combination of extra investment and staffing, new technology and the opening of Terminal 5 would enable BAA to meet the new targets.

BAA has appointed 2,000 additional security staff so far this year and invested heavily in new security systems. “Unlike the current systems, the new technology, which is called ATIX, can automatically detect explosives and liquids and it offers the security staff multiple viewing angles, so the margin for error or unnecessary hold-ups is even smaller,” adds Forster.

The airport operator claims that 95% of passengers last month passed through Heathrow security within 10 minutes.

Japan introduces biometric checks for foreigners

This week Japan introduces a new law requiring all foreigners to provide fingerprints and photographs when entering the country

Japan’s Immigration Bureau has introduced a new fingerprinting and photographing device at Narita International Airport in time for a new law that comes into force this week in Japan under which foreigners must provide fingerprints and photographs when entering the country.

Over the past few days, Ministry of Justice officials at airports across Japan have been staging promotional events, showing off the new hardware that will be used to collect the fingerprints and scan the faces of the estimated five to six million foreigners who enter the country each year.

The devices, from NEC, consist of a monitor, two fingerprint readers (one for each hand) and a camera that captures headshots. The devices are being installed at immigration counters nationwide so that passengers can be fingerprinted and photographed while they are questioned by immigration officials about the purpose of their visit and their intended length of stay. The biometric data will then be stored in a database, which law enforcement officials claim will help to deter terrorist attacks.

Officials say the fingerprints and other biometric data will also be checked against foreigners who have been deported from Japan and those wanted by the Japanese police.

Those excluded from the law include ethnic Koreans, permanent residents with special status, anyone aged under 16, diplomats and official state guests.

Passenger numbers boom at UK regional airports

The number of passengers passing through regional UK airports annually has reached 100 million for the first time. The figures, which were released late last week by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), revealed that the number of passengers over the past year totalled nearly three times more than in 1990. The CAA also documented that the strongest growth amongst passengers was for those travelling to international destinations.

A total of eight regional airports in the UK now offer daily flights to twelve or more international destinations, while in 1990 this was limited to only Birmingham International Airport and Manchester Airport, and since flights to the US now depart from regional airports, passengers are being spared transfers to London airports.

Highlighting the popularity of regional airports over busy, congested London airports, CAA representative Harry Bush says, “Regional airports have continued to develop new services rapidly and have put themselves firmly on the map as gateways for travel to and from the regions they serve. There are connections to business, as well as leisure, destinations in Europe and further afield, including services to hub airports in Europe, the US and the Middle East, which allow numerous onward connections.”

SkyTeam gains access to Chinese airports

China Southern Airlines has become the 11th full member of the SkyTeam alliance, and the first from mainland China. The deal allows SkyTeam’s members to provide its customers with access to the most extensive airline route network in China. It also boosts the Sky Team alliance's global hub network with the addition of Baiyun International Airport, a well-positioned, modern hub in Guangzhou, and Beijing Capital International Airport.

China Southern operates the largest airline fleet in the country to 162 destinations around the world, and is the first carrier in China to operate its own terminal at Beijing Capital International Airport, China's busiest hub.

"SkyTeam is known for its unrivalled global connectivity and as a member, we can better serve our customers, particularly as the 2008 Beijing Olympics approach," says Liu Shao Yong, chairman of China Southern Airlines. "Our extensive intra-Asia network serves as a powerful link in SkyTeam's robust global network."

China Southern Airlines first signed a memorandum of understanding with the SkyTeam alliance back in August 2004, and has become a full member of the alliance after reaching agreements with each of the alliance member carriers, including bilateral code sharing, frequent flyer and lounge agreements.

China Southern has guaranteed to improve 80% of the 27 Chinese airports that manage China Southern's flights (including Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai) to meet SkyTeam standards within a year, and 100% in two years.

Toulouse mishap will not affect Etihad's orders

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways chief executive officer James Hogan said on Monday the UAE national airline will not cancel its order for two A340-600s because of an accident on November 15 involving an aircraft at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, southern France.

An A340-600, which was set for delivery to Etihad, ploughed into a wall during ground testing, injuring 10 people.

It sustained significant airframe damage. The plane would have been used on long-haul flights to destinations including New York and Sydney.

"The accident is under investigation by French authorities. We operate both Boeing and Airbus products and we will continue to work with both these manufacturers," Hogan told Gulf News on the sidelines of the ongoing MEED conference here. He said Airbus' track record as an aircraft manufacturer is world class.

Separately, asked if the airline has plans for an initial public offering of its shares, Hogan said: "We are a new airline. It's premature to talk about it at this stage."

Hogan said the strategy of the airline is to develop Abu Dhabi as a gateway to the rest of the world. "Our operating model is a mixture of short-haul and long-haul," he said.

A spokesman for Etihad said the airline has placed orders for four A380s with Airbus.

"The first of these will join our fleet in 2013," said Iain Burns, vice-president for corporate communications. He said the airline has not placed any orders for Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Etihad currently flies to 45 destinations and by next spring it will add either Beijing or Shanghai as its 46th, said Burns.

Burns said if the Indian government gives permission, Etihad would like to include Bangalore, Kolkata and Chennai to its network in addition to several other Indian cities.

Etihad currently has a fleet of 33 aircraft. Of these, one aircraft is a Boeing 767 and seven are Boeing 777s. There are 25 Airbus aircraft in its fleet, two of which are A340-600s, the type which was involved in the Toulouse mishap. There are two A340-600s which are on Etihad's order book.

Doha International Airport announces purchase of a QinetiQ Tarsier system

Doha-Doha International Airport in the State of Qatar announced plans to install Tarsier, a runway debris detection system developed by defence and security technology company, QinetiQ. The announcement was made at the Dubai Air Show following a contract signing by Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Doha International Airport and Phil McLachlan, Managing Director of QinetiQ Airport Technologies.

Tarsier will detect foreign object debris on the single runway at Doha International, which at 4,572 m is one of the longest in the world. Three radars will scan the runway area 24 hours a day and in all weathers, locating objects that could be drawn into engines or damage aircraft systems.

Al Baker, who is also CEO of Qatar Airways said: "Safety is an absolute priority for us and Doha International Airport has an excellent safety record. We see Tarsier as an integral part of our safety management system because it inspects the runway continuously with no disruption to aircraft movements. This will bring us both cost and operational benefits, but more importantly, is a commitment to have an airport operation which is fully safety driven."

The number of passengers using Doha International Airport has rocketed from two million to ten million over the last ten years. As a result the New Doha International Airport is expected to open in 2009 with a capacity of 50 million passengers a year once fully completed. QinetiQ and Qatar Airways are currently in negotiations about the potential installation of a Tarsier system to cover the two runways at the New Doha International Airport when they go operational.

Phil McLachlan added: "Qatar is experiencing strong growth in airport traffic and its ambitious plans for a new, state of the art airport are well on the way to being realised. This agreement marks an important step in the development of the QinetiQ Airport Technologies business and I am delighted that Tarsier will now play an important part in the growth of Doha International Airport."

GoAir takes delivery of second A320

GoAir has received its new A320 aircraft from Airbus. This aircraft is part of the USD1.2 billion order that GoAir had placed with Airbus last year.

The fleet comprise of Airbus A320 aircrafts with a maximum speed of 0.82 Mach (approx 870 km/h, 541 mph or 470 kts). Each of these aircraft can accommodate a maximum of 180 passengers and has a single class seating configuration. The in-flight service crew comprises of 1 captain, 1 co-pilot and 4 flight attendants

Commenting on the new delivery Mr Jeh Wadia, Managing Director, GoAir said: “The new aircraft we have received is the second delivery of our USD1.2 billion order we placed with Airbus last year. Following the induction of the new aircraft, we shall be operating 561 commercial flights per week under the new winter schedule. We plan to have 41 aircraft by March 2012.”

GoAir has been consistently recording highest load factors in the industry. The average flown load factors of GoAir during the first half of this financial year was 81%. The airline recorded 108% growth in passenger traffic at the close of the First Half of the current fiscal. “We have been recording escalating growth in passenger traffic flown on a quarter-on-quarter basis. At the close of the second quarter of the current fiscal, GoAir’s passenger traffic volume increased by 123%. In the first quarter, we had recorded 95% growth in passenger traffic,” affirmed Mr Wadia. With the onset of the festive and tourist season in India, GoAir is poised to maintain this trend of escalation in growth rate of its passenger traffic during the third quarter too.

GoAir will complete its expansion programme of doubling its flight operations by November-end. According to this expansion programme, GoAir is doubling the overall frequency within its network by increasing commercial flight operations from 259 flights to 561 commercial flights per week. This expansion programme is being rolled out despite the fact that GoAir has no plans to add new destinations to its current network during this fiscal. The airline will completely focus on the 11 destinations it is currently operating in.

SriLankan Airlines reports good commercial performance

SriLankan Airlines has recorded a good commercial performance in the last three months, and its route network has expanded to 54 destinations in 28 countries with the launch of services to the southern Indian city of Coimbatore.

Manoj Gunawardena, Head of Worldwide Passenger Sales, exhorted the global sales team to use the experience of successfully overcoming adverse market conditions in the past several years, to good use in the coming year.

Mr. Gunawardena states, “This airline has weathered quite a storm in recent years and has emerged stronger than ever. It is now time to turn SriLankan Airlines from a good airline to a truly great one,” said Mr. Gunawardena. “Our product is strong, and our team is even stronger. We believe that turning Colombo into a hub is the way to go for the future. The Bandaranaike International Airport is the finest in the South Asian region and we intend to leverage it to the country’s advantage.”

Members of the airline’s senior management briefed the sales team on innovations and developments throughout the company that would support their efforts. These include new frontiers in E-business and Corporate Communications; new products and services in the areas of Service Delivery, SriLankan Holidays, SriLankan Cargo, and SriLankan Engineering; and a renewed focus on motivating its employees to greater heights.

Sharjah and Air BP open jet fuel facility

Dubai: The Government of Sharjah and Air BP, a leading global marketer of aviation fuels and related support services, have inaugurated a $32-million jet fuel facility designed to boost Sharjah International Airport's operational capabilities and increase its potential refuelling capacity in line with the northern emirate's projected aviation industry growth.

The 50,000-metric tonne facility is located in the Hamriyah Free Zone and comprises a 45,000-square metre jet fuel storage terminal and a 45-kilometre pipeline linked directly to the airport.

The new development coincides with the rapid growth of Sharjah's aviation industry spearheaded partly by Air Arabia's successful operations following its launch a few years ago as the region's first low-cost carrier. The flow of cargo traffic has also reached record highs in recent years with Sharjah Airport now being considered one of the region's largest cargo hubs.

Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi of Sharjah Petroleum Company said: "This is a major milestone in Sharjah's bid to cement its credentials as a forward planning regional aviation hub for both passenger and cargo traffic and is in line with our urban planning policies aimed at reducing road congestion and CO2 emissions.

"The new facility is a highly strategic asset and it will provide a solid growth platform for Sharjah's aviation sector and its flagship airline Air Arabia, whilst introducing internationally accepted safety and environmental standards for the emirate's people, today and for the future."

The facility will be managed by Anabeeb, a joint venture set up between the Government of Sharjah and Air BP, which was instrumental in the design and implementation of the project.

Air BP is currently the largest fuel supplier to Air Arabia and is a 49 per cent partner in Sharjah Aviation Services (Sasco) which manages the fuel systems and Into-Plane services at the airport.

Swiss WorldCargo to launch daily cargo service to New Delhi

Swiss WorldCargo, the air cargo division of Swiss International Air Lines Ltd., announced added capacity in India with the launch of a new daily line flight to Delhi, effective from 25 November 2007.

With each flight, which will be operated with Airbus A330 aircraft, Swiss WorldCargo will offer 18 tons of cargo capacity to and from Delhi, in addition to the 22 tons already available to and from Mumbai. Departing from Zurich at 12:30, the new flight will arrive in Delhi at 00:35 on the following day (local time), while the westbound service will leave Delhi at 02:00 and will arrive in Zurich at 06:25.

“Swiss WorldCargo wholeheartedly welcomes the new destination of Delhi. India is a strategically important cargo market that has shown massive and sustained growth over the past few years and promises to rival the largest markets in the world before long,” says Oliver Evans, Chief Cargo Officer.

India’s second largest metropolis after Mumbai, Delhi is one of the major gateways for air trades to and from South Asia, based on well established industries such as constructions, power, telecommunications, IT, health care and community services, but also on the emerging and fast growing retail and manufacturing sectors.

“To meet the demand of this fiercely competitive market,“ Evans emphasizes, “Swiss WorldCargo will use its trademark focus on niche products and services and industry-leading track record of flown-as-planned. We expect a real challenge, but we are confident of success!”

Swiss WorldCargo is the air freight division of Swiss International Air Lines AG. With a global network of more than 150 destinations in over 80 countries and a wide range of services offered, Swiss WorldCargo generates true added value for its customers and makes a substantial contribution to the earnings power of Swiss International Air Lines Ltd.

Idea of 'halal airline' under criticism

London: Travel industry officials, including those from Islamic countries, have criticised the idea of creating a special airline to cater to religious Muslims as "impractical and unworkable" after a report at World Travel Market (WTM) said such a service is needed.

With an increasing number of Muslims travelling these days, such an airline could provide halal food, calls to prayer, religious programmes on the inflight entertainment system and separate sections for male and female passengers, said the report prepared by market intelligence firm Euromonitor International for WTM.

"We already have this airline. This report is probably talking about us," Nurul Suzainee Abdullah, manager of Royal Brunei, said wryly.

She said there are already several airlines that take into account special needs of their Muslim passengers so there is little point in discussing the idea.

"This goes too far. There are other issues about passenger comfort to talk about," said Wen Lim, regional head of European sales for Royal Brunei.

Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sharjah's budget carrier Air Arabia and Kuwait Airways are among the companies that prohibit alcohol use and many airlines from Muslim countries play a pre-recorded journey prayer during takeoff.

Dismissive

Dimitry Laspas, publisher of the "Tourism Around the World" e-newsletter, was equally dismissive about the need for an airline exclusively for religious people because travel matters affect all passengers irrespective of their religion or beliefs.

"The only relevance I see is that such a new airline will create more jobs. It will be good for reducing unemployment," he said.

In making a case for a "halal" airline, the WTM report pointed to a budget carrier set up by the Vatican to transport pilgrims.

Laspas said people cannot go about copying what the Vatican does.

"The Vatican is also the world's smallest country with the biggest army in per capita terms," he said.

The report on travel trends also said there is an "opportunity" for building hotels exclusively for Muslim women. The suggestion has been similarly rejected.

"This is a publicity gimmick," said Mohammad Al Kahla, general manager of the Coral Deira hotel in Dubai.

Airbus ends the 10th Dubai Airshow with record orders

Airbus ended the 10^th Dubai Airshow with major orders, re-enforcing customer confidence in its leading product range. During the show, Airbus received 163 firm orders valued at US over $28 billion at catalogue prices, from 10 customers. Airbus also won its largest ever order in terms of value for 70 A350 XWBs and 11 A380s from Emirates Airline. In addition, it received 132 commitments from three customers.

Demand for the A350 XWB was very strong with a total of 80 firm orders from two customers. In addition to the Emirates order for 70 aircraft, Airbus received a firm contract from Yemenia for ten A350s. In addition Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Capital (DAE-Capital) committed to acquire 30 A350s, while C Jet Limited of Hong Kong became the first customer for the VIP version of the plane, the A350XWB Prestige. Total firm orders for the type now stand at 276 from 11 customers.

The Dubai Airshow also reconfirmed the importance of the A380 to the world market. In addition to the Emirates order for 11 additional aircraft, Airbus received the first order for a private A380. The order was placed by HRH Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal of Saudi Arabia, and opens a new market for Airbus’ all new “gentle green giant”.

Airbus’ Single Aisle Family continued its success with 66 firm orders, plus commitments for an additional 101 received from nine customers, including 20 from NAS, 70 from DAE Capital, 22 from Saudi Arabian Airlines, 34 from Air Arabia, eight from Air Blue, nine from Nile Air and four from private customers. The order from Saudi Arabian Airlines was the first from the airline in 25 years.

The firm orders received during the show also include a firm order for five A330s from Oman Air.

“This Airshow has confirmed that Airbus is very much back on the market, continuing to satisfy customers with the right products,” says Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers John Leahy.

“The A380 and A350 XWB have been the highlight of the show, receiving tremendous customer endorsement. They will lead the way in the future in terms of aircraft technology, passenger comfort and environment friendliness.”

AIRPORT NEWS

AENA plans rail station in Malaga’s new terminal

Right: Malaga Airport is building an integrated railway station in its new terminal, which is due to open in the second quarter of 2009

Spanish airport operator AENA is investing US$54 million (Euro 36.9 million) to upgrade Malaga Airport by building an integrated railway station in the new terminal, which is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2009.

The new railway station will replace the current airport railway station, which is located further away from the terminal. When finished, the new 250,000m² terminal will have 20 gates, 86 check-in counters, and a baggage system capable of handling up to 7,500 pieces of baggage per hour.

As a consequence, the airport, Spain’s fifth biggest, will be able the airport to handle up to 9,000 passengers per hour, twice as much as today.

This upgrade is part of the “Málaga Plan”, an airport development programme aimed at enlarging Malaga’s capacity to 20 million passengers annually when the new terminal building is finished. AENA also plans to invest US$441 million (Euro 300 million) in the construction of a second runway at the airport, which will double capacity to 74 aircraft movements per hour. It is expected to be operational by 2010.

Malaga airport welcomed 1.4 million passengers in September, a rise of 5.9% compared with the same month last year. So far this year the airport has handled 10.7 million passengers up 4.1% on the same period last year.

Kuwait traffic rises 9% over summer

Traffic at Kuwait International Airport (KIA) increased by 9% in the three months from June to September, compared to the same period last year. Around 2.59 million passengers passed through Kuwait airport during the quarter, up from 2.37 million passengers a year before.

Arrivals grew by 8% to 1.31 million passengers (1.22 million), while departures rose 11% to 1.27 million passengers (1.15 million).

A380 lands at Orlando, but will it return?

Left: None of the three airlines at OIA that have placed orders for A380s have any plans to deploy the jets on their Orlando routes

The Airbus A380 landed yesterday (Tuesday) at Orlando International Airport - the first time it has ever touched down in the south eastern United States.

“This is an example of aeronautical engineering at its best,” says Jeff Fuqua, chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, the agency that runs OIA.

The promotional visit, which will end on Thursday morning, when the craft heads to Montreal, may be the last time Orlando sees an A380 for a some time. None of the three airlines at OIA that have placed orders for A380s have any plans to deploy the jets on their Orlando routes.

OIA’s best shot at an A380 appears to be Virgin Atlantic Airways, which operates as many as four flights a day between Orlando and London using 452-seat Boeing 747s. But Virgin isn’t scheduled to get the first of its six A380s until at least 2013, and company spokeswoman Brooke Lawer says it is “way too early” to know where the carrier will deploy them.

US air travellers face Thanksgiving crush

American air travellers will face crowded airports during the 12-day period between 16 and 27 November as an average of 2.3 million passengers each day are due to travel during the country’s Thanksgiving holiday period, a rise of 4% on last year, according to the US Air Transport Association (ATA).

“Two things most concern us,” says ATA president and CEO James May. “Number one, the weather, and number two, the capacity of the airspace. We are all somewhat at the mercy of the weather.”

May says that “senior-level” airline executives will be “directly in touch” with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) “more frequently” via conference calls than in past years. “We want to make sure really heavy-hitting decision makers are involved in the calls so that airports and carriers can respond quickly to delays and other issues,” he adds.

May says the FAA has promised to implement “operational improvements” at the crowded New York airports, including the ability to perform “dual runway operations” to increase system capacity in time for the holiday rush. But he warns that queues at security checks will be “longer” and notes that “rookie travellers” who don’t fly frequently will slow throughput.

He predicts load factors of “roughly 90%” during the period, up 10 points from the already-high average of 80% through the first three quarters of 2007. “At 90% load factors, there’s very little room for error,” he says, noting that airlines will have minimal flexibility if weather forces flight cancellations.

Chengdu plans second airport

Right: Plans for a second airport at Chengdu were discussed this week at the 2007 Chengdu civil aviation development forum

A second airport for Chengdu city in China is being planned to handle the strong growth in passenger traffic.

In August, there was a report on the US$1.64 billion (Yuan 12.7 billion) plans to build a second runway and a new terminal at Chengdu Shuang-liu International Airport (see: Second terminal and runway planned for Chengdu Shuang-Liu). Now city mayor Ge Honglin has announced that in the next five to 10 years Chengdu will build a second airport in Jintang county, 36km from the city centre.

The new airport will help Chengdu to retain its role as China’s fourth busiest aviation hub.

Chengdu Shuang-liu International (CSIA) is the home base of Air China Southwest, Sichuan Airlines and United Eagle Airlines, and serves 29 airlines, including 10 foreign airlines (KLM, Thai Airways, Air Asia, etc). It offers flights to 70 domestic destinations, and 24 international destinations, including Amsterdam, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Macao.

In 2006, CSIA handled 16.28 million passengers, ranking it China’s sixth busiest airport. Of that total, some 1.14 million were international passengers.

America sculpture returns to Midway

Travellers passing through Midway Airport in Chicago can once again get a glimpse of “America”, a sculpture of a World War II US Navy airman from the Battle of Midway for which the airport was named.

The sculpture had stood in the airport since the early 1990’s, but was removed for repair due to surface erosion caused by people touching the sculpture.

The rehabilitated sculpture was returned to Concourse A, in time for the American holiday, Veterans Day.

UK plans end of one bag rule

Right: UK airports could do away with the one bag rule for hand baggage from 7 January next year

Security restrictions at UK airports preventing passengers from carrying more than one piece of hand luggage could be relaxed from 7 January next year, according to the UK transport secretary Ruth Kelly.

She has invited airports to submit a plan that would enable passengers to carry more than one bag, but says that restrictions on the carrying of liquids and the size of cabin luggage will remain. Airport managers will need to prove they have adequate screening in place to handle the additional cabin luggage.

“I am announcing a new approach to hand baggage security that will be introduced progressively as airports are ready to handle the extra capacity,” says Kelly. “That way we can pass the benefits on to the passenger as quickly as possible.”

The relaxation of the one bag rule has been set for 7 January because the Government says airports would be too busy with the festive period to make the change immediately.

Kelly (right) hopes the changes will come into effect rapidly and is encouraging all UK airports to submit plans over the next few months.

“This is not about relaxing security,” she adds. “It is about allowing airports to take advantage of smarter technologies and improved processes to deliver a better service to the passenger.”

European Parliament lost in the woods on emissions trading

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged the European Union to get its priorities in the right order and focus on practical steps to help reduce aviation’s CO2 emissions. IATA’s statement followed Tuesday's vote in the European Parliament on including aviation in the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

“Climate change is a serious problem and hypocrisy is not the answer. We could be saving 12 million tonnes of CO2 annually with an effective Single European Sky. Instead of making that a reality, Europe is single-mindedly pursuing a political agenda of emissions trading that does nothing to improve environmental performance. I don’t see the European Parliament planting many trees, but somehow they have got lost in the woods,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

“With fuel making up 28% of operating costs, airlines have a US$132 billion economic incentive to reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions. We are 2 percent of global CO2 emissions and we have a clear strategy to address this. Our goal is to achieve carbon neutral growth leading to a carbon-free future. This sets a benchmark on environmental performance for other industries to follow,” said Bisignani.

“These aren’t just words: with practical measures like route shortening we saved up to 15 million tonnes of CO2 in 2006 alone. What have Europe’s politicians contributed to this achievement? The answer is absolutely nothing. And today’s vote continues the tradition of hot air and no action,” said Bisignani.

Economic measures are part of IATA’s four-pillar strategy to address climate change. These can play a role once industry stakeholders, including governments, have put in place measures that maximise efficiencies from technology, operations and infrastructure. This strategy was accepted by all member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization in September 2007 including Europe. But instead of working towards a fair, voluntary and global emissions trading scheme, Europe plans to implement unilaterally.

“Europe’s go-it-alone approach on emissions trading is counterproductive. Regional schemes will have, at best, limited impact on the environment. And their unilateral application to foreign airlines is a clear breach of the Chicago Convention. The resulting trade and legal battles will distract governments from making real progress,” concluded Bisignani.

EC threatens to close airlines' websites for misleading info

The European Commission threatens to close the websites of nearly half of the airlines in the EU due to the fact that they mislead consumers with their online pricing policy as Reuters reports. The EU consumer affairs, which has carried out an investigation into airline price advertising, hasn’t named the carriers yet but it has plans to publish a list with those who shown irregularities in four months time.

The investigation took place in September with the participation of 15 member-states and shown that “more than 50% of the total websites have irregularities in their prices.”

The results of the investigation to be officially published today Wednesday 14 November 2007 and obtained by Reuters says that the carriers will be notified by the Authorities and asked to clarify the situation or change their practices in four months time.

Fines and even closing of the websites are waiting those who fail to comply with the authorities’ suggestions.

The most frequent irregularities are:

• Tickets prices which are registered without the airports taxes and other additional charges
• The ads with cheap or free tickets which are not available when the consumer displays his interest
• Additional services such as for instance the passengers’ insurance are pre-chosen at the booking page of the website and force consumers to pay more.
• Information regarding the passengers’ rights, the cancellation procedures, the change of a date or tickets transfer are missing.

Ryanair are among the many carriers that are being indicated in the report for irregularities.

The Brits won't be scared

REPORT - LONDON - WTM 2007: You cannot frighten and pin down the British. They are nearly always willing to pack up their bags and leave the country for a holiday. “Britons are the hardiest and most terrorist resistant travellers in the world,” said Dr. Auliana Poon during World Travel Market at ExCeL London.

“We did an investigation into how the Japanese, the Germans and the Americans and British responded to terrorism. We did a study on the impact on tourism in the build up to the outbreak of the Gulf War. Six months before it started the Japanese and Americans stopped travelling; with the Germans it was five months and for the British it was down to three months. How long did it take for the same amount of travellers to start up travelling after the war? The result was incredible. Within eight months everything was back to normal for the British travellers. The Germans took 11 months and the Americans took nearly two years. The British are hardy. The Germans are determined; Americans cautious and the Japanese reserved.”

Poon, managing director of Tourism Intelligence International, added “For all of these reasons it is really safe to bet on the British market. You cannot go wrong. It is key to the rest of the world.There are radical changes in a transforming market and the way the public buy, take and book holidays. Who is the new British traveller? How do they think and behave?”

“There is an un-packaging of the traditional holiday. It is changing from old to new tourism. We think Britain is driving this trend. The old style was driven by sun-lust tourists. It was mass, standardised and rigidly packaged and, most importantly, affordable. Fundamental differences include the Internet, low-cost airlines, seat-only sales and these make it possible for people to buy travel without the package. The British travellers are fiercely independent, experienced, mature and demanding with an enormous appetite for it,” added Poon.

“The same mass destinations that applied for packaged holidays are still today the leading ones for independent travellers – France and Spain within Europe. They sometimes use the package experience as a launch pad for much more individual activities. The market is increasingly inclined to seek out new destinations. The technology makes the customised holiday cost effective. The old way of doing business penalised you for being an individual.”

“The travellers of the future having the holiday of a lifetime are not interested in going somewhere and taking a photograph. They want to participate, want to be part of the experience. We have seen a move from bargain hunting to value seeking.”

Poon believes that: “Understanding the British market is the key to every other travel market. Firstly, it is huge. By 2010 we estimate the population will reach 75 million. It is the third largest travel market in the world, the second biggest time share and second highest and fastest growing cruise market.”

“The British economy continues to be one of the brightest spots in Europe; the British have paid leave and it is socially acceptable to take holidays, unlike with the Japanese and Americans. The growth has been phenomenal and the market is also dynamic. It has consistently outpaced the growth of world tourism since the 1970s. It is faster than the world average.”

“It has access to more flights and more destinations than any other country in the world.”

ITB Berlin 2008 adds new section

A new trend is driving growth in the global tourism industry. Tourists and young business travellers who prefer budget accommodation on their travels are setting one of the major global travel trends of the future. Next year the ITB Berlin will be responding to this demand with a new section at the show – Economy Accommodation.

The leading travel trade show is the first to devote a platform to this booming segment of the market. Budget hotel chains, hostels, budget design hotels, youth hostels, internet portals and associations will be presenting their products and services in Hall 4.1 from 5 to 9 March 2008. A special event which takes place on Friday, 7 March 2008 at 2 p.m. in Hall 4.1 will also be focusing on the topic of budget hotels.

According to the latest survey by the US-based youth organisation STAY WYSE, 1.6 billion overnights are registered annually worldwide among travellers under thirty. Between 2005 and 2020 this market segment is expected to expand by 70 per cent. Travellers from China and India in particular will be responsible for worldwide growth. Price-conscious travel is thus becoming one of the most dynamic forces stimulating growth in the tourism industry – regardless whether travellers under thirty are on holiday, business trips or on their way to meetings and conferences.

Dnata Travel strenghtens regional expansion with presence in Qatar

Dnata Travel Services announced plans to expand into Qatar at the Dubai Air Show 2007. Dnata Travel Services signed a joint venture agreement with the Al Hashemi Group to establish a travel management organisation in the state of Qatar. This new partnership is part of Dnata’s strategic expansion plan to establish a strong regional network within the Gulf and Middle East.

The agreement was signed by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, for Dnata Travel Services and Abdulla A.M. Al Hashemi, Chairman of Al Hashemi Group. Also present at the signing were: Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata; and Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President, Dnata Travel Services.

Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President said: “Dnata has firmly established itself as the leading agency in the UAE for travel management services. Over the past few years we have been looking to grow our network in the region. Dnata launched travel services in Kuwait and Afghanistan in 2004, and this was followed by Saudi Arabia in 2005. Our first Dnata Travel outlet in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated last week and we also have representation in Oman with the integration of MMI Travel with Dnata Travel Services.”

“We already have a blueprint to establish and grow Dnata's presence in Qatar, and we look forward to progressing these plans with our partners at Al Hashemi Group. Our aim will be to provide customers in Qatar with top-class professional travel management services, and a broad range of travel products through our various specialist divisions,” Andrew added.

Mr Abdulla Al Hashemi, Chairman Al Hashemi group said: “We are very pleased to be a part of Dnata’s network; through this partnership we can now offer a broad spectrum of travel products and services to both retail and corporate customers in Qatar. We look forward to serving our clients with a high level of professionalism and service.”

Dubai to get Mid East`s first aviation safety training academy

Dubai World Central Aviation City, which will be home to the world’s largest maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, has signed a land lease agreement with a Dubai company to set up the Middle East’s first independent aviation safety training academy.

Spatial Aviation Safety Training Academy (SASTA), a specialist provider of aircrew training solutions, will build the US$ 37 million (AED 136 million), 14,000 square metre facility to cater to commercial airlines, private and corporate jet operators, helicopter and light fixed wing crew.

The academy will also provide customised training for airport ground staff and management.

“This regional ‘first’ will significantly add to DWC’s proposition as a totally comprehensive aviation hub and provide a vital service to the industry within the Middle East who will be able to access world-class training without the costs of sending staff overseas,” said Abdulla Al Qurashi, CEO, DWC Aviation City.

“Aviation City will be a hub for global aviation training institutions who meet all international regulatory standards in order to bridge the gap between demand and supply to the full gambit of aviation providers regionally.”

SASTA’s safety training programme is compliant with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation), JAR-OPS (Joint Aviation Regulations) and UAE’s GCAA (General Civil Aviation Authority) standards.

“Our vision is to establish SASTA as an exemplar provider of world class safety training programmes for the aviation industry, at Dubai World Central. We are excited and fully committed to play our part in the success of this truly historical project,” said Joseph McKeever, CEO, Spatial Training Solutions.

“The academy’s 40-strong staff managed by aviation industry experts will operate from a fully-equipped facility complete with an Airbus A300/310 and B777 full cabin simulator, real fire fighting trainer, ditching and water survival pool, a G500/550 Gulfstream, Hawker, Fokker and Airbus A318/A319/A320/ ,A321 and B737 door trainers. We anticipate its appeal will extend beyond the Middle East, to also service the rapidly-developing aviation sector within the Indian Sub-continent.”

The academy’s syllabus includes crew resources management, leadership courses, ‘Train The Trainer’ and aircrew safety and emergency procedures compliant with Civil Aviation Regulations.

The academy is to be operational by January 2009 when first flights will serve DWC’s Al Maktoum International Airport – set to be the world’s largest.

The US$1.4 billion (AED 5 billion) DWC Aviation City is a strategic aviation project launched within Dubai World Central (DWC) - the 140 square kilometre urban aviation, multi-phased development in Jebel Ali and will feature the MRO centre, repair and test as well as aircraft system and components installation facilities.

Emirates partners with Oemservices for A380 fleet

Emirates Airline and OEMServices have signed a 15-year co-operation agreement, securing the total support services of Diehl Aerospace, Liebherr-Aerospace, Thales and Zodiac for aircraft components fitted to Emirates’ fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft.

Under this agreement, OEMServices will be Emirates’ single point of contact for the supply of components and maintenance services for about 650 different rotable, repairable and expendable aircraft components.

Emirates will grant OEMServices exclusive access to its A380 component repair business, while OEMServices will guarantee just in time availability from its pool of A380 components to Emirates at its main base and its outstations - which reduces the need for Emirates to keep a large A380 inventory of its own.

The supply of components and maintenance services will be provided by OEMServices' founding partners: Diehl Aerospace, Liebherr-Aerospace, Thales and Zodiac (acting through IN-Services).HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive, and Jean-Noel Barrere, President of OEMServices, formalized the multi-million dollar contract at the 10th Dubai Airshow.

Sheikh Ahmed said: “Emirates will have the largest A380 fleet in the industry, with 58 firm orders for this aircraft. The contract we are signing with OEMServices is an optimal arrangement that ensures the supply of components and maintenance services for Emirates’ A380 fleet in Dubai and around the world. We are confident that OEMServices has the expertise and commitment to deliver the results for Emirates, and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

Jean-Noel Barrere, President of OEMServices: “OEMServices and its founding partners are very proud of being selected by Emirates to provide a tailor-made full support solution for its A380 fleet.”

“By harmonizing the relevant processes and logistics and building on the strength, resources and assets provided by our partners Diehl Aerospace, Liebherr-Aerospace, Thales and Zodiac, OEMServices provides a superior customized solution which meets Emirates’ A380 support expectation. Our next challenge will be to expand our partnership with other OEMs so we may enhance our A380 product and services.”

EU Sees Boeing-Airbus Row Running Into 2009

A major transatlantic row over subsidies paid to Boeing of the United States and rival European planemaker Airbus could drag into 2009, the European Commission said on Tuesday.

"Only a few weeks ago, Boeing publicly rejected Airbus's latest olive branch," the European Union executive said in a statement to the European Parliament, drawn up by European Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson.

"We are therefore skeptical whether this dispute can be resolved at the negotiating table any time soon," it said, adding a settlement remained the EU's favored option.

In the biggest trade dispute ever filed at the World Trade Organization, the United States and the EU three years ago swapped complaints over tens of billions of euros and dollars in government support for each other's aircraft industries.

In Washington, a spokeswoman for the US Trade Representative's office said the United States also preferred a negotiated settlement but was prepared to fight on.

"We continue to believe that a negotiated settlement that brings an end to WTO-inconsistent subsidies would be best. Meanwhile, we remain confident in a favorable outcome through litigation," USTR spokeswoman Gretchen Hamel said.

Tim Neale, a spokesman for Boeing, took issue with the commission's statement that Boeing had rejected an Airbus proposal for resolving the dispute.

"We are not aware of any EC or Airbus offers to resolve this dispute that would address the most market-distorting subsidies, namely launch aid," Neale said in a statement.

"Continuing launch aid is the biggest impediment to a 'fair and balanced' resolution of the dispute."

The commission said the WTO was likely to decide on the cases in 2008 but appeals could stretch the process into 2009.

"We would think that once the WTO will have decided in the two cases, it would make sense to sit together with the US to manage the resulting implications. Whether this might expand into proper negotiations, we are not sure," the statement said.

Although Boeing was waging a "damaging" campaign, including an attempt to block funds for improving US airports to accommodate Airbus's new superjumbo A380, the commission said that so far the row had not damaged EU-US trade relations.

"We intend to keep it that way. And we trust that the US will do the same, for example by ensuring that the Airbus-Boeing disputes are not allowed to affect either company's ability to compete fairly in public procurement competitions," it said.

"Notably, there should be no anti-competitive actions in legislation or executive policy that would improperly restrict the ability of EU companies to compete in the current US aerial tanker recapitalization program."

Boeing is competing against Northrop Grumman and its partner EADS, the parent company of Airbus, to build a new fleet of mid-air refueling planes in a USD$40 billion Air Force competition.

"Boeing has welcomed the competition Airbus and Northrop have brought to the tanker program. Competition makes everyone stronger," Neale said.

EU Body Adopts Strict Rules For Airline Emissions

Airlines flying in and out of the European Union should join the bloc's emissions trading system in 2011 and submit to strict caps on their output of greenhouse gases, the European Parliament has voted on Tuesday.

The EU assembly, in its first reading on a bill that has drawn ire from the United States and other nations, voted to set a tighter limit on aviation's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than first proposed by the European Commission.

It also set one date, 2011, for inclusion of internal EU and intercontinental flights and increased the number of carbon permits -- certificates that essentially assign rights to pollute -- that airlines would have to buy up front from EU governments instead of getting them for free.

The trading scheme is the 27 nation EU's key instrument to fight global warming. It sets limits on the amount of CO2 that industry may emit. Companies buy or sell permits based on whether they overshoot or undershoot their targets.

Airlines are not currently included and the EU wants to add them, to show world leadership on climate change and help meet an internal goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels.

"We are ten years late," in tackling emissions from international aviation, said Peter Liese, the German conservative deputy who steered the bill through the assembly. "I don't think it's over ambitious. It's high time to do something."

Airlines attacked the vote as damaging to economic growth while environmentalists said it did not go far enough to fight climate change.

The Association of European Airlines, which represents carriers such as British Airways and Lufthansa, said it was "a massive blow to the viability and competitiveness of the European airline industry (and) a barely measurable step for the environment."

But environmental group WWF said the parliament "missed the opportunity to really curb the emissions of the fastest growing sector in Europe in terms of greenhouse gases."

The plan must now go to EU governments for potential changes. It must be approved by parliament and EU ministers before it can become law.

The parliament tightened the Commission's proposals across the board, though EU governments are unlikely to support many of the new requirements.

Lawmakers voted to increase the amount of permits that airlines must buy upfront at auction to 25 percent from 2011 and said the sector's cap should be set at 90 percent of average emissions from the period 2004-2006, tighter than the 100 percent proposed by Brussels.

The parliament set limits on the amount of permits airlines could buy from other sectors in the trading scheme and under the Kyoto Protocol while adding a "multiplier" that would take into account the effects of gases other than CO2.

It also voted to include government flights in the scheme while excluding all military flights.

Lawmakers rejected the Commission's proposal that intra-EU flights join the scheme in 2011 and all intercontinental flights from 2012, saying that adopting one date would ensure no airlines were at a competitive disadvantage.

Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas had said the Commission believed a two-step approach would help convince other nations that the EU scheme was workable.

Qantas to buy up to 188 aircraft

QANTAS will buy up to 188 narrow body aircraft for short haul flights, growing its brands in Australia and Asia. The airline said the funding of the purchases won't affect its investment grade credit rating.

The new aircraft will be used to defend Qantas' minimum 65 per cent share of the Australian domestic market and to expand low cost services to South East Asia.

The plan also involves Jetstar opening new regional aviation bases in both Darwin and Perth over the next two years to serve fast growing Asian markets.

Most of the new aircraft will be Boeing 737-800s and Airbus A320s.

The order also includes larger A321 aircraft, which will have up to 213 seats, compared with 177 on an A320 in a Jetstar single-class configuration.

The first aircraft to arrive in February will be an A321.

"We expect to take at least 17 of those aircraft to expand Jetstar's opportunities in its fastest growing markets,'' chief executive Geoff Dixon said.

Qantas will acquire 68 A320/A321 aircraft and has 40 options and purchase rights.

It will also buy 31 B737-800 aircraft, and has 49 options and purchase rights.

"The firm aircraft will be delivered over a six year period, while options secured additional delivery slots through to 2017,'' Qantas said.

Mr Dixon said: "This decision, together with existing A380 and B787 fleet commitments, secures an order stream for next generation aircraft that will allow the group to meet long term demand growth and replace older aircraft over the next decade.

"The plan provides maximum flexibility to respond to changes in the market and competitive situation.

"In an environment where our customers have more options than ever before, this investment will ensure that Qantas and Jetstar continue to provide customers with superior network reach, choice and product.''

He said some of the Airbus aircraft would also be used to supply capacity to the group's Asian associates.

Qantas is preparing to receive its first superjumbo A380 aircraft in August 2008.

Jetstar will later launch the B787 Dreamliner to underpin the expansion of its low cost international services.

"We are confident that the orders we have placed provide the right aircraft, with the right product and right economics to ensure the continued success of Qantas and Jetstar both domestically and internationally,'' Mr Dixon said.

Saudi Prince buys A380 as private jet

Dubai: Luxury got a new dimension and a new name - A380 'Flying Palace' - as Saudi billionaire Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal on Monday signed a deal to buy the world's first end-to-end double-decker corporate jet, a deal valued at $319 million at list prices.

When delivered in 2010 with the latest amenities to ensure maximum comfort and luxury - Al Waleed will probably rewrite the best-known fairy tales that could depict the latest version of luxury - perhaps the best that money can buy.

Al Waleed, billed as the world's fifth richest Arab, on Monday stopped by Dubai International Airport for half an hour to sign the deal with Airbus chief executive Tom Enders, flanked by a battery of crew - all dressed in golden coloured outfits.

Al Waleed descended from his Boeing 747 corporate jet just before 1pm on Monday, flanked by his entourage and crew members.

"This is the first corporate jet for the Airbus A380 to be sold and we are all proud of the first of its kind deal," John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, told Gulf News minutes after the signing ceremony.

"The value of the deal is about $319 million including the engines, however, excluding the interiors, which have not been decided yet."

Al Waleed toured the aircraft and came out smiling, accompanied by the officials of his Kingdom Holdings, before boarding his Boeing 747 corporate jet around 1:30pm.

The A380 will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines. It will undergo a cabin outfitting at a yet to be chosen completion centre.

"Prince Al Waleed's order means that Airbus' sales success in the corporate jet market now extends from its smallest aircraft, the A318 Elite - all the way up to its largest, the A380 Flying Palace," Leahy said.

He expects to sell about 20 A380 Flying Palaces in the coming years, including a sizeable number from the Gulf.

AIRPORT NEWS

Thousands attend Changi Terminal 3’s open house

The first public opening of Singapore Changhi Airport’s Terminal 3 (right) yesterday attracted more than 2,000 visitors.

The airport operator has arranged an open house at the terminal, which is due to open for commercial flights on 9 January next year.

The airport is expecting some half a million people to attend its open house over the next four weeks.

Changi’s winter season launches with record flights

Right: An extra 100 flights per week have been added to Changhi's winter season

Singapore Changi Airport launched its northern winter season on 28 October with a record 4,300 weekly scheduled flights. This represents an increase of more than 100 weekly flights compared with the northern summer season between 25 March and 27 October 2007.

Lim Kim Choon, director general and chief operating officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), says, “Leading this growth is increases in flights to south Asia and north Asia, in particular the Indian sub-continent. This is not surprising, given that India and China are Singapore’s fastest growing markets for business and tourism.”

Brunei commissions airport master plan

The Government of Brunei has commissioned a master plan for Brunei International Airport that could herald a major programme of improvement work.

The Department of Civil Aviation says the master plan, which is expected to be ready by July next year, will look at infrastructural development strategies and terminal needs, emphasising priority improvement needs.

Brunei’s director of civil aviation, Pengiran Abdul Rahman Ismail, says it has not yet been decided whether to expand the existing airport terminal or build a new one. “We need to wait for the consultancy study to be completed to consider the number of options that will be short-listed to be implemented for the development of the airport.”

Touch-screen check-in to dominate at T5

Right: Increasing numbers of Heathrow passengers are opting to use self-service check-in facilities in preference to queuing

British Airways predicts that around 80% of its passengers travelling via Heathrow’s Terminal 5 will check-in online or using touch-screen check-in machines.

The high predicted level of self-service take-up at the new terminal, which opens next March, reflects a growing trend at the airport, says operator BAA.

A spokesman for BAA says British Airways, Virgin and United already operate touch-screen check-in machines at the airport and other major airlines with a large presence at Heathrow are now following suit.

“The feedback we’re getting from these airlines is that significant numbers of people are using the machines,” he adds.

Heathrow to offer state-of-the-art parking

Right: New car park promises to reduce congestion and pollution at Heathrow


Heathrow is about to unveil a high technology car park at Terminal 5, which is due to open next March. The automated system will take a photo of each car’s license plate as it enters, and direct the driver to a vacant space using illuminated arrows and an infrared camera tracking system. The car park ticket retains details of the parking space, so when the user returns to the pay kiosk, a digital display directs him or her to the car. Heathrow officials claim the system will reduce traffic and cut carbon emissions by 397 tonnes per year.

"Third Screen" Revolutionising Travel Marketing in Asia

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM- Mobile phones are becoming one of the most important communication tools between the travel industry and Asian consumers according to the World Travel Market Global Trends Report 2007 released today in partnership with market intelligence firm Euromonitor International.

The report identified mobile phones as a highly influential marketing tool, calling it the "third" screen following television and the internet. Penetration rates are particularly high in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan which reached 124%, 103% and 102% respectively and are expected to continue to grow by 3-4 percentage points each year until 2009.

Several regional travel and tourism players have already responded to the importance of SMS as a communication tool. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Air provide SMS ticketing and Singapore Airlines sends SMS ticket confirmation services to local travellers. Australian based online travel operator, zuji.com has divisions in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Australia and sends out tailored SMS promotions to subscribers.

Clement Wong, Euromonitor's International's Global Travel and Tourism account manager comments: "Asians love their phones and as the world's leading region of users, we expect they will become the new way of doing business for the travel industry in that part of the world.

"The mobile phone revolution in Asia presents a dynamic and convenient channel, especially with SMS messaging, mobile TV and internet and recently, mobile blogging. With information sharing in the palm of their hands we expect marketing opportunities for tourism to grow nearly 200 per cent over the next five years."

Halal Tourism: Untapped potential for Middle East

REPORT - LONDON - WTM 2007: Despite vastly differing requirements, Middle East tourism is missing out by targeting Muslims and non-Muslims in exactly the same way, according to the World Travel Market Global Trend Reports 2007 released Monday 12 November 2007, published in partnership with market intelligence company Euromonitor International.

“This represents an important, untapped potential and a business opportunity for Halal tourism which is a form of religious tourism defined as activities permissible under Islamic law”, said Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of World Travel Market.

The report, released on the opening day of the leading industry business-to-business event in London, forecasts the number of inbound tourists to the Middle East will grow by 66%, reaching 55 million visitors by 2011.

“A large proportion of these will be intra-regional, boosted by increased transport connectivity between cities and better infrastructure”, said Jeffery.

Ms Parita Chitakasem, Asia Pacific and Australasia Travel and Tourism Manager said: “As witnessed by the continued number of religious tourists visiting the Iraq, Halal Tourism has the potential to develop into one of the most resilient forms of tourism.”

“The Vatican set up its own budget airline to transport pilgrims to holy sites in 2007 and there is potential for the development of a Halal to start up its own airline. Such an airline could provide Halal food, calls for prayer, Korans in seat pockets, religious programmes on the inflight entertainment system and separate sections for male and female passengers.”

“Another potential option is to explore women only hotels to overcome Muslim women being unable to book hotel rooms without a male guarantor, which is the case in Saudi Arabia.”

Tourism revenue in the Middle East is expected to grow by 108% to almost $51 billion and domestic tourism by 82% to reach $24 billion in 2011.

Most of this expansion stems from inbound travellers, underlining the need for tailored Halal tourism products and services that are developed within the region to cater to this dynamic market.

India plans to create a splash in the cruise market

India is gearing up to relaunch itself as a major cruise destination. Ports selected for upgraded cruise facilities include Mumbai, Mormugao (the port city of Goa); Cochin in Kerala, New Mangalore on the southwest coast and Chennai on the east coast.

Speaking at World Travel Market, Leena Nandan, Joint Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Tourism, said: “Cruise operators are more than ever searching for new destinations and itineraries and India’s reputation as an enchanting, exotic and historical destination lends itself ideally to becoming a major port of call.”

Ms Nandan said India was well-located to create and expand regional cruise itineraries. The country’s rapidly-expanding tourism figures (both overseas and domestic traffic) meant that India could support a burgeoning cruise market.

Outlining the Government of India’s proposed cruise shipping policy, Ms Nandan said: “Our aim will be to try and tempt cruise passengers into returning to India for a longer stay.

“We aim to ensure that India’s cruise industry is competitive with other international destinations – and that as well as developing existing ports, we also explore other possible anchoring sites around the Indian coast.”

Ms Nandan said the government had set a target of attracting 100,000 cruise passenger landings a year by the end of 2010.

There are also plans for more aggressive marketing of river cruises which are currently available on the Mandovi and Zuari rivers in Goa, the Brahmaputra in Assam, the Hooghly River in West Bengal and the backwaters of Kerala.

India's newest tourist region is on the doorstep of Delhi

The north Indian state of Haryana has set its sights on becoming one of the country’s most popular tourist regions. Stretching from the outskirts of Delhi to the borders of four other states including Punjab and Rajasthan, the Haryana border is just six kilometres from the Indira Ghandi International Airport, India’s busiest gateway.

Only a separate state since 1966 when the Punjab was divided in two, Haryana is a historic and prosperous region of green fields and small resorts; ideal for a relaxing day trip from Delhi – or a longer break.

Golf, farmhouse holidays and cultural tourism are among the niche markets Haryana is hoping to cultivate.

Speaking at World Travel Market, Haryana’s tourism minister Mrs Kiran Choudhry said the state’s tourism infrastructure was developing very quickly - helped enormously by the Indian Government’s decision two years ago to massively reduce bureaucracy. This had simplified many rules and regulations which had enabled greater foreign investment and actively encouraged privatization.

“Haryana has also been pioneering the concept of Highway Tourism which has seen beautiful tourist complexes being constructed close to some of the major roads passing through the state,” she said. “Each resort includes hotels, motels, bars, fast food centres, health clubs and conference halls.”

Mrs Choudhry highlighted a two-day tour known as the North India Circuit which starts in Delhi and includes the heritage city of Kurukshetra, regarded as the birthplace of the Vedic civilization – the earliest civilization in Indian history - where there are no fewer than 860 places of pilgrimage. Mrs Choudhry said Kurukshetra was now being promoted as an international tourist destination.

The plans will be outlined at a World Travel Market press conference on Tuesday November 13, 2007 at 15.00. The press conference is being held in Rooms 14 & 15, North Gallery at the ExCeL exhibition centre.

Kuoni continues to grow

The Kuoni Group’s total turnover for the first nine months of 2007 was a 14.8% improvement on the same period last year as the company announced. Organic growth accounted for 4.9 percentage points of this turnover increase. EBIT for the period showed even greater growth of 17.2%. Free cash flow stood at a record CHF 218.1 million.

Strategic Business Units Asia & Destination Management and Scandinavia posted excellent results for the period, while Strategic Business Unit Europe delivered an encouraging performance. Kuoni Switzerland saw the launch of a restructuring programme to raise its currently-weak margin performance. At Kuoni UK, the new management is now in place and is currently devising the actions required to bring the unit back onto a successful track.

The Kuoni Group further expanded its strong position in the specialist segment through the acquisitions of CV Travel (UK), Les Ateliers du Voyage (France) and UTE Megapolus (Russia), while the acquisition of Denmark - based tour operator Falk Lauritsen Rejser A/S strengthened Kuoni’s position in the Danish travel market.

The structural adjustments announced under the present corporate transformation are proceeding according to plan.

From its current perspective, the Kuoni Group expects to post turnover of more than CHF 4.5 billion and an EBIT of more than CHF 130 million for 2007 as a whole.

January to September 2007

In a market environment characterised by further industry consolidation and substantial pressure on margins, the Kuoni Group raised its total turnover by a sizeable 14.8% in the first nine months of 2007, from the CHF 3 062 million of the prior-year period to CHF 3 515 million. Organic growth accounted for 4.9 percentage points of the turnover improvement, the net impact of acquisitions and divestments accounted for 7.2 percentage points and currency movements had a net positive impact of 2.7 percentage points.

Gross profit for the period stood at CHF 756.6 million, a 16.5% improvement on the CHF 649.6 million of January-to-September 2006. Gross profit margin rose from 21.2% to 21.5%. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) were increased 17.2%, from the CHF 88.3 million of the prior-year period to CHF 103.5 million. The EBIT result includes investment of CHF 4.9 million in expanding the activities of online distributor Shoestring, CHF 4.6 million of expenditure to date on the ongoing corporate transformation and around CHF 9 million (prior year: CHF 2 million) of acquisition-related amortisations of intangible assets in accordance with IFRS 3.

The balance sheet on September 30, 2007 showed equity of CHF 600.8 million (unchanged from December 31, 2006). The balance sheet equity ratio declined from the 33.5% of the end of 2006 to 28.4%, as a result of seasonal variations in the balance sheet total. Cash flow from operating activities amounted to CHF 242.5 million (which compares with CHF 205.1 million for January-September 2006), while free cash flow stood at a record CHF 218.1 million (compared to CHF 177.4 million for the prior-year period).

Third-quarter results

Kuoni Travel Holding Ltd. generated total turnover of CHF 1 488 million for the third quarter of 2007, an increase of 13.7% on the prior-year period. Of the overall increase, 4.6 percentage points were attributable to organic growth, 6.3 percentage points to the net impact of acquisitions and divestments and 2.8 percentage points to the net positive impact of currency movements. Gross profit totalled CHF 330.0 million, an 18.7% increase on the CHF 278.0 million of the prior-year period. Third-quarter gross profit margin rose accordingly from 21.2% to 22.2%.

The EBIT margin of 6.6% was a slight decline on the 6.7% of the third quarter of 2006. EBIT itself was increased 11.4%, from the CHF 87.8 million of the prior-year period to CHF 97.8 million. The net result for the period amounted to CHF 95.7 million, a substantial 21.8% improvement on the third quarter of last year. The results were buoyed in particular by highly encouraging developments at Strategic Business Units Asia & Destination Management and Scandinavia. As was expected, the favourable overall Group results were depressed to some extent by performances in the Swiss and UK markets.

In Switzerland, where the market is currently proving very difficult, the problems have already been identified and reported on. A restructuring programme has now been launched to improve the unit’s currently-weak margin performance. Strategic Business Unit Switzerland posted turnover of CHF 323 million for the third quarter of 2007, broadly unchanged from its prior-year level, but raised its EBIT result for the quarter by 6.5%, from CHF 19.9 million to CHF 21.2 million. Kuoni Switzerland again earned several “best Swiss tour operator” awards and distinctions during the third-quarter period.

Strategic Business Unit United Kingdom is also still short of its objectives, as was outlined in connection with the Kuoni Group’s first-half results. Third-quarter turnover was increased 23.8% from the CHF 172 million of 2006 to CHF 213 million; but EBIT declined 43.8%, from CHF 14.6 million to CHF 8.2 million. The new management installed in summer is currently devising the actions required to bring the unit back onto a successful track.

Strategic Business Unit Scandinavia posted exceptionally good third-quarter results. The CHF 338 million turnover for the period was a 17.8% improvement on the CHF 287 million of July-to-September 2006, while EBIT for the quarter was raised by an outstanding 50.8%. Strategic Business Unit Asia & Destination Management also showed highly favourable third-quarter developments, raising its turnover 21.3% from CHF 314 million to CHF 381 million and achieving a 36.4% improvement in its EBIT result. Strategic Business Unit Europe increased its third-quarter turnover 12%, from CHF 234 million to CHF 262 million.

Outlook for the year

Booking levels as of November 11, 2007 for the Kuoni Group’s tour operating business were 14% above their 2006 equivalents. Bookings are especially encouraging for the Christmas period, with travel arrangements to the Maldives, Thailand and Egypt proving particularly popular.

The implementation of the present corporate transformation is proceeding according to plan. The new structure will put brand management – which is so crucial to Kuoni’s success – clearly centrestage in all future Group development.

Kuoni expects to record total turnover of more than CHF 4.5 billion and an EBIT of more than CHF 130 million for 2007 as a whole.

Qatar Airways Orders 60 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners And 32 Boeing 777s

His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar, is pictured second left after the official signing ceremony of the Boeing and GE engine order at the Dubai Air Show. With him from left are: General Aviation President and CEO Scott Donnelly, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and Boeing President and CEO Scott Carson

Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Qatar Airways today announced an order for 30 firm and 30 option Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, together with confirmed orders for 27 Boeing 777s and an additional five options.

Guest of honour, His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar, presided over the official signing ceremony and announcement at the Dubai Air Show.

Details of the order were unveiled during a press conference attended by senior executives of both companies together with GE Aviation, which will supply engines for the aircraft.

Addressing media in Dubai this afternoon, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: "We are proud to join the growing list of Boeing 787 customers. With deliveries from mid-2010 through to 2014, the 787 will form the core of Qatar Airways regional and medium-haul fleet from the next decade and its optimum size and outstanding fuel efficiency and economics will underpin the airline's profitability and competitiveness as it builds its hub at Doha's new international airport."

Pictured at the official signing ceremony of the Boeing order at the Dubai Air Show today are from left; General Aviation President and CEO Scott Donnelly, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and Boeing President and CEO Scott Carson

Al Baker said the decision to opt for the Boeing 787 was taken following a detailed analysis of the airline's future aircraft needs over a period of three years, including significant inputs to the 787's original definition and specification. The Boeing 787 order is for the 787-8 version with options to convert to the 787-9 variant.

"Later this month, Qatar Airways takes delivery of the first of its 27 firm Boeing 777s, which signals our first move to induct Boeing aircraft into our fleet," he said.

Qatar Airways has confirmed orders for 14 777-300ERs, 6 777-200LRs and 7 777-200Fs, with deliveries beginning later this month and running until mid-2010. The two passenger 777 variants will facilitate a major expansion in the airline's long haul passenger network. The 777-200 freighters, which will be delivered from 2009, provide outstanding economics enabling Qatar Airways to build up an efficient cargo hub linking Europe and Asia, supplemented by its regional widebody freighters and belly capacity.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker is pictured, left with Boeing President and CEO Scott Carson exchanging gifts after the aircraft order announcement.

Added Al Baker: "I am pleased to say that the Boeing 787s and 777s will strengthen our partnership with Boeing for years to come. Our passenger fleet is among the youngest and eco-friendly in the world with a projected average age of just over three years by next year."

The aggregate value of the 30 Boeing 787s and 27 Boeing 777 firm aircraft is estimated at US$13.5 billion at catalogue prices.

All of the aircraft acquired by Qatar Airways from Boeing will be equipped with General Electric engines. Al Baker added: "The choice of the GEnx and GE90 powerplants to power the airline's new Boeings will further cement the excellent working relationship already established with General Electric on its CF6 programme."

Air Arabia Sees Mideast Traffic Growing

Air Arabia, the Middle East's only publicly listed carrier, said it expects regional passenger traffic to grow by an average 7.1 percent per year during the next eight years, faster than the global average.

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates-based Air Arabia, the region's largest low-cost carrier, said on Tuesday it would benefit from "strong air traffic growth projected in our target regions" and "highly favorable home and regional market dynamics."

The airline, which this year raised USD$700 million in an initial public offering, on Monday ordered 34 aircraft from Airbus, with options for 15 more, in a contract worth up to USD$3.5 billion. These will replace the 11 aircraft it leases now.

Middle East cargo traffic should grow 5.3 percent per year during the decade to 2015, compared with 6 percent globally, the carrier said in a presentation that it will give to investors in New York during the next three days.

The presentation was posted on the web site of the Dubai Financial Market, which is organizing the meeting with 13 Dubai-listed companies.

Air Arabia carried 1.76 million passengers last year, and 1.96 million in the nine months to September 30, with the Indian subcontinent its biggest market, followed by other Gulf Arab states, according to the presentation.

Shares of Air Arabia have almost doubled in value since they listed in July. The company started in 2003.

Singapore Airlines And China Eastern Airlines Launch Interline E-Ticketing

Customers travelling on Singapore Airlines and China Eastern Airlines can now enjoy the benefits and convenience of requiring just one electronic ticket (e-ticket) for the entire journey.

With e-tickets, travel itinerary and customer information are maintained electronically in the airlines’ reservations systems. As a result, any amendments to bookings can be made easily and customers do not have to worry about misplaced paper tickets.

“Singapore Airlines is pleased to announce the launch of interline e-ticketing with China Eastern Airlines which allows all our customers to enjoy the benefits of paperless travel,” said Mr Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President Marketing and the Regions.

“With interline e-ticketing, travel processes are streamlined and check-in procedures are made simpler and more convenient. We are especially delighted to initiate e-ticket cooperation with China Eastern so quickly and this is one sign of the partnership being built between both airlines.”

This interline e-ticketing arrangement is Singapore Airlines’ 100th e-ticketing cutover. Singapore Airlines first offered e-tickets to passengers in 1997 and now e-tickets are available to customers travelling to any of its 65 destinations.

The Airline has also established interline e-ticketing arrangements with all of its Star Alliance partners and plans to conclude interline e-ticketing arrangements with all 156 interline partners in the coming months. With this arrangement customers can benefit from the e-ticketing facility when they travel on any itinerary involving a connection onto another airline.

Emirates to invest huge amounts in inflight products and services

On the second day of the Dubai Airshow 2007, Emirates entered into long-term agreements with B/E Aerospace, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, and JAMCO Corporation, in a move indicative of its commitment to continuous product enhancements through innovation and cutting-edge technologies.

The contracts for top-of-the-range, custom-built cabin interior products and next generation inflight entertainment and communication systems were signed by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and are applicable to the airline’s new aircraft purchases as well as retrofits to its existing fleet.

Sheikh Ahmed said: “Yesterday (11 November 2007) we placed orders for the latest and most modern passenger jets and today (12 November 2007) we have signed three back-to-back onboard product agreements, clearly signalling our resolve to provide passengers with a world-class product. In the fiercely-contested premium air travel segment, seat comfort and inflight entertainment are the key differentiators, and we intend to stay ahead of the game with our ground-breaking entertainment system, ice, and the corporate jet quality of our premium classes.”

B/E Aerospace

In a deal worth US$ 120 million, Emirates has selected B/E Aerospace, the leading manufacturer of aircraft cabin interior products to retrofit its existing B777-300ER and A340-500 fleet, and equip its new B777 aircraft with the airline’s signature First Class private suites and lie-flat Business Class seats. In addition, the contract includes

First Class private suites installation for the airline’s new A380 aircraft purchases. It does not cover optional aircraft.

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (PAC)

Emirates has also inked a massive US$ 500 million deal with PAC for the eX2 inflight digital entertainment system, which includes interactive audio, video, games, communication and connectivity support, for the airline’s existing fleet and new aircraft purchases.

Panasonic’s eX2 system powers Emirates’ signature ice (information, communication, entertainment) system which offers programming choice together with seatback sms and email services, and live text news updates throughout the flight.

At present almost 60 percent of Emirates’ fleet is ice equipped, and by December 2008 the airline would have increased the system’s presence to cover about 70 percent of its fleet.

An enhanced version of ice, called the ice Digital Widescreen featuring the wide-screen TVs measuring 23” in First Class, 17” in Business and 10.6” in Economy, even more programming choices, as well as innovative features such as My USB and My Playlist is already being introduced as part of a continual upgrade programme.

JAMCO Corporation

Emirates has selected Jamco America, a subsidiary of JAMCO Corporation, the industry’s pre-eminent aircraft interior monument supplier and leader in lavatories and galleys throughout the world, to design and modify the cabin interiors of 33 of its B777-300ER and B777-200 aircraft.

The Jamco Group will manufacture structural components, electrical harnesses, closets, class dividers, and lavatory units for this extensive programme.

Engineering design is to start immediately with the first aircraft to be certified in September 2008.