It is a happy news to the Indian air travellers that most of the airlines in india are going to reduce their airfares. Followed by Air India and Jet Airways the India's leading private air-carrier Kingfisher Airlines would cut fares across its network from January 1, 2009.
Vijay Mallya, chairman of Kingfisher Airlines, while making the announcement, did not specify the actual percentage of cut in fares. He said the current low prices of Air Turbine Fuel or ATF had made it possible to offer five-star flying at low fares.
Kingfisher had earlier demanded that the government classify ATF in the declared goods category before the airline reduced its fares. The classification would enable a uniform 4% sales tax on ATF across the country and the proposal is now before Parliament.
Many state governments are against this as it could decrease their revenues. Currently, the sales tax varies from 4% to 32% and accounts for over 35% of airlines' operational cost
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
B/E Aerospace gives new life to the old A300-600 Aircrafts
B/E Aerospace announced last week it has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) from the FAA which authorizes the company to convert Airbus A300-600 passenger aircraft to freighters. The STC was awarded to B/E Aerospace's Flight Structures unit (FSI). The company previously announced it had been awarded a contract by China Southern Airlines to convert six of its A300-600 passenger aircraft to freighters. B/E Aerospace expects the six aircraft program for China Southern Airlines to have a value of approximately $45 million.
B/E Aerospace has been responsible for the engineering design and STC certification of the Airbus A300-600 passenger-to-freighter conversion and will be responsible for manufacturing the required passenger-to-freighter conversion kits. B/E Aerospace's MRO partner, Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company (GAMECO), a Guangzhou-based joint venture of China Southern Airlines and Hutchinson Whampoa (China) Ltd., will provide the touch labor and kit installation.
"The A300-600 STC marks a significant milestone in our passenger-to-freighter conversion business. We look forward to working with our launch customer China Southern Airlines," stated Mr. Amin J. Khoury, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of B/E Aerospace, Inc.
"The A300-600 aircraft is an excellent candidate for passenger-to-freighter conversion due to its superior operating economics. According to Air Cargo Management Group, 'the medium wide-body freighter segment, (the A300 and the B767), has been the fastest growing segment of the freighter market over the past decade." The A300-600 takes standard size containers and can carry almost double the LD3 containers that the competing B767 can carry. There are more than 100 A300-600 passenger aircraft in service, most of which are nearing the end of their useful lives as passenger aircraft," concluded Mr. Khoury.
Mr. Dong Su Guang, Vice President of China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd. and Chairman of GAMECO commented, "China Southern Airlines, GAMECO and B/E Aerospace working together have demonstrated a world class capability in achieving this milestone. We look forward to continuing our partnership as we convert our A300-600 passenger aircraft to freighters."
B/E Aerospace has been responsible for the engineering design and STC certification of the Airbus A300-600 passenger-to-freighter conversion and will be responsible for manufacturing the required passenger-to-freighter conversion kits. B/E Aerospace's MRO partner, Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company (GAMECO), a Guangzhou-based joint venture of China Southern Airlines and Hutchinson Whampoa (China) Ltd., will provide the touch labor and kit installation.
"The A300-600 STC marks a significant milestone in our passenger-to-freighter conversion business. We look forward to working with our launch customer China Southern Airlines," stated Mr. Amin J. Khoury, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of B/E Aerospace, Inc.
"The A300-600 aircraft is an excellent candidate for passenger-to-freighter conversion due to its superior operating economics. According to Air Cargo Management Group, 'the medium wide-body freighter segment, (the A300 and the B767), has been the fastest growing segment of the freighter market over the past decade." The A300-600 takes standard size containers and can carry almost double the LD3 containers that the competing B767 can carry. There are more than 100 A300-600 passenger aircraft in service, most of which are nearing the end of their useful lives as passenger aircraft," concluded Mr. Khoury.
Mr. Dong Su Guang, Vice President of China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd. and Chairman of GAMECO commented, "China Southern Airlines, GAMECO and B/E Aerospace working together have demonstrated a world class capability in achieving this milestone. We look forward to continuing our partnership as we convert our A300-600 passenger aircraft to freighters."
Thursday, December 25, 2008
De-Icer Fumes in the Cabin of Alaska Airlines
Twenty-Five Passengers And Crew Treated For Minor Discomfort. Seven crewmembers onboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 were taken to the hospital Wednesday, when fumes from the de-icing liquid being sprayed on the snow-covered airliner entered the cabin.
Seven were treated for relatively minor issues including eye irritation, dizziness and nausea. Eighteen passengers were also treated at the scene, according to officials with Sea-Tac International Airport.
Flight 528 to Burbank, CA was being sprayed down with propylene glycol de-icing fluid when passengers started complaining of eye irritation, and difficulties breathing due to the fumes. A number of emergency vehicles responded to the scene, though some passengers complained of being held onboard the plane for as long as 45 minutes until they were finally allowed off.
Propylene glycol has largely replaced ethylene glycol as the base for aircraft de-icing solution, due to the toxic properties of the latter. Generally consider safe in small doses -- propylene glycol is used in a variety of products, including food, cosmetics, and medicines -- large concentrations of the agent may still cause discomfort.
As a rule, flight crews typically shut off the aircraft's auxiliary power unit and the heating and cooling packs to prevent fumes from entering the cabin during deice operations. Ground crews avoid spraying de-icer fluid near air inlet vents.
Initial reports of two people being in critical condition after being overcome by the fumes were erroneous, said Alaska Airlines spokeswoman Caroline Boren. All 143 passengers ticketed on Flight 528 were later flown to Burbank on another plane.
Seven were treated for relatively minor issues including eye irritation, dizziness and nausea. Eighteen passengers were also treated at the scene, according to officials with Sea-Tac International Airport.
Flight 528 to Burbank, CA was being sprayed down with propylene glycol de-icing fluid when passengers started complaining of eye irritation, and difficulties breathing due to the fumes. A number of emergency vehicles responded to the scene, though some passengers complained of being held onboard the plane for as long as 45 minutes until they were finally allowed off.
Propylene glycol has largely replaced ethylene glycol as the base for aircraft de-icing solution, due to the toxic properties of the latter. Generally consider safe in small doses -- propylene glycol is used in a variety of products, including food, cosmetics, and medicines -- large concentrations of the agent may still cause discomfort.
As a rule, flight crews typically shut off the aircraft's auxiliary power unit and the heating and cooling packs to prevent fumes from entering the cabin during deice operations. Ground crews avoid spraying de-icer fluid near air inlet vents.
Initial reports of two people being in critical condition after being overcome by the fumes were erroneous, said Alaska Airlines spokeswoman Caroline Boren. All 143 passengers ticketed on Flight 528 were later flown to Burbank on another plane.
American Airlines Flight slips off taxiway at O'Hare
A plane taxiing to take off at O'Hare International Airport this evening hit an icy patch and slid sideways onto a grassy surface at the airport, airline and city officials said.
American Airlines Flight 1544 was scheduled to leave for Washington, D.C., and slid off the taxiway after departing the gate at 6:42 p.m.
Airline spokeswoman Mary Frances Fagan said the jet was not going very fast as it was trying to turn to get to the runway, and only the left main nose tire went off the pavement.
There were no injuries to the 54 passengers and crew of five aboard, said Fagan.
A city Department of Aviation representative confirmed there were no injuries, and said Chicago Fire Department and Police responded to the scene.
Passengers were removed and taken to the terminal by bus, where they would be placed aboard other flights, Fagan said.
Runway 22L was temporarily closed due to the incident, but flight operations were not impacted because other runways remained open, according to the Department of Aviation.
The cause of the incident has not been determined and is under investigation.
American Airlines Flight 1544 was scheduled to leave for Washington, D.C., and slid off the taxiway after departing the gate at 6:42 p.m.
Airline spokeswoman Mary Frances Fagan said the jet was not going very fast as it was trying to turn to get to the runway, and only the left main nose tire went off the pavement.
There were no injuries to the 54 passengers and crew of five aboard, said Fagan.
A city Department of Aviation representative confirmed there were no injuries, and said Chicago Fire Department and Police responded to the scene.
Passengers were removed and taken to the terminal by bus, where they would be placed aboard other flights, Fagan said.
Runway 22L was temporarily closed due to the incident, but flight operations were not impacted because other runways remained open, according to the Department of Aviation.
The cause of the incident has not been determined and is under investigation.
Great Escape of Continental Airlines Flight 1404 at Denver
It was a miracle that no one was killed when an airliner veered sharply off a runway during takeoff, burst into flames and nearly broke apart, firefighters said Sunday.
There was no official word on the possible cause of the crash of Continental Flight 1404 at Denver International Airport, which injured 38 people. Flight data and cockpit voice recorders were recovered and appeared to be in good condition, the National Transportation Safety Board said Sunday.
The weather was clear but cold when the plane attempted to take off for Houston around 6:20 p.m. Saturday. Winds at the airport were 31 mph, said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor.
"No other aircraft opted against taking off due to wind" before Flight 1404 tried to lift off, Gregor said.
The entire right side of the Boeing 737-500 was burned in the Saturday evening accident, and melted plastic from overhead compartments dripped onto the seats. Investigators said the plane's left engine was ripped away along with all the landing gear.
There was no official word on the possible cause of the crash of Continental Flight 1404 at Denver International Airport, which injured 38 people. Flight data and cockpit voice recorders were recovered and appeared to be in good condition, the National Transportation Safety Board said Sunday.
The weather was clear but cold when the plane attempted to take off for Houston around 6:20 p.m. Saturday. Winds at the airport were 31 mph, said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor.
"No other aircraft opted against taking off due to wind" before Flight 1404 tried to lift off, Gregor said.
The entire right side of the Boeing 737-500 was burned in the Saturday evening accident, and melted plastic from overhead compartments dripped onto the seats. Investigators said the plane's left engine was ripped away along with all the landing gear.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Vietnam Airlines placed an Order for the purchase of 6 new ATR 72-500s
Vietnam Airlines placed an order for the purchase of 6 new ATR 72-500s, valued at over US$ 112 million. With these additional aircraft, and including the aircraft already on order, Vietnam’s flag carrier will expand its fleet of ATR 72-500s up to 14 aircraft by 2010.
Vietnam Airlines started operating ATR aircraft in 1992, and booked previous orders for ‘-500 series’ in 2001 and 2007. Once all the 72-500s are delivered, the modernization of its current ATR fleet, which today counts 7 ATR 72-200s and 3 ATR 72-500s, will be complete.
The airline will take delivery of their 11 ATR 72-500s currently on order between 2009 and 2010, thus standardizing its ATR fleet with the ‘-500 series’. The aircraft will be powered by PW 127M engines and will feature the latest navigation aid and communication tools. The aircraft will also be equipped with the “Elegance” cabin.
Commenting on the deal, Pham Ngoc Minh, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said, “Thanks to the substantial growth of Vietnam’s domestic and within-Indochina aviation markets, the demand for aviation transport services from big cities Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh city to such tourist destinations as Nha Trang, Dalat, Phu Quoc, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Luang Prabang is accelerating rapidly. We strongly believe that with this purchase deal of 6 further ATR 72-500s, we will satisfy the increasing demand for services on short-haul routes, thus contribute to the promotion of tourism – investment – trade relations among regions and between Vietnam and its neighbouring Indochina countries.”
Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 974 aircraft (419 ATR 42s and 555 ATR 72s) and has delivered 802 (401 ATR 42s and 401 ATR 72s), thus posting a current backlog of 172 aircraft
Vietnam Airlines started operating ATR aircraft in 1992, and booked previous orders for ‘-500 series’ in 2001 and 2007. Once all the 72-500s are delivered, the modernization of its current ATR fleet, which today counts 7 ATR 72-200s and 3 ATR 72-500s, will be complete.
The airline will take delivery of their 11 ATR 72-500s currently on order between 2009 and 2010, thus standardizing its ATR fleet with the ‘-500 series’. The aircraft will be powered by PW 127M engines and will feature the latest navigation aid and communication tools. The aircraft will also be equipped with the “Elegance” cabin.
Commenting on the deal, Pham Ngoc Minh, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said, “Thanks to the substantial growth of Vietnam’s domestic and within-Indochina aviation markets, the demand for aviation transport services from big cities Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh city to such tourist destinations as Nha Trang, Dalat, Phu Quoc, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Luang Prabang is accelerating rapidly. We strongly believe that with this purchase deal of 6 further ATR 72-500s, we will satisfy the increasing demand for services on short-haul routes, thus contribute to the promotion of tourism – investment – trade relations among regions and between Vietnam and its neighbouring Indochina countries.”
Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 974 aircraft (419 ATR 42s and 555 ATR 72s) and has delivered 802 (401 ATR 42s and 401 ATR 72s), thus posting a current backlog of 172 aircraft
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Labor Pains - Get in Southwest Airlines Flight
If you're having labor pains, hurry up and go to Amarillo. You may get four free tickets on Southwest Airlines.
Southwest is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Amarillo on Friday, and said it would give the four free tickets to anywhere it flies to the first baby born Friday at Amarillo's North West Texas Health Care System or Baptist -- St. Anthony's Health System hospitals.
Southwest says anyone wearing yellow at the airport gets a free complimentary adult beverage, although 7-year-old in a Spongebob T-shirt probably isn't going to talk them out of a beer.
Southwest is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Amarillo on Friday, and said it would give the four free tickets to anywhere it flies to the first baby born Friday at Amarillo's North West Texas Health Care System or Baptist -- St. Anthony's Health System hospitals.
Southwest says anyone wearing yellow at the airport gets a free complimentary adult beverage, although 7-year-old in a Spongebob T-shirt probably isn't going to talk them out of a beer.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Vietnam Airlines resumed flights to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Vietnam Airlines resumed flights to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport after 10 days during which protesters had blocked the airport. According to the carrier’s representative office in Bangkok, the first flight carrying more than 20 Vietnamese passengers who had been stranded in Thailand during that nation’s recent political unrest had left the airport for Viet Nam.
Flights from Ha Noi and HCM City were to land in Bangkok, reported the office. The head of the office, Nguyen Khoi Nguyen, said Vietnam Airlines would continue to operate two flights per day between Ha Noi, HCM City and Bangkok.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport, one of the leading hubs in Southeast Asia, opened its doors again last Friday after 10 days of being brought to a standstill by Thailand’s political crisis.
Flights from Ha Noi and HCM City were to land in Bangkok, reported the office. The head of the office, Nguyen Khoi Nguyen, said Vietnam Airlines would continue to operate two flights per day between Ha Noi, HCM City and Bangkok.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport, one of the leading hubs in Southeast Asia, opened its doors again last Friday after 10 days of being brought to a standstill by Thailand’s political crisis.
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