Qatar Airways To Launch Flights To Guangzhou

Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways today announced plans to serve the southern Chinese industrial port city of Guangzhou from the start of the summer flying season to further cement its position in one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Beginning March 31, Doha-based Qatar Airways will become the first airline from the Gulf to serve Guangzhou. It will operate four flights-a-week non-stop using an Airbus A330 aircraft in a two-class configuration of up to 24 seats in Business Class and a maximum 248 in Economy.

The addition of Guangzhou strengthens Qatar Airways’ China network, where it already flies to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong with a total of 16 flights a week. Guangzhou takes the airline’s capacity into China up to 20 flights a week. From May 1, Qatar Airways adds a fifth weekly service to Guangzhou.

Passengers flying Qatar Airways from Europe, Middle East and Africa will have excellent connections to Guangzhou via the airline’s operational hub of Doha, capital of the State of Qatar.

The new services will provide a strong sporting link as Doha hosted the biggest ever Asian Games in 2006, while Guangzhou is set to host the next sporting extravaganza in 2010.

Guangzhou, also known by its older English name of Canton, has a population of almost 10 million people and is the capital of Guangdong province. Situated on the Pearl River, the city is only 120 kilometres northwest of China’s thriving business capital of Hong Kong.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said Guangzhou would complement the airline’s daily services to Hong Kong, offering business and leisure travellers an exciting opportunity to visit two key Chinese cities in such close proximity to each other.

“China is, and will continue to be, a strategically vital part of Qatar Airways’ expansion plans – and no serious airline can afford to ignore a country with a thriving and buoyant economy,” he said.

“Since we entered the China market four years ago, we have gradually introduced new routes and increased capacity into this exciting country.

“First with Beijing, followed by Shanghai, then Hong Kong, we are set to further widen our presence in China by adding the southern industrial city of Guangzhou to our rapidly growing international network. It is a historic move for Qatar Airways as we will be the first airline from the Gulf to operate into Guangzhou.”

Beginning May 1, Al Baker said Qatar Airways would increase capacity further into Guangzhou with a fifth weekly scheduled flight.

He added: “With China hosting the Olympic Games later this year when Beijing takes centre stage for this two-week sporting extravaganza, Qatar Airways is proud to be part of China’s success story. Furthermore, both Guangzhou and Doha have a strong sporting link as we hosted the Asian Games in Qatar just over 12 months ago, and it will be the turn of Guangzhou in 2010 to take charge of this fantastic sporting event.”

Qatar Airways’ China operation currently includes daily flights to Hong Kong; four weekly services to Beijing; and five services a week to Shanghai.

The airline operates a modern fleet of 60 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 81 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Far East and North America.

The airline is one of an elite group of carriers with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry research company. Skytrax also named Qatar Airways’ cabin crew as Best in the Middle East for the fifth year running in 2007 following a survey of more than 12 million passengers. During the current 2007/08 financial year, Qatar Airways expects to carry more than 10 million passengers worldwide. For more information, log onto www.qatarairways.com

The Doha – Guangzhou schedules, effective 31 March 2008 are:-

Depart Doha International Airport

Monday, Tuesday, Friday QR876 at 0230, arrive Guangzhou at 1535
Thursday QR874 at 0230, arrive Guangzhou at 1535

Depart Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Monday, Tuesday, Friday QR877 at 2030, arrive Doha International Airport at 2359
Friday QR875 at 0055, arrive Doha International Airport at 0425

Russian Who Killed Skyguide Controller Appointed To Gov't Job

Appointed Less Than Two Months After Release From Prison

The sad, strange saga of Vitaly Kaloyev, the Russian man who served less than three years in prison for the murder of a Swiss air traffic controller he blamed for the loss of his family in a 2002 midair collision, took another odd turn this week... when he was elected to high-level post in regional government.

As ANN reported, Kaloyev was released from prison in November, under an order from Switzerland's highest court. Kaloyev, 51, had served time since October 2005 for the murder of Skyguide controller Peter Nielsen.

Nielson was the sole controller on duty July 1, 2002 when a Bashkirian Airlines Tupolev Tu-154 collided with a DHL Boeing 757 over southern Germany, in airspace under Nielsen's watch. The crash killed 71 people, including Kaloyev's wife and children.

The distraught architect was convicted for the February 2004 murder of Nielson, in front of the Swiss man's family. Kaloyev admitted to the court he must have killed Nielson, who he blamed from the crash, though he couldn't remember doing so. He was sentenced to eight years in prison, later reduced to a five-year term.

The Associated Press reports Kaloyev was appointed as construction and architecture minister in North Ossetia on Friday... less than two months after he was released from prison, .

"He didn't agree to it immediately. We spoke a month ago, and he went back and forth but finally today he agreed to it," regional construction minister Yevgeny Rodionov told NTV.

Kaloyev's case brought widespread sympathy from the Russian population. The Swiss government chose to release the man from prison early, under a statute that allows for early release for good behavior.

In September, four other Skyguide employees were found guilty of negligent homicide in a separate case, which focused exclusively on the sequence of events leading to the crash.

Prince William goes solo with the Royal Air Force

Flying Officer HRH William Wales has flown his first solo flight with the RAF after just nine days training. Prince William is being fast-tracked through the RAF’s six month pilot training course in just four months. He started flying training at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire on 7 January.

He flew his solo at the RAF’s Central Flying School in a Grob training aircraft. Later it is planned for the Prince to fly the advanced Tucano trainer at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in Yorkshire and finally Squirrel helicopters at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire.

Flying Officer Wales is following in the footsteps of Prince Charles and Prince Philip who both qualified as pilots with the RAF.

After his solo the Prince said: “It was a lot of fun. I was a bit nervous at the start but I was told to get on with it so I did. I’m still here to tell the tale and so far I havn’t been billed for any damage!

“It’s the same sense of camaraderie in the RAF as in the Army. I’m being ribbed a bit by my friends here but I’m sticking up for the Army as much as I can. The guys here are great and very dedicated.”

During his training, Prince William is being accommodated in similar quarters and following the same intensive working day as the other students on the course.

Although the 25-year-old Prince will not be deployed on live operations, he will get experience in the Tornado GR4 and the Typhoon during his short tenure with the RAF.

services is the best way to understand how the military operates and to appreciate the differences between them. It is a vital part of preparations for a future King.

During his time with the RAF he will maintain his Army commission in the Household Cavalry and also plans to serve a stint in the Navy, which along with his RAF commission will give him the Services “full house” that is traditionally expected of a British monarch.

Training the Prince at 1 Sqn Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) is Sqn Ldr Roger Bousfield. Both attended the daily 0800 meterological brief, at which weather briefer Pilot Officer Stuart Minnis caused the Prince and colleagues to chuckle when he noted among other air movements in the area that there were “no Royal Flights today.”

Sqn Ldr Bousfield then took the Prince through pre-flight planning and daily checks before they kitted up and walked to their Grob for the first flight. Sqn Ldr Bousfield told the Prince: ”Today you will be doing normal circuits and we may simulate an engine fire and stalling. Remember when going around for finals to keep 75 knots and 20 degrees of bank and if the landing is bumpy put the power full on and go around. Don’t be afraid to throw it awayway and try again”. After confirming he understood, the briefing ended with Flying Officer Wales stating: “Can’t wait!”

Gp Capt Andy Naismith, Officer Commanding No 1 EFTS, said; ”The Prince is showing natural ability – he is learning quickly and working hard in the evenings on private flying study. He is always up to speed for the next day’s training.”

Trainer Squadron Leader Ken Marsh said: “Prince William hasn’t got the time to have a full-time military career. We are teaching him to be a competent pilot for his future roles but he will be flying in some operational airplanes.”

Media were invited to RAF Cranwell today to watch Prince William gain further experience, flying into cloud in poor weather using instruments, and looking for better weather at altitude. The flight was followed by a normal instrument approach to Cranwell – and the Prince landed after a round trip of about 100 miles at an average speed of 100 knots.

Commandant of the RAF’s Central Flying School, Group Captain Nick Seward said: “The attachment is part of the wider programme of events designed to prepare Flying Officer Wales for his future role as head of the Armed Forces. He will start his training on 1 Sqn of 1 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) at RAF Cranwell learning to fly the RAF’s Tutor trainer, which is used to train all RAF pilots. Its side-by-side seating and handling characteristics make it an ideal first training aircraft.

“Having completed the basic flying phase, FO Wales will move to 1 FTS at RAF Linton-on-Ouse where he will learn to fly the Tucano. A faster, more capable aircraft, the Tucano is used as a lead-in for all RAF fast jet pilots. Its handling is similar to that of a fast jet. The Tucano took over the role as fast jet trainer from the Jet Provost, which Prince William’s father Prince Charles flew as a student pilot in 1971.”

After successful completion of the Tucano course, FO Wales will move to RAF Shawbury and learn to fly the Squirrel helicopter. The Squirrel is used by all three services as their basic rotary trainer. The Prince will complete an intensive course designed to familiarise him with basic helicopter flying.

Because it is not intended that the Prince will fly specific operational aircraft, his course has been shortened to meet his needs, however if successful he will be awarded his RAF wings and a graduation ceremony has been planned for April – the month when the RAF celebrates its 90th anniversary.

After graduation the Prince will be attached during his final weks with the RAF to several front line units including Support Helicopters, Search and Rescue, Air Transport and Fighter to gain further understanding of the use of air power.

Gp Capt Seward said: “During his time with us FO Wales will be realising a personal ambition to learn how to fly and this will be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Royal Air Force. The RAF is very proud of its links with the Royal Family and all involved are looking forward to and are extremely excited by the project, as is Prince William – especially as he will be following in the footsteps of Prince Charles who undertook flying training here at RAF Cranwell in 1971.”

The aim over the next few months is to make Prince William’s flying training and introduction to the RAF as enjoyable as possible. He will be expected to fully integrate at work and socially and will not be given any preferential treatment. On completion he will understand the challenges of modern air power, the role and nature of the RAF and its relevance over the past 90 years and into the future.

Course colleague Flying Officer Mark McKee from County Down said: “He was elated when he landed after going solo – I hope to do mine in the next day or so so I was listening very carefully to his read-out of the flight. He has settled in really well over the past two weeks and is a great laugh.”

Editor: Steve Willmot

Photographer: Sgt Graham Spark/Cpl Scott Robertson

Source: RAF

Royal Jordanian to commence operations to China

Royal Jordanian will commence regular service to Hong Kong as of 21-Jan-08, operating via the Thai capital, Bangkok, with initial three weekly flights. The service is scheduled to increase to five flights in the coming summer.

The service is scheduled to increase to five flights in the coming summer.

President/CEO Samer Majali said that opening this route services the active commercial movement between the two countries. The service will have a great impact on businessmen and tourists, and will stimulate relations between Jordan and China in all fields of interest. Hong Kong is a major international economic centre and a magnet for businessmen from all over the world.

Majali added that RJ's decision to add Hong Kong to its route map follows the airline's membership in the oneworld airline alliance which joins among its members Cathay Pacific and Dragonair, the Cathay Pacific group member. Dragonair joined oneworld on November 1 last year. With the addition of Hong Kong, the airline will fly to 55 destinations worldwide.

The president also voiced expectations of increased demand on travel between Jordan and China after connecting Amman and Hong Kong with three weekly flights via Bangkok, to which RJ operates daily flights in the winter and five direct weekly flights in the summer. He pointed out that the newly refurbished Airbus A310s will service the route.

Hong Kong is the world's eleventh largest trading location; its economy is dominated by services, which account for over 90% of its gross domestic product. Together with Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, Hong Kong is known as one of the Four Asian Tigers. Hong Kong maintains a highly capitalist economy built on a free market policy, low taxation and no intervention on the part of the government. It is an important centre for international finance and trade, with the greatest concentration of corporate headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region.

RJ will open another new route to Baku in Azerbaijan at the beginning of next April.

Date posted: 21-Jan-08

Gulf Air becomes regional partner of World Economic Forum

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has entered into a regional partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF). The airline will be making its presence strongly felt at the WEF annual conference being held from 23rd to 27th January at Davos, Switzerland.

“As the national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain, we are proud to be part of Bahrain’s delegation led by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheik Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to represent Bahrain on a global stage,” says Gulf Air Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Mahmood Al Kooheji.

“Our involvement is an important development for both the Kingdom of Bahrain and Gulf Air. For many years now Bahrain has been the financial hub of the Middle East and as this gains momentum it is important that Gulf Air supports the increasing important role that Bahrain plays on the global stage.”

President and Chief Executive Bj�rn N�f, who hails from Switzerland, says he is proud to be part of Bahrain’s delegation to his home country, Switzerland.

“Bahrain is a small country with big opportunities and I am proud to be part of the delegation to promote with progressive Kingdom in my homeland.”

The theme of this year’s conference ‘The Power of Collaborative Innovation,’ is of particular interest to Gulf Air, says N�f.

Gulf Air’s business agenda is aligned to and driven by the dynamic growth plans of the Kingdom and as we look to the future ambitions of Gulf Air and Bahrain there is no doubt that collaborative innovation will form a key factor in enabling us to achieve our goals.

Date posted: 20-Jan-08

Air Arabia begins Nepal hub operations and launches FlyYeti.com

Air Arabia has commenced operations from its newest hub in Kathmandu, Nepal, with the launch of its new JV with Yeti Airlines, FlyYeti.com, Nepal's first LCC. FlyYeti.com's inaugural flight took off from Kathmandu Airport on 20-Jan-07 to Sharjah.
FlyYeti.com is a joint venture between Air Arabia and Yeti Airlines, a leading domestic carrier in Nepal. Air Arabia a major shareholder in the new company, will apply its successful low-cost business model to the management and operation of FlyYeti.com.

"This newest hub will give air travellers who use Air Arabia access to new destinations in India and wider South Asia, as well as the Far East and Central Asia," said Adel Ali, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia "Now people who wish to fly to these regions will have access to a competitive fare with the highest quality service possible via Air Arabia and FlyYeti.com."

Based in Kathmandu, FlyYeti.com will provide affordable and convenient service to a broad range of international destinations. The new carrier will start service from Kathmandu airport this week to two destinations, Sharjah and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and will extend its operations to further destinations across South and Central Asia, the Far East, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent in the near future.

"The new hub will allow Air Arabia passengers to reach new destinations throughout South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and Far East, all with the same high standard of service they have come to expect from Air Arabia itself. FlyYeti.com will also give customers in the Gulf states and wider Middle East an exceptional and inexpensive way to connect to these destinations," said Ali.

The large expatriate population of Nepal living in the MENA, South Asia and East Asia markets will also benefit from the partnership and hub, giving these passengers access to the vast network of both airlines. Operations officially commenced on January 20, 2008, with the inaugural flight from Kathmandu to Sharjah. FlyYeti.com's new website can be viewed at www.flyyeti.com.

flyglobespan to offer business class on Bristol-Toronto service

Flyglobespan announced plans to offer a business class option on its weekly Bristol-Toronto service, which will commence in May-08.

Flyglobespan is offering business class fares from GBP318 (one way, includes tax). Benefits include a 38 inch seat pitch, 40kg luggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding, and complimentary drinks and in-flight entertainment.

The service from Bristol International to Toronto Hamilton Airport will operate weekly from 26-May-08

AIRPORT NEWS

Cologne Bonn plans build as it beats 10 million

Right: Cologne Bonn is planning an extension of the shop and catering concourse in Terminal 1 this year

Cologne Bonn Airport has announced that its Terminal 1 will get a Euro 13 million (US$19 million) makeover this year, including an extension of the shop and catering concourse, and an increase in the number of central security control points from 10 to 18 lanes.

The aim of the new security system is to improve passenger through-flow, and the new checkpoints are due to be operational by November 2008. “We’re already known as the airport where everything is close at hand, and now we want to become the quickest airport with the shortest waiting times,” says Michael Garvens, chief executive officer of Cologne Bonn Airport.

The airport’s Terminal 1 will be extended in two phases by more than 1,100m². It will include two new rows of shops on both sides of the central control. Construction work on the first phase will start in March 2008 with the handover to the tenants in the summer of 2008. Work on the second phase is planned to start in late October 2008 and will be completed at the end of March 2009.

The airport passed the 10 million passengers milestone in 2007 as passenger traffic grew by 6%. The airport is now the sixth largest airport in Germany, overtaking Stuttgart.

Low-cost airlines are the main driver behind the airport’s growth. Low-cost traffic to Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, Greece and Turkey has grown particularly fast. Garvens foresees the introduction of long-haul, low-cost flights soon. “The low-cost, long haul segment is heading slowly in the right direction,” he says.

QinetiQ’s SPO system destined for US airports

Right: QinetiQ's SPO threat detection system measures the waves naturally emitted by the human body and determines if there are any “cold” objects, such as metals, plastics and ceramics concealed under a person’s clothing

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has chosen QinetiQ’s SPO threat detection system to provide enhanced security technology for US travellers.

The camera-based system uses advanced millimeter wave technology combined with sophisticated software algorithms to screen people one at a time. The technology detects and measures the waves naturally emitted by the human body and determines if there are any “cold” objects, such as metals, plastics and ceramics concealed under a person’s clothing. Suspicious objects trigger a red light on the display monitor, prompting the operator to search the individual.

TSA has purchased 12 SPO units from QinetiQ under an ID/IQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) contract that allows for additional purchases over the next two years.

The agreement follows recent operational trials of SPO technology at the Staten Island ferry terminal and Pier 90 in New York City. Similar technology was deployed last fall at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, but TSA has not yet announced which airports will receive the first 12 units.

QinetiQ claims the system is particularly suited to busy airport environments because it can detect concealed threats, such as explosive devices, from many metres away and there is no need for passengers to slow their pace.

“The contract with the TSA is a great example of the synergies that have been made possible through the development of QinetiQ North America,” says Graham Love, group chief executive of QinetiQ. “We expect to see further significant deployments of this and other QinetiQ security technologies to worldwide markets in the future.”

FIFA’s soccer store debuts at Changi

Right: World's first FIFA store opens at Singapore Changi Airport's new Terminal 3

International football's governing body, FIFA, has launched its first global store selling jerseys, T-shirts, balls and other official merchandise at Singapore Changi Airport's newly-opened Terminal 3.

The store sells FIFA- and World Cup-branded items, and similar outlets are planned at airports in London, Tokyo and Los Angeles, it said.

"FIFA and its various World Cup events have become part and parcel of people's everyday lives,” says Mohamed bin Hammam, president of the Asian Football Confederation and a FIFA executive member. “The official store will be a great opportunity to reach out to football fans across the length and breadth of the world."

The store is managed by Singapore-based Global Brands Group, which was appointed by FIFA in 2005 to be the worldwide exclusive licensing representative until 2014.

Iran plans private future for Qeshm

Iranian authorities are reportedly seeking a private operator to manage Qeshm International Airport in southern Iran. The airport, which dates back to 1996, is served by commercial air services linking Qeshm Island to the United Arab Emirates and Tehran. Qeshm Free Zone Organization (QFZO) has committed to providing additional land for expansion in future.

China Eastern Studying Air China Tie-Up Proposal

China Eastern Airlines said it had received a proposal for a "strategic partnership" with Air China that could bring it a cash injection of USD$1.9 billion and involve a tie-up between many of the airlines' operations.

China Eastern, the country's third largest airline, said it was studying the proposal, and did not give any sign that it might modify its strong opposition to accepting Air China as a strategic investor.

"The board of our company is now dealing with this proposal, and we will announce our decision when it has been made," China Eastern said in a statement on Sunday.

The proposal was made 10 days after minority shareholders in China Eastern rejected a USD$920 million plan for Singapore Airlines and Singapore investment agency Temasek to buy 24 percent of China Eastern.

The parent group of Air China, China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC), proposed that it and China Eastern's own parent group buy a placement of 2.98 billion new Hong Kong-listed H shares in China Eastern, the statement said.

The shares would be bought for no less than HKD$5 each, compared to China Eastern's last traded price in Hong Kong of HKD$6.75. CNAC, which already owns 3.9 percent of China Eastern, would end up with a stake of under 30 percent.

The share issue would inject at least HKD$14.9 billion (USD$1.9 billion) of cash into China Eastern, reducing its debt-to-asset ratio from 94.33 percent to 77 percent, China Eastern quoted CNAC's proposal as saying.

CNAC also suggested that regardless of whether or when its equity investment went ahead, Beijing-based Air China help Shanghai-based China Eastern form an "operations hub" in Shanghai to strengthen the use of its route network and other resources.

The two airlines would consolidate their cargo operations in a joint venture, and cooperate in areas such as sharing flights, frequent flyer programs, maintenance and ground service.

"We believe fully carrying out this proposal would bring concrete cooperative benefits to both sides, while benefiting shareholders, the companies, employees and society," CNAC was quoted as saying.

CNAC calculated that its investment in China Eastern would allow the airline to save at least CNY776 million yuan (USD$107 million) in annual interest expenses, and bring the two airlines around CNY5 billion annually in synergies from higher revenues and lower costs, China Eastern said.

The alliance would help to make Shanghai and Beijing major air transport hubs in northeast Asia, while boosting the airlines' competitiveness in global markets, CNAC added.

When shareholders voted on the Singapore plan, CNAC had already said it would offer to pay at last HKD$5 per share for a major stake in China Eastern, making the Singapore offer of HKD$3.80 per share look unattractive.

After the shareholder vote, China Eastern chairman Li Fenghua insisted he would not consider Air China as a strategic investor, saying an alliance with the flag carrier would not benefit his airline and he would continue pursuing the Singaporean tie-up.

Singapore Airlines, however, has responded ambiguously, saying it will not walk away from its deal but also that it will not get into a bidding war.

Further complicating the situation, Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways, a partner of Air China, has said it is willing to support any bid for China Eastern by the Air China group, though CNAC's proposal did not mention Cathay.

Some China Eastern executives say they think CNAC may be content to use its proposal to block an alliance between China Eastern and Singapore Airlines, regardless of whether any part of its proposal is actually implemented.

"This is just a gesture," a China Eastern official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of the proposal. He declined to comment on what the airline's formal response would be. (Reuters)

Jet Interested In bmi Majority Stake - Report

ndia's Jet Airways has approached unlisted British airline bmi's majority shareholder and chairman Sir Michael Bishop about the sale of his stake, a newspaper reported.

Jet expressed its interest before Christmas in conjunction with a Middle-Eastern airline, believed to be Emirates, the Sunday Telegraph report said, without naming its source.

The approach to Bishop, who owns 50 percent plus one share in the private company part-owned by Lufthansa and SAS, was made through a third party and no formal meetings have taken place, the article said.

Both Virgin and British Airways have previously expressed an interest in buying the stake, the paper said. (Reuters)

Best Air launches operations with Dhaka-Chittagong service

14 January 2008 marked Best Air’s inaugural passenger flight from ZIA International Airport Dhaka to Shah Amanat International Airport Chittagong.

The passenger flight launch was inaugurated by Mr. M. Haider Uzzaman the Chairman of Best Air, His Excelency Mr. Abdul Latif Ali Al Mawash Ambassedor of Kuwait and His Excellency Mr. Chatermpol Thanchitt Ambassador of Thailand.

The airline will operate four daily flights on the Dhaka Chittagong route, two flights from Dhaka to Chittagong and two flights back from Chittagong.

With valet service, individual customer care program, escort service, meal choice and unique online ticket reservation Best Air is set to become the predominant airline in Bangladesh

BA's longhaul flights back to normal after Boeing accident at Heathrow

British Airways is planning to operate all of its longhaul departures from London Heathrow and up to 90 per cent of its shorthaul departures today (Friday, January 18) but is strongly advising customers to check ba.com for the latest flight information before leaving home.

Due to the disruption on Thursday January 17 a number of aircraft, pilots and cabin crew are out of position and this is having a knock-on effect on some shorthaul services on Friday.

A number of flights into Heathrow will also be cancelled throughout Friday January 18. All flights to and from London Gatwick are expected to operate as normal.

Customers due to travel on a cancelled flights will also be able to refund or rebook their flights. This can be done via the airline's website or by calling British Airways.

"Any customers on cancelled flights are urged not to come to the airport as this will cause additional congestion," says BA in a statement.

BA has confirmed yesterday (17 January 2008) that a Boeing 777, registration GYMMM operating flight BA038 from Beijing to Heathrow was involved in an incident at Heathrow airport.

British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh said: "We are very proud of the way our crew safely evacuated all 136 passengers on board with only three minor injuries." There were three flight crew and 13 cabin crew on board.

Sheikh Ahmed opens three hotels in Dubai Festival City

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, has formally opened three luxury properties in Dubai Festival City at a ceremony on Thursday (January 17, 2008).

In the presence of officials, businessmen and hotel management, including the DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed cut the ceremonial ribbon to symbolically declare the luxury properties open to business. The hotel staff accorded a warm welcome to the VIPs.

Also present were Mr. Sultan bin Mejrin, Director General of Dubai Land Department, Mr. Juma bin Humaidan, Assistant Director General of Dubai Land Department, Mr. Issam Al Humaidan, Dubai’s Attorney General, and Mr. Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, DTCM Executive Director Media Relations and Acting Director Business Development.

On arrival, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed was welcomed by Mr. Abdullah Al Futtaim, Chairman of Al Futtaim group, and Mr. Omar Al Futtaim, CEO of Al Futtaim Group, owners of the three properties and Dubai Festival City.

The elegant InterContinental Dubai Festival City, superior upscale Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City and the lavish long-stay InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City are the latest luxury hotels to open in Dubai. All the three properties have been completed in just three years. The project is the largest in the history of IHG; having three properties open simultaneously within the same location is a first for the group.

Together with the two hotels and InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City, the group will offer more than 1,000 rooms within the multi-billion dirham Dubai Festival City development. Both the hotels are internally connected to the Festival Waterfront Centre, the 550 retail outlets and 90 restaurants and cafes are just a minute’s walk away. Two 18-hotel championship golf courses are also close to hand, as is a scenic stroll along the waterfront promenade, connecting to the 100 berth Festival Marina.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed toured the 36-floor InterContinental Dubai Festival City which is a visually iconic example of modern architecture and offers stunning views of the city’s skyline, picturesque Dubai Creek and the new Festival Waterfront Centre. There are 121 suites, three Presidential Suites and one Royal Suite. The brand’s iconic Club Intercontinental is located on the 26th floor offering panoramic views of Dubai.

The Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is a 316-room property, including 16 suites and two Presidental Suites, is designed for business travelers.

The InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City has 212 stylish high-rise apartments, encompassing studios, one, two and three bedroom suites and a stunning royal suite spread over two floors with private elevator.

ITB Berlin relaunches website

Following an extensive technical and graphical relaunch the ITB Berlin is now ready with an updated logo and a revised website. “The internet is the most important instrument for communication and marketing for the ITB Berlin”, according to David Ruetz, Senior Manager and ITB Berlin Director. “Our aim is always to be one step ahead of the market and its requirements. That is why, in addition to visually redesigning the web pages new modules have been included and the navigation structure has been made easier to use. As a result all the various target groups can find the relevant information more quickly in their respective navigation areas. New features include improved, faster access via the newsticker, and quicklinks that give direct access to information about the ITB Berlin for specific target groups.”

The new download centre is yet another outstanding service. “With this download centre we can provide our customers with the basis for successfully marketing their appearance at the ITB Berlin”, says David Ruetz, emphasising the importance of this convenient service.

“The optimised web portal of the ITB Berlin is setting the standard at Messe Berlin, and will be introduced in turn as the websites for each of the company’s events are relaunched. In addition to an attractive new design we have also ensured that access is barrier-free”, explains Dr. Jana Dewitz, Divisional Director Marketing & Media at Messe Berlin.

The internet pages can now be read and operated by any user, including those with visual handicaps. The ITB Berlin website complies with the guidelines laid down in the “Barrier-free Information Technology Regulation” (BITV), making it largely accessible to people with various disabilities. Suitable text recognition programmes have also been introduced. “Another advantage of the barrier-free internet: in future content from the ITB Berlin portal can be easily displayed on mobile terminals”, says Dr. Dewitz, referring to some of the additional benefits of this development.

Emirates abandons SriLankan management, to retain 43.6% stake for the moment

Emirates has announced that it will not renew its existing ten-year contract for the management of SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka. The management contract expires at the end of Mar-08.

Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline and Managing Director Sri Lankan Airlines stated: "Emirates has notified the Government of Sri Lanka that it will not be renewing the Shareholder's Agreement which expires on 31st March 2008 and accordingly, with effect from 1st April 2008, management control of Sri Lankan Airlines will pass to the Government of Sri Lanka. Emirates will continue to manage the Company until 31st March 2008. Emirates will also retain its 43.6% equity in the Company for the time being, and continue to have a Board presence."

Revamped branding for airberlin

The airberlin group has revised it brand identity and launched a new advertising campaign. The repositioning of the airberlin group as a global business is associated with the group’s acquisitions, which is to be reflected in the airline’s image.

With immediate effect, the airberlin logo will be a combined mark, consisting of a figurative and a word element, and will be used internationally. The company name will be in lower case and written as one word. The colour HKS15 remains the same, but the font is now "Chalet airberlin". The new claim is: "airberlin. Genau deine Airline." (airberlin. Your kind of airline.)

The airberlin.com website has already been revised and features the new image. The first print advertisements will appear from 07-Jan-08. The outdoor advertising campaign will start on 11-Jan-08 in 21 German cities, as well as in Vienna and Zurich. The television commercials will run from 19-Jan-08. The first aircraft bearing the new livery will be rolled out in Jan-08, with the other aircraft being gradually updated throughout the year.

Joachim Hunold, airberlin’s CEO commented: "On account of our growth in recent years, passengers now benefit from a wider range of flights and a dense network within Germany, taking them to major cities throughout the world and to holiday destinations. Business travellers should feel just as comfortable on board as families, enjoying the same personal attention on longhaul and on short-haul flights. This makes airberlin the perfect airline for every passenger, meeting individual travel preferences and service expectations. The new branding emphasises this claim."

Monarch Airlines carries 3.7 million scheduled passengers in 2007

Monarch Airlines celebrated a record-breaking year carrying 3.7 million scheduled passengers during 2007, a 15.8% year-on-year increase.

The launch of eight new routes during the year helped passenger numbers surge with the introduction of Birmingham to Ibiza; London Gatwick to Ibiza and Murcia; London Luton to Almeria, Ibiza and Larnaca as well as Manchester to Ibiza and Jerez services.

Capacity increases on a number of popular routes and the launch of further new services in 2008 is expected to further stimulate growth for the airline in 2008. Following on from the successful launch of services from London Luton to Larnaca in Mar-07, the LCC will continue its expansion to the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as add a new service from Manchester to Murcia in Feb-08.

Passenger traffic for Dec-07 also improved 10.6% year-on-year to over 184,500 passengers.

ISLAND AVIATION GOES REGIONAL

Island Aviation has received operations permit from the Government of India to operate schedule flights to Trivandrum, India. Special ceremony was held on 07th January 2008 at Nasandhura Palace Hotel on 07th January 2008 to officiate the handing over of this permit to Island Aviation.

Executive Director at the Civil Aviation Department, Mr. Mahmood Razee handed over this permit to Island Aviation. Mr. Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem – Managing Director of Island Aviation received this on behalf of the company. Mr. Razee and Mr. Saleem made their statements at this ceremony. Mr. Mahmood Razee in his speech said, quote "IAS is an operating airline meeting the aeronautical requirements stipulated under the Maldivian Air Legislation. The choice of jet or turboprop for sector lengths of about 500km is fundamentally driven by economics. IAS by choosing to commence services with a turboprop airliner has also addressed some of the other elements of the business for this level of stage lengths” unquote.

Managing Director of Island Aviation, Mr. Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem stated in his remarks, quote “To realize our goal, we will continue to invest in our expansion this year as well” unquote.

The first flight from Male’ to Trivandrum will be operated on 25th January 2008. Dash8 aircraft will be used for this operation and daily flights will be operated between Male’ and Trivandrum. All the departures from Male’ will be at 1530 hrs everyday.

AIRPORT NEWS

Indian government seeks low airport fees

The Indian government has asked private companies developing new airports at Hyderabad and Bangalore not to make flying out of them prohibitively expensive for passengers.

Agreements currently in place allow an airport development fee of US$17 to US$23 to be charged per passenger, however the aviation ministry has requested that the GMR and Siemens Project Venture-led consortias wait until the delayed Indian Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (see: Regulator planned for India’s airports) is in place to decide on a more ‘reasonable’ amount.

With fuel and congestion surcharges and other fees plus rising fares, the cost of flying from these airports could potentially become too expensive for passengers. “As it is there are serious connectivity issues. With road networks still incomplete, the airports are nearly a two-hour drive away from the cities and are costlier to get to. If in addition, passengers have to pay up to US$25 (Rs 1,000) more for flying out, the reaction could be adverse,” says a senior official

Mumbai airport to be revamped by year-end

Right: The first phase of a facelift of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport should be complete by the end of this year

The Mumbai state Government has prioritised US$13.2 million for a facelift of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

The project will be undertaken by airport operator, Mumbai International Airport (MIAL), and will be carried out in two phases: Phase one will see the upgrade of Terminal 2A and phase two will renovate Terminals 2B and 2C. Phase one is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

The programme also includes upgraded runways, 106 aircraft parking stands, 51 boarding bridges and 316 check-in counters.

Changi seeks stakes in overseas airports

Right: Changi International Airport is part of a network of airports owned by Changi Airports International

Changi Airports International, the overseas investment unit of Singapore’s main airport operator, plans to buy stakes in as many as 15 airfields, says chief executive officer Chow Kok Fong.

Chow says the company aims to manage US$700 million of airport assets within the next three years and that overseas revenue in five years may climb to as much as 20% of sales from less than 5% now.

The company wants to tap growth in the Middle East, China and India, where governments are upgrading airports as more people fly. Global passenger air traffic is projected to jump 29% by 2011, threatening to overwhelm airports, according to an October 2007 forecast by the International Air Transport Association.

The company secured its first direct investment in China last month, acquiring a 29% stake in the Nanjing Lukou International Airport for US$138 million. Funding for future purchases will mainly come from its parent, says Chow.

“We are looking at several deals, which we hope will crystallise over the next three years,” he adds. “A lot of the growth that we expect in China will come from the central and western region. So, we will be spending a lot of our efforts in that region.”

China Scurries To Contain Mice On United Flight

The United States, concerned about tainted imports from China, has exported its own batch of potentially harmful goods to Beijing in the form of mice on a flight from Washington, state media said on Tuesday.

Chinese inspectors found eight mice, dead and alive, on a United Airlines flight to Beijing after the airline reported the stowaways to local quarantine officials upon landing on Sunday afternoon, Xinhua news agency said.

The report prompted an "emergency team" to rush to the aircraft, Xinhua said, to "put rat poison and mouse traps at every possible corner on the aircraft, including the cockpit".

"Eight mice, dead and (alive), were found at last... hidden in pillows," the agency said.

The surviving mice were sent to labs for testing, it said.

The incident was reported in most newspapers on Tuesday, citing experts warning of dozens of fatal viruses that the mice could spread, and the risk of deadly accidents from them chewing through the plane's wiring and circuits.

"We are taking this matter seriously and have begun a full investigation with the authorities to determine how this happened and ensure it is resolved," United Airlines said in a statement.

"It would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage as the investigation is currently under way."

China has been rocked by a number of quality scandals involving food, toys and drugs in recent months, but has repeatedly accused foreign media of biased reporting, while making a point of naming foreign companies it claims have sub-standard product problems. (Reuters)