Boeing Confirms 737 Order from Turkmenistan Airlines

SEATTLE, — The Boeing Company confirmed an order for three Next-Generation 737s by national flag carrier Turkmenistan Airlines. The order for two 737-900ERs and one 737-700 is worth approximately $221 million at list prices.

Turkmenistan Airlines’ all-Boeing fleet also includes 717s, Classic and Next-Generation 737s, 757s, and one 767.

“Turkmenistan Airlines is taking maximum advantage of the commonality of the Next-Generation 737 family. By integrating the different model sizes, including the larger -900ER, into its fleet, Turkmenistan Airlines can grow its fleet with lower investments in parts, equipment and training,” said Craig Jones, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for Russia & Central Asia.

The Next-Generation 737 family is the most technologically advanced airplane family in the single-aisle market. The Next-Generation 737’s market success is confirmed by air finance investors, who consistently rank it as the most preferred airplane due to its wide market base, superior efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class.

The 737 has logged more orders than any other commercial jet model in history, with more than 7,800 orders. Boeing has more than 2,100 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737, worth more than $150 billion at current list prices.

Bangalore International Airport Ltd to introduce domestic user charge

Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has defied Ministry of Civil Aviation requests by proposing plans to issue a User Development Fee (UDF) of USD6 on outbound domestic passengers and USD13 on international passengers for the first two months after it launches operations. Thereafter, it plans to increase them to USD16.80 and USD23.80, respectively.

According to BIAL CEO, Albert Brunner, it would not be fair to charge only international passengers on the same facilities being used by domestic passengers.

Similarly, a UDF will also be levied by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) to domestic passengers at the new Rajiv Gandhi International Airport within the next three months. GHIAL will also introduce USD24.80 to outbound international passengers.

Indian Government originally approved the new airports to levy UDF to allow the greenfield airport operators to recover development costs.

However, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is reportedly now planning to mandate future greenfield airport developers to cross-subsidise aeronautical development with non-aeronautical revenues, although it would not be applicable to the new Bangalore and Hyderabad airports.

A spokesman for the Ministry stated, “rightly or wrongly, agreements have been signed with GHIAL and BIAL, and this allows them to collect UDF to recover their cost. But in Delhi and Mumbai airports, the operators are supposed to cross-subsidise aeronautical cost with 30% of their non-aeronautical revenue, it would be applicable for all future greenfield projects”.

Jet Airways to launch services to San Francisco via Shanghai

Jet Airways will commence daily service from San Francisco International Airport to Shanghai and India on 05 May 2007, it was announced by founder and chairman of Jet Airways, Naresh Goyal.

With this launch, Jet Airways becomes the first Indian airline to fly from San Francisco to Mumbai and only the second airline worldwide to fly nonstop from San Francisco to Shanghai. The flight from San Francisco International Airport will also be the airline's fourth daily North American departure to India, following new launches of service from New York's JFK and Newark airports, and Toronto Pearson International Airport, within the past year.

"With the introduction of this new transpacific route to India aboard Jet Airways," observed Goyal, "we continue our airline's unprecedented expansion throughout North America. I am immensely proud of our team's accomplishments of launching four new long-haul routes in less than a year."

The new Jet Airways transpacific flights aboard Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will offer unprecedented levels of luxury, privacy and comfort in the air, including First Class suites with the world's longest airline beds, private closets, dining tables for two, and 23" flat-screens. Première (business) class pods offer what are considered the most comfortable Business Class seats in the sky that convert to 73"-long totally flat beds. Leg-room in Economy is more generous than the norm - and passengers in all three classes have access to the state-of-the-art Panasonic eX2 entertainment system, complete with 200+ movies, games and endless music choices - heard through Bose noise-cancelling headphones.

Emirates denies plans to buy Japan's first passenger jet

Dubai-based airline Emirates denied reports it is planning to buy a new regional passenger jet under development in Japan -- the first such aircraft to be built in the country.

Emirates is in talks about buying the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), which would seat 70 to 90 passengers, Japan's Kyodo News agency said, quoting an unnamed source familiar with the matter.

But a Dubai-based spokesman for Emirates said it did not plan to buy any of the jets, which are billed as the most quiet, light and fuel-efficient model in their class and are being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

"Emirates has always operated an all wide-body aircraft fleet and we have no intention of purchasing any regional jets for our business," he said.

Mitsubishi has begun marketing the MRJ and has chosen the new geared turbofan engine from Pratt & Whitney, part of United Technologies Corp, to power the aircraft.
It said it would decide by the end of March whether to go ahead with the project, based on the level of interest among airlines.

Kyodo News said Vietnam Airlines was considering buying about 20 of the jets, while US and European carriers were also showing interest in the aircraft, which could enter service in 2012.

Japan's All Nippon Airways has also said it is considering buying the new fuel-efficient regional plane if it is built and Japan Airlines is reported to have shown interest in the jet.
If it becomes a reality, the aircraft would be the first commercial passenger aircraft in four decades -- and the first ever jet aircraft -- to be built in Japan.

Japanese car maker Toyota Motor Corp said this month it was considering financial backing for the venture.

China Eastern Airlines, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways and United Airlines Ready for Take-Off at Changi Airport Terminal 3

Four more airlines will begin their flight operations at Singapore Changi Airport's new Terminal 3 on Wednesday, 26 March 2008. China Eastern Airlines, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways and United Airlines will join Singapore Airlines and shift their operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3. Singapore Airlines has been operating at Terminal 3 since the terminal begins operations on 9 January 2008.

Among the four airlines, China Eastern Airline's flight will be the first to arrive and depart from Terminal 3. Flight MU545 from Shanghai will arrive at Terminal 3 at 2050 hours on Tuesday, 25 March 2008. The same aircraft will depart for Shanghai at 0055 hours on 26 March 2008.

For the other three airlines, United Airlines will handle its first arrival flight from Atlanta (via Chicago and Hong Kong) at 2325 hours on Tuesday, 25 March 2008, while its first departure flight will take off at 0650 hours on 26 March 2008. Jet Airways will handle its first arrival flight from Mumbai at 0735 hours and first departure flight to Chennai at 0920 hours. Qatar Airways will see its arrival flight from Jakarta at 0145 hours and first departure flight to Doha at 0245hours.

Since February 2008, the four airlines have undergone integrated airport system trials at Terminal 3 involving passenger check-in, baggage handling, staff familiarisation and "live" commercial trial flights to test the actual passenger departure and arrival processes. The objective of these trials is to ensure that the airlines establish, integrate and test their systems and procedures in a live-like environment ahead of their shift to Terminal 3. The trials also provide opportunities for the airlines' staff to familiarise themselves with the new terminal.

CAAS has put in place measures to communicate the commencement of operations by these four airlines at Terminal 3. These include the updating of airport directories and signs within the terminal buildings as well as dissemination of circulars and vehicle decals to ground transport service providers such as coach and taxi drivers to generate awareness.

Passengers and airport visitors can visit Changi Airport’s website www.changiairport.com for more details. Passengers can also check for flight information conveniently while on the move via their mobile phones or personal digital devices at http://wap.changiairport.com/fis. This wireless application protocol (WAP) complements the flight information sources already in place, such as Teletext (a text based television flight information service), Changi Airport's toll-free telephone flight enquiry system number 1800-5424422 as well as the airport website and flight information televisions within the terminals mentioned above. In addition, CAAS will also be deploying Customer Service Officers at the three terminals to provide assistance to passengers and airport visitors.

The four airlines operate a total of 148 weekly flights from Singapore to 12 cities viz. Shanghai, Kunming, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Doha, Jakarta, Atlanta, Chicago, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Washington DC, bringing a total of more than 900 weekly scheduled flights at Terminal 3.

Oman Air renews GDS agreement with Sabre

Oman Air and Sabre Travel Network Middle East renewed their distribution agreement on 24-Mar-08. This agreement will allow Oman Air to promote and support Sabre as its preferred GDS through joint sales and marketing activities in Oman and beyond. As part of the agreement Oman Air will be providing additional benefits to the travel agency community including the managing of group travel and limousine bookings. In addition Oman Air will have an option to expand its check-in services to its customers through its existing agreement with Sabre.

The expected result of this renewal is enhanced cost effectiveness, superior inventory management and increased product offerings, all benefits that Oman Air can pass on to its customers - the travel agents - locally, regionally and globally, due to the reach of Sabre's global distribution systems (GDS).

This agreement will provide a springboard for both partners, allowing further expansion in the region whilst capitalizing on the synergies created throughout the long term relationship. This is in a market where Sabre has achieved a significant increase in its market presence in less than two years. Oman Air has also enjoyed significant growth in recent years expanding both its routes and fleet.

Daniel Naoumovitch, CEO of Sabre, said: "We are extremely proud to be recognized as the preferred GDS of one of the fastest growing carriers in the region. Sabre's robust technology, innovative suite of products and excellent customer service has allowed us to enhance Oman Air's offer to its customers, the travel agencies, and therefore the end travel consumer."

Ziad Al Haremi, CEO of Oman Aviation Services (Oman Air) said: "We have invested significantly in our operations previously, as well as in recent years with a view to making Oman Air not only a regional player, but an international one. Our new corporate identity project has aided the carrier's transformation into a world-class airline. The airline has vigorously rejuvenated itself as a major carrier in the region. With our expanding fleet, we can offer new routes and more frequent flights regionally and globally, and the end result is more passenger choice. We look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial relationship with Sabre and to reaping the benefits of their constantly evolving technology and products."

Oman is a particularly buoyant market for Sabre which is looking forward to further signings with top travel agencies this year. The company is well placed to capture new business as they have recently increased their team on the ground, as well as opening several more offices in the Sultanate.

Emirates to launch a low cost carrier - 1,000 seat A380s coming to an airport near you?

There is a need for an LCC in the region” - and with those words from the UAE Prime Minister and Vice President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, a new Dubai-based LCC was born. In a major development for the global aviation industry (where another high profile full service airline develops an in-house LCC), Emirates Executive VP Commercial Operations, Ghaith Al-Ghaith, has been appointed CEO of the new airline.

The unnamed Dubai LCC will be part of the Emirates Group, operating to destinations up to 4.5 hours flying time from its base. This includes the Middle East, all the key points in the India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Northeast Africa (Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, Cairo) and as far as Greece in Southern Europe and Central Asia (where Emirates has no operations at present).

The new carrier plans to lease or buy single-aisle aircraft (B737s or A320s) and will begin operations within a year.

However, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation believes it is only a matter of time before A380 equipment is eventually deployed at the airline – a move that would strike fear into airline managements in Europe and Asia.

Emirates has 58 A380s on order, or 30% of the entire global A380 orderbook. The carrier has previously indicated it could operate low cost services with A380 equipment. In Nov-07, Emirates President, Tim Clark, stated that, had the stretch version of the A380 been available today, “probably two-thirds” of the A380s the Dubai-based carrier had on order (or some 38 aircraft) would be for that model.

He indicated that Emirates (or now the LCC subsidiary) would configure the proposed A380-900 with around 750 seats on a typical service, although some of the aircraft could be configured with 1,000 seats for routes to countries such as Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

The airline is currently officially planning a higher density medium-haul configuration with 604 seats, although the A380-800 model is licensed to handle 853 in an all-economy layout.

The practical recognition of the potential of the A380 as a mass transport, low cost vehicle is sure to stimulate wider interest in the aircraft. Until now, its sales have not been spectacular; they were not helped by successive delivery delays. But as Singapore Airlines' first A380 landed in London this week, the tide may be turning.

The Emirates LCC move follows the success of Air Arabia, based in the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah, which has reported outstanding profitability since its launch and has recently established cross-border JVs in Morocco and Nepal to target the North Africa/Europe and Asian markets, respectively. Kuwait-based LCC, Jazeera Airlines, has also established a base in Dubai.

Dubai Airport is expected to overtake Singapore Changi this year, handling in excess of 40 million passengers. The emirate is developing a new airport at Jebel Ali that will ultimately become the biggest in the world, with capacity for 120 million passenger p/a. The Emirates LCC will become a key ingredient in making the Dubai world gateway vision a reality.

Air Arabia connects 11 Indian destinations in three years

Air Arabia announced it will launch services to New Delhi on 31-Mar-08, increasing its Indian operations to 11 destinations in the space of three years. Air Arabia commenced operations to India with the launch of services to Mumbai in Mar-05. The current ten Indian destinations served by Air Arabia include Ahmedabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Thiruvanathapuram, Bangalore and Kozhikode.

Air Arabia commenced operations in Oct-03 and currently operates a fleet of 11 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 38 destinations across Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent and Central Asia through its main hub in Sharjah, UAE.

ANA considering launching or buying an Asian low cost carrier

All Nippon Airways Co (ANA) stated it is seriously considering launching or buying a new Asian low cost carrier. ANA confirmed it could have a low cost carrier as soon as by Mar-09.

ANA spokesman, Rob Henderson, said "We are seriously examining the market and the likelihood of low-cost carriers flying into Haneda after it gets its fourth runway in Oct-10, and how we will take them on if they do… setting up an airline from scratch is an option, as is acquiring a new one, or possibly setting up a joint venture. We are seriously looking at the options now."

ANA stated that if it decides to go ahead with a regional low cost carrier, it might be based outside Japan. ANA already runs subsidiaries with niche markets, including a local low cost carrier, Air Next, which it set up in 2004.

Meanwhile, in 2007, larger rival, Japan Airlines Corp, commenced codesharing with Australian low cost carrier, Jetstar, which operates between Sydney and Kansai International Airport.

TUI Travel confident of TUIfly/Germanwings merger in 6-8 weeks

TUI Travel PLC's CEO, Peter Long, stated he is confident that a deal to merge the group's TUIfly with Deutsche Lufthansa AG's Germanwings will be finalised in six to eight weeks.

In Jan-08, TUI Travel signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lufthansa and its JV partner, Albrecht Knauf, the majority owner of Germanwings parent, Eurowings AG, with a view to merging the three charter and budget airlines to create a national rival to Air Berlin.

TUI Travel CEO, Peter Long, said "We are still in detailed talks with Lufthansa and I'm very confident that we will get a successful outcome. In terms of the timescale, it's probably 6-8 weeks."

Meanwhile, TUI Travel and Lufthansa will reportedly each hold 40% of the new entity, while Knauf will hold the remaining 20%.

WTM chairman: industry left behind in ethical thinking

KERALA – Speaking at the second International Conference on Responsible Tourism here last weekend, Fiona Jeffery, chairman of World Travel Market (WTM) claimed: "There is evidence that travel and tourism is lagging behind this trend for ethical thinking. Despite some excellent responsible tourism work around the world, there's still a very long way to go."

"Certainly in the UK, WTM World Responsible Tourism Day has come at the right time. In the past eight years, ethical concerns have soared in the UK with household expenditure on ethical goods and services almost doubling in the past five years," Jeffery said in a keynote speech.

She said that the aim of WTM World Responsible Tourism Day is that it will act as a catalyst for change, spreading best practice throughout the industry. But she warned that much more than lip service was needed by larger companies and organisations.

"It is noticeable", she continued, "that much of the current examples of best practice are operated by smaller organisations and specialist operators, often steered by passionate individuals who have given their life to ensuring a better world. Much more must be done by the international travel and tourism industry if it is to catch up with other sectors and fulfill the growing demands of holidaymakers."

Thailand steps up tourism safety

BANGKOK – Weerasak Kowsurat, Thailand’s new Minister of Tourism and Sports, is leading efforts to implement measures designed to increase tourist safety at all tourist attractions throughout Thailand. The new measures will continue all year round and are expected to be fully in place before the upcoming Songkran Thai New Year celebrations from April 13-15.

Locations targeted for immediate attention include remote areas such as secluded beaches and other natural attractions that are popular with tourists. These include upland areas, waterfalls and caves.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) is also working with provincial authorities to distribute information leaflets on safety tips to guesthouses and various other forms of accommodation that are popular choices with the ever increasing number of Fully Independent Travellers (FITs) who generally rely on recommendations from guide books to find their preferred accommodation.

Additionally, the MOTS is working on the development of a self-help information service whereby visitors or tourists will be able to access vital information themselves.

“We hope that our immediate response and the urgent implementation of these stringent new security measures will send a clear signal that Thai authorities take safety for tourists very seriously,” Minister Weerasak said.

Singapore's A380 Superjumbo Starts London Route

The world's biggest passenger plane left Singapore for London on Tuesday, marking the Airbus A380's first commercial flight to Europe.

The Singapore Airlines flight, carrying 449 passengers, lifted off the tarmac at 9.20 a.m. from Changi Airport, bound for London Heathrow Airport.

Passengers paid between SGD$2,000 (USD$1,447) and SGD$20,000 to be the first on the superjumbo's new daily service, which will take off on its return flight on the same day.

Among the passengers on Tuesday's flight were 17 customers who had been on the inaugural flight to Sydney, wearing custom-made polo shirts with "A380" emblazoned across the back.

"It's an experience, it's something special in my life, something that gets me away from my job and my desk," said Nicolas Dirac, a 32-year-old Swiss national who works as a computer professional at a pharmaceutical firm.

Singapore Airlines now has three superjumbos in service, with a further 16 on order and options for six more, and is planning to put the aircraft on daily flights to Tokyo from May 20.

(Reuters)

Airlines top list of consumer complaints

Airline-related issues overwhelmingly outnumber all complaints tour operators receive from travelers, according to an informal member survey conducted by the U.S. Tour Operators Association. The association - whose members send 11 million people on vacation yearly - reported that over 70% of responding tour operators cited airline problems as the most common complaint, followed by money-related issues, reported by 20% of members.

Missed connecting flights because of airline delays and cancellations were the most common airline-related complaint, with lack of service coming in second. Other complaints cited were airline cutbacks, full/overbooked flights, and lengthy check-in procedures including security. The hassle of flying caused one responding tour operator to say: "Airline travel is not fun," noting that the vacation now begins once the traveler arrives at the destination, rather than the flight being considered part of the vacation.

Money-related concerns such as high air fares, added taxes, fuel surcharges and the European exchange rate came in a distant second in terms, of consumer complaints. Of these, the most common complaints concerned airlines and the weak dollar.

A minority of USTOA tour operators and vacation packagers cited dissatisfaction with hotel accommodations as a source of complaints."In the past, most complaints centered around accommodations due to unrealistic expectations among some travelers who expected to find U.S. standards in other countries. However, today the type of complaint has shifted, where airline-related issues account for the vast majority of complaints," says Bob Whitley, USTOA president.

The survey was based on responses of 33 total operators representing over half of USTOA's Active Corporate members.

Exclusive Lufthansa terminal area opened in Frankfurt

The new passenger handling area between the C and D concourses in Terminals 1 and 2 was officially inaugurated at Frankfurt Airport yesterday (17 March). With two waiting levels and amply dimensioned bridges, the new pier in the passageway linking the C and D concourses meets optimally all the requirements for operations with Lufthansa’s future flagship, the Airbus A380.

Entirely new is the pier concept allowing passengers to board their flights direct from two separate levels.

“The new and exclusive Lufthansa gate area located on two levels is unique, worldwide. Even before the first 380 enters service with the Lufthansa fleet, we are already laying on more space and comfort for passengers prior to flight departure,” said Karl Ulrich Garnadt, Executive Vice President Services and Human Resources at Lufthansa Passenger Airlines.

With the new two-level boarding concept, Lufthansa can now channel First, Business and Economy-Class passengers into separate areas as soon as they access the waiting and boarding zone at the airport. Once through the security controls, First and Business-Class passengers as well as status customers go straight to the Priority Gates on Departures Level Three. These gates, designed in Lufthansa business-lounge style, offer comfortable waiting zones with easy chairs to relax in, as well as workstations equipped with wireless Internet access and spacious bistros serving drinks and light menus. First-Class passengers as well as HON Circle members or Senators also have the use of an exclusive Senator Lounge with a panoramic view of the airport apron, and the take-off and landing strips.

Four open gates for Economy-Class passengers on the second level are equipped with ample seating arrangements and snackbars. Spacious glass facades give the interior a bright, friendly and airy atmosphere. The open gates allow passengers to move around freely in the entire handling areas and afford a good view of traffic on the airport apron.

Extra comfort is also characteristic in the passageway from the check-in counters to the new pier. Wider moving walkways and escalators help passengers easily negotiate their way through the passageway, daylight and a daylight-adaptive lighting system light up the gangways and air-conditioning keeps the temperature at a pleasant level. Three A380s and a Boeing 747 can be handled, simultaneously, at the new C/D pier. Gates C15 and C16 are each additionally equipped to accommodate two smaller aircraft, e.g. of the A320 type.

Royal Jet takes WTA Award

Royal Jet, the international luxury flight services company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has been named the ‘World’s Leading Private Jet Charter’

The award was presented to Royal Jet’s President & CEO, Shane O’Hare by the WTA’s Executive Director Manon Han at a gala lunch reception in London’s prestigious Mosimann’s dining club in Belgravia.

Accepting the award in front of an audience of invited guests, including His Excellency Mohammed Al Zaabi from the UAE Embassy in the UK, O’Hare said the timing of the accolade could not have been better.

“Royal Jet this year celebrates its fifth anniversary – and to have achieved such an honour in such a relatively short time frame speaks volumes about the high esteem with which we are regarded throughout the industry and the very high level of service which our customers have come to expect from us,” said O’Hare.

The audience was told that although the selection process had been a difficult one, Royal Jet was picked for its reliability, fine aircraft interiors, its exceptional bespoke client services and dedication to delivering the ultimate in safety, efficiency and luxury.

“The award, which owes much to the direction Royal Jet has taken under the leadership of its Chairman, His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, is even more valued because of the reputation we enjoy amongst our industry peers and partners,” O’Hare said.

The WTA award comes just four months after Royal Jet won another prestigious award - Business Jet Provider of the Year - at the Aviation Business Awards ceremony in Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan said the awards were the culmination of a great deal of dedication and hard work by all at Royal Jet. “These accolades belongs to all our people who have worked tirelessly to ensure we represent the pinnacle of customer service and professionalism in the industry; and on their behalf, I can promise that we will live up to the expectations inherent in this solid vote of confidence.”

Teens Fly Into Record Books At CPM

Two Kids, 11 Solos!

Two 16-year olds from Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum flew into the record books this weekend, when they each set new world records on Saturday, March 15, 2008.

Kelly Anyadiki (above) became the youngest African American female to solo in four different aircraft on the same day, while Jonathan Strickland (below) established a new record as the youngest African American male to solo six different airplanes, and a second record for soloing six airplanes plus one helicopter all on the same day.

The records were set at Compton Woodley Airport in front a large crowd. Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca was on hand to witness the event, as were other members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, many of whom flew in from across the country to attend the event.

"These new world records the kids set are an example of where the past meets the present and the future!" said Robin Petgrave, founder of Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum.

"What Robin and these kids are doing here would have made my dad very happy," said Chauncey E. Spencer II, whose father was instrumental in getting African Americans approved for flight training in Tuskegee, AL during World War II. Spencer flew in from Michigan just to witness the world record flights.

Located at Compton Woodley Airport (CPM) in Compton, CA, Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum offers aviation-themed afterschool programs for more than 800 kids from grades K-12. Kids can take part in projects ranging from washing airplanes to graffiti mitigation. Instead of earning money, kids earn 'museum dollars,' which they can apply toward flight instruction or continued education in any field.

Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum plans to open additional locations across the country. The Newport News, VA chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen will open a TAM operation this spring, and the city of Norwalk and the ‘Adopt A Bike’ program in San Bernardino, CA. have plans to open a TAM as well.

Low cost Indonesian airline Adam Air to be shut down

Jakarta: Indonesian low-cost carrier Adam Air will no longer be allowed to fly, Indonesian officials said on Tuesday, citing concerns over safety.

The director general for air transportation, Budhi Mulyawan Suyitno said the airline's operating license was being revoked starting Wednesday because safety procedures had been ignored. He added that the airline’s pilot training program was inadequate.

The carrier suffered a string of accidents last year and is facing bankruptcy after two if its largest shareholders announced that they would be pulling out of the company.

All 102 passengers died when an Adam Air plane plunged into the sea in 2007, while another broke in half on a hard landing. In the most recent incident, five people were badly injured when a Boeing 731-400 skidded off a runway.

India facing pilot shortage

Indian Civil Aviation Minister, Praful Patel, stated the country’s airlines are facing an acute shortage of “type rated” pilots.

According to Mr Patel, 994 foreign pilots were recruited recently by Indian carriers to meet their expansion needs. Foreign pilots are currently permitted to fly in India under an agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

To combat the pilot shortage issue, the government has raised the pilot retirement age to 65. In addition, it is investing heavily in pilot training infrastructure, as it aims to increase the number of local pilots graduating from 40 to 100 p/a.

With the Indian aviation sector expected to continue to boom, the demand for pilots, cabin crew, maintenance staff will also intensify.

CAE meanwhile, recently, signed a contract to become the managing partner of the Indian government’s flight training academy, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi. CAE also signed a JV agreement with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to develop the Rajiv Gandhi National Flying Training Institute.

Monarch Airlines named the Official Airline Partner of The Golf Show 2008

Monarch Airlines has been named as the Official Airline Partner of the London Golf Show and NEC Golf Show for 2008, and will undertake a series of activity around the events to highlight its network of destinations which provides access to some of Europe’s golf courses.