Qatar Airways has won two more international awards, confirming its leading position as one of the top 10 airlines in the world, and also as the best carrier in the Middle East region.
Travellers from 95 countries selected Qatar Airways as their airline of choice among Middle East carriers, and also honoured the airline’s cabin crew for its outstanding level of onboard service and excellence.
Results from the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards have positioned Qatar Airways as the best airline in the Middle East for the third consecutive year, heading off strong competition in a region experiencing massive growth in its aviation sector. Qatar Airways’ cabin crew was named Best in the Middle East for the sixth straight year, further cementing Qatar Airways’ reputation as a Five-Star carrier.
Following this year’s survey of 15 million international travellers, Qatar Airways also received recognition for its catering in the airline’s premium cabins, with both First and Business Class catering featuring in the top five lists of award recipients. The airline’s exclusive Premium Terminal was also high on the lists of First and Business Class lounges, having been recognised as among the best in the world.
This year’s results continue to recognise the airline’s ambitious efforts to provide passengers with the best onboard service in the global aviation industry, according to Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker. Al Baker said he was extremely pleased that Qatar Airways was once again honoured as one of the world’s top airlines.
“We place an emphasis on providing the best quality product and service for our passengers, and to have our customers recognise Qatar Airways’ efforts in these awards is very satisfying.
Qatar Airways award-winning premium cabins will soon feature 180 degrees flatbed Business Class seats on its Boeing 777 aircraft
“For an airline that is barely a decade old, we have already achieved phenomenal success. However, Qatar Airways will continue to strive further ahead to reach our ultimate goal of being voted Best Airline in the World.
Al Baker added, “Recognition must also be given to the airline’s staff, who are committed to delivering the best levels of service in the skies. It’s their efforts which ultimately determine how the airline is judged.”
Qatar Airways has held the coveted Five Star Skytrax award for customer product and service excellence since 2004 when the airline became only the third carrier to be awarded the status.
Skytrax is recognised around the world for being the only truly global, independent aviation industry monitor. Results of the 2008 World Airline Awards are derived from 15 million passenger surveys from 95 different nationalities completed over an 11-month period.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Service contract between Embraer and Kun Peng Airlines
Embraer signed a five-year Embraer Collaborative Inventory Parts (ECIP) service contract with Kun Peng Airlines Co., Ltd., the newest E-Jets operator in China. Kun Peng currently has more than 1,900 part numbers from seven maintenance bases covered by ECIP.
Siu Ying Yeung, Vice President, Customer Support and Services – Embraer China said, “With this program, Kun Peng Airlines will optimize its spare parts supply chain by simplifying it,” “We increased our spare parts support assurance to Kun Peng through proactive participation in its supply process, which will result in great aircraft availability. This is win-win cooperation for both of us.”
The ECIP program monitors customer parts usage, guarantees automatic stock replenishment, shortens delivery times for contracted parts, and establishes a baseline for the carriers to better manage their costs. By reducing the workload for planning, controlling and purchasing expendable parts, the airlines can also save management time for repairable items. Supported by ECIP, we expect to significantly reduce the operational risk of our EMBRAER 190 by having the spare parts supply well guaranteed,” said Han Dexing, Vice President, Safety and Maintenance, Kun Peng Airlines. “We are looking forward to being covered by more Embraer service programs, and we firmly believe that due to the sound cooperation between both parties, the future operation of our EMBRAER 190 will be very good.”
Kun Peng Airlines is a joint venture between China’s Shen Zhen Airlines and the Mesa Air Group, of the United States. In Jul-08, Embraer announced a firm order for five EMBRAER 190 jets by Kun Peng, which will become the second operator of the E-Jets family in mainland China. The first delivery is scheduled for Aug-08.
Siu Ying Yeung, Vice President, Customer Support and Services – Embraer China said, “With this program, Kun Peng Airlines will optimize its spare parts supply chain by simplifying it,” “We increased our spare parts support assurance to Kun Peng through proactive participation in its supply process, which will result in great aircraft availability. This is win-win cooperation for both of us.”
The ECIP program monitors customer parts usage, guarantees automatic stock replenishment, shortens delivery times for contracted parts, and establishes a baseline for the carriers to better manage their costs. By reducing the workload for planning, controlling and purchasing expendable parts, the airlines can also save management time for repairable items. Supported by ECIP, we expect to significantly reduce the operational risk of our EMBRAER 190 by having the spare parts supply well guaranteed,” said Han Dexing, Vice President, Safety and Maintenance, Kun Peng Airlines. “We are looking forward to being covered by more Embraer service programs, and we firmly believe that due to the sound cooperation between both parties, the future operation of our EMBRAER 190 will be very good.”
Kun Peng Airlines is a joint venture between China’s Shen Zhen Airlines and the Mesa Air Group, of the United States. In Jul-08, Embraer announced a firm order for five EMBRAER 190 jets by Kun Peng, which will become the second operator of the E-Jets family in mainland China. The first delivery is scheduled for Aug-08.
Australia and Bangladesh settle air services arrangements
Direct flights between Australia and Bangladesh are a step closer following the signing of an inaugural air services Memorandum of Understanding.
Up until now, those wanting to travel between Australia and Bangladesh had to do so on third country airlines via mainly Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand. The new arrangements open the door for Australian and Bangladeshi airlines to serve both countries with direct flights.
Subject to compliance with applicable safety regulations, airlines of each country are immediately able to operate up to five flights each way each week between airports in both Bangladesh and Australia.
If this capacity is not used for ‘own aircraft’ services, it can be used to market code-shared services operated by the airlines of other countries. The opening up of the Australia-Bangladesh market underscores the Rudd Labor Government’s determination to liberalise the international aviation market.
The Australia-Bangladesh market, while comparatively small at some 28,000 passengers a year, has over the past decade grown by an average of 12 per cent a year. With a population of more than 150 million people, Bangladesh is a potentially important emerging market and the new arrangements will provide for the development of bilateral air services.
The new arrangements also pave the way for the development of the cargo market between Australia and Bangladesh, with capacity for up to seven all-cargo services with any aircraft type to be operated each week.
Cargo can be taken on and set down at any point, subject only to each country’s bilateral aviation arrangements with other countries
Up until now, those wanting to travel between Australia and Bangladesh had to do so on third country airlines via mainly Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand. The new arrangements open the door for Australian and Bangladeshi airlines to serve both countries with direct flights.
Subject to compliance with applicable safety regulations, airlines of each country are immediately able to operate up to five flights each way each week between airports in both Bangladesh and Australia.
If this capacity is not used for ‘own aircraft’ services, it can be used to market code-shared services operated by the airlines of other countries. The opening up of the Australia-Bangladesh market underscores the Rudd Labor Government’s determination to liberalise the international aviation market.
The Australia-Bangladesh market, while comparatively small at some 28,000 passengers a year, has over the past decade grown by an average of 12 per cent a year. With a population of more than 150 million people, Bangladesh is a potentially important emerging market and the new arrangements will provide for the development of bilateral air services.
The new arrangements also pave the way for the development of the cargo market between Australia and Bangladesh, with capacity for up to seven all-cargo services with any aircraft type to be operated each week.
Cargo can be taken on and set down at any point, subject only to each country’s bilateral aviation arrangements with other countries
Singapore Airlines Cargo and TCS contract
Singapore Airlines Cargo has chosen Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to service its cargo revenue accounting back office processes. This multi million dollar contract will be effective for 5 years.
SIA Cargo has had a relationship with TCS since 2004 when TCS was entrusted with the Airline’s core critical back office revenue accounting processes. In the new agreement, taking into consideration TCS’ existing capabilities in Business Outsourcing Processes with the travel and transport industry and the Consultancy’s extensive experience in Cargo Revenue Accounting, Singapore Airlines Cargo decided to outsource additional Cargo Revenue Accounting processes.
Mr. Girija Pande, EVP and regional director for TCS Asia Pacific said: "Singapore Airlines and TCS have always enjoyed a long lasting relationship which can be termed more as a partnership in progress rather than a customer service provider relationship."
Singapore Airlines Cargo is ranked fourth in the world in terms of international freight tone-kilometer, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA). The Airline has a route network that covers more than 39 countries across the world.
Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, business solutions and outsourcing organization that delivers real results to global businesses, ensuring a level of certainty no other firm can match. TCS offers a consulting-led, integrated portfolio of IT and IT-enabled services delivered through its unique Global Network Delivery Model, recognized as the benchmark of excellence in software
development. A part of the Tata Group, India’s largest industrial conglomerate, TCS has over 111,000 of the world's best trained IT consultants in 50 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $5.7 billion for fiscal year ended 31 March 2008 and is listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange in India.
Singapore is home to TCS’ Asia Pacific Head Quarters. It has more than 1400 consultants dedicated to Singapore projects. Its key clients include Parkway Healthcare Group, Temasek Holdings, DBS Bank, Public Utility Board, GIC and Motorola. TCS has also established Nearshore delivery centre in Jurong, last year.
SIA Cargo has had a relationship with TCS since 2004 when TCS was entrusted with the Airline’s core critical back office revenue accounting processes. In the new agreement, taking into consideration TCS’ existing capabilities in Business Outsourcing Processes with the travel and transport industry and the Consultancy’s extensive experience in Cargo Revenue Accounting, Singapore Airlines Cargo decided to outsource additional Cargo Revenue Accounting processes.
Mr. Girija Pande, EVP and regional director for TCS Asia Pacific said: "Singapore Airlines and TCS have always enjoyed a long lasting relationship which can be termed more as a partnership in progress rather than a customer service provider relationship."
Singapore Airlines Cargo is ranked fourth in the world in terms of international freight tone-kilometer, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA). The Airline has a route network that covers more than 39 countries across the world.
Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, business solutions and outsourcing organization that delivers real results to global businesses, ensuring a level of certainty no other firm can match. TCS offers a consulting-led, integrated portfolio of IT and IT-enabled services delivered through its unique Global Network Delivery Model, recognized as the benchmark of excellence in software
development. A part of the Tata Group, India’s largest industrial conglomerate, TCS has over 111,000 of the world's best trained IT consultants in 50 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $5.7 billion for fiscal year ended 31 March 2008 and is listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange in India.
Singapore is home to TCS’ Asia Pacific Head Quarters. It has more than 1400 consultants dedicated to Singapore projects. Its key clients include Parkway Healthcare Group, Temasek Holdings, DBS Bank, Public Utility Board, GIC and Motorola. TCS has also established Nearshore delivery centre in Jurong, last year.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Southwest Airlines drops flights
Southwest Airlines says it plans next year to drop six flights from San Diego's Lindbergh Field. The airline says the cuts are part of nationwide cutbacks prompted by a declining economy, high oil prices and the difficulties of winter travel.
Southwest spokesman Chris Mainz says the airline is cutting two flights from San Diego to Oakland and one flight each to Albuquerque, Washington D.C., Chicago and Sacramento.
Nationwide, Mainz says Southwest plans to reduce its daily schedule early next year by 196 flights. It will also add six new flights.
Southwest spokesman Chris Mainz says the airline is cutting two flights from San Diego to Oakland and one flight each to Albuquerque, Washington D.C., Chicago and Sacramento.
Nationwide, Mainz says Southwest plans to reduce its daily schedule early next year by 196 flights. It will also add six new flights.
British Airways Introduces New Bag Charges
British Airways (BA) is set to introduce a new Heavy Bag Charge for luggage from November. The airline will begin charging a £25 fee for bags that weigh more than 23kg and less than 32kg from November 26th. Customers will only be able to pay the new charge at the airport, while BA has also said that it will not accept luggage that weighs more than 32kg on its flights.
BA will also introduce new excess baggage charge prices from September 1st that will see customer payments increased by 20 percent.However, the airline is keen to encourage customers to use its website, so offers a 20 percent discount to those that pay in advance online.
BA is one of several international airlines that have cut prices on some of their flights. Tickets for flights on some of the carrier's routes have been reduced by as much as 36 per cent.
BA will also introduce new excess baggage charge prices from September 1st that will see customer payments increased by 20 percent.However, the airline is keen to encourage customers to use its website, so offers a 20 percent discount to those that pay in advance online.
BA is one of several international airlines that have cut prices on some of their flights. Tickets for flights on some of the carrier's routes have been reduced by as much as 36 per cent.
Austrian Airlines flying into Georgia
Austrian Airlines has announced that it intends to relaunch services to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.
The carrier had suspended its four cheap flights to Vienna from Tbilisi after a sudden outbreak of war in the South Ossetian region of the country bordering Russia.
Nearly all major carriers had cancelled their flights into Georgia after hostilities began on August 7th, although many have now resumed routes.
German carrier Lufthansa, which offered ten weekly flights between Munich and the capital, resumed its services on Friday, August 15th.
Turkish Airlines has also resumed its 28 weekly flights between Tbilisi and Istanbul, while Ukraine International Airlines and Lithuanian Airlines have also followed suit.
However, the Foreign Office and US department of state are still advising passengers against travel to the region, although Russia has begun withdrawing troops.
Other carriers, including bmi and AirBaltic, have also resumed their services to the war-torn country.
The carrier had suspended its four cheap flights to Vienna from Tbilisi after a sudden outbreak of war in the South Ossetian region of the country bordering Russia.
Nearly all major carriers had cancelled their flights into Georgia after hostilities began on August 7th, although many have now resumed routes.
German carrier Lufthansa, which offered ten weekly flights between Munich and the capital, resumed its services on Friday, August 15th.
Turkish Airlines has also resumed its 28 weekly flights between Tbilisi and Istanbul, while Ukraine International Airlines and Lithuanian Airlines have also followed suit.
However, the Foreign Office and US department of state are still advising passengers against travel to the region, although Russia has begun withdrawing troops.
Other carriers, including bmi and AirBaltic, have also resumed their services to the war-torn country.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
VOIP in American Airlines
Aircell, the company whose technology is bringing the Internet to airplanes, said that it could block voice over Internet protocol calls, but Wired reports that workarounds already exist.
Just days after American Airlines made the big-deal announcement that it had rolled out in-flight internet on certain routes, hackers have found a way to use the service for voice-over-internet protocol calls, despite promises from the airline that its air-to-ground system, developed by Aircell, would block voice calls. Wired seems to think that passengers will inevitably be able to make voice calls once WiFi becomes common on airlines, but I doubt it.
It's not that I think anyone will be be able to stop hackers from devising technology that can make telephone calls. I just don't think passengers will stand for it. If calls are technically forbidden -- and they will be -- then passengers will notify flight attendants the second some
person tries to make a call.
Just days after American Airlines made the big-deal announcement that it had rolled out in-flight internet on certain routes, hackers have found a way to use the service for voice-over-internet protocol calls, despite promises from the airline that its air-to-ground system, developed by Aircell, would block voice calls. Wired seems to think that passengers will inevitably be able to make voice calls once WiFi becomes common on airlines, but I doubt it.
It's not that I think anyone will be be able to stop hackers from devising technology that can make telephone calls. I just don't think passengers will stand for it. If calls are technically forbidden -- and they will be -- then passengers will notify flight attendants the second some
person tries to make a call.
Monday, August 25, 2008
AirBlue in Abu Dhabi International Airport
Touching down at 12:00hrs local time, Abu Dhabi International Airport welcomed the first commercial flight into the UAE capital by AirBlue.
Initially set to operate four flights per week from Lahore to Abu Dhabi, AirBlue officials at the reception ceremony, held in honour of the occasion, signalled that it proposes to increase these frequencies, in line with demand, to a twice daily service in the near future.
With an estimated 300,000 Pakistani expatriates living in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – around 50 per cent of the UAE’s total Pakistani community – AirBlue’s new routes will immediately benefit a significant population of workers and families in the country by offering greater options and benefits for travel between the two countries.
Having already established strong domestic operations in Pakistan from the airline’s commencement of operations in 2004, AirBlue’s commitment and prioritization towards servicing the important UAE-Pakistan route is clear as Abu Dhabi becomes the airline’s third international destination and second into the UAE.
At the welcome ceremony held at the Al Dar Lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport today, Sarosh Bhatti, General Manager - Marketing of Airblue said:
“We are extremely pleased to be opening up a route into Abu Dhabi as the city and Emirate represents a key market as we move to extend our international network.”
“We are certain that the Abu Dhabi – Pakistan route will serve a growing number of passengers between our two countries and we are hopeful that demand will see us able to increase our frequencies to and from the UAE capital in a short period of time.”
In addition to AirBlue increasing its international network, another milestone was noted at the reception ceremony today as Abu Dhabi Airports Company celebrated Air Blue’s arrival by confirming that the Pakistani carrier was the 40th airline to operate out of the Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Mohammed Al Bulooki, VP, Airline Marketing and Aeronautical Revenue, ADAC said:
“We are, of course, pleased to welcome AirBlue to Abu Dhabi on this unique occasion but it is also pleasing to note that their arrival is reason for further celebration in that the airline becomes the 40th airline to operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport. In line with the expansion and planning efforts, it is clear that an ever increasing number of commercial carriers are seeing the benefits of operating from the UAE capital and Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”
“This in turn provides greater accessibility to key destinations worldwide and, importantly, greater choice for all our existing and future passengers.”
From 24 August, Air Blue will operate the service on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. In-bound flights will arrive in Abu Dhabi at 12:00hrs (13:00hrs after 1 September) and out-bound flights will depart at 13:00hrs (14:00hrs after 1 September). Average flight time is three hours.
Initially set to operate four flights per week from Lahore to Abu Dhabi, AirBlue officials at the reception ceremony, held in honour of the occasion, signalled that it proposes to increase these frequencies, in line with demand, to a twice daily service in the near future.
With an estimated 300,000 Pakistani expatriates living in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – around 50 per cent of the UAE’s total Pakistani community – AirBlue’s new routes will immediately benefit a significant population of workers and families in the country by offering greater options and benefits for travel between the two countries.
Having already established strong domestic operations in Pakistan from the airline’s commencement of operations in 2004, AirBlue’s commitment and prioritization towards servicing the important UAE-Pakistan route is clear as Abu Dhabi becomes the airline’s third international destination and second into the UAE.
At the welcome ceremony held at the Al Dar Lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport today, Sarosh Bhatti, General Manager - Marketing of Airblue said:
“We are extremely pleased to be opening up a route into Abu Dhabi as the city and Emirate represents a key market as we move to extend our international network.”
“We are certain that the Abu Dhabi – Pakistan route will serve a growing number of passengers between our two countries and we are hopeful that demand will see us able to increase our frequencies to and from the UAE capital in a short period of time.”
In addition to AirBlue increasing its international network, another milestone was noted at the reception ceremony today as Abu Dhabi Airports Company celebrated Air Blue’s arrival by confirming that the Pakistani carrier was the 40th airline to operate out of the Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Mohammed Al Bulooki, VP, Airline Marketing and Aeronautical Revenue, ADAC said:
“We are, of course, pleased to welcome AirBlue to Abu Dhabi on this unique occasion but it is also pleasing to note that their arrival is reason for further celebration in that the airline becomes the 40th airline to operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport. In line with the expansion and planning efforts, it is clear that an ever increasing number of commercial carriers are seeing the benefits of operating from the UAE capital and Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”
“This in turn provides greater accessibility to key destinations worldwide and, importantly, greater choice for all our existing and future passengers.”
From 24 August, Air Blue will operate the service on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. In-bound flights will arrive in Abu Dhabi at 12:00hrs (13:00hrs after 1 September) and out-bound flights will depart at 13:00hrs (14:00hrs after 1 September). Average flight time is three hours.
Kingfisher Airlines ready to fly from Bangalore to London
Kingfisher Airlines has announced it will launch its first international flight from the high-tech southern city of Bangalore to London next month.
The daily non-stop Airbus A330-220 service to Heathrow airport by Kingfisher, owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya, will take to the skies 03-Sept-08.
Kingfisher chairman Mallya said,"We will set new standards in international travel." The privately-owned airline last year bought out low-cost Indian carrier Deccan Aviation giving it the right to fly aboard. Under Indian rules, carriers less than five years old cannot fly internationally. Kingfisher was founded three years ago while Deccan is five years old.
On its own, Kingfisher would only have been eligible to fly abroad in 2010. The decision to add overseas destinations is expected to heat up rivalry with India's largest airline Jet Airways. All India's major airlines have posted big losses due to soaring fuel costs that have driven up fares, reducing passenger traffic. The sector has been hit by a wave of mergers as airlines have sought to cut costs.
The daily non-stop Airbus A330-220 service to Heathrow airport by Kingfisher, owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya, will take to the skies 03-Sept-08.
Kingfisher chairman Mallya said,"We will set new standards in international travel." The privately-owned airline last year bought out low-cost Indian carrier Deccan Aviation giving it the right to fly aboard. Under Indian rules, carriers less than five years old cannot fly internationally. Kingfisher was founded three years ago while Deccan is five years old.
On its own, Kingfisher would only have been eligible to fly abroad in 2010. The decision to add overseas destinations is expected to heat up rivalry with India's largest airline Jet Airways. All India's major airlines have posted big losses due to soaring fuel costs that have driven up fares, reducing passenger traffic. The sector has been hit by a wave of mergers as airlines have sought to cut costs.
Itek Air Boeing 737 Crash
A passenger plane has crashed shortly after take-off from Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, killing 68 out of the 90 passengers and crew, officials say.
There were many foreigners on board, including Iranians and Canadians.
The Itek Air Boeing 737 took off bound for Iran, but turned round about 10 minutes later.
An airport spokeswoman said the crew had reported a technical problem, and the plane crashed not far from the airport and caught fire.
Ambulances and fire-fighting equipment from the nearby US air base at Manas, 30km (20 miles) from Bishkek, were despatched to help with the rescue effort.
The passenger list is as follows:
52 Iranians
24 Kyrgyz
Three Kazakhs
Two Canadians
One Chinese
One Turk
Seven crew
There were many foreigners on board, including Iranians and Canadians.
The Itek Air Boeing 737 took off bound for Iran, but turned round about 10 minutes later.
An airport spokeswoman said the crew had reported a technical problem, and the plane crashed not far from the airport and caught fire.
Ambulances and fire-fighting equipment from the nearby US air base at Manas, 30km (20 miles) from Bishkek, were despatched to help with the rescue effort.
The passenger list is as follows:
52 Iranians
24 Kyrgyz
Three Kazakhs
Two Canadians
One Chinese
One Turk
Seven crew
Hanian Airlines - Best Airline in China
Hainan Airlines have been selected as the “Best Airline in China” in the Skytrax 2008 World Airline Awards. London-based Skytrax evaluates the quality of 25 different aspects of an airline’s product and service and is the only recognized global passenger survey of airline quality standards. Over 15 million respondents were surveyed online, via e-mail, in panel interviews, by telephone, and in person from August 2007 to June 2008.
Hainan Airlines is a well known brand, with an extensive route system. It is part of the HNA Group. Having started operations in 1993, the airline has, over the years, collected numerous awards for service, punctuality, and operational excellence. In the United States, however, Hainan is a relatively new name on the trans-Pacific scene, but is rapidly earning a reputation for fine service that sets it apart. Having begun non-stop service from Seattle to Beijing in June 2008, the airline pleasantly surprises first time flyers with attentive flight attendants and bright, clean and comfortable cabins. While a launch customer for the Boeing 787, Hainan has begun the route with a new Airbus A330-200 with 36 Business Class and 185 Economy Class seats. The aircraft is equipped with a personal entertainment system on demand for every passenger that provides a choice of 50 each video and audio selections, 10 games, a continuously updating route progress map, and other features. Both Chinese and Western cuisine are offered.
Hainan’s spacious Business Class cabin has been lauded by travelers for its plush, comfortable seats that recline to a fully flat 180 degrees. A generous 74 inch pitch, larger than some airlines’ First Class seat pitch, allows even basketball players to stretch out. Fine cuisine, served on Wedgwood china, is complemented by fine wines and amenities. There’s even an espresso machine on board. How could an airline operate to and from Seattle and not offer lattes?
Hainan’s international Business Class passengers are also treated as honored guests upon arrival and departure from Beijing’s Capital International Airport Terminal 2. Complimentary private limo service is provided between the airport and points within the city. This can be arranged as little as four hours before departure or as long as 30 days ahead. Seattle is the closest U.S. city with nonstop service to Beijing, with the flight lasting only about leven hours. Beijing is a popular gateway to the rest of China as well as exotic locales such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan.
Hainan Airlines is a well known brand, with an extensive route system. It is part of the HNA Group. Having started operations in 1993, the airline has, over the years, collected numerous awards for service, punctuality, and operational excellence. In the United States, however, Hainan is a relatively new name on the trans-Pacific scene, but is rapidly earning a reputation for fine service that sets it apart. Having begun non-stop service from Seattle to Beijing in June 2008, the airline pleasantly surprises first time flyers with attentive flight attendants and bright, clean and comfortable cabins. While a launch customer for the Boeing 787, Hainan has begun the route with a new Airbus A330-200 with 36 Business Class and 185 Economy Class seats. The aircraft is equipped with a personal entertainment system on demand for every passenger that provides a choice of 50 each video and audio selections, 10 games, a continuously updating route progress map, and other features. Both Chinese and Western cuisine are offered.
Hainan’s spacious Business Class cabin has been lauded by travelers for its plush, comfortable seats that recline to a fully flat 180 degrees. A generous 74 inch pitch, larger than some airlines’ First Class seat pitch, allows even basketball players to stretch out. Fine cuisine, served on Wedgwood china, is complemented by fine wines and amenities. There’s even an espresso machine on board. How could an airline operate to and from Seattle and not offer lattes?
Hainan’s international Business Class passengers are also treated as honored guests upon arrival and departure from Beijing’s Capital International Airport Terminal 2. Complimentary private limo service is provided between the airport and points within the city. This can be arranged as little as four hours before departure or as long as 30 days ahead. Seattle is the closest U.S. city with nonstop service to Beijing, with the flight lasting only about leven hours. Beijing is a popular gateway to the rest of China as well as exotic locales such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan.
SPANAIR MD-82 Emergency Landing
One of the SPANAIR MD-82 jet has made an unscheduled landing at an airport in Spain today, just four days after another plane of the same type operated by the airline crashed at Madrid's airport killing 154 people, the airline said.
The plane landed safely at Malaga on the southern coast after the pilot detected a technical problem and the 141 passengers were put up in a hotel until they could resume their journey, a Spanair spokesman said.
"These types of incidents happen regularly, it is a daily event for all airlines,'' he said.
The plane took off from the north-eastern city of Barcelona and was bound for Lanzarote, in Spain's Canary Islands, a popular holiday destination off the coast of Morocco.
A Spanair flight bound for the Canary Island of Gran Canaria crashed just seconds after it took off from Madrid airport on Wednesday, killing 154 people.
The Spanish government has vowed a full investigation into the crash of the MD-82 plane, the country's worst aviation accident in 25 years.
"We owe this to the victims and passengers. The MD is a type of plane which is flying at the moment and as such it is of interest to global aviation to know exactly what happened,'' Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said yesterday.
The plane landed safely at Malaga on the southern coast after the pilot detected a technical problem and the 141 passengers were put up in a hotel until they could resume their journey, a Spanair spokesman said.
"These types of incidents happen regularly, it is a daily event for all airlines,'' he said.
The plane took off from the north-eastern city of Barcelona and was bound for Lanzarote, in Spain's Canary Islands, a popular holiday destination off the coast of Morocco.
A Spanair flight bound for the Canary Island of Gran Canaria crashed just seconds after it took off from Madrid airport on Wednesday, killing 154 people.
The Spanish government has vowed a full investigation into the crash of the MD-82 plane, the country's worst aviation accident in 25 years.
"We owe this to the victims and passengers. The MD is a type of plane which is flying at the moment and as such it is of interest to global aviation to know exactly what happened,'' Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said yesterday.
Engine Copressors stall - United Airlines
A Chicago-bound United Airlines flight was forced to return to San Francisco International Airport early Saturday after running into engine trouble.
United flight 158 carrying 240 passengers and nine crew members landed safely about 30 minutes after takeoff after one of its engine compressors stalled, said UAL spokeswoman Robin Urbanski. The pilot was able to turn the plane around and return to the airport, flying on the aircraft's second engine.
Smoke entered the cabin after the plane landed and the engines were shut down, Urbanski said. The airline was investigating the source of the smoke. There were no reported injuries.
The airline provided overnight accommodation to the passengers and arranged flights for them Saturday.
United flight 158 carrying 240 passengers and nine crew members landed safely about 30 minutes after takeoff after one of its engine compressors stalled, said UAL spokeswoman Robin Urbanski. The pilot was able to turn the plane around and return to the airport, flying on the aircraft's second engine.
Smoke entered the cabin after the plane landed and the engines were shut down, Urbanski said. The airline was investigating the source of the smoke. There were no reported injuries.
The airline provided overnight accommodation to the passengers and arranged flights for them Saturday.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
New Runway of Indira Gandhi Airport
A new chapter in India’s aviation history unfolded when the inaugural flight touched down on Indira Gandhi International Airport’s (IGIA) brand new runway 11-29. This is IGIA’s third runway and with it, it becomes the India’s first and among the very few civilian airports in Asia to have three operating runways.
Hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation Mr. Praful Patel along with senior parliamentarians and officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation & Airports Authority of India, were present to witness the first landing. The runway has been developed by Delhi International Airport (P) Limited (DIAL), a GMR Group led Joint Venture Consortium mandated to operate and modernise the IGI Airport under the Public Private Partnership Initiative of Govt. of India.
The first touch down at the runway was made by a special flight by an Air India Boeing 777. Upon arrival, the aircraft was given the traditional water cannon salute by the Fire Tenders by IGI Airport’s Fire Service. This was new generation infrastructure utilized by new generation long range aircraft with safety assured by new generation lighting systems and Crash Fire Tenders.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. GM Rao – Group Chairman, GMR Group said, “Today is a great day for Indian Aviation. Runways are roads that lead to the sky, and it is GMR Group’s commitment to build infrastructure that paves the way for India’s economy to reach new heights. We are confident that this National Asset will truly occupy a pride of place in every Indian’s heart.“
Mr. Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Business Chairman – Airports, GMR Group said, “The completion of the runway ahead of schedule marks another project, which GMR Group has delivered before the deadline and we are on track to complete the Integrated Passenger Terminal (Terminal 3) on schedule as well. Together, the runway and Terminal 3 will form India’s new gateway to the world when it welcomes participants and guests for the Commonwealth Games 2010.”
Completed more than six months ahead of scheduled date of February 2009, the 75m wide runway is among the longest in Asia at 4430m. Built to Code F standards, the runway is capable of handling new generation large aircraft such as the Airbus A380. 11-29 will significantly expand IGIA’s capacity to handle aircraft movements. In addition, the runway is also equipped with CAT IIIB Instrument Landing System at both ends allowing compatible aircraft to land even when the visibility is as low as 50m. This will complement the existing CAT IIIB equipment on runway 10-28 making IGI Airport the only one in India to have twin runways with this advanced Instrument Landing System. In addition, an advanced Surface Movement Guidance System, featuring induction loop sensors has been deployed to track the movement of the aircraft along the runway.
The runway has been constructed using some of the most advanced construction techniques, materials & equipment. More than 2000 trial mix designs were conducted in the project laboratory to arrive at the most suitable concrete and asphalt mixes for the runway layers and surface.
Hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation Mr. Praful Patel along with senior parliamentarians and officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation & Airports Authority of India, were present to witness the first landing. The runway has been developed by Delhi International Airport (P) Limited (DIAL), a GMR Group led Joint Venture Consortium mandated to operate and modernise the IGI Airport under the Public Private Partnership Initiative of Govt. of India.
The first touch down at the runway was made by a special flight by an Air India Boeing 777. Upon arrival, the aircraft was given the traditional water cannon salute by the Fire Tenders by IGI Airport’s Fire Service. This was new generation infrastructure utilized by new generation long range aircraft with safety assured by new generation lighting systems and Crash Fire Tenders.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. GM Rao – Group Chairman, GMR Group said, “Today is a great day for Indian Aviation. Runways are roads that lead to the sky, and it is GMR Group’s commitment to build infrastructure that paves the way for India’s economy to reach new heights. We are confident that this National Asset will truly occupy a pride of place in every Indian’s heart.“
Mr. Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Business Chairman – Airports, GMR Group said, “The completion of the runway ahead of schedule marks another project, which GMR Group has delivered before the deadline and we are on track to complete the Integrated Passenger Terminal (Terminal 3) on schedule as well. Together, the runway and Terminal 3 will form India’s new gateway to the world when it welcomes participants and guests for the Commonwealth Games 2010.”
Completed more than six months ahead of scheduled date of February 2009, the 75m wide runway is among the longest in Asia at 4430m. Built to Code F standards, the runway is capable of handling new generation large aircraft such as the Airbus A380. 11-29 will significantly expand IGIA’s capacity to handle aircraft movements. In addition, the runway is also equipped with CAT IIIB Instrument Landing System at both ends allowing compatible aircraft to land even when the visibility is as low as 50m. This will complement the existing CAT IIIB equipment on runway 10-28 making IGI Airport the only one in India to have twin runways with this advanced Instrument Landing System. In addition, an advanced Surface Movement Guidance System, featuring induction loop sensors has been deployed to track the movement of the aircraft along the runway.
The runway has been constructed using some of the most advanced construction techniques, materials & equipment. More than 2000 trial mix designs were conducted in the project laboratory to arrive at the most suitable concrete and asphalt mixes for the runway layers and surface.
Bye to Life Vest- Jazz Airline
In an effort to save weight and fuel, Jazz -- Air Canada's regional airline -- has removed life vests from all its planes, including those that fly over water.
As Jazz planes cris-cross Canada and the United States, they fly over the Great Lakes and along the eastern seaboard from Halifax to Boston and New York. Transport Canada regulations allow airlines to use floatation devices instead of life vests provided the planes remain within 90 kilometres of shore. Safety cards in the seat pockets of Jazz aircrafts now direct passengers to use the seat cushions as floatation devices. A Jazz official says a number of its east coast routes have been adjusted so the planes are no more than 90 kilometres from shore.
As Jazz planes cris-cross Canada and the United States, they fly over the Great Lakes and along the eastern seaboard from Halifax to Boston and New York. Transport Canada regulations allow airlines to use floatation devices instead of life vests provided the planes remain within 90 kilometres of shore. Safety cards in the seat pockets of Jazz aircrafts now direct passengers to use the seat cushions as floatation devices. A Jazz official says a number of its east coast routes have been adjusted so the planes are no more than 90 kilometres from shore.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Southwest Airlines with Success Secret – Hedging?
Southwest Airlines was the only major U.S. carrier to turn a profit in the last financial quarter. It did it without charging a dime for pillows, water, or even checked bags - all while poking fun at its rivals. What's Southwest's secret? Well, two decades ago, it made a bet on a strategy called "hedging," paying more up-front to lock in the price it pays for oil. Today, the going rate for a barrel of crude is $112 - but Southwest pays just $51. "Just this year alone, 2008, our fuel hedges will likely save us close to $2 billion," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines' CEO. "And our annual revenues are about $11 billion, so it's a very, very significant part of our success." But it's far from the only part, according to aviation analyst Peter Goelz. "Well, Southwest has done it right from the start," he said. "And it starts with the aircraft." Boeing 737, is the only jet in the Southwest fleet. That's compared to the six to 11 models most airlines maintain. "They have less training costs, less spare parts to carry, they have essentially a uni-plane fleet. Smart move," Goelz said. It is all about efficiency. With just one cabin class, coach, and no assigned seats or meals, boarding goes quickly, and cleaning does, too. "A plane comes in here to BWI; it's ready to go out in 20 minutes. And crucially, Southwest steers clear of those big hubs with their high landing fees and congestion. Bypassing, say, Chicago's O'Hare, where one out of every three arriving flights is delayed, it files to nearby Midway, where only one in five arrive late. Instead of flying to Washington's Reagan National, which charges airlines $12.44 per passenger, it staked a claim in Baltimore, which charges just $4.33 per passenger. But even high-flying Southwest, with its no-frills approach, isn't immune to the challenges currently rocking the industry. Some analysts predict that next quarter, for the first time in more than 30 years, Southwest will fail to turn a profit. "It's a very successful fuel-hedging company with an unprofitable airline on the side," said Hubert Horan, an airline industry analyst.
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