Channel 0101 Aviation | Airport

Changi Airport Group and Jetstar Group sign air hub deal supporting flights growth

2010-02-07T02:16:00.001-08:00

Jetstar to make Changi Airport its largest hub in Asia

Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Jetstar signed an agreement today to launch a strategic partnership that will see Jetstar continue to make Singapore Changi Airport its largest air hub in Asia for both short and long haul operations. As part of the agreement, Jetstar will operate its highest number of services and base its largest number of A320-family aircraft in Asia at Changi. It also commits to introduce long haul services using wide body aircraft out of Singapore.

Under the three-year agreement, the Jetstar Group – which includes Jetstar in Australia and Jetstar Asia/ Valuair based in Singapore – is committed to increase existing flight frequencies and offer more destinations from Singapore.

Jetstar’s projected growth at Changi will include additional A320-family narrow body services and, for the first time, wide-body A330-200 medium and long haul flights to and from destinations in Asia and beyond. Jetstar also aims to grow the percentage of transit and transfer traffic through Changi among its passengers.

CAG will support Jetstar’s continued growth at Changi Airport with various incentives under the Changi Airport Growth Initiative which was introduced on 1 January 2010. The incentives will enable Jetstar to lower its cost of operations at Changi. It will also receive additional incentives for launching services to cities not currently connected to Changi. This will provide more offerings and new exciting destinations for passengers travelling via and out of Singapore.

As a partner, CAG will work closely with Jetstar to explore route opportunities to grow its traffic out of Changi. CAG will also support Jetstar’s operational needs, such as to improve its ground operations and to enhance the airport experience of its passengers, for example by introducing an early check-in option for Jetstar passengers travelling on the same day.
Growing at Changi, together

Welcoming CAG’s partnership with Jetstar, CAG Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lee Seow Hiang, said, “We are honoured that Jetstar has chosen Changi Airport to be its largest hub in Asia. We are committed to supporting Jetstar’s growth at Changi by helping it to grow traffic and to keep costs low. By hubbing at Changi, Jetstar will gain from inter-lining opportunities with the many airlines that fly here, including its parent, Qantas, which already uses Changi as an Asia hub.

“For Changi Airport, it will benefit from Jetstar’s increased number of flights and destinations, which will contribute to higher passenger traffic and a stronger connectivity network. And, importantly, this partnership is also beneficial for air travellers in the region who will enjoy a greater choice of low-fare travel options through Changi.”

Mr Lee added, “Our agreement with Jetstar signals CAG’s strong desire to work with our airline partners to grow the pie at Changi. We are ready to develop customised partnerships with airlines based on their business models and growth plans, whether they are full service or low cost carriers.”

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Mr Bruce Buchanan said the new agreement would support significant growth opportunities for Jetstar and its networks linking Singapore.

“This agreement is most important to us and provides a platform for sustainable future growth throughout Asia,” Mr Buchanan said.

“Partnerships like this with Changi Airport Group allow us to invest in both existing and new flying markets and present opportunities from Singapore for us to drive growth.

“Singapore is of high strategic importance to Jetstar and equally of great importance to the Qantas Group. This agreement provides further leverage to us now seeking the full benefits of a burgeoning hub operation in Singapore.

“The clear operational advantages of Singapore as a hub and primary access point into Asia are clear and can now be further built upon as a result of this agreement.”

Jetstar, a pioneer in Asia’s low cost carrier sector, operates 408 flights each week to and from Changi, offering its passengers a varied menu of 23 destinations. Its future planned growth is supported by fleet expansion plans to beyond 100 aircraft by 2014/15.

CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE GIVES ROARING START TO FESTIVE HONG KONG 2010

2010-02-07T01:20:00.001-08:00

Procession showcases festivals of all seasons on new parade route

Set to take place on the first evening of the Chinese New Year (14 February), the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will follow a new route in Tsim Sha Tsui this year. As the premiere event of Festive Hong Kong 2010, the spectacle will offer visitors and residents the opportunity of experiencing some of the world’s most unique festivals and Hong Kong’s cultural fusion. To encourage visitors to come join the celebrations during this peak travel season, the HKTB is stepping up its promotional effort in the source markets. It is also encouraging the local businesses to seize the opportunity by remaining open or extending their hours on the night of the Parade.

For the 12th consecutive year, Cathay Pacific Airways is the title sponsor of the Parade. Mr Tony Tyler, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific Airways said, “Cathay Pacific is proud to once again have its name attached to the International Chinese New Year Night Parade. As Hong Kong’s home airline, Cathay Pacific is committed to staging events that help make our city an even more vibrant place to be. What’s great about this spectacular parade is the way it brings together tens of thousands of local people and tourists to celebrate one of the most important times in the Chinese calendar.”
Festive and Interactive Elements to Encourage Active Participation

Using Festive Hong Kong 2010 as the theme, this year's Chinese New Year Parade will comprise of four major segments: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Through a variety of performances, it will showcase Hong Kong’s fusion of Chinese and Western festivities. Lining the parade route will be giant decorations symbolising a number of important festivals in Hong Kong, such as the Chinese bun for Cheung Chau Bun Festival, Santa for Christmas and pumpkins for Halloween. The HKTB will also arrange for motivators to perform, play interactive games and hand out small gifts to spectators, so that each participant along the parade route can totally soak in the festive atmosphere.
Forty Performing Troupes to Debut on the New Route

The HKTB has adopted the suggestions for a new parade route from the travel industry. For the first time, the procession will enter Nathan Road. As well as a novel experience, visitors and residents can enjoy the Parade conveniently. For the third consecutive year, American Express International, Inc. is the sponsor of the parade route.

This year, the first day of the Lunar New Year coincides with Valentine's Day. The HKTB is encouraging local businesses, especially large-scale shopping centres and restaurants, along the parade route to stay open or extend their hours into the night, so that visitors and residents can also shop and dine before or after the Parade.

The 15th staging of the Chinese New Year Parade will feature a strong line-up, with a total of 40 performing groups from 14 countries and regions, including 14 elaborately decorated floats, 13 international and 13 local performing troupes. Among these, 18 groups are making their debut appearance this year, including such internationally famous teams as Notting Hill Carnival from the UK, Morioka Sansa Odori Dance from Japan, the Arezzo Flag Wavers from Italy and the Paris Firemen from France.

To sustain the excitement after the Parade, the HKTB will arrange the display of the floats and performances by local and international troupes in Tsim Sha Tsui, Sha Tin and Tai Po from the second to the eighth day of the Lunar New Year.

(For more information about the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade, please refer to the attached factsheet)
About Festive Hong Kong 2010

Festive Hong Kong 2010 is the annual marketing platform of the HKTB in 2010-11. The platform is designed to encourage visitors to come and experience the plethora of traditional festivals and cultural celebrations that could only be found in Hong Kong. Throughout the year, the HKTB will organise a series of mega events, which will be promoted along with the traditional festivals and celebrations, as well as major events organised by third parties. The HKTB aims to further elevate Hong Kong’s image as the Events Capital of Asia, and create a business platform for the tourism-related sectors in the city.

Jetstar set to transform airport experience for customers via efficient self-service check-in model USD $3.5 billion deal

2010-02-05T22:45:00.001-08:00

Jetstar set to transform airport experience for customers via efficient self-service check-in model USD $3.5 billion deal with International Aero Engines (IAE) signed

Low fares leader Jetstar will set about transforming the check-in experience for its Australian and New Zealand domestic customers during 2010 by unveiling a new approach towards the airport experience for customers with a target of 100 per cent customer self service.

The proposal builds upon existing customer self service technology now in place for Jetstar’s domestic passenger base including Web Check and Self Service Kiosks at some Airports.

This will be complemented by the introduction of world-first SMS Boarding Pass technology during the first 2010 quarter and automatic Web Check and pre-enrolment for flights at time of booking.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan announced the airline’s plans during an address to the Low Cost Airlines World Asia Pacific 2010 Conference in Singapore.

In a series of announcements the Pan Asian carrier also secured Agreements valued at up to USD $3.5 billion with the International Aero Engines (IAE) consortium to have the latest V2500 SelectOne™ engine power a new fleet of 50 additional Airbus A320 family aircraft for the Jetstar Group, with options and purchase rights on up to 40 more aircraft.

The major deal, one of the largest in Jetstar’s history, includes an Engine Purchase Agreement valued around USD $1.5 billion if all options and purchase rights are exercised to be distributed amongst the mainline Jetstar fleet based in Australia and New Zealand, as well as with Jetstar Asia/Valuair of Singapore and Jetstar Pacific, based in Vietnam,.

A long-term USD $2 billion Aftermarket Services Agreement will cover these new engines and those installed on 40 IAE-powered aircraft that the Jetstar businesses currently operate.

Mr Buchanan said over the term of the Agreements significant savings would be generated and solidified a long term strategic commercial relationship with IAE to help support Jetstar’s continued growth, including its Pan Asian network plans.

“The Agreements reflect Jetstar’s continued focus on cost-competitive outcomes and fostering long term partnerships that help deliver sustainable low fares and growth,” Mr Buchanan said.

Jetstar’s move to help put people back in control of their airport experience during domestic travel will incorporate a more streamlined and hassle-free customer airport experience supported by:

Doubling the number and footprint of Self-Check Kiosks across Jetstar’s Australian and New Zealand domestic networks. Kiosks will cover all domestic ports in Australia and NZ;

Introduction of world-first SMS boarding pass technology across Jetstar’s domestic Australian & New Zealand ports during 2010 and fitted to all Jetstar Self-Check Kiosks;
Enhanced web tools such as Automatic Web-Check at Jetstar.com;

Redeploying existing Jetstar staff from primarily check-in duties to customer service and revenue generating activities.

Mr Buchanan said the airline’s fresh approach towards allowing its domestic customer base greater choice in self service prior to their travel would balance the efficient application of new technology for air travelers with strong customer service outcomes.

“Through our growing suite of innovative new customer facing applications at Airports we are seeking to ensure that the airport experience is increasingly convenient, easier and more hassle-free than before,” Mr Buchanan said.

“The approach we are taking is firmly designed around improving, not reducing, the customer service and airport experience at increasingly busy terminals, and of empowering both regular and irregular Jetstar flyers to use technology to take control of the airport experience.

“This is an extremely positive and exciting step forward for our airline as well as for our employees that will greatly enhance customer service levels.

“There will be no change in our Airport staffing numbers under this model, meaning our Airport Customer Service personnel can move beyond the check-in counter to spend more effective time directly with our customers prior to flying.”

Jetstar passengers who Web-Check for Australian domestic flights will soon be given the option to have their boarding pass and unique boarding code sent to their mobile phone via a standard text SMS message.

The SMS technology has been developed by Melbourne-based company Sissit Group with which Jetstar has a Research and Development arrangement.

Unlike some other airlines who have introduced this technology to WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) or internet enabled handsets, in a global first, any mobile phone will be able to accept the Jetstar boarding pass on a domestic flight via the common text message.

This will allow customers who purchase fares via Jetstar.com to request at the time of booking for the airline to automatically check the passenger(s) in 24 hours prior to their Jetstar flight departure with the boarding pass to then be sent via email or SMS text message.

Mr Buchanan said SMS boarding pass technology would be further trialled on Sydney-Melbourne (Avalon) flights from late February 2010, with a staged roll-out across Jetstar’s domestic Australian and New Zealand networks during the 2010 calendar year.

He said automatic check-in when purchasing a fare at Jetstar.com had commenced earlier this month.

“Automatic check-in for the airline’s Australian and New Zealand domestic services allows passengers at the time of booking to choose to check-in and have their boarding passes automatically sent to them via email 24-48 hours before flight departure,” Mr Buchanan said.

“The new technology will be further enhanced when SMS boarding pass technology is fully activated, meaning a boarding pass can then be delivered direct to the future passenger’s mobile phone.

“By introducing applications such as Automatic Web-Check and SMS Boarding Passes, Jetstar saves real costs, which we are able to directly pass on to our customers with our low fares.”

THAI and Thai Government Hold Thai Rice Donation Ceremony to Haitian People

2010-02-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

Thai Government and Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, as well as the government and private sector cooperated together in transporting 100 tons of Thai rice on a THAI freighter aircraft. The humanitarian donation of Thai rice will benefit the people of Haiti who have been affected by severe earthquake. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand, presided over the donation ceremony witnessed by representatives from the government and various organization in the Ramp Area of THAI Air Cargo, Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that transporting 100 tons of Thai jasmine rice from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti was possible due to cooperation from the government and various organizations, in order to provide assistance as quickly as possible. THAI provided relief aid by conducting a humanitarian freighter flight to transport 100 tons of Thai rice that was donated from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti, on board THAI freighter flight 9S888 at a flight time of 36 hours on the route Bangkok to the Republic of Haiti. Transport by ship takes approximately 5 to 6 weeks, therefore through cooperation between the Thai Government, THAI, and various organizations, this humanitarian relief effort was possible. In particular, the donation of Thai rice reflects on Thailand’s national identity as a country that is known as a “world kitchen” and one the world’s largest sources of rice production.

The aircraft utilized in transporting 100 tons of Thai rice from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti is a THAI cargo freighter Boeing 747-300F, which the Company obtained for cargo freight transport. THAI’s cargo freighter flight departed from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday, 1 February 2010 at 14.00 hours, with refueling at Incheon Airport in Korea, Anchorage, Alaska and Miami, Florida in the United States of America, and arrival at Port au Prince Airport in the Republic of Haiti on Tuesday, 2 February 2010 at 08.00 hours (local time), at a total flight time of 36 hours.

ROLLS-ROYCE TRENT XWB SALES TOP 1,000 IN $480M ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES CONTRACT

2010-01-29T23:38:00.001-08:00

Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, announced that Ethiopian Airlines has ordered Trent XWB engines worth $480m at list prices. This order takes sales of the Trent XWB, the fastest-selling Trent engine, past 1,000.

The engines, the first Trent purchase by the airline, will power 12 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, with entry into service beginning in 2017.

Girma Wake, Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines, said: “As one of Africa’s leading airlines, we constantly seek to improve our range and frequency of international services to meet growing passenger demand. Our selection of low fuel burn Trent technology will enable us to do this in the most cost-effective way.”

Metin Oktay, Rolls-Royce Vice President Customer Business - Africa, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ethiopian Airlines to the Trent family of customers. African airlines are continuing to invest in response to growing global customer demand. The Trent XWB, our latest Trent, will provide Ethiopian Airlines with leading edge technology which will keep costs to a minimum.”

Specifically designed for the A350 XWB, the Trent XWB is the most fuel efficient and environmentally sensitive large engine design on the market, with fuel efficiency ratings 28 per cent higher than pre-Trent generation engines.
Notes to editors

1. Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established a strong position in global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy. In each sector, Rolls-Royce offer value-added long-term service agreements for customers and operators.

2. In 2008, Rolls-Royce and its partners invested £885 million on research and development, two thirds of which had the objective of further improving the environmental aspects of its products, in particular the reduction of emissions.

3. Annual underlying revenues were £9.1 billion in 2008, of which 52 per cent came from services revenues. The firm and announced order book stood at £57.5 billion at 30 June 2009, providing visibility of future levels of activity.

4. Ethiopian Airlines is the flag carrier of Ethiopia, and a leading carrier in Africa. It serves both Africa, including the only daily east-west flight across the continent, and 58 international destinations. More than 210 weekly international departures are made from Addis Ababa and 555 weekly international departures worldwide.

Emirates Airline takes delivery of Airbus’ 6,000th aircraft

2010-01-29T21:23:00.001-08:00

Emirates Airline and Airbus have marked a major achievement, by celebrating the hand-over of the 6,000th aircraft in the airframe manufacturer’s 40 year history. The aircraft, an A380, was handed over to Emirates Airline in a ceremony in Hamburg. The aircraft is Emirates’ eighth A380.

Accepting delivery of the new aircraft, Adel Al Redha, Executive Vice President, Emirates' Engineering and Operations, said: “The A380 represents the future of air travel and our strength and determination to drive forward, alongside Airbus, to meet our ambitious expansion plans and traffic demand. If a powerful demonstration of the resilience of the aviation industry was required, today has provided that. All who have flown the A380 will realise that this is a very special aircraft, embracing the latest in passenger comfort, technology and environmental credentials.”

“Today’s delivery is our 25th A380 so far, and more importantly, the 6,000th Airbus produced in our 40 year history. It is particularly significant that it is both an A380 and for Emirates, as they were involved in its development from early on. We are proud to have the words ‘Airbus 6,000th Aircraft’ inscribed alongside the Emirates livery,” said Tom Enders, Airbus CEO.

With a total order for 58 aircraft, Emirates is the single largest customer for the A380. Established in 1985, Emirates became an Airbus operator from the outset. Today, Emirates’ Airbus fleet has grown to 55 aircraft with a further 121 on order.

Airbus was formed in 1969, and by 2005 had reached more than 50 per cent of worldwide deliveries in a single year, of all aircraft of more than 100 seats. It also took Airbus some 30 years after its initial creation to bypass its main competitor in terms of sales and remain at around half the market share.

THAI Clarifies Reports on the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee decline Loan Guarantee for its A330-300 aircraft

2010-01-24T03:12:00.000-08:00

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited would like to clarify news regarding the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee’s decision to decline THAI’s request for loan guarantee.

This clarification refers to news reports that the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee declined THAI’s request for a 7,300 million Baht loan guarantee for payment on its new A330-300 aircraft to be delivered by the end of this month.

Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that the decision bears no effect on THAI’s acquisition plan for these aircraft as THAI has received confirmation for the requested loans with pending guarantee approval from the Export Credit Agency (ECA) for THAI’s last two A330-300 aircraft. The ECA has already guaranteed four of THAI’s other A330-300 aircraft.

The loan guarantee request that THAI submitted to the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee was made as an alternate plan in case the Company’s long-term loan request might not be obtained in time. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance’s decision to decline THAI’s loan guarantee request bears no effect on THAI’s operations or long-term fleet acquisition plan.

Thai Airways International Wins Norway Grand Travel Award 2010

2010-01-24T02:10:00.000-08:00

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has once again received an award for Best Intercontinental Airline in the Norwegian Grand Travel Award 2010. This is the sixth consecutive year that THAI has won this prestigious award. Mr. Pricha Nawongs, THAI’s General Manager for Denmark and Norway, received the award on behalf of THAI at the award ceremony in Oslo on January 7, 2010.

“I am honored to receive this award. Since the route between Oslo and Bangkok was established in June 2009, the support from the Norwegian travel trade have been amazing. The award will encourage us to work harder for the Norwegians,” said Mr. Pricha Nawongs.

The Grand Travel award was arranged for the 15th time, with 18 different categories. The nominees were elected by a travel trade jury, and the voting was done by a random selection of more than 400 travel agents all over Norway.

All three airline categories were won by Star Alliance member carriers; SAS for best domestic airline, Lufthansa for best European airline and THAI for best intercontinental airline.

Thailand was also voted for the category Best Tourist Country in the World. Over ten countries were nominated, and Thailand was the clear winner once again. Thailand has received the award more than ten times, and the award was received by Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand in Scandinavia, Mr. Manit Boonchim.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO FLY TO MUNICH

2010-01-17T05:06:00.001-08:00

From 28 March 2010, Singapore Airlines’ customers can enjoy direct services from Singapore to Munich, Germany’s third-largest city. The five-times-weekly flights will operate Singapore-Munich-Manchester, departing Singapore on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

As a result, customers travelling between Singapore and Manchester will enjoy more flight choices, up from the existing three flights a week. Passengers from Bangkok can conveniently catch the flights to Munich from Singapore. Detailed flight schedules are listed in the Annex.

Munich will be Singapore Airlines’ second destination in Germany after Frankfurt, which is served with two daily flights, one of which carries on to New York.

Customers travelling on the new service will enjoy the Airline’s latest product offerings available on the B777-300ER aircraft. This includes the new 35-inch-wide First Class seat, which provides enhanced privacy, personal attention and convenience and converts into the largest full-flat bed in the sky, complemented with luxurious soft furnishings.

Business Class features a 30-inch wide seat, the widest in its class, which may be converted into a comfortable bed, while Economy Class customers can enjoy the unprecedented comfort and space offered by all-new seats.

Customers can also take delight in the latest movies, TV programmes and a large library of CDs on the newest version of KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ award-winning inflight entertainment system available across all three classes. First Class seats are fitted with larger 23-inch screens, Business Class seats feature 15.4-inch screens and Economy Class 10.6-inch screens.

"As a key commercial and cultural centre in Germany which successfully marries tradition and modernity against a backdrop of a spectacular landscape, Munich has something for everyone, whether you are travelling for business or leisure,” said Mr. Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President Marketing and the Regions.

“With the launch of these flights, Singapore Airlines will be able to meet demand for this exciting destination, which also provides a gateway into Austria and the surrounding region. En route, customers can savour our latest product and service offerings.”

Home to more than 1.3 million inhabitants and southern Germany’s largest city, Munich marries Germany’s old Bavarian tradition with a vibrant, modern life. It is famous for its celebration of the world’slargest folk festival, Oktoberfest. An annual 16-day festival with traditional German fare and festivities, in 2010 the city will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest.

Munich is well known for its proximity to famous landmarks such as Neuschwanstein Castle, often depicted as the fairy-tale castle of King Ludwig II and the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the stunning Bavarian Alps. It is also home to numerous parks, world-famous companies like BMW and one of the world’s most successful football clubs, Bayern Munich.

The addition of these flights increases Singapore Airlines’ frequency between Singapore and Germany to 19-times weekly.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS BUILDS ON DUBLIN SUCCESS

2010-01-02T04:52:00.001-08:00

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is to increase its flying programme to Dublin following the success of its services to Ireland’s capital city, moving from its current daily service to 10 flights per week from March 28, 2010.

Etihad launched its Irish service in July 2007 with an initial four flights a week, increasing to six and then moving to a daily service in March 2008.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said: “Dublin has been one of our most successful ever destination launches, with more than 300,000 people flying on these services since launch and an average seat factor of 80 per cent.

“We have steadily increased frequencies on the route in line with demand not only on the Dublin-Abu Dhabi route, but also via Abu Dhabi to and from our destinations in the Far East, such as Bangkok and Sydney.

“The latest increase in our Irish flying is indicative of the huge confidence we have in this important market.”

Supporting this increase in services, Etihad is planning a new lounge at Dublin airport, which is set to open in 2010.

The new lounge will offer Etihad’s premium customers a range of top quality facilities and services, including workstations, a prayer room, a relaxing seating area with Italian leather chairs, a selection of foods from around the world and luxurious bathroom and shower facilities.

Etihad Airways provides a complimentary chauffer service for its business class passengers flying into and out of Dublin airport.

The quality of Etihad’s Irish service has been recognised with two industry awards – the ‘Global Business Airline 2010’ by the Institute of Transport Management and ‘Best Business Class Airline’ at the 2008 Irish Travel Trade News Awards.

The airline has been a lead sponsor of the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship since 2008.

Etihad operates a two cabin A330-200 to Dublin, configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 in business class and 240 in economy class.

In addition to its own services to Dublin, Etihad Airways offers services on its code share partner airline Aer Arann between Dublin and Cork, Galway and the Isle of Man.
Notes:

Etihad currently operates seven flights a week between Abu Dhabi and Dublin. The additional three flights will enable the airline to operate a double-daily service three days a week – on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications: visit www.etihadmediacentre.com

THAI and Nok Air Join Force to Boost Domestic and Regional Air Traffic

2010-01-02T04:48:00.000-08:00

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is joining force with Nok Air. From 1 March 2010, Nok Air will operate flight to some of THAI’s domestic destinations: Phitsanulok, Ubol Ratchathani, and Mae Hong Son. This cooperation will increase competitiveness of both airlines, and passengers will be able to take advantage of more convenient travel at low-fare prices while still maintaining THAI’s high safety standards.

Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that the Company’s policy to form cooperation with Nok Air is based on its Two-Brand Strategy. Through this strategy, there will be increased cooperation in the services offered on secondary domestic and regional routes. Through THAI and Nok Air’s cooperation, passengers on these routs will continue to receive the same standard of services that they currently receive on THAI, such as: 1. Same flight frequencies, whereby there are no less flights than previously operated, 2. Same standards of aircraft maintenance, and 3. Same cockpit crew standards. THAI has made careful studies thoroughly assessed the flight sectors concerned to prevent negative impacts on customers. Connecting traffic between domestic routes from Nok Air to THAI international flights have been worked out. The cooperation will add more connecting points in the secondary domestic and regional destinations to THAI and Star Alliance’s global network. THAI will be able to better utilize its aircraft by offering more flight option to high-demand destinations, while still emphasizing its premium service standards to passengers based on its strategic plan.

The Company has conducted a study on the performance of its domestic routes during the past 10 years, particularly on secondary routes which was unprofitable for several years but operations were sustained for the travelling public. However, in order to meet demands of a continually changing international airline industry, airlines across the world, including THAI, had to adjust their strategic planning on the recovering world economy: fluctuating world fuel prices that are on the rise, and Influenza A (H1N1), in order to surpass the financial crisis and further its business operations. The Company, therefore, had to establish its corporate strategy and make adjustment on its cost to meet increased competitiveness. Over the past 5 years, losses were incurred for operational results on flights to Phitsanulok at the average of 86.3 million baht per year, to Ubol Ratchathani at 74.9 million baht per year, and to Mae Hong Son at the average of 49.9 million baht per year.

Passengers can be confident on Nok Air’s standards of flight operations and services that will be supported by THAI which is recognised for its high safety standards. In addition, passengers will continue to receive the same standards of service that they previously received from THAI, including the flight frequency and seat capacity at attractive prices.

Eurocopter inaugurates new maintenance center in Bangkok

2009-12-16T19:28:00.001-08:00

Eurocopter announced today the inauguration of a new maintenance center in Thailand. Located near Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the center has received official certification from Thailand's Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).

Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA), Eurocopter's subsidiary in Singapore, has made an initial major investment in the new center, covering new facilities, specialized tools and qualification training for personnel. Further investments may be on the horizon as the center's activities increase and this includes the possible hiring and training of local Thailand technicians.

"The inauguration of this maintenance center celebrates the latest link in the network that Eurocopter continues to build throughout Southeast Asia," declared Dr. Bernhard Brenner, president of ESEA. "We are continuously developing our service offer to satisfy our customers by providing them with products perfectly suited to their current needs."

The maintenance center, registered as Eurocopter Thailand Branch, is currently certified for the EC120, AS350, EC130, EC135 and EC155 helicopters. The main activities include helicopter maintenance and training for Thai pilots and technicians. A branch of Eurocopter South East Asia, this center has been set up since June 2009. Being the pioneer and sole helicopter manufacturer with facilities in Thailand (Bangkok), Eurocopter is capable to provide turnkey solution to local customers with prompt service and support.

The first customers to entrust their helicopters’ maintenance to Eurocopter Thailand Branch are the operator Advance Aviation, with their two EC130s and EC135 and the Royal Thai Police with their two EC155s. Royal Thai Police fleet will reach 5 EC155B1 end of 2010.

Eurocopter has been present in Thailand for nearly 20 years. Approximately thirty helicopters from Eurocopter's civil range are currently operating in Thailand.
About Eurocopter South East Asia

Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) is the Regional Headquarters of Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer. Established in 1977 in Singapore, ESEA is in-charge of the sales and customer support activities of 14 territories in the region. In 2008, ESEA achieved a turnover of 85 million euros. With a staff-strength of nearly 200 professionals, the company has developed a successful commercial network of regional sales managers and technical representatives.
About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2008, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.5 billion Euros, orders for 715 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

ETIHAD TO JOIN SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL USERS GROUP

2009-12-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

Etihad Airways has joined the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), an airline-led industry working group established in 2008 to accelerate the commercialisation and availability of sustainable biofuels.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: ““Etihad recognises the need for step-changes in aviation to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and meet our industry’s carbon reduction goal. We also recognise that any fuel alternatives must be morally, socially and environmentally acceptable, while not compromising the future sustainability of the aviation industry.”

SAFUG members are bound by stringent criteria for the development of non fossil fuels, including the following:

The development of plant sources must be undertaken in a manner that is non-competitive with food, with biodiversity impacts minimised and without jeopardizing drinking water supplies. The total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from plant growth, harvesting, processing and end-use should be significantly less than that from fossil sources. In developing economies, development projects should include provisions or outcomes that improve socio-economic conditions for small-scale farmers and their families and that do not require the involuntary displacement of local populations. High conservation value areas and native eco-systems should not be cleared and converted for jet fuel plant source development.

Each SAFUG member has pledged to work through the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), a global multi-stakeholder initiative consisting of leading environmental organizations, financiers, biofuel developers, biofuel-interested petroleum companies, the transportation sector, developing-world poverty alleviation associations, research entities, and governments.

“Abu Dhabi, our home base, has itself made a strong commitment towards sustainability and in the promotion of renewable energy through the establishment of Masdar City, which will the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency,” Mr Hogan said.
About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

Air China Signs Exclusive Partnership with Expedia Affiliate Network

2009-12-15T06:25:00.000-08:00

Air China's overseas customers can now book accommodation and flights Air China has signed an exclusive partnership with the Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN). More than 100,000 EAN products will now be available to Air China customers across 27 overseas markets.

More Product Offerings on Local Sites

This exclusive deal marks the first time that Air China has worked with a partner to offer global customers accommodation. Through this partnership, customers across 27 markets, including the UAE, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Russia, the UK and USA, can now book
hotels at the same time as booking flights.

To streamline the booking process, the majority EAN's content will be localized across global markets, with Expedia providing local language customer service support.

Mr. Jia Tie Sheng, Managing Director Sales Air China, comments, "We are constantly reviewing the functionality of our website to ensure that we are offering our users products relevant to their needs. In order to ensure efficiency and breadth of choice it was a natural progression for us to sign the partnership with EAN as they were able to work with us to create a bespoke interface that best meets the needs of our customers and our business. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with EAN."

Jens Uwe Parkitny, the Managing Director of EAN APAC, said, "We worked closely with Air China to understand their business and customer needs, and offered a solution that could bring a significant increase in customers and revenue. The ease of integration and usability of our interface is one of our key selling points and the reason we were able to partner with Air China. We look forward to working with them and seeing this partnership develop."
Air China: Carrying China, Spanning the World

Air China is China's only national flag carrier and a Star Alliance member. By a fleet of 256 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, our routes serve 32 countries and regions. Thanks to our admission to the Star Alliance, our route network, with Beijing as its hub, is able to place 912 destinations in 159 countries within our reach. Air China now has 10 million PhoenixMiles members.

Turkish Airlines orders A330 Freighters Boosting total orders to 69 from 10 customers

2009-12-15T04:39:00.001-08:00

Turkish Airlines has signed a firm order for the purchase of two A330-200F freighter aircraft, becoming a new customer for this aircraft type. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce engines and will join Turkish Airlines’ existing all Airbus freighter fleet of four Airbus A310s from Autumn 2010.The aircraft will be used to support Turkish Airlines ambitious growth plans, which include the expansion of its cargo operations.

“The flexibility and efficiency of the A330-200 freighter, together with its commonality with our existing Airbus fleet made the new A330 Freighter the ideal choice for expansion of our cargo operations” said Dr Candan Karlitekin, Chairman of Turkish Airlines.

John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, said “With its low costs and adaptable operational configurations, the A330-200F is the best choice in today’s freight market. We have a long history with Turkish Airlines and are pleased that they have chosen the newest member of the Airbus family for their cargo operations.”

Turkish Airlines has operated Airbus aircraft since 1985, and currently has a fleet of 67 Airbus aircraft, including four A310s, 47 A320 family aircraft, seven A330s and nine A340s.

The A330-200 Freighter made its first flight on 5th November and is on track for certification and deliveries starting in 2010. Total orders for the aircraft stand at 69 from 10 customers less than one month after first flight. The Airbus Global Market Forecast predicts a need for over 1,600 mid-sized freighters in the next 20 years.

ETIHAD TO OPERATE DAILY FLIGHTS TO KATHMANDU

2009-12-15T04:36:00.000-08:00

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will increase its Abu Dhabi-Kathmandu services from four to seven flights per week from January 2010.

Etihad’s flights to Kathmandu, which were launched in December 2008, have proved extremely popular with travellers, providing high volumes of traffic into Abu Dhabi and the Middle East, as well as transit traffic to destinations including London and Frankfurt in Western Europe, and New York and Chicago in North America.

The success of the route is evident in average load factors of between 80 and 90 per cent on both in- and outbound flights. This is attributable to growth in corporate travel and also a positive trend in inbound tourism to Nepal, and the additional flights were introduced to satisfy these customers’ demands for daily frequencies, specifically.

Joost den Hartog, Etihad Airways’ regional general manager for North Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, said: “In addition to the strong demand for flights from Nepalese nationals who work in Abu Dhabi and further afield, we have seen a strengthening in corporate and leisure traffic, which is important to the economic development of Nepal. Etihad is pleased to support this growth with an increase in its services.”
About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

Lufthansa celebrates 50 years of success in Thailand Airline continues to invest for customer services / special anniversary fares for customers

2009-12-07T12:02:00.002-08:00

Lufthansa is celebrating 50 successful years in the Thai market. What the German airline began in 1959 with just a single weekly flight from Germany to Bangkok, has today become one of the great successes in Thai-German economic relations. Today, Lufthansa Group Airlines Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines fly 21 times a week from the Thai gateway Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Frankfurt, Zurich and Vienna, offering best connections to Europe and beyond. Furthermore the airline connects Bangkok conveniently with Kuala-Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City. The weekly capacity from Thailand to Europe has increased from 80 seats in 1959 to more than 6000 seats, making Lufthansa the largest European Airline group in the Thai market.

“We are very proud of our lasting success and our sustainable presence in the Thai market. Our Thai customers love to fly Lufthansa Quality made in Germany with our distinctly added Thai service features”, says Thierry Antinori, Member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board - Marketing & Sales, as he visited Thailand on the occasion of the airline’s anniversary. “We are very proud of three important achievements: The fact that we gain more and more Thai customers year on year, our success in the Market as full service aviation group, employing 1000 Thai people, and our unique and long lasting partnership with Thai Airways, that has turned into a truly valuable friendship for our companies and our people”, says Antinori.

Both Thailand and Germany have changed considerably in the past. Germany being reunified for 20 years now and Thailand achieving great economic success and progress, turning the nation in an economic powerhouse for the whole region of South East Asia, says Antinori. “For our Thai industry-customers, and for outbound tourist groups, thanks to our high quality and network of 120 destinations in Europe, we have become the leading European carrier in Thailand. With our dedicated Thai-style service approach and our Thai flight attendants, Lufthansa also is the most Thai-European airline.

Lufthansa is celebrating its anniversary in Thailand during one of the most serious international economic crises and despite the slump in demand has maintained its offer of flights and range of services, but added even more high-class conveniences, like new airport lounges at major Lufthansa hubs. Lufthansa is currently investing in an even broader network by new partners like Lufthansa Italia and Austrian Airlines, to offer its customers more choices. Lufthansa also just recently has started a new code-sharing programme with U.S. partner Jet Blue. This offer will also be available for Thai passengers, allowing even more flights and destinations in North America. “We firmly believe in the Thai market and we have many special anniversary fares in the market”, says Antinori. “This is a great time to fly.”

Now Lufthansa is celebrating the 50th anniversary with yet another new sales campaign, offering Thai customers even more fast connections to Europe and beyond. On the airline’s website www.Lufthansa.com, customers can take advantage of special discount anniversary rates to destinations all over the world for a limited time.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS LAUNCHES COMPLIMENTARY ACCOMODATION FOR GUESTS TRAVELLING ON ITS DAILY MORNING FLIGHT (EY407)

2009-12-07T12:02:00.001-08:00

Etihad Airways, The National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, which operates highly popular twice daily flights from Bangkok to Abu Dhabi and onwards to over 50 destinations around the globe, offers its guests from upcountry traveling on the Etihad morning flight (EY407) one night complimentary accommodation in Bangkok.

For Business Class, one night accommodation and a luxury limousine service transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport will be available for guests traveling on Etihad Airways morning flight EY407. For Coral Economy Class, one night complimentary accommodation will be available on this morning flight (Coral Economy Class guests will need to arrange for their own airport transfer).

Mr. Florian Preuss, Country Manager Thailand and Mekong region, Etihad Airways said: “Following our recent introduction of limousine and van services for passengers in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard, we are extending our on-ground services to our guests living upcountry with one night complimentary accommodation in Bangkok for their further ease and convenience.

“A night’s accommodation as well as a premium transfer service will benefit Etihad guests who are on our early-morning flight, making their airport arrival so much more comfortable. They will be able to relax and gain a good night’s rest prior to the journey the next morning, with luxury limousine service ready to take them to the airport for checking in with Etihad Airways”, concluded Florian.

Etihad’s complimentary accommodation is available from now until 31 December 2009.

THAI Cargo Launches “Easy Point” Promotion

2009-12-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is introducing the “Easy Point” promotion. THAI’s Cargo & Mail Commercial Department will launch the reward campaign to benefit its Bangkok Sales Agents and to collect points for every 50 kilograms of cargo shipped from Bangkok to all of THAI’s international destinations.

Mr. Pruet Boobphakam, THAI’s Managing Director Cargo & Mail Commercial Department, said that the “Easy Point” program provides an opportunity for THAI Cargo Bangkok Sales Agents to obtain points for every 50 kilograms of cargo outbound from Bangkok to all of THAI’s international destinations. A privileged points collective program offers returns to THAI Cargo sales agents to exchange for many rewards, such as Royal Orchid Holiday Tour Package, including air ticket and accommodation, spa and package, Royal Silk Lounge access card at Suvarnabhumi Airport and a souvenir from THAI Shop. In addition, the campaign allows the recipients to transfer their redeemed rewards to other people.

The “Easy Point” Promotion with THAI Cargo starts today until 30 September 2009 and the reward redemption process will be validated from 15 November – 30 December 2009.

Humanitarian aid flown in to “Action Against Hunger”, Dubai

2009-11-19T04:53:00.000-08:00

Vital equipment to support NGO’s worldwide programmes
Cargo to arrive in A380 on the way to the Dubai airshow

An Airbus A380 arriving for the Dubai Airshow will carry with it eight tonnes of humanitarian aid. The delivery, facilitated by the Airbus Corporate Foundation, a non-commercial arm of the leading aircraft manufacturer, and its partners, will boost crucial stocks at Action Against Hunger’s hub in the emirate – strategically located to serve a global effort.

Founded in France in 1979, Action Against Hunger is recognised as one of the most important humanitarian organisations combating hunger and malnutrition worldwide. It is an issue that affects approximately one billion people across the globe, with most lacking access to clean water leading to disease and malnutrition, and remains the largest single contributor to child mortality. Today’s delivery of water purification equipment, more than 50 cubic metres, the equivalent of two 20’ standard sea freight containers, to the non-governmental organisation’s (NGO) Dubai base is central to its efforts.

Tom Enders, Head of the Airbus Corporate Foundation and President and CEO of Airbus, said: “Thanks to all our partners, the Airbus Corporate Foundation has been able to support Action Against Hunger by transporting vital emergency sanitation equipment to one of the key storage hubs. This is a great example of how aviation, being a key enabler of global economic and social development and an essential resource for humanitarian efforts, can help in a very tangible way. We hope this to be the start of a long-term partnership between both our organisations.”

Action Against Hunger is increasing stocks at its Dubai base to capitalise on the emirate’s strategic location from which to serve a coordinated global effort in response to emergency situations elsewhere in the world. The non-profit, non-religious organisation has established an international network to deliver life-saving programmes in some 45 countries, specialising in emergency situations of conflict, natural disaster and chronic food insecurity. A primary concern of these projects is to facilitate the provision of – and access to – safe water through programmes that currently reach four million people each year.

Erland Egiziano, Logistics Director Action Against Hunger, said: “More than one billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation. These issues are the root cause of many infections that lead to sickness and ultimately malnutrition and are responsible for 2.2 million preventable deaths each year – mostly among children. In our efforts to eliminate hunger, clean water is as essential as food. The equipment being delivered today by the Airbus Corporate Foundation is vital in restoring dignity, self-sufficiency and independence for vulnerable communities and saving the lives of children and their families throughout the world.”

The Airbus Corporate Foundation was established in December 2008 to support humanitarian causes through good will flights, youth development in the communities in which it operates, and environmental issues in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

ETIHAD DETAILS US $750 MILLION INVESTMENT PACKAGE AT DUBAI AIR SHOW

2009-11-19T04:51:00.000-08:00

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will highlight a US $750 million investment in its workforce, fleet, in-flight service and planning and resourcing systems at this week’s Dubai Air Show.

The airline, which earlier in the month celebrated its sixth anniversary, said the investments would address key strategic elements of the business to support the company’s position as the world’s leading airline.

Speaking at a press conference on the second day of the Dubai Air Show, James Hogan, Etihad Airway’s chief executive officer, said: “Etihad has taken great strides forward in only six years. We have created a compelling brand, an outstanding service offer and a strong hub at Abu Dhabi Airport. That progress was recognised last week when Etihad was named the world’s leading airline at the World Travel Awards.

“The record-breaking aircraft and engine orders we made at the Farnborough and Paris air shows demonstrate our transformation into a major player in global aviation. We have set the foundations for future growth and development.

“Now we are taking the next steps. Over the course of this week, we will announce a series of strategic contracts, partnerships and initiatives which will address key strategic elements of our business and allow us to deliver on our long term plans.

Mr Hogan said the contracts and signings would provide maintenance, retro-fitting, cabin upgrades and component support for aircraft currently in the fleet or being delivered over the coming years.

In addition, the airline will also announce deals which will see the introduction of state-of-the-art software systems aimed at improving the airline’s flight planning and cabin and flight crew resourcing.

The airline will also further boost its Emiritisation programme, with an agreement with the Institute of Applied technology to provide students with opportunities to build successful future careers with Etihad.
The other announcements include:

A contract with Panasonic to install one of the world’s most comprehensive in-flight entertainment systems on board our new A330-300 fleet and new Boeing B777 aircraft, scheduled for delivery from December 2009 and 2011, respectively. The new Panasonic eX2 system boasts a host of world-leading entertainment, information and functional features for people in all cabins and of all ages

A US$ 200 million contract with International Aero Engines to provide a comprehensive overhaul and repair service for 14 Airbus aircraft in Etihad’s narrow-body fleet. Transferring engine maintenance responsibility to IAE will deliver significant cost benefits, especially in terms of lower fuel consumption, reliability and increased flying time between maintenance overhauls

A major contract with Lufthansa Technik to install the airline’s new first class suite in nine of its Airbus A340 aircraft currently in service. The work involves a complete renovation of the cabin, galley areas and a new in-flight entertainment system

A contract with Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT) to upgrade the cabins in the airline’s Boeing B777 and Airbus A320 fleets. The Boeing B777 programme involves replacing and reconfiguring economy class seats as well as upgrading the in-flight entertainment system. The cabins of the Airbus A320s will be completely refurbished to the latest Etihad specification

A component support deal worth up to US$ 250 million with leading maintenance, repair and overhaul supplier SR Technics, which will give Etihad easy access to more than 3000 aircraft components at Abu Dhabi and key outstations, reducing the need for the airline to maintain large and costly component inventories of its own

An agreement with aviation IT specialist Lufthansa Systems to introduce a new flight planning system, which will enable the airline to significantly reduce fuel costs by up to five per cent, cut emissions and benefit from more efficient flight planning processes

An agreement with leading workforce management software provider Kronos Incorporated to automate and optimise planning and management processes for Etihad’s 4,000 cabin and flight crew. The new crew planning software system will increase the quality of the airline’s crew planning and improve the stability of crew rosters

A key factor behind Etihad’s growth has been its investment in premium cabins. The airline will use the Dubai Air Show to showcase its new first class suite, on one of its newest Airbus A340-600 aircraft.

Mr Hogan said: “The new first class suite is a stunning product that is helping us stand out in the premium travel market. It has been incredibly well-received and we are delighted to be able to roll it out across the A340 fleet so quickly.”

Members of the public will be able to visit the new first class cabin, which contains 12 individual suites that have been designed to provide first class customers with more privacy, greater comfort and increased storage.

Each private suite is accessed by its own sliding door and includes a personal wardrobe and mini bar, as well as 23" wide-screen LCD screen which features more than 600 hours of ‘on demand’ entertainment. Spacious stowage compartments are built into and around the seat.

The first class cabin also features a large and luxurious changing room with a full length mirror, new style wash basin and leather fold-down seat to allow passengers to freshen up and change after take-off and prior to landing.

The announcements come as the airline celebrates its sixth anniversary, a period in which it has grown to serve 57 destinations, with a fleet of 49 aircraft expected to carry more than seven million passengers in 2009.

In a separate signing, Etihad was welcomed by Air Cargo Maximus as a founding partner of a new international initiative by the UAE called ‘Care in the Air’ to support worldwide human relief operations, by providing aid ‘at cost’ to regions in need.

Mr Hogan concluded: “In six years, Etihad has grown to take its place on the global stage, recognised as a serious airline, with serious long-term ambitions.

“Over the next decade, we will see continued expansion of our services around the globe. The heavy investment in the growth and economic diversification of Abu Dhabi is contributing to that development, and we are planning now to meet those future demands.

“But at every stage, we will take a commercial view of our investment strategy, so we can be sure of delivering a satisfactory return to our shareholder.”

AMERICAN AIRLINES CHIEF WANTS JAL DEAL

2009-11-12T21:49:00.001-08:00

       The CEO of American Airlines said on Monday that Japan Airlines would be taking a risk and suffer financially if it breaks ties with American and joins an alliance with Delta Air Lines.
       Gerard Arpey said that American and its partner airlines "produce hundreds of millions of dollars of value for JAL" and want to strengthen ties.
       Arpey made the comments in Mexico City at a meeting of the oneworld alliance of global airlines, which includes American, British Airways and JAL. Delta belongs to another alliance, SkyTeam, and is trying to lure JAL away from oneworld.
       American and Delta have battled over JAL for several weeks, largely in private. Arpey's remarks elevated the fight by marking the most detailed public comments by either CEO.
       Last month, Delta CEO Richard Anderson declined to answer questions about JAL. But he said Delta and SkyTeam partner Air France-KLM have shown an ability to develop successful alliances with their trans-Atlantic business.
       The stakes in the JAL battle are high for American, a unit of AMR. Arpey told his own executives last month that if JaL jumps to Delta's team, "that would certainly be very bad for us".
       Both AMR and Delta are seeking a minority stake in JAL, which has been looking for an injection of captial and help from the government.
       Delta and American covet JAL because of its extensive routes in Japan and China. By having JAL as a partner since the mid-1990s, American has been able to sell those routes to its own customers and share in the revenue. American and JAL offer reciprocal frequent-flier privileges to each other's passengers.
       Arpey has said the partnership with JAL allows American to win customers away from United and Delta's Northwest Airlines unit, both of which fly from the US to Tokyo.

Awaken your travel spirit and enjoy life, in your style

2009-11-12T21:47:00.000-08:00

       Awaken your travel spirit and enjoy life, in your style
       When winter breezes begin, the urge to trael begins to stir. This is the time of year when a festive atmosphere fills the air and people are ready to take wing. During winter there are numerous places around the globe that come alive with celebrations and enjoyment of the cold weather, unless you travel Down Under that is. Whether your quest is a natural winter wonderland, shop to you drop, or to simply enjoy life in another place for a few days, THAI recommends these destinations that will awaken your travel spirit.
       Fly THAI to Oslo, Moscow, Varanasi, Brisbane, Los Angeles, Milan, Seioul and Tokyo.
       for more information, and online bookings visit www.thaiairways.com
       For reservations call THAI Contact Center 0-2356-1111 or your travel agent.
       A STAR ALLIANCE MEMBER
       ADVERTISEMENT
       Embark on a "Journey of Faith" with THAI ValuePlus Card
       THAI is proud to introduce the THAI ValuePlusCard, a prepaid airfare card that allows you to admire cultural destinations and Buddhist landmarks across Asia at affordable prices. The THAI ValuePlus Card is your ticket to Asia's major pilgrimage routes including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Myanmar, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Korea, Japan as well as India and Nepal, places where the Lord Buddha found enlightenment.
       The launch of the THAI ValuePlus Card was held at Fashion Gallery. Siam Paragon. THAI ValuePlus Card is available now until February 28, 2010.
       Set off on a religious pilgrimage tour with THAI ValuePlus Card. For more information call THAI Contact Center 0-2356-1111 or visit www.thaiairways.com
       THAI at ITB Asia 2009
       THAI in Singapore, represented by General manager Anivat Tailanga and his sales team, participated in ITB Asia II at Suntec City, Singapore from 21-23 October 2009 with the theme "Smooth as Silk Experience through touches of THAI". The THAI booth received an overshelming response from those attending from the tourism industry, including hotel oprators and airline partners.
       ITB Asia is one of the world's leading travel trade shows, a spin off from the annual ITB Berlin in Germany. This was the second year for ITB Asia, a good indication that the tourism industry in Asia is approaching the same high potential as that in Europe. There were three major halls whichh were each dedicated to an industry segment; hotels, tour operators and airlines from participating countries. This was the first time that THAI participated at ITB Asia.
       Malaysia Big Surprise!
       Fly Thai to Malaysia and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Petronas towers, the world's tallest twin buildings. Visit Penang, the "Pearl of the Orient", and enjoy the host of sports activities on offer. Penang's architectural beauty is rich in centuries-old history reflected in the colonial buildings that line its strees. book online now and enjoy special airfares before November 30, 2009.
       *Conditions:
       The credit card is required and credit card owner must also travel and present this credit card at the Airport Check-in prevention of deny boarding.
       This promotion is available for online internet reservation only. Unable to purchase through any of THAI Ticketing Offices or THAI Sales Agents.
       Reservation/Ticketing/Departure date between November 1-30, 2009.
       Last departure date from Bangkok no later than Nobember 30, 2009.
       Fore more information, please visit www.thaiairways.com.

CARRIES COULD MISS REVENUE, PROFIT TARGETS

2009-11-08T03:56:00.000-08:00

       Thai Airways International could miss its revenue target of Bt150 billion this year due to the fluctuation in oil prices and a low passenger yield, its president Piyasvasti Amranand said yesterday.
       The national carrier may also fail to achieve this year's profit target of Bt7 billion, he said.
       "The overall operation in the third quarter was positive, with a higher load factor. However, we are still facing a crisis," Piyasvasti said at a press conference.
       THAI in the first half of the year registered Bt75.9 billion in revenue and Bt2.47 billion in net profit. It has not yet released third-quarter financial results.
       The company earlier lowered its revenue target from Bt180 billion to Bt150 billion, due to political instability and the global economic crisis. Last year's revenue was Bt202.6 billion.
       Passenger yield in the third quarter was Bt1.90 per seat per kilometre, compared to Bt2.20 in the same period last year.
       The yield is forecast to rise to Bt2.10 next year, Piyasvasti said.
       He said THAI would hold an executive management workshop on Monday and Tuesday to discuss how the airline should handle the current situation. The working group will also evaluate overall operations in the current quarter. A press conference will be held after the two-day meeting.
       The company will submit the conclusions reached to the executive board on November 18 for further action.
       Piyasvasti said one of the cost-cutting measures being implemented was to reduce the number of free tickets and privileges. The airline issues 180,000 free tickets each year to the company's staff, as well as to current and former executives.
       "We will cut back on free tickets just during this peak season from November to January, in order to reduce operating costs," he said.
       Meanwhile, the executive board yesterday appointed three directors to new executive positions, with immediate effect. Woranate Laprabang, formerly director for the Strategic implementation and evalution department, is appointed vice president for corporate strategtgy and planning development.
       Jirawan Chaisakul, formerly director of the product and service information system department, is appointed vice president for the information technology services department.
       Ruangyos Pamonmontri, formerly director of the Europe and Africa department, is appionted vice president for the sales and distribution department.

Flower extravaganza set to return

2009-11-08T03:53:00.000-08:00

       The floral extravaganza Ratchaphruek Festival returns to Chiang Mai next month from Dec 1-10 to celebrate the 82nd birthday anniversary of His Majesty the King, the world's longest reigning monarch.
       Organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives,the provincial administration and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the festival is expected to draw more than 200,000 visitors.
       According to Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT's deputy governor for marketing communications, on Dec 5,which is the King's birthday,there will be a grand ceremony involving the lighting of candles and offering of prayers wishing His Majesty sound health,followed by fireworks and light and sound presentation.
       Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will preside over the festival opening on Dec 1 when he'd join local notaries to release 999 floating lanterns, followed by Thai classical dances from the four regions of the country,with 99 performers from each region.
       Taking place at the same venue that played host to the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accension to the throne in 2006, the festival is an exhibition of flowers, plants and fruits,sale of farm products, handicrafts and OTOP goods, and contests featuring farm commodities.
       The event three years ago featured roughly 2.5 million plants and flowers,including some rare orchids, and drew about as many visitors.
       "The festival should help boost tourism and raise hotel occupancy in Chiang Mai," said the deputy governor.
       A first in Chanthaburi
       Launched on Oct 26 in Chanthaburi,the first training centre for management of shipwrecks and underwater cultural heritage brings together 16 archaeologists from across the Southeast Asia region.
       The training programme is a part-nership between Unesco, the Ministry of Culture and the Underwater Archaeology Division of the Department of Fine Arts.
       "Thousands of historical items have already been stolen by treasure hunters and if preventative measures are not put into place to combat the illegal trade,even more priceless treasures will disappear from Asian waters," said Ricardo Favis of Unesco's Bangkok office, adding "Asian maritime archaeologists are still in their infancy, so we must improve their knowledge and skills."
       The first batch comprises trainees from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand.The course runs until Dec 5. It is conducted by experts from Australia, England and Holland, and covers subjects such as maritime law,in situ preservation of shipwrecks and underwater sites, museology, treasure hunters and monitoring techniques, shipbuilding technology and ethnographic boat recording.
       The Chantaburi facility is one of the best-equipped in the region and located in proximity of shipwreck sites, allowing the trainees to field-test practical skills.
       Major TAT push in Moscow
       The Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) office in Moscow has embarked on a major offensive after the number of Russians visiting Thailand dropped 29.43 per cent in the first four months of this year.
       In 2008, Russian visitors to Thailand totaled 319,587, up 14.23%over the previous year, and generated 16.24 billion baht in tourism revenue. During 2002-08, the number of Russian visitors to Thailand grew by an annual average of 28.79% while their spending grew by 32.76% annually. However, the global financial crisis saw their number drop by 29.43% during January to April this year.
       Therefore TAT's Moscow office launched the "Welcome to Thailand Mega Fam" campaign last week, reining in 70 Russian travel agents and media representatives to its cause."Our research shows many opportunities for growth," said Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT's deputy governor in charge of marketing communications."Russia is mainly a winter-season market as Russians love our warm weather, the beaches and the sea. Many also enjoy learning diving and exploring underwater treasures around the Andamans and the Gulf of Thailand."
       TAT is targetting high-end tourists and meeting delegates through tour packages to Bangkok with a detour to neighbouring countries, and expects the campaign to generate 293,000 visitors from Russian alone, not to mention the Central Asian republics, for a turnover of roughly 14.03 billion baht this winter.
       Park encroachment
       The Department of National Park,Wildlife and Plant Conservation last week raided a marine park in Trang Province,the site of a private resort, and seized 20 workers before ordering a halt to further construction.
       Almost 80 per cent complete the resort,valued at 20 million baht, belongs to a Songkhla businessman. Located in Hat Chao Mai Marine Park, it's built on a strip of land where construction is forbidden.
       The raid followed complaints from locals. Somchai Masathien, director of the Forest Fire Control Division led a 50-strong force to the construction site and arrested the workers, after which he told the local media that the building will be demolished.
       Tiger resumes flights
       Anticipating a rise in passenger traffic during the upcoming tourist season, Tiger Airways has resumed flights between Singapore and Krabi.
       "We are very excited about the resumption of Krabi flights. With four flights a week you now have an additional choice of a holiday destination," said Tiger Airways Managing Director Rosalynn Tay.
       All of them are afternoon flights available Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The start-up price is at 535 baht excluding surcharges.
       Visit www.tigerairways.com for more information.

Flying high with Iron Maiden frontman

2009-11-04T05:18:00.000-08:00

       Bruce Dickinson likes to fly some heavy metal - about 109,000kg of it - when he's not performing as Iron Maiden's frontman.On the band's 2008/9"Somewhere Back In Time World Tour"- showcased on the new DVD Flight 666 which was voted best music documentary at this year's South-by-Southwest Festival Dickinson pulled double duty as lead singer and the chief pilot on the band's customised Boeing 757.
       He'd wear his Astraeus Airlines uniform - white shirt with epaulets and pressed trousers - when flying between tour stops. Then, he'd leap around the stage in outlandish costumes - donning a red 19th-century British army tunic while singing The Trooper or a feathered mask for Powerslave .After the shows, as the band's "designated driver", he had to refrain from late-night carousing, turning in early and avoiding any drinking in order to meet aviation industry regulations for mandatory rest periods and zero bloodalcohol content.
       But Dickinson didn't mind "being a party pooper" since the tour offered a chance to combine his passions for flying and rock music.
       "The only caveat is that I was working much harder than everybody else," said Dickinson."But I never get tired of going to work because I just think that singing with Iron Maiden and flying a jet airliner are the two best jobs in the world."
       The legendary UK heavy metal band - which earlier this year won a Brit Award for best live act - wrapped up its tour in early April after performing before nearly 2 million fans in 38 countries. Maiden's other members founder and bassist Steve Harris, drummer Nicko McBrain, and guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers - scattered to their homes for a monthslong break with plans to regroup later this year to begin work on a new album due out in 2010.
       But Dickinson quickly returned to his day job as a commercial airline captain for Astraeus, which leases airplanes and crews to other airlines.He has been making regular passenger runs to such far-flung locales as Kyrgyzstan, Sierra Leone and Djibouti.
       It's not as if the 51-year-old Dickinson,who has written two novels and hosts rock programs on BBC Radio, needs his pilot's salary. Iron Maiden remains one of the most enduring and successful heavy metal bands with record sales of more than 70 million since their 1980 debut album.
       But Dickinson finds that being in the cockpit of a 757 offers a welcome respite from the frenzied life of a touring rock star.
       "It's just you, the airplane and the sky and going where you're going and it's quite pleasant," he said."It's quite a nice little Zen moment."
       Dickinson earns high marks from Astraeus' Chief Executive Mario Fulgoni,who is also a commercial airline captain,for "possessing both a high degree of professionalism and intense enthusiasm for flying".
       "That he has other careers is irrelevant to his capability as a pilot and his rock star status in no way detracts from his performance as an airline captain,"Fulgoni said in an email message.
       Dickinson, who no longer sports the shoulder-length hair of his younger days,says that his passengers, who recently included the president of Sierra Leone,rarely make the connection with his rock star persona. It's hard to imagine that the pilot who matter-of-factly goes through the safety regulations or reassures passengers about some turbulence is the singer whose screaming vocals on songs like Bring Your Daughter ... to the Slaughter earned him the nickname "The Air-Raid Siren".
       Dickinson, who hosted the aviation series Flying Heavy Metal for Discovery Channel (UK), says his passion for flight goes back to his childhood, His godfather and uncle were both engineers in the Royal Air Force, and he'd regularly attend air shows and decorate his room with squadrons of plastic model airplanes.
       But Dickinson put his dreams of flying on hold when he became enamoured with rock as a teenager and began singing with the first wave of UK heavy metal bands in the late '70s, performing with Samson before joining Iron Maiden in 1981.
       Dickinson began his pilot training in the early '90s at a Florida airport while on a family vacation. With the same determination that made him a Top 10-ranked UK fencer in the 1980s,Dickinson passed his private pilot's licence test and obtained a licence to fly commercial jets.
       "I was genuinely doing it as an alternative career in case music all fell on his head," said Dickinson, who had left Maiden in 1993 to pursue a solo career before rejoining the band in 1999.
       Dickinson landed an entry pilot's job with British World Airlines in 2000, and when that airline folded after September 11,2001, signed on with the newly formed Astraeus.
       Dickinson has kept flying with Astraeus even though Maiden has enjoyed a recent resurgence, releasing new albums such as A Matter of Life and Death (2006) as well as its older hits on video games like Rock Band that have attracted a new generation of young fans to go along with their older audience who've been into the band since the '80s.
       On their latest tour, Maiden decided to revisit some of their hits from their '80s albums - including The Number of the Beast ,Powerslave and Somewhere In Time - so their young fans could hear them performed live.
       "We love what we do and we've never compromised with the demands of media industry or musical fashion," said Dickinson."We've always plowed our own somewhat eccentric and stubborn furrow and there's obviously a lot of people that respect that....
       "Iron Maiden is ultimately all about the fans and that's what makes the Flight 666 documentary great for me.... It's not about the egos of the band ... or to bolster our self-importance."
       For the tour, Dickinson helped design and modify the band's leased plane,giving it fewer passenger seats and enough cargo space to carry 12 tonnes of equipment. That gave the band the mobility to cover more ground in less time - avoiding costly stopovers and making it economically feasible to perform in such countries as Costa Rica for the first time and reach fans in remote locales such as Manaus, Brazil's Amazon regional capital. Astaeus now offers the design to other customers.
       The plane - dubbed "Ed Force One"- was decorated with the band's logo along the side. However, Astraeus ended up painting over the Iron Maiden decorations between legs of the tour after some passengers in Ghana balked at boarding a plane with the band's grinning zombie mascot "Eddie" on the tail fin fearing it was haunted, Dickinson said.
       Dickinson does see a link in the precise teamwork required to get a plane to its destination and to pull off an intricately staged arena rock show.
       "Obviously as a pilot ... everything seems to be in control," said Dickinson."And people look at rock musicians and think, yeah, they're wild and crazy and it's all out of control up there and backstage must be a war zone full of groupies and drugs....
       "But you have to be very disciplined to do what we do in Iron Maiden and you can't survive for a career as long as ours without having some serious degree of dedication. It's not all madness and ... the only way that we can allow ourselves to do what we do to our bodies on stage every night is actually to be fairly in control of what we are doing. It just looks like it's crazy."

"FLYING WHILE MUSLIM" CASE A LESSON TO ALL

2009-11-04T04:58:00.001-08:00

       In a move that should be a learning experience for aviation security,immigration and security authorities worldwide, US Airways last month agreed to an out-of-court settlement of a lawsuit filed by six imams, or Islamic religious leaders, who were arrested after being removed from a US Airways flight in Minnesota in 2006.
       The six religious leaders will receive an undisclosed amount in compensation.Confidentiality clauses prevented further details from being disclosed but a statement said the case was resolved to "the satisfaction of all parties".
       The Washington DC-based Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR)hailed the settlement, which has been almost totally ignored by the global travel media. Full details are available at www.flyingwhilemuslim.org.
       "[It] is a clear victory for justice and civil rights over fear and the phenomenon of 'flying while Muslim' in the post-9/11 era," said Nihad Awad, national executive director of the CAIR.
       Last July, US District Judge Ann Montgomery in Minnesota cleared the way for a trial by denying several motions to dismiss the case and ruling that a law passed by Congress after the incident did not grant protection from lawsuits to those sued by the imams.
       The judge also ruled that the actions of the imams prior to their flight did not justify their detention. She noted that they were subjected to "extreme fear and humiliation of being falsely identified as dangerous terrorists" and said "similar behaviour by Russian Orthodox priests or Franciscan monks would likely not have elicited this response".
       In an opinion piece in USA Today,CAIR's national communications director Ibrahim Hooper called for a global ban on religious and racial profiling.
       He said that while the settlement should not prevent anyone from acting on legitimate security concerns,"reports based solely on anti-Muslim or antiArab bias and hysteria should not be used as the basis for a 'flying while Muslim' incident.
       "Absent actual suspicious behaviour,merely offering one of the five-daily Islamic prayers in a terminal, speaking Arabic to a fellow passenger, wearing a head scarf, or 'looking Muslim' is insufficient justification to detain passengers or remove them from a flight.
       "American Muslims are just as concerned about flight safety and security as citizens of other faiths. They and their families take the same flights and are subject to the same risks as other members of the travelling public. Flight safety should be based on legitimate law enforcement techniques, not on racial or religious profiling."
       Mr Hooper said that in the increasingly diverse society America has become, it must seek to "prevent situations in which stereotypes or bias can create a snowball effect of escalating discrimination.
       "Our nation's history has been marred by periods in which groups - whether Irish Americans, African Americans,Japanese Americans, or others - were deemed appropriate targets for discrimination. Thankfully, Americans are capable of looking beyond the prejudices of the moment to see a future of equal treatment for all."
       The case, which galvanised Muslim travellers worldwide who are frequently to subjected to racial and religious profiling at airports and border checkpoints, was set to go further in a lawsuit against the Minnesota airport operator, US Airways and possibly the FBI on the grounds of improper arrest and other acts of discrimination.
       The Minnesota Post noted that Congress had passed a law - and cited the Minnesota case as the motivation designed to protect people from reporting their suspicions under circumstances such as those involving the imams.
       "The imams, and the way they were arrested, became for a time the symbol of the post-9/11 national nervousness about Middle Easterners on airplanes and for the allegation that you could get arrested for the 'crime" of 'flying while Muslim'," wrote commentator Eric Black.
       "The nervousness was understandable, but that didn't make it constitutional....[E]ven the shock of the 9/11 attacks didn't repeal the simple rule that police cannot arrest someone unless they have probable cause to believe that the arrestees have committed a crime.
       "As you review the facts of the case,ask yourself which of the 'suspicious'actions of the imams would have been suspicious if they had not been Muslims."
       Imtiaz Muqbil is executive editor of Travel Impact Newswire, an e-mailed feature and analysis service focusing on the Asia-Pacific travel industry.

Continental joining Star Alliance will give THAI access to NYC

2009-10-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

       Thai Airways International expects more long-haul passengers travelling between Asia, North America and Europe now that Continental Airlines has joined the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline grouping.
       Pridi Boonsue, executive vice president of THAI, a founding member of the alliance, said his airline hoped to gain more passengers travelling between the three continents, because New York-based Continental served the East Coast of the United States.
       From New York City, Continental connects to 21 European destinations, while THAI operates in 10, so passengers travelling between Asia and North America can switch between the two airlines in major cities in Europe.
       THAI halted its direct Bangkok-New York route last year, due to high oil prices. However, it expects the new member to help THAI recapture long-haul passengers.
       "Travellers from Thailand to the US will need two to four hours for transit in Europe, or they can even take a holiday there," said Pridi. "Passengers had no choice with the transits. Now they have more options."
       THAI presently operates between Bangkok and Los Angeles, California via Tokyo's Narita Airport.
       Continental is the 25th member of the Star Alliance. Its membership follows last year's announcement of a strategic partnership between it and United Airlines.
       Star Alliance customers can now choose from among 19,500 daily flights serving 1,071 airports in 171 countries.
       In addition to the network benefits, Continental flights can now be used to create itineraries for both the Star Alliance's "Round the World" programme and the North American Airpass. Moreover, Continental will sell all 13 Star Alliance fare products and participate in the Star Alliance Conventions Plus programme.
       Continental's participation occurs at a time when the airline industry is witnessing an upswing in air demand.
       Yet Chew Choon Seng, CEO of Singapore Airlines, the world's fourth-largest carrier by market value, recently told a Star Alliance press conference it was too soon to say whether a rebound in air travel last month marked the beginnings of a long-term revival in demand.
       Singapore Airlines last month filled 80.9 per cent of its available seats, its highest tally this year.
       "The bottom has been reached. Demand has stabilised and even started to grow from September," Chew said.
       However, he added: There is not enough evidence yet to conclude that we are back on a firm trail to recovery."
       Cathay Pacific Airways CEO Tony Tyler also said he was "cautious" about airlines' prospects, because the global recession continued to dampen demand.

Nok Air ticket sales take off at SF Cinema

2009-10-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

       SF Cinema City yesterday announced the launch of a new ticketing service for low-cost carrier Nok Air, marking the first time cinema box offices have sold airline tickets in this country.
       The company is negotiating with another three service vendors over providing ticketing and bill payment services, which are considered a value-added feature of its core cinema business.
       Suvit Thongrompo, managing director of SF Cinema City, yesterday said the ticketing service offered for Nok Air would cater to the lifestyle of urban people, who demand one-stop services and convenience. It will provide win-win benefits to both Nok Air and SF Cinema City, both of which are able to provide better services to customers.
       "For SF, we would like to provide a service for tickets that are beyond just movie tickets. We are quite ready in terms of ticketing system and IT, as well as a strong cinema exhibition network," he said.
       Suvit added that under the strategic partnership, consumers would be able to buy Nok Air tickets at all 11 SF Cinema's box offices in Bangkok and another two in Phuket.
       "We have conducted a soft launch for Nok Air ticketing service since the beginning of this month, getting a very good response from customers. About 300 Nok Air tickets, worth Bt500,000 in total, have been sold so far through our box offices," said Suvit.
       Patee Sarasin, CEO of Nok Air, said a cinema represented a good location because it is where family members spend time together. At theatres, they can discuss holiday plans and make final decisions on where they want to take a weekend trip together - and can now also buy air tickets immediately.
       Nok Air provides domestic routes to seven provinces: Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Hat Yai, Phuket, Trang and Surat Thani.
       Suvit said SF Cinema City provided its own theatre ticketing services via four major channels - box office, online service, mobile telephone and call centre.
       "We expect to sell 1.2 million movie tickets this year, which is up 20 per cent over last year," he said.
       "It is a good sign that many of our strategic locations like SF World Cinema at CentralWorld, which has 15 theatre screens, have performed very well with 20-per-cent year-on-year growth in ticket sales so far this year."
       He added that the company had opened SF Cinema complexes in six new locations this year. The latest complexes will be opened on October 28 in Bang Saen, and at CentralPlaza Khon Kaen on December 3.
       "We will also open cinemas in two or three new locations in Bangkok and upcountry next year. The investment will be between Bt20 million and Bt30 million per theatre," said Suvit.
       He added that the company would also renovate theatres at MBK shopping centre, Central Lat Phrao and The Emporium.
       Suvit said SF Cinema City had achieved year-on-year growth of between 12 and 13 per cent in ticket sales in the first nine months of the year.
       The company, however, expects to achieve better growth of more than 30 per cent year on year in the fourth quarter, driven by a strong line-up of expected Thai and Hollywood blockbusters, such as "2012", "The Twilight Saga: New Moon", "Avatar", "Yam Yasothorn 2" and "Ong-Bak 3".
       The overall cinema industry is expected to grow about 10 per cent this year in terms of ticket sales, Suvit said.

JAL shares nosedive as fears grow

2009-10-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

       Japan Airlines Corp shares slid more than 11% to a record low yesterday as investors suggested bankruptcy may be an option for Asia's biggest airline by revenue, even as the government again pledged to support the troubled carrier.
       "There's increasing concern about the future of the company and whether it's heading for a GM-style bankruptcy or not," said Mitsushige Akino, chief fund manager at Ichiyoshi Investment Management.
       The airline, plagued with high costs in a severe industry downturn, has asked creditors for 600 billion yen ($6.6 billion)in financial aid, including 300 billion yen in debt waivers and debt-for-equity swaps, as part of a restructuring plan,according to two sources familiar with the matter.
       JAL shares fell to 100 yen, their lowest since they were re-listed in 2002. By the close, the stock was quoted at 101 yen,down more than 11%. The shares have lost a quarter of their value this week.
       Last month, JAL proposed a plan under which it pledged to cut 6,800 jobs, eliminate 50 routes and lower its operating costs by 30%, but it was forced back to the drawing board after the government said the steps were not enough.
       The airline is now working with a government-appointed task force on a new plan to put to the transport ministry within two weeks. Transport Minister Seiji Maehara yesterday pledged his support for the airline while that process is underway.
       "From I can see in the pre-draft plan I received the other day from JAL and its task force, I am confident that work on the plan is progressing smoothly," said Maehara, adding there was no change in the government's stance to support the airline.
       But the lack of a clear growth plan for JAL is fuelling market concern that a rescue package may be throwing good money after bad, some investors said,leaving creditors such as Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Mizuho Financial Group out in the cold.
       MUFG, JAL's No.2 creditor behind the state-owned Development Bank of Japan, is owed about 50 billion yen ($551 million).
       Kyodo news agency reported JAL was reconsidering a plan to sell shares in its group firms, suggesting that restructuring efforts needed to turn the company around might be slow to come.
       "Even if they do get the funds, where's the prospect of growth? I don't see it,"said a portfolio manager at a Japanese asset management firm, who asked not to be named as he was not authorised to comment on individual stocks."In some ways, bankruptcy might be the better option - it would allow the firm to restart from a clean slate."
       JAL has put on hold separate talks with Delta Air Lines and AMR Corp's American Airlines for a capital infusion and business ties, aiming to focus first on its own revival plan, Kyodo reported last week.
       Ratings agency Moody's dealt a fresh blow to the troubled carrier, downgrading its long-term debt rating, to B1 from Ba3 and put the JAL unit on review for a further possible downgrade.

A BIG CHALLENGE FOR THAI TO FLY HIGH AGAIN

2009-10-20T20:33:00.001-07:00

       AS the new president of Thai airways International, Dr Piyasvasti Amranand will face a daunting task ahead in his attempt to revive the national airline. He has admitted that it is not going to be an easy job. "I am under no illusion about the challenges facing the aviation industry today. And that includes the challenges facing THAI," he announced.
       The airline faced a liquidity crisis that at one point threatened its viability, but since a turnaround plan was put in place, THAI appears to be showing positive results. Yet much, much more still needs to be done. First and foremost, THAI must be delared a non-interference zone from politicians. Piyasvasti has, rightly, made a plea that he should be allowed to do his job without any political inference. In short, the people involved should not aks for any further benefits from THAI. Rather they should consider how they can contribute to the airline.
       Piyasvasti needs to continue to cut costs drastically while at the same time raising fresh capital to service the debt and cope with expansion. Compared with other regional airlines such as Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airline, THAI still carries the burden of high operational costs. It needs to improve its performance and efficiency. Every division must produce returns. Piyasavasti's efforts will eventually be compared to those of THAI's regional peers. There is no domestic competitor.
       For this reason, Piyasvashi has revealed that the airline will raise fresh capital, which will help bring down its debt equity ratio from 3:1 to 2:1. THAI is burdened with debts of more than Bt160 billion. Next year alone, it will need to service at least Bt29 billion. This debt is huge, involving payments mostly for the acquisition of aircraft. THAI operates with a long-term aircraft acquisition plan. yet it has to service the short-term debt for these acquisitions. Somehow this imbalance in the financial structure has to be addressed.
       On Monday, Piyasavasti met with senior management and staff, outlining his policy. He plans to spend the first two years tackling financial problems. The next two years car then be devoted to improving the operational efficiency of the airline.
       THAI is fortunate to have a leader of Piyasvasti's calibre at this critical time. Piyasavasti has an impeccable track record. He is a finance man. And at this point, THAI needs a finance man to clean up its book.
       A graduate of Oxford University and with a PhD from the London School of Economics, he most recently served as chairman of the advisory panel to Kasikorn Bank's CEO. Piyasvasti also headed Thailand's National Energy Policy Office that transformed the country's energy sector in the 1990s, and was a former minister of energy.
       Piyasvasti said he wants to bring all his experience and knowledge to bear on the current issues facing THAI, in an effort to continually improve operational performance and the company's financial position.
       We endorse Piyasvasti's leadership at this critical juncture. The market, as well as the management and staff of THAI should give him a chance to prove himself. All Piyasvast asks is that he be allowed to do his job without political interference.

Airlines and hotels look for balance

2009-10-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

       The travel industry was hard hit after the first reports of swine flu emerged fromMexico in the spring. Trips were cancelled,destination weddings were moved elsewhere and flights were grounded as traveller demand plummeted.So the industry, already reeling from the effects of the recession,has reason to be cautious as the autumn flu season gets under way.Still, because the H1N1 pandemic strain, or swine flu, has generally not been more virulent than ordinary seasonal flu, airports, hotels and airlines are trying to find a balance between showing that they are taking substantive steps and not acting so aggressively that they set off a panic among travellers.
       Their actions can best be described as preventive. So instead of cutting back on high-traffic services like buffet dining in areas affected by the virus, as they did in the spring, hotel representatives say they are focusing on day-to-day measures.
       Most major hotel brands, among them Marriott, Hilton, Starwood and Intercontinental, are ramping up the cleaning of items most frequently touched by guests, like phones, hand rails, elevator buttons and fitness equipment. And they have added signs in the kitchens,administrative offices and other "back of the house" parts of hotels,reminding employees to wash their hands frequently and to cough or sneeze into a tissue rather than their hands.
       Some hotels are placing tissues and dispensers of hand sanitiser in public areas. A spokesman for Marriott International, John Wolf, said the company's hotels were stockpiling items like rubber gloves and making hand sanitiser available upon request to conference groups meeting at properties it managed.
       Airports around the United States are also adopting alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Airports from Anchorage, Alaska, to Fort Lauderdale,Fla, are placing the dispensers in high-traffic areas, often near security checkpoints (where travellers must remove their shoes) and by entrances and exits. They are frequently accompanied by signs explaining proper hygiene practices.
       In addition, the signs at security checkpoints that remind travellers about banned items and security protocols are being joined by ones that highlight flu symptoms and ask travellers to keep their coughs and sneezes to themselves.
       Once on board a flight, though, cautious travellers will have to make sure they have packed their own supplies. While most of the legacy domestic carriers like US Airways have first-aid kits that include sanitising gel, they say they are not planning to add dispensers in lavatories or elsewhere in the aircraft.
       Contrary to popular belief, the air on planes is not the petri dish of germs many travellers assume it to be, said Dr Nina Marano, an expert on travellers' health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."I think people are sort of worried about cabin air," she said,"but the air filtration systems in aircraft are highly sophisticated."A representative of United Airlines called the carrier's air filters "hospital grade."
       Still, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the union representing about half of all flight attendants in the United States, is pushing for additional preventive measures. Chris Witkowski, its director of air safety, health and security, said the association was lobbying to have high-grade N95 respirator masks - one for every crew member - on every flight.
       For its part, the Air Transport Association of America, which represents domestic airlines, says the CDC has suggested that airline personnel consider wearing N95 masks only when in "close contact" with flustricken passengers.
       Ordinary surgical masks do not work well when it comes to protecting the healthy, the CDC said. Unlike N95 respirator masks, which offer protection against airborne particles, surgical masks are effective only against droplets, the agency said.
       An industry consultant, Robert Mann Jr, said in an interview that airlines might be worried about consumer response to some preventive measures."I don't think airlines want to go in the direction of latex gloves and masks," he said,"because it's somewhat alarming to people."
       A spokeswoman for the World Health Organization, Aphaluck Bhatiasevi, says the group encourages governments not to funnel too many resources into screening all travellers. Still, Marano of the CDC said, travellers should expect to encounter a wide range of health protocols when entering foreign countries.
       Steven Lott, a spokesman for the International Air Transport Association, which represents 230 airlines around the world, said the group spent weeks earlier this year distilling a hodgepodge of entry questionnaires into a single document that could be distributed to fliers.
       Last month, the CDC reported that 936 Americans had died of flu symptoms or of flu-associated pneumonia since Aug 30, when it began a new method of counting of deaths, including some without lab-confirmed swine flu. The regular flu season starts in November.
       For travellers, the overarching message is one of personal accountability."Frequent fliers tend to be pretty prepared," Mann said."I think the fact that people are somewhat sensitised to the issue will pay off in having people be more prepared."
       Business travellers seem to be getting the message."I was actually quarantined during the SARS epidemic, so I'm being quite careful this time," said David Jansen, who works in the anticorruption division at PricewaterhouseCoopers, recalling a trip to Hong Kong in 2003, when the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome was sweeping through parts of Asia.
       As a consultant who is on the road roughly half the time, Jansen says he has already started taking precautions."It's frequent handwashing, and I take anti-bacterial wipes with me," he said."I definitely make sure I take my vitamins and fish oils and Airborne tablets."

SGA rebrands as Nok Mini, leases larger aircraft

2009-10-13T03:49:00.000-07:00

       SGA Airlines, Thailand's first commuter carrier, will deploy two larger aircraft,expand its network and undergo a rebranding.
       The Thai privately owned airline,which has been operating for eight years,is leasing two Swedish twin-engine Saab 340B turboprop planes from a Singaporebased firm, as it embarks on new domestic feeder services starting this December.
       SGA Airlines will rebrand itself as Nok Mini to foster a closer association with Nok Airlines, the budget airline owned 39%by Thai Airways International (THAI).
       Nok Mini will become a sub-brand of Nok Airlines whose management agreed to allow SGA Airlines to use the marque for free in order to expand the alliance's profile as well as to complement each other's network.
       The two airlines have loosely collaborated on joint marketing programmes over the past few years.
       "Our association with Nok Airlines in the past three years has been fruitful and we decided to take it to another level," said Jain Charnnarong, the president of Siam General Aviation Co, which operates SGA Airlines.
       SGA Airlines has already been dubbed "Nok Lek", or Junior Nok, by the travelling public, he said.
       There is no cross-shareholding between the two airlines as a result of the increased alliance, and there are no definite plans to boost joint-marketing programmes.
       But SiamGeneral Aviation has already increased its registered capital to 200 million baht from 80 million to meet the regulatory requirement for utilising larger aircraft and becoming a regional airline.
       SGA Airlines will base its Saab 340Bs at Chiang Mai International Airport, along with two of its three Cessna 208B Grand Caravan planes. The third Cessna is stationed at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport for charter.
       The airline intends to initially use the Saab 340Bs to launch its Chiang MaiMae Hong Son and Chiang Mai-Udon Thani routes on Dec 5 this year.
       It will offers four flights a day on the Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son and one daily flight on Chiang Mai-Udon Thani.

Airlines agree to better fuel efficiency, emission goals

2009-10-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

       The world's airlines have agreed to new fuel efficiency and carbon emission targets which go much further than the levels required through regulation,an industry group said on Saturday.
       The International Air Transport Association (IATA),which represents 230 airlines, said that carriers, airports and aerospace firms had pledged to improve fuel efficiency by 1.5% a year annually until 2020.
       At a meeting in Montreal, they also set a goal of having carbon-neutral growth by 2020 and to record a 50% net reduction of carbon emissions in 2050 compared to 2005 levels.
       "Airlines have set even more ambitious targets than governments for the longer-term," IATA DirectorGeneral Giovanni Bisignani said.
       "No other industry has been able to achieve what we have done," he said, describing the cooperation in the sector."We are on the high ground and governments must now catch up."
       IATA has said biofuels hold great potential to reduce the emissions from planes, and has supported moves to offset fossil fuels burned in air transport.

American "Thunderbirds" dazzle in the skies as traffic on the ground comes to a standstill

2009-10-10T22:47:00.001-07:00

       Nearly 100,000 people yesterday flocked to see an impressive aerial show by the US Air Force's Thunderbirds at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport, causing severe traffic jams in the area.
       After the opening ceremony presided by Royal Thai Air Force commander-in-chief, ACM Itthiporn Supawong, the famous until 3.15pm several flying and solo routines, including group-flying in a diamond formation.
       It was the third time that the Thunderbirds show was held in Thailand - the first one took place in 1987 and the second in 1994.
       Despite the hot afternoon, an estimated 100,000 people gathered to see the free show.
       As a result, there were severe traffic jams on the nearby Vibhavadi, Phaholyothin and Ram-Indra roads while many also camped on the nearby Don Mueang Tollway from 10am, thus causing traffic congestion on the elevated road.

Hard task for THAI boss

2009-10-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

       The board of Thai Airways International is giving its incoming president a formidable challenge -to regain the airline's position as one of the world's top carriers through a bold transformation.
       The tough assignment came after the technical hurdles that had delayed Piyasvasti Amranand's assumption of the post had been cleared, paving the way for him to take office on Oct 19.
       The mission follows the board's decision to embrace an apparently more aggressive strategy of refocusing the airline to target premium and businessclass passengers - a departure from its current industry positioning seen as
       appealing mostly to tourists.
       Dr Piyasvasti, a former energy minister, has been tasked by the board with lifting THAI into the top five global airlines - at least in terms of service quality and safety - over the next five years, THAI chairman Ampon Kittiampon said yesterday.
       THAI has plunged in the latest global passenger survey of airline quality standards, finishing last in the world's top 10 airlines in 2009, after taking fourth place last year in the Skytrax poll.
       The action plan under the five-year strategy, which the new president is to put together, will be based on customer demand.
       This approach will determine the network, inflight entertainment systems,the types of new aircraft, and the way THAI retrofits its jets.
       Other issues such as aircraft carbon emissions and fuel efficiency will also be covered in the new strategy as THAI will strive to reduce its fleet's age from 12 years to five or six years, similar to those of its key competitors, said the chairman.
       THAI has 88 aircraft, of which several,including Boeing 747-400s, have been in service for two decades.
       Corporate restructuring will be high on the national carrier's agenda for the new president.
       Two offshoots, a property fund company and a firm dealing with aircraft leasing, will be spun off to make THAI run more effectively.
       As part of its revamped strategy, THAI will support a greater role for Nok Airlines, the budget carrier in which THAI has a 39% stake, in domestic routes where the flag carrier operates at a loss.
       Dr Ampon said it was too early to say if Nok would be allowed to take over some international routes, especially regional ones, now operated by THAI.
       The formidable task comes in ex-change for the THAI board's acceptance of most of Dr Piyasvasti's conditions,including a paycheque of 900,000 baht a month, for taking on his mission without facing too much bureacracy.
       For instance, the new president is empowered to endorse procurement and business contracts worth 500 million baht, 10 times more than the current 50-million-baht limit.
       He can also change or appoint 40 vice-presidents, and have them report directly to him.
       Dr Ampon, also secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board, rejected suggestions that the board had bent too much to give Dr Piyasvasti excessive power.
       "In good management practice, we need to trust the management," the THAI chairman said.
       THAI shares closed yesterday on the SET at 24.10 baht, up one baht, in trade worth 424.8 million baht.

AirAsia boss blasts AoT fees as excessive

2009-10-07T21:55:00.001-07:00

       The lack of policies to attract budget tourists and to promote no-frills carriers is hampering the growth of Thailand's tourism, says Tony Fernandes, chief executive of AirAsia Group, Asia's largest low-cost carrier (LCC).
       Thai tourism has lost out to Asean neighbours Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines as a result, he added.
       "Thailand's tourism is the best in Asean, without a doubt, but don't think you can always get the tourists without working hard," he told the Bangkok Post .Mr Fernandes said negative factors such as political infighting did not necessarily drive foreign tourists away.
       Air Asia, he said, gave Thailand's tourism a shot in the arm after the blockade of Bangkok's two airports toward the end of last year by carrying many passengers to Thailand."People will fly if the price is right. People are not so scared of bombs," he added.
       The Malaysian executive singled out what he termed an excessive passenger service charge (PSC), or airport tax, by Airports of Thailand (AoT) as a major hindrance to tourism.
       "The 700-baht airport tax is just too high. That's almost half the airfare we charge in a lot of cases," he said."It's a shame that AoT is holding back the growth of Thai tourism."
       AoT's charge is among the highest in Asia, he said. He advocated slashing it for budget carriers to 250 baht, the price in Malaysia, to reduce costs for travellers.
       Malaysian airports increased overall
       passenger traffic to 26 million a year from 16 million after introducing an LCC strategy including a terminal dedicated to budget carriers, and reduced PSCs.
       He wants the Fernandes: High fees same measures in damage Thai tourism Thailand, especially because the fee is paid by passengers, not airlines.
       "They (AoT) said their earnings are going to be affected a lot. I don't think they are looking at the long term, from the country's perspective or their own bottom line," he said."It is a simple volume game. Do you want 1 million tourists by charging them 700 baht each,or do you want 10 million with a 250-baht charge? Similarly, AirAsia could charge 8,000 baht for a flight to Bangkok and have two flights a day. But why when we've got eight flights a day? We lowered the fares."
       AoT's argument that it reduced landing and parking fees for all airlines including LCCs contributes very little to the overall travel cost structure from the passengers'point of view, he said.
       With a low-cost government strategy,its Thai sister airline, Thai AirAsia, should be able to boost annual passenger volume to 25 million in the next seven years from 4-5 million expected this year.
       By then, Thai AirAsia should also have as many as 100 Airbus A320 jets in its fleet, up from 10 at the moment.

MITSUBISHI GETS ORDER FOR 100 JETS

2009-10-05T22:55:00.000-07:00

       An ambitious project to build Japan's first ever passenger jet received a huge boost, landing a 100-plane order worth up to US$4 billion (Bt133.7 billion) from a US regional airline.
       The state-backed Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) is expected to take to the skies in 2014, carrying Japan's hopes of developing a fullfledged civil aviation industry with it.
       Mitsubishi Heavy industries, the company developing the 70 to 90-seat airliner, announced that it had signed a letter of intent with US carrier Trans States for 50 firm orders and the same number of options.
       Mitsubishi declined to say how much the latest deal was worth, but the catalogue price of each jet is $40 million.
       It is the second order for MRJ, which aims to meet growing demand for fuel-efficient planes. The project officially got off the ground in 2008 after launch customer All Nippon Airways agreed to buy up to 25 of the jets, the first of which are scheduled to be delivered in early 2014.
       But it quickly flew into turbulence as the global economic downturn unleashed a severe slump in the aviation industry that forced many carriers, including Japan Airlines, to slash jobs and routes to keep flying.
       "This is a very proud moment for us," said Hideo Egawa, president of Mitsubishi's aircraft division.
       "The world has high expectations for the MRJ. This is especially true in the US", where airlines operate jets of up to 90 seats on many routes, Egawa said.
       The Mitsubishi jet project, which has financial backing from Toyota Motor, is competing with small aircraft produced by Canada's Bombardier and Brazil's Embraer, as well as jets designed by Russian and Chinese firms.
       "Making a decision of this size in this economic situation was difficult," said Richard Leach, president of Trans States Holdings.
       "But when these aircraft come into the market it's at a time when there's going to be a need in the US to replace aircraft. We want to be at the front of the line before there starts to be a feeding frenzy on wanting this technology."
       The group, based in Missori, operates Trans States Airlines and GoJet Airlines, and operates feeder services for United Airlines and US Airways. It has been a customer adviser for Mitsubishi since the past five years.
       The plane saves 20 to 30 per cent in fuel burn per hour compared with other jets in the same category, Mitsubishi officials said.
       Fuel costs are "very important", said Trans States' Leach.

Jetstar beefs up Sydney-Phuket leg

2009-10-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

       Jetstar Airways, the low-fare carrier that is part of Australia's Qantas, will add two more weekly flights between Sydney and Phuket starting in mid-December,raising its weekly frequency between the city pair to five.
       However, the additional flights are short-term only, from Dec 15 to Jan 29,to cater to the expected surge in travel demand during the peak holiday period.
       The new service will add an additional 1,200 seats weekly on the route, which will be operated by Jetstar's seventh A330-200, a wide-bodied jet with two classes:265 seats in economy and 38 seats in premium.
       Earlier, Jetstar Asia, the airline's Asian offshoot based in Singapore, announced that it will commence twice daily services from Singapore to Phuket, also from Dec 15, offering over 6,200 seats to and from Phuket each week.
       Jetstar chief executive Bruce Buchanan said Thailand's position as the second most popular Asian holiday destination for Australians had led the airline to provide incremental capacity in time for the popular holiday period.
       Thailand was the second most popular Asian destination for Australian travellers after Indonesia for the year ending June 2009, with more than 378,000 visitors over the 12-month period.
       Together with Jetstar's MelbourneBangkok services, the new Phuket services will bring its weekly connections between Australia and Thailand to eight.
       Mr Buchanan said the decision to redirect the capacity of Jetstar group to Thailand shows the confidence and commitment we have in this market as a vital member of our ever-expanding Asian network.
       Meanwhile, Jetstar will also strengthen its existing long haul services with additional weekly flights from Australia to Bali and Honolulu, primarily from its largest international hub in Sydney.
       From Dec 15 until Jan 29, Jetstar will increase its Sydney-Bali services from four times a week to daily.
       Its Melbourne-Bali frequency will grow to three times weekly, up from twice weekly service, while Sydney-Honolulu services will increase to five times weekly by adding an additional weekly flight.

JUMBO ACHIEVEMENT

2009-10-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

       While Dreamliner delays hog the headlines, the next generation of Boeing's iconic 747 is nearing completion on schedule. By Boonsong Kositchotethana in Everett, Washington
       Unlike its smaller sibling, the delayed B787"Dreamliner"jetliner, Boeing's new and enlarged B747 jumbo jet has moved to an advanced stage of development.
       All indications suggest the B747-8,the latest edition of the iconic aircraft that was first rolled out in 1968, will be airborne by the end of this year.
       Assembly of the first three jumbos,all in the freighter version, has progressed well with one aircraft more than 90%complete and the others 80% and 65%complete.
       Boeing plans to take the three planes to the skies in November and December for test flights that should revive the jet programme after its false starts and raise the aircraft's sales prospects, which have been slow.
       Boeing now aims to have the first jumbo cargo plane, known as the B747-8F, in commercial service in the third quarter of next year. The delivery of the first passenger version of B747-8 is scheduled in the second half of 2011.
       The B747-8 would "absolutely not"face delays like the highly anticipated long-haul 787, Elgin Anderson, regional director for product marketing at Boeing,said at a briefing.
       "This is a derivative plane. We knew how to build this and we have already built it," he said."The system is very much the same but upgraded."
       Delivery of Boeing's much-delayed 787 Dreamliner plane to its Japanese launch customer ANA has now been put off to late 2010, more than a year behind the original schedule. Boeing said the revised timetable reflected a previously announced need to reinforce an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft, as well as a few weeks for cutting flight test and certification risk.
       Boeing's largest ever aircraft has had a lukewarm response from airlines compared with the Airbus A380, a full-length double-deck aircraft now in service,which B747-8 has been pitching against.
       Despite of the B747-8's new features,Boeing has so far received orders for only 105 from 11 buyers, while the A380 superjumbo has secured 200 orders from 16 customers, including Thai Airways International.
       The bulk of orders for the new Boeing jumbo are for the B747-8F freighter version - which has 78 orders - while the passenger model has attracted only two buyers. Orders for the 747-8 freighter came from Cargolux, Nippon Cargo Airlines, AirBridgeCargo Airlines, Atlas Air, Cathay Pacific, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Emirates SkyCargo, Guggenheim and Korean Air.
       Germany's Lufthansa is the only airliner to book the B747-8- with an order for 20 units - while Boeing Business Jet, a 50:50 partnership between Boeing Commercial Airplanes and General Electric, has booked seven.
       While Dr Anderson is optimistic of more orders for the B747-8, he admits short-term prospects are poor, as airlines have cut capacity and stopped buying planes in the global aviation downturn.
       "I think once this plane is flying the industry will see how capable and valuable the B747-8 is," he said."If we could get one or two major airlines interested,the rest would follow."
       Boeing has been in talks with several airlines operating older versions of the B747 on replacing them with the newgeneration aircraft, he added.
       In its latest projection, the company expects airlines to need 740 new very large capacity aircraft with 400 or more seats between now and 2028, with a total value of US$220 billion.
       Boeing would not specify how many new jumbo jets it targets to sell in the next 19 years, but it said this market segment would be shared by the existing two flying giants - the A380 and B747-8.
       Industry analysts believe Boeing could sell about 400 of the new jumbos within 15 years or so.
       While the 747-8 is not an all-new aircraft, Boeing believes the new version is refreshed enough to attract some airlines tempted by the A380.
       In addition, some carriers could delay purchasing the European-made megajet because only a score of airports can handle its size, whereas most international airports are equipped for the 747.
       Boeing also sees fewer long-haul routes with dense traffic that would allow the A380 to operate economically.
       Both the B747-8 and B747-8F are 5.6 metres longer than the current 747-400.At 76.3 metres, they will be the longest commercial jets when they enter operation. The A380 is 73 metres long.
       The extra length provides 51 more seats and 26% more cargo space in the passenger version - compared with the B747-400 it is replacing - while the B747-8F has 16% more cargo volume than its predecessor.
       The B747-8 seats 467 passengers in three-class configuration, compared with 525 in the A380, while the B747-8 freighter can carry up to 134 tonnes and 858 cubic metres in terms of volume.
       The B747-8 has completely new wings with a raked tip design and new fuelefficient General Electric engines built around the same technology as the Dreamliner engines. It also has new composite materials, upgraded flight-deck avionics and a futuristic passenger cabin based on the 787 interior.
       Boeing said the new jumbo is 16%more fuel efficient, producing 16% fewer carbon emissions, and is 30% quieter than its predecessor.
       The passenger version can fly more than 14,815 kilometres non-stop while the freighter can cover 8,130 km.
       More than 1,400 B747s have entered service. The A380, on the other hand,made its first commercial flight on Oct 25,2007 from Singapore to Sydney with Singapore Airlines. There are now three A380 operators including Emirates and Qantas. The current price tag of a B747-8 is $300 million versus $327 million for the rival A380.

Bangkok Airways shrugs off alliance deal

2009-10-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

       Bangkok Airways has given the cold shoulder to an overture from Orient Thai Airlines and its budget carrier One-TwoGo to form an alliance to stay afloat.
       Bangkok Airways president Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said there were a lot of discrepancies between the two groups which make integration impossible.
       "Their business models, operating concepts, aircraft types and routes are totally different from ours," he told the Bangkok Post ."I don't think we will benefit from forming an alliance."
       He ruled out an idea of a merger,noting that the only possible form of cooperation for Bangkok Airways was some sort of limited joint marketing.
       The struggling Orient Thai and OneTwo-Go have sought wide-ranging cooperation with the regional airline such as joint flight operations and marketing.
       The group had wanted to take advantage of Bangkok Airways' financial strength, younger fleet and network to enable its two airlines to weather the aviation industry's severe downturn and
       fierce competition.
       But the two firms differ in various aspects. Bangkok Airways is a 40-year-old regional airline that brands itself as "Asia's boutique airline" catering mostly to interPuttipong: Too many national tourists,differences passengers looking for full services and young aircraft, on routes in this region.
       Orient Thai and One-Two-Go serve budget-conscious travellers who do not mind flying on old jets, mostly over 20 years in age, with sparse inflight offerings.
       Their management styles also differ.Bangkok Airways is controlled by the Prasarttong-Osoth family assisted by a group of local and international professionals.
       Orient Thai and One-Two-Go are basically run by their founder Udom Tantiprasongchai.
       Orient Thai operates only one route - Bangkok-Hong Kong - on a scheduled daily basis - and charter services.
       Its budget affiliate, One-Two-Go, is still reeling from its poor image since one of its MD-82 jetliners crashed on Sept 16,2007 at Phuket airport, leaving 89 dead and 41 injured.
       It was blacklisted by the European Union following the crash for poor safety records. But in July this year, the airline was removed from the blacklist.
       One-Two-Go has recently undergone a downsizing, laying off 400 staff and asked the remaining 600 staff to take leave without pay or cut their working days. Most of the employees have reportedly seen a 25% pay cut.
       The airline has also halved daily flights to 14, suspending services from Don Mueang airport in Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani, and grounding aircraft.

No rest for security weary

2009-09-30T21:05:00.000-07:00

       Like millions of other men, women and children who each day pass through the dizzying maze called the airport passenger screening system, Jim Adams, an executive at a natural gas company in Dallas,has gotten the drill down pat: taking off his shoes, stripping himself of jacket, belt, watch, cell phone and loose change, making sure his 3.4-ounce tubes of toothpaste and shaving gel are safely sealed in a quart-size plastic bag, unpacking his laptop, discarding that half-finished bottle of water all while glancing nervously at the clock, wondering if he is going to miss his flight.
       But several weeks ago, in the USA a new step was added to that routine:trying to prove to suddenly skeptical security agents that he actually was the person his boarding pass and photo ID said he was.
       A rule that is being phased in this year requires that the names on IDs and tickets match perfectly; it's not permissible to have an ID that reads "John Smith," your legal name, and a ticket as "Jack Smith," the name you use in everyday life.
       Adams,63, says he has routinely had to wait 30 minutes or more for a Transportation Security Administration official to check his ID and enter his name in a logbook. It's happened more than a dozen times, and he has never been told exactly why he is being singled out.
       "In the early days it was anything sharp or pointed," he said."Now it's gotten really personal. It's me. It's not my fingernail clippers or pen knife."
       Adams said, however, that he was able to avoid additional security screening and subsequent delays on two flights this month for which he used his full name, James L. Adams Jr. He said he still hadn't received a response from the Transportation Security Administration about his problems on earlier flights.
       Even for people who pass through security with less difficulty than Adams, the airport security system has made flying increasingly miserable in the eight years since 9/11. Many of the measures instituted the last few years, like the limitations on liquids and the requirement that you take off your shoes, were almost knee-jerk reactions to specific scares and were left in place as a matter of course.
       As rule upon rule has been added, passengers have learned to cope with the long lines, bag checks, physical pat-downs and carry-on restrictions that border on the absurd. But now there is a fresh opportunity for change.This month, the White House said that President Barack Obama planned to nominate Erroll Southers, a former FBI special agent, to head up the Transportation Security Administration, which has been without a permanent head for eight months.
       Southers, who is now the assistant chief for Homeland Security at the agency that operates Los Angeles International and several other airports in that region, will, if approved, face the formidable challenge of balancing the yin and yang of airport security - passenger convenience and safety.
       Of course, if we look back at the state of security before 9/11, it's clear that we have made progress. People without a ticket can no longer waltz through the airport and up to the gate. Technology, including explosivedetection devices, has gotten better and is more consistently applied to checked and carry-on bags alike. Passengers are more consistently screened by a more stable security work force with less employment turnover. And at times, even the lines seem to be moving a hair faster.
       A case could also be made that because there have been no successful attacks against a US commercial flight since 9/11, the system is indeed working. But inconsistencies, contradictory rules and flat out screening failures continue to provoke skepticism among passengers and security experts alike.
       "My wife was recently shocked to discover that she had accidentally taken a large pair of scissors in her knitting bag on a recent trip, and they were not discovered in either the outgoing or returning trips," said Walt Ciciora, an electrical engineer from Southport, Conn."That concerned us."
       Echoing the opinions of many security experts interviewed, Andrew Thomas, editor in chief of the Journal of Transportation Security , said that since 9/11 two things have made aviation safer: reinforced cockpit doors and the conviction of passengers to bring down terrorists, as evidenced by the action taken on United Flight 93."Any substantive measures put in place by TSA since 9/11 are effectively window dressing and have done little to reduce the overall risk to the system," he said in an email message.
       "I think we do a lot of things that are foolish and silly," he said in a separate telephone conservation,"and there doesn't seem to be a mechanism in place to pull back and evaluate what's working and what's not."
       The Transportation Security Administration disagrees."We are constantly looking at the risks that we see and the procedures we have in place and ensuring the resources we have available to us," said the acting administrator, Gale Rossides."The dollars we are investing, the people we're employing, are focused on the highest priorities."
       And there are multiple layers of security in place so that if one area fails and, say, someone sneaks a knife onboard a plane, there are also locked cockpit doors to thwart hijackers.
       Each week, as evidence that it is getting the job done, the agency posts on its web site (www.tsa.gov) a tally of passenger arrests and banned items,including firearms, found at checkpoints. For the week beginning Sept 7,for example,11 passengers were arrested "after investigations of suspicious behavior or fraudulent travel documents,"40 firearms were found at checkpoints, six "artfully concealed prohibited items" were discovered,and there were 30 incidents that involved a "checkpoint closure, terminal evacuation or sterile area breach."
       "It would be terrific," Rossides said, if passengers could one day walk through a checkpoint without having to open their bags or take off their shoes and jackets. But she made it clear that those wishes were hers and not necessarily on the government's agenda.
       "That's my vision," she said,"not TSA's or DHS' vision, but my vision - where the industry can create the kind of technology where it is much easier on the traveller and still provides TSA with the detection capability.The innovation in the labs and the industry will get us there."
       Removing any of the security measures, even the most criticised and ineffective, would be a risky political decision for the Obama administration,opening up the White House to second-guessing. Undoing a long-established rule will inevitably provoke skepticism about the reasoning behind the decision. Therefore, if any of the procedures are to be changed, they must be proved to be ineffective or replaced and improved - not merely eliminated.
       All this takes time and testing, whether it is to demonstrate what little gains in safety come from collecting lip gloss and moisturisers at checkpoints or to develop technologies that make screening safer and more efficient.That means passengers are likely to be stuck with the current airport screening process for several years.
       If the increasingly cumbersome screening process has proved anything,however, it's that travellers are a highly adaptable species. And when the facts show that the benefits of a particular security method outweigh the privacy issues, many are willing accept it.
       "I equate this to E-ZPass for vehicles," said Chris Grniet, a vice president at the Kroll Security Group."Everyone said this will be an invasion of privacy," and certain people still will not do it, he said. But those who embraced the system no longer have to slow down for tolls.
       Another factor that cannot be ignored is that passenger numbers and,consequently, security checkpoint volume are down because of the economy.But as a recovery and passenger traffic pick up, the system will be under enormous pressure. Lines will grow, waiting times will rise, and screeners will face added pressure to speed things along.

New airline to take off late this month

2009-09-30T21:04:00.001-07:00

       The first new Thai startup airline in many years, known as Happy Airways, is poised for take-off late this month, defying the aviation industry downturn and a slump in air travel.
       The Phuket-based carrier will start scheduled daily flights between the resort island and Hat Yai on Oct 26, followed by daily services between Phuket and Langkawi, and Hat Yai and Langkawi on Oct 29.
       The new airline is operated by Happy Air Travellers, a firm owned by an unnamed Phuket-based Thai entrepreneur,who saw the opportunities to tap the short-haul service demand through the Thai southern resort island.
       The airline will be the first Thai carrier to really take to the skies in several years,ahead of Krabi Airline, which has been repeatedly delayed with flights originally scheduled to start on Nov 1,2007.
       Krabi Air last indicated that it would start flying to Oslo and Munich using a Boeing 767-300ER from the southern province of Krabi in June this year, but according to its website the inaugural flight "is postponed until further notice".
       Happy Airways has leased two Saab 340A turboprop aircraft, each capable of carrying 34 passengers, from a Swedish aircraft leasing company to operate on its routes. But the airline will shortly take delivery of the first Swedish-made plane as its capacity is sufficient to accommodate the initial operation.
       The second aircraft is expected to arrive in the first quarter of next year.
       Its first route, Phuket-Hat Yai, will reestablish the missing direct air link between the city-pair last left by Nok Airlines, the budget carrier affiliated with Thai Airways International.
       Nok Air suspended the Hat Yai-Phuket service in November 2007 after finding there were not enough passengers to continue the service which began on June 6 using a 150-seat Boeing 737-400 jet.
       But Happy Airways is upbeat about the viability of the route in view that its smaller aircraft offers capacity that matches the actual demand.
       "Our studies show that about 40-60 people would fly the route which correspond to our Saab 340A's capacity,"said Phatcharapon Sontipun, sales and marketing manager at Happy Airways.
       "Even if we could only carry 20 passengers per flight, we should be able to cover costs and sustain the operation."
       Most of the passengers on PhuketHat Yai would be businessmen, medical professionals and academics, with tourists forming the minority, he said.
       The service provides a better travel alternative than road which takes about seven hours, he added.
       Its two other routes - Phuket and Hat Yai to the Malaysian island of Langkawi - offer tourist traffic potential and foreigners on visa runs.
       The one-way all-inclusive fare for Phuket-Hat Yai is 2,300 baht and the flight time is about one hour. The airline will charge 3,500 baht for a one-way trip from Phuket to Langkawi while the Hat Yai-Langkawi fare will cost 2,100 baht.
       The Phuket-Langkawi flight is expected to be particularly accommodating for Phuket's foreign residents as they will now be able to do visa runs and get back to Phuket within a few hours.
       Happy plans to spread its wings by using Phuket as its hub and is looking to open a new route to Medan, Indonesia.

Pilots call off strike

2009-09-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

       Pilots at the ailing staterun carrier Air India yesterday called off a strike over wage cuts in its fifth day,saying they had won government assurances that their salaries would be protected.
       The airline said it was again taking bookings, having suspended reservations earlier in the week, and that its flights would return to normal later in the day.
       Air India, which lost a billion dollars in the past financial year, has cancelled about 250 flights since pilots began calling in sick on Saturday to protest against 25-50% cuts in incentive pay.
       Senior pilots' representative V.K.Bhalla told reporters in New Delhi the stoppage was "immediately and absolutely called off" and that they would return to work at once.
       "We've all been given commitments that there will be no reduction of salaries,"Bhalla said."We're in complete cooperation with the management."
       Air India spokesman Jitender Bhargava said international flights were likely to resume in the evening, with domestic flights back to normal by this (Thursday)morning.
       The pilots' announcement came after Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said no changes would be made to bonus wages without prior consultation with employees.
       Air India employs more than 31,000 people and productivity-linked incentives make up the bulk of its payroll expenses.

AirAsia picks Amadeus for sales through agents

2009-09-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

       AirAsia has decided that selling tickets exclusively through its own online system,rather than through a global distribution system (GDS) like a full-service airline,may not be enough for future growth.
       Asia's largest no-frills carrier group has now embraced the booking system of Amadeus - a leading GDS player headquartered in Madrid - which will enable the airline to reach new customers via travel agencies.
       The ground-breaking partnership means Amadeus-subscribing travel agencies, which number more than 102,200,can now book flights on the AirAsia group - including sister airlines Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia and long-haul affiliate AirAsia X - just as they would for a legacy carrier.
       AirAsia is the first low-cost carrier in the Asia-Pacific to get Amadeus's "ticketless access solution"(TAS).
       TAS was first launched in Europe with easyJet, one of the region's leading lowcost carriers, and was then implemented with Dutch no-frills carrier Transavia and its sister airline, Transavia France.
       David Brett, president for Amadeus Asia-Pacific based in Bangkok, said AirAsia had been successful in growing through online sales. But the airline now recognises it can increase its growth even further by reaching out to new customers through travel agencies.
       This is particularly important for AirAsia as it is expanding globally with its long-haul AirAsia X and needs a broader base of international customers, he said.
       Mr Brett added that the partnership with AirAsia is also timely as more and more corporate travellers are exploring lower-cost flight options.
       "Typically, travellers who book via travel agents represent a higher yield for the airline on each ticket sale, so there is strong potential for AirAsia to increase their revenues," the British executive told the Bangkok Post .Amadeus's booking system now displays AirAsia's real-time flight content - up to the last seat available - alongside that of other airlines when travel agents search for flights. This eliminates the time previously required to search through other screens, helping agents provide superior customer service.
       For the first time, AirAsia can now reach out to travellers - including those in the corporate travel sector - who prefer to book through a travel agency.
       Founded in 2001, AirAsia flies more than 130 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations, with about 400 flights daily from hubs in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
       Mr Brett said Amadeus expected interest from other budget carriers in AsiaPacific and globally.

Air traffic demand improving-IATA

2009-09-30T20:59:00.001-07:00

       The airline industry is struggling to return to profit despite more signs of a revival in air travel in August,the International Air Transport Association said yesterday.
       Passenger demand fell by 1.1% last month on a 12-month comparison,marking an improvement in international air travel compared to the 2.9% fall recorded in July and a steeper drop in previous months, latest data from IATA showed.
       Average passenger loads on aircraft also improved by 1.2% to 80.9%, but fares remained about a one-fifth below levels recorded a year earlier and aircraft were being used less as routes were cut,the data showed.
       "Demand continues to improve, but profitability remains ever distant," said IATA director general Giovanni Bisignani.
       "Fares have stabilised, but at profitless levels. Meanwhile cost pressures are mounting from reduced aircraft utilisation and rising oil prices. The industry is not out of the woods yet," he said.
       Demand for air freight freight fell by 9.6% in August, also marking an improvement compared to the 11.3% drop recorded in July, IATA said.
       IATA groups 230 airlines that cover 93% of scheduled international air traffic,but it does not include many of the major budget airlines.

Minister says JAL won't be liquidated

2009-09-27T19:21:00.001-07:00

       Japans transport minister said yesterday he will not force the struggling Japan Airlines, Asias biggest airline, into bankruptcy.
       We will not crush and liquidate (the airline), Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Seiji Maehara said on a TV Asahi talk show.Its just impossible.
       A team of government-appointed corporate turnaround experts was set up on Friday to create a restructuring plan for the airline, whose own draft reconstruction plan Mr Maehara called insufficient.
       The team will make a recommendation to the transport minister by late October or early November.
       Officials from the airline and the transport ministry were not available for comment Sunday.
       The airline incurred its biggest-ever quarterly net loss of 99 billion yen ($1 billion) in the three months to June,and has forecast a net loss of 63 billion yen ($701 million) for the current fiscal year to March 2010. JAL was privatised in 1987.
       JAL has sought public funds for survival. Its request for taxpayer money came months after it received 60 billion yen ($668 million) in loans from the government-owned Development Bank of Japan in June.
       In his meeting Thursday with the transport minister, JAL president Haruka Nishimatsu revealed that the airline is short 450 billion yen ($5 billion) through March 2011, money that is needed for debt repayment, according to media reports. Mr Nishimatsu reportedly told Maehara that JAL was planning to cover part of the payment by selling off its inflight meal catering unit and reviewing company pension plans.
       JALs original restructuring scheme also included 6,800 job cuts, or around 14% of its workers.
       The airline has reportedly been in talks on financial tie-ups with several top airlines including Delta Air Lines Inc, its rival American Airlines Inc and Air France-KLM.

World-class status continues to elude airport

2009-09-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

       Suvarnabhumi airport is plagued by problems three years after it opened,making a mockery of claims it could soon be one of the world's top 10 airports.
       The airport, which opened commercially on Sept 28,2006, ran into problems even before construction began.
       Successive governments flip-flopped on where the airport would go before a location was finally agreed upon: a 215,000-rai area in Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan. The construction cost was set at 120 billion baht.
       In its first few days, Bangkok residents flocked to see the world's largest single terminal airport.
       However, the bustling atmosphere soon gave way to chaos as the ticketing system and luggage-checking equipment malfunctioned.
       As problems mounted at Suvarnabhumi, many passengers wished the ageing Don Mueang airport, which it replaced, was still in action.
       The number of toilets was inadequate to serve the number of passengers. Direction signs were unclear, causing confusion. Up to 400 holes in the roof had to be plugged against leaks.
       The most serious problem was probably the small cracks which opened on taxiways and parts of some runways.
       Worries over safety forced the then Surayud Chulanont government to tell budget airlines to return temporarily to Don Mueang airport to reduce congestion at the new airport and clear the way for repairs.
       Airports of Thailand president Serirat Prasutanond insists on the safety of the taxiways and runways, arguing the cracks occurred only at the surface level.
       The whole structure was strong and met acceptable standards required to serve more than 800 flights a day, he said.
       In fact, what disturbs Mr Serirat and AoT executives more often are complaints from passengers about services inside the terminal. Passengers have complained to the AoT that their belongings have been stolen.
       AoT board chairman Piyapan Champasut asked police to crack down on the thieves.
       A gang backed by airport security officials was arrested as a result.
       However, despite more frequent patrols by the police, the AoT has failed to weed out the illegal taxis and tour guides. For three years, their numbers have grown, with up to 40 gangs at one point colluding with airport staff to cheat passengers.
       The AoT has transferred the staff responsible for supervising taxi and tourism services at the airport, which has provided a partial solution.
       Mr Serirat said the AoT had done its best to tackle the problems at the airport.He was still confident Suvarnabhumi could reach its goal of becoming one of the world's best airports.
       "Today we can say the Suvarnabhumi airport is in the heart of tourists worldwide," he said.
       He hopes the airport can make it on to the top 10 list in another one or two years starting from today, its third anniversary.
       The 10 best airports as rated by Skytrax this year are Incheon in South Korea,Hong Kong, Singapore, Zurich, Munich,Kansai in Japan, Kuala Lumpur, Amsterdam, Nagoya and Auckland.
       Skytrax, which reviews airports and airlines, gave Suvarnabhumi three out of five stars, according to its website.

Residents threaten to occupy terminal

2009-09-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

       People living near Suvarnabhumi airport are threatening to occupy the passenger terminal if the compensation they were promised by the Airports of Thailand does not arrive soon.
       Residents of the Rom Ruedee and Saranwong housing estates in Rom Klao yesterday tied balloons and hung banners outside their homes in protest at delays by the AoT to pay the compensation.
       Suvarnabhumi International Airport marks the third anniversary of its opening today.
       Wanchart Manathammasombat,50,who heads the Saranwong housing estate, said residents were renewing their calls for the AoT and the government to provide help after past efforts had failed to relieve their troubles.
       "We want the world to know that the AoT, which runs Suvarnabhumi airport,works without good governance," Mr Wanchart said.
       "Three years have passed, but it has helped less than 5% of the 15,000 affected families."
       Mr Wanchart said the AoT suspended paying compensation to residents after the Samut Prakan court ruled it did not have to compensate anyone who had sued it. The airport is in Samut Prakan province.
       "AoT chooses to use a ruling in its favour to avoid its social responsibility even though, according to an environ-mental impact assessment study, the AoT must compensate those living with NEF [noise exposure forecast] levels of over 40, and between 30 and 40, as many residents do," he said.
       Mr Wanchart also cited a cabinet resolution of May 29, 1997, which required the AoT to help residents. The Supreme Administrative Court backed the resolution. Residents are affected by aircraft noise, dust and fuel vapour.Many suffer from insomnia.
       Doctors from Chulalongkorn Hospital found that 80% of people in Rom Ruedee housing estate who live under the aircraft flight path, and noise contours of over 40 NEF, had developed hearing difficulties, Mr Wanchart said.
       Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban had promised to solve residents'problems within two months of taking office, but nine months had now passed.
       Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was the Asean chairman on human rights but was unable to protect the rights of people around the airport, he said.
       Residents wrote to the prime minister last month. If the government continued to ignore them, they would break into the passenger terminal.
       Pranee Chokloi, a 38-year-old resident, said her 11-year-old son now wore a hearing aid after developing hearing problems from exposure to aircraft noise.
       Amornret Moeinoratha,48, said she could not afford to move and now rented another house elsewhere for her parents,who suffered from hypertension and insomnia developed from living near the airport.

Airlines pledge carbon-neutral growth by 2020

2009-09-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

       The aviation industry has a good track record in the battle against climate change, but it has been poor at telling the story to a wider audience, thus subjecting itself to constant criticism.
       In fact, the industry has shown that it is perhaps more committed and proactive than other economic sectors in reducing carbon emissions on a global scale.
       The adoption of carbon-neutral growth by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on June 7 in Kuala Lumpur highlighted the industry's eagerness to curb emissions, executives say.
       The industry established a comprehensive and ambitious framework to lower its 2% share of global manmade CO
       2emissions. The landmark agreement aims for aviation's net CO
       2 emissions to stop growing by 2020,even as demand for air transport continues to grow.
       The carbon-neutral growth pledge encompasses a set of three sequential goals for air transport: a 1.5% average annual improvement in fuel efficiency from 2009 to 2020; carbon-neutral growth from 2020; and a 50% absolute reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.
       Airlines are the first industry to make such a bold commitment at the global level, setting an example for other sectors such as power generation and land transport.
       An October 2006 report by Sir Nicholas Stern stated that the largest contributor to human-induced CO
       2is power generation (24%), mostly coaland gas-fired plants.
       Next is land use change at 18%,then agriculture, industry and transport at 14% each (aviation is part of trans-port). Buildings (8%), other energyrelated activities (5%) and waste (3%)make up the rest.
       But IATA pointed out that the airline industry cannot achieve this ambitious target alone and needs a concerted global effort to eventually reach a zeroemission future.
       Crucial to the ambitious goal is a four-pillar strategy set out by IATA that includes improved technology,effective operations, efficient infrastructure and positive economic measures.
       The airlines' commitment needs to be matched by governments, the association added. The International Civil Aviation Organisation, the UN's aviation agency, must set binding carbon emission standards on manufacturers of new aircraft. A legal and fiscal framework to support the availability of sustainable biofuels must be established.And governments must work with air navigation service providers to push forward major infrastructure projects such as a Single European Sky, NextGen in the US or fixing the Pearl River Delta in China.
       The industry set a target of increasing biofuel use to 10% of all consumption by 2017. Biofuels, according to IATA,have the potential to reduce the industry's footprint by up to 80%.
       Biofuels currently being tested are drop-in fuels that can be used in current engines and can be mixed with traditional jet fuel. If certification occurs in 2010 or 2011 and production is ramped up, this ambitious target can be realised.
       The introduction of new fuelefficient aircraft such as the Airbus A380 megajet and Boeing 787"Dreamliner" can make airlines 20-25% more fuel-efficient.

ASC hits back at claims its case was a debacle

2009-09-24T20:17:00.000-07:00

       The disbanded Assets Scrutiny Committee is defending its handling of the rubber sapling investigation after coming under fire from the prosecution for bungling the case.
       Former ASC member Sak Korsaengruang yesterday told a news conference there was apparently a campaign under way to discredit the ASC's work.
       The news conference was held after former ASC members met to discuss the Office of the Attorney-General's verbal onslaught after the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Monday cleared all the defendants of corruption and malfeasance charges levelled against them.
       OAG spokesman Thanapit Moonlapruek accused the ASC of bungling the investigation, saying the agency had rushed its decision to send the case to court despite the public prosecution's advice that the allegations against the 44 defendants lacked supporting evidence.
       Mr Sak said the campaign seemed to begin after the ASC's ruling on the allegedly shady procurement of CTX bomb scanners for Suvarnabhumi airport.
       "The ASC did its job for the public good and faced several lawsuits in the process. Now, justice officials are rubbing it in," he said.
       "So we have to watch out for a campaign to undermine the ASC's work which seemed to have started after the ruling on the CTX case."
       The ASC, headed by Nam Yimyaem,implicated Attorney-General Chaikasem Netisiri, a former member of the Airports of Thailand board, in alleged irregularities in the procurement of the bomb detectors at Suvarnabhumi.
       Differences of opinion have since emerged, forcing the ASC to take certain cases, including the 2003 two- and threedigit lottery case, to court itself rather than go through the prosecution.
       Mr Sak said it was unfair of the OAG to criticise the ASC after the acquittal of defendants in the sapling case.
       "Has the OAG never lost a single case? And in this case a senior justice official testified as a defence witness that the case was politically motivated,"he said.
       Former ASC member Kaewsun Ati-bhodhi said the OAG's comments were inappropriate and could influence other pending corruption cases.
       However, he said the ASC respected the Supreme Court's verdict.
       Meanwhile, deputy agriculture minister Supachai Phosu said he would propose a scheme to promote the farming of 3 million rai of rubber worth 16 billion baht following the verdict.
       He said he would ask for a budget from the Thai Kem Kaeng "Thailand:Investing from Strength to Strength"project to subsidise the scheme.
       "It will be beneficial to farmers in the long run," he said."If the agriculture minister agrees to this, we can use the rubber sapling case as a lesson and make sure the project is transparent."
       In another development, the Commission of the Office of the AttorneyGeneral has named Atthapol Yaisawang,inspector to the office, as deputy attorney-general.
       Mr Thanapit, the OAG spokesman who doubles as the head of the Economic Crime Litigation Department, has been made director-general of the Special Cases Department.

Man charged in B50m scam

2009-09-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

       A man has been charged with operating a pyramid investment scheme that attracted more than a thousand investors and 50 million baht in funds.
       Natthachai Machi,41, is also believed to have masterminded several other scams including opening a fraudulent flight attendant training operation, but he has denied all allegations.
       Crime Suppression Division police have taken Mr Natthachai into custody after two warrants were issued for his arrest.
       CSD deputy chief Suphisan Phakdinoranat said Mr Natthachai and his accomplices had operated a company to lure investors to invest in a fraudulent oil investment scheme.
       His victims were led to believe their investments of 250,000 baht would lead to a quick profit of 300,000 baht.
       But the investors lost at least 50 million baht between them in the investment scam, Pol Col Suphisan said.
       Other suspects who have not been arrested include Thanaphon Chotisaen,Anan Nuthae, Kritaphat Trakulsomsiri and Thatsaphorn Kaosaiyanan.
       Pol Col Suphisan said Mr Natthachai had also opened Universe Airline Co to deceive customers who wanted to become flight attendants.
       He said Mr Natthachai shut down the company abruptly after receiving money from people who had signed up for training. He also did not pay the company staff their wages.
       The employees filed a complaint with police which led to Mr Natthachai's arrest.
       Mr Natthachai is thought to have opened several other firms to deceive investors into investing in various types of fraudulent schemes.

AOT MULLS TERMS FOR LUGGAGE CART DEAL

2009-09-24T20:14:00.001-07:00

       Airports of Thailand's board will today consider the terms of reference for the new baggage cart concession at Suvarnabhumi Airport as well as a special bidding process aimed at major international companies.
       AOT president Serirat Prasutanond said yesterday that under the proposed procedures, AOT would choose one company to procure and manage 9,034 luggage trolleys using the special method of inviting at least three experienced firms to submit proposals.
       The basic requirements call for trolleys to be purchased from the top three global brands and be made of lightweight aluminium, unlike the old ones at Suvarnabhumi.
       The bid process is expected to take one month and the winner is expected to start delivering the trolleys to AOT next January.
       The key selection factors will be the best management plan and the most reasonable fee.
       AOT has decided that the trolley management fee must not be more than what it had paid to Thai Airport Ground Services (Tags), the previous concession holder, but the management quality must be better than TAGS.
       TAGS' concession stipulated a total management fee of Bt532.86 million over its seven-year term.
       AOT is rushing to seek a new trolley firm following its recent termination of the TAGS contract.
       An AOT source said that among the top three global trolley brands are Wanzal and Expresso.
       The source said King Power is expected to join the bidding as it has already bagged the deal from AOT to manage advertising on the carts.

House seeks AOT, King Power probe

2009-09-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

       The House committee on finance, fiscal and banking will today file a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) over Airports of Thailand's charges for extra space used at Suvarnabhumi Airport by King Power International.

       Surapong Tovichakchaikul, a Puea Thai Party MP and chairman of the committee, said the petition was against the ministers of finance and transport, as well as government officials, for negligence and loss to the state.
       The chairman said the action followed testimony on the charges from directors of Airports of Thailand, the finance minister, the permanent secretary of finance and NACC officials.
       "The concession for the duty-free area, signed between AOT and King Power in 2005, demands King Power to pay Bt1.2 billion per annum. However, the company's duty free area was 6,820 square metres above the space specified in the concession. However, King Power was charged [an additional] Bt990 million, when the damage is as high as Bt6.49 billion," Surapong said.
       Meanwhile, regarding the commercial-space concession, King Power was also found to have controlled 25,820 square metres, when the specified area was only 20,000 square metres. For the extra space, it paid Bt414 million, against an actual cost of Bt1.56 billion, Surachai said.
       The AOT board will convene at its monthly meeting today.
       AOT president Serirat Prasutanond said yesterday that the board would be informed of the progress on the extra charges on King Power's excess commercial area, which could be valued at Bt300 million-Bt400 million.
       He said this was for the extra space used until December 2008.

Seven arrested for luggage theft

2009-09-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

       Security has been tightened in the luggage sorting area at Suvarnabhumi airport following the arrest of five employees and two security guards who have been accused of stealing more than 100 valuable items from passenger bags.
       Torsak Ningsanont, deputy director of Suvarnabhumi airport, said security has been increased in the area to curb luggage thefts.
       Airport authorities had asked officers at the Police Region 1 Bureau and Rachathewa police to investigate the thefts following numerous complaints. This led to the arrest of the seven on Sunday.
       The five employees taken into custody were identified as Ruangwut Aromyen,27, Khanit Nikatanond,25, Nithat Jaemsri, 28, Thongchai Banyaem, 29, and Kraisorn Sirichom,25.
       The two arrested security guards were Weerasak Kaewpa,31, of Chubb Aviation Security Co and Arthit Janthasen,35, of MPA Securitrust Co.
       They are believed to have worked as a team.
       More than 100 stolen items were seized from their houses. Among the items were 37 mobile phones, cameras, watches,notebook computers, gold bracelets and necklaces and banknotes.

Pratt & Whitney to cut 1,000 US jobs

2009-09-23T21:31:00.001-07:00

       The jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney said on Monday that it would eliminate 1,000 jobs in Connecticut by 2011, transferring engine repair work to the southeastern state of Georgia and Asia in a cost-cutting move.
       The subsidiary of United Technologies Corp will shut its Cheshire, Connecticut,plant by early 2011 and shift some operations from its East Hartford facility beginning in the second quarter of next year. Work will be moved to Columbus,Georgia, Singapore and Japan.
       The only way that we can keep highquality jobs in Connecticut is to remain competitive, react to dynamic market conditions and position the company for long-term success, it said.
       Pratt & Whitney, which is suffering from declines in airline demand, employs 35,000 workers worldwide, with 11,000 in Connecticut. A spokesman said the net loss of jobs companywide was unclear as work is moved out of the state, pri-marily to cut labour costs.
       In deciding to terminate the jobs in Connecticut, Pratt & Whitney rejected an offer that the Machinists union valued at more than $80 million in wage and other concessions and a state plan proposing $100 million in economic assistance over five years.
       The company said the two proposals failed to come up with $53.8 million needed in annual and recurring savings to avoid shutting the two operations.

RAIL-LINK LAUNCH NOT DELAYED BY PHEU THAI COMPLAINTS, SAYS SRT

2009-09-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

       The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is insisting the launch of the airport-link service will not be delayed by the opposition Pheu Thai Party's complaints about the premier and the interior minister allowing conflicts of interest in the project.
       Suphoth Sublom, an SRT board director, said yesterday the project had made a lot of progress and the civil construction work was complete. The SRT is expected to officially start testing the system on December 5, which will run for three months. The service will be officially launched in April.
       On Monday, a Pheu Thai MP filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission saying that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul had allowed conflicts of interest in the project because Chaovarat's family members held shares in a construction company.
       Pheu Thai's Lamphun MP Sanguan Pongmanee and the party's spokesman Prompong Nopparit claimed that Chaovarat's wife and children held shares in Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, which won the Bt408-million project contract for adding more trimmings to the rail link. The Cabinet had approved the budget on March 10.
       Chaovarat, also leader of Bhum Jai Thai Party, argued he had already declared his assets and has had nothing to do with the company for a long time now.
       Moreover, he said, since Sino-Thai was a public company, anybody could buy its shares and as his children were all adults, they could do what they wanted with their money.
       On March 10, the Cabinet approved the Transport Ministry's request for an additional Bt115 million to hire a consultant to supervise the construction of elevated paths linking the Phya Thai Skytrain station and the Petchaburi subway station to the airport-rail link at Makkasan. This is part of the connection between airport-rail link and the SRT transportation system in the city.
       It also approved Bt11 million and Bt87 million for the construction of the paths from Phya Thai station and Petchaburi subway station respectively.
       The government will cover the cost of the construction, which should be completed in 15 months.
       The Cabinet also approved the expenditure of Bt195 million for the services of an independent safety and system certification engineer for three years. The government will be responsible for this cost as well.
       The Cabinet has acknowledged the relocation of public facilities near the airport-rail link, which would cost Bt140 million. The Metropolitan Water Works Authority and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority each will be responsible for relocation costs of Bt83 million and Bt57 million, respectively.

Air traffic has bottomed out, says AoT

2009-09-23T21:28:00.001-07:00

       The downturn in air traffic through Thailand's main airports, including Suvarnabhumi Airport, shows signs of having bottomed out, with August's figures tipping into the black for the first time in eight months.
       Passenger traffic last month edged up by 2.44% over the same month last year to 4.62 million, while flight movements rose by 5.4% to 30,638, according to statistics from the Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT).
       Air cargo throughput also showed signs of improvement, contracting by 9.36% in August to 99,572 tonnes, compared to -16.52% in July.
       The growth in August signalled the beginning of a slow recovery for pas-senger traffic, which has plunged since last year's Bangkok airport blockade,prolonged domestic political unrest,global recession and the H1N1 flu outbreak, said an aviation industry analyst.
       Last month's figures showed an improvement over July, which recorded the smallest contraction for seven months, indicating the traffic slump might have bottomed out.
       August's passenger growth was driven by a 16.1% increase in domestic volume to 1.86 million, though international passenger traffic remained negative at -5.11%, or 2.75 million.
       Domestic flight growth followed the same pattern, up by 20.33% in August to 13,986 flights, while international flights fell by 4.55% to 16,652 flights.
       Both international and domestic cargo remained in the doldrums, contracting by 9.64% to 92,054 tonnes and 5.84% to 7,518 tonnes, respectively.
       Passengers for the first eight months were 12.55% fewer than the same period last year at 34.53 million. Combined aircraft movements fell 10.31% to 236,280 while cargo tonnage plunged by 23.66%to 697,154 tonnes.
       But aviation analysts are cautiously optimistic about the industry's outlook for the rest of the year, assuming there are no more political upheavals.
       The last quarter's high season and an improving global economy should boost flight and passenger volumes.
       AoT's best-case figures put 2009's total passenger traffic at last year's level of 54.04 million, with the negative forecast predicting a 10% decline from 2008.

AirAsia goes inter from Phuket

2009-09-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

       Thai AirAsia is opening a second base in Phuket for international services at a time when much of the aviation industry remains in the doldrums and some airlines are making cutbacks.
       As part of an aggressive growth strategy the no-frills carrier has firmed up plans to link the southern resort island with four major regional cities from November.
       The airline now has a single international service to and from PhuketSingapore, and flights to Bangkok.
       Thai AirAsia will introduce daily flights from Phuket to Jakarta and to Hong Kong from about mid-November. Daily services to Ho Chi Minh City and Medan will start a month later, said chief executive Tassapon Bijleveld.
       The airline will station two A320 jetliners, each capable of carrying 180 passengers, at Phuket International Airport and will set up a crew centre and an aircraft maintenance support base there.Plans are under way for the airline to set up a third Thai hub in Chiang Mai next year to tap alternative traffic opportunities to its Bangkok base.
       Phuket offers promising traffic potential, especially from those who want to travel directly to and from the island,said Mr Tassapon.
       "There are risks involved in opening the Phuket base but they are calculated ones," he told the Bangkok Post .Having additional hubs to Bangkok increases the airline's options for keeping its passenger traffic flowing through Thailand, particularly if Bangkok encounters political troubles like the blockade of Bangkok's two airports late last year.
       Depending on the response to its international services through Phuket, the carrier may connect the island with cities in the Philippines and India, where it plans to establish a foothold next year.
       The airline brought its 10th brand new Airbus A320 jetliner into service last Friday, and is due to take delivery of the 11th in December.
       Thai AirAsia is due to start a new route - Bangkok-Taipei - on Friday and to begin a second daily BangkokHong Kong service on the same day.
       The airline will next month scale back flights on some routes - Bangkok-Hanoi from twice to once daily, Bangkok-Macao from four to three times per day and Bangkok-Penang from twice to once daily - to correspond to traffic demand.

Nigeria's flag carrier loses its Virginity

2009-09-23T21:25:00.001-07:00

       Virgin Nigeria said last week it was changing its name to Nigerian Eagle Airlines, further cutting ties with founder Virgin Atlantic, and was in talks with investors to raise fresh capital.
       The airline, which last month signed a technical partnership with Ethiopian Airlines,"is also planning a private placement within the next six weeks," managing director Dapo Olumide said.
       British billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic has said it is looking to sell its 49% stake in the airline, for which it paid around $25 million in 2005.
       "We have an investment package underway right now and we are going to have a private placement very shortly,"Olumide said.
       "We are talking to other potential investors outside this country and we are in discussions with them at the moment. In fact the CFO just came back from a trip where he had discussions with another country, not another airline,to show you the interest that is at play right now," he said.
       Virgin Nigeria in January suspended its loss-making long haul flights to Britain and South Africa to focus on its domestic and regional operations.
       Industry sources said one of the airline's main financial backers, Nigeria's United Bank for Africa (UBA), had been pushing for it to restructure and reduce losses on the competitive Lagos-London and Lagos-Johannesburg routes.
       An industry executive told Reuters in June that the Virgin name would disappear from Virgin Nigeria and that the newly-branded airlines first priority would be to secure around $30 million in long-term funding.

US airlines likely to outfly their foreign counterparts

2009-09-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

       US airlines are expected to fare better than most of their foreign counterparts this year because they are trimming unprofitable routes and beefing up balance sheets as the economy begins to rebound.
       US-based carriers have been cutting capacity since last year in response to surging oil prices, while most European and Asian carriers have been slower to reduce flights or fly smaller aircraft on their routes.
       In the fourth quarter, domestic capacity is expected to fall to levels unseen since after the Sept 11 attacks, when airlines saw air travel demand crumble,according to the Air Transport Association (ATA ).
       With fewer seats for sale, airlines could begin to raise fares and drawmore revenue, especially as an appetite for travel returns.
       "The US airlines have done so much more than the international airlines to improve their own outlook," said Helane Becker, an analyst with Jesup & Lamont Securities.
       "Those guys are just cutting capacity now," she added, referring to European carriers."They're almost a year later than US airlines."
       US airlines could still end 2009 in the red, experts warned. Industry executives and analysts say this year is among the industry's worst.
       But last week, Continental Airlines Inc said declines in its "high-yield" or premium traffic, a good proxy for highermargin tickets such as business and firstclass, were beginning to slow and Delta Air Lines Inc and UAL Corp's United Airlines said costs were falling due to lower fuel prices.
       Stifel Nicolaus said in a note on Friday that Continental could be profitable in the third quarter. Other analysts say carriers could report lower third-quarter losses than previously expected.
       Many analysts now expect losses at US carriers to be less steep than those of foreign rivals.
       The Arca Airline Index has jumped 23% this month on signals of improved demand and September so far is the index's best month since July 2008.
       US carriers have cut domestic capacity 12% in the past two years in response to the spike in oil prices last year and the drop-off in consumer spending this year,ATA data shows.
       Airlines have cut jobs, wages and introduced early- retirement options for some employees, similar measures were used to cut costs after the Sept 11 attacks.
       North American airlines are expected to lose $2.6 billion this year, much narrower than the $9.5 billion they lost in 2008 when they were among the first to feel the pinch of the recession.
       European carriers, on the other hand,are expected to lose $3.8 billion.
       US carriers' heavy reliance on domestic traffic rather than international business has also helped them as the global recession hurt international travel a more,analysts said.
       US airlines are now also seeking ways to drum up cash. United said it had liquidity initiatives on tap for the fourth quarter and Continental announced a stock sale last month. AMR Corp's American Airlines said on Thursday that it raised $2.9 billion in cash and financing and would focus on more profitable routes.
       "The US-based industry may also be cutting capacity another 3% to 5%, with more cuts coming from the international side," said Morningstar analyst Basili Alukos.
       "The domestic market is in a better situation and I think more in equilibrium with supply and demand," Alukos added.

Southern cities get air link

2009-09-21T23:00:00.001-07:00

       The major southern cities of Phuket and Hat Yai are receiving a new air link, offering an alternative to what is now a seven-hour bus journey.
       New airline Happy Air is poised to launch the Phuket-Hat Yai service on Oct 26. The travel time between the two locations will be 40 minutes.
       Happy Air sales and marketing manager Patcharapol Sonthipan said the airline had secured aviation permits from the Department of Aviation.
       He said Happy Air was positioning itself as a premium-service airline which was targetting tourists and business travellers. The airline also plans to fly to the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi.
       Mr Patcharapol said the air service would provide faster alternative for travellers travelling between Phuket and Hat Yai, the commercial district of Songkhla.
       Mr Patcharapol said the Phuket-based airline would operate two twin turboprop SAAB 340A aircraft, with 34 seats.
       The planes are leased from a Swedish company. Happy Air will offer daily flights between Phuket and Hat Yai and three times a week between Phuket and Langkawi. The Phuket-Langkawi flights will also begin in late October.

Business travel slump eases in July, airlines say

2009-09-19T20:21:00.002-07:00

       Airlines are at last beginning to fill vacant business-class seats in a sign that a slump in cross-border trade is easing. Latest July statistics from the International Air Transport Association released on Thursday add to flickering signs of recovery in the economy but offer little relief for the battered finances of airlines themselves as average fares remain weak.
       In July the number of first- or businessclass travellers on international markets fell 14.1% from the same month last year, less than the 21.3% decline seen in June.
       "Premium travel on international markets, which is mostly for business, is closely correlated to world trade which bottomed out in May and started to turn up in June," IATA said.
       "This improvement in cross-border trade is boosting business travel but demand is still very weak compared to the recent past and there remains much excess capacity, producing intense competition," it added.
       On Tuesday IATA raised its forecast for total airline losses in 2009 by $2 billion to a record $11 billion..
       Premium seats are the most lucrative sector for airlines. Many business people have downgraded to economy or shunned air travel during the economic crisis, prompting carriers such as Air France to try out new premium economy products.
       The positive IATA traffic report underscored European data showing the euro zone's trade surplus grew more than expected in July, with exports rising from the previous month.
       Airlines have also individually been reporting slowing declines in their traffic in August.
       Parcel giant and US economic bellwether FedEx said it detected a "modestly improving global economy."
       Weak demand and a dearth of trade finance - two subjects being tackled by G20 nations - had not only emptied business cabins but also severely depressed airlines' cargo operations.
       Tens of thousands of airline jobs have been cut this year.
       IATA however said there was a "long way to go" before activity returned to levels seen in 2007 and early 2008.
       "Moreover, with economic growth forecast to be relatively weak and much excess capacity (in the market), the problem of low yields remains."
       Yields represent the average revenue from each seat sold and help determine whether routes are profitable.
       Those returning to premium class do not so far include many employees of large corporations, whose travel departments still have their teeth into costs.Nor has the high life returned to the Atlantic, where the rich and famous often flew first class.
       "Bank bonuses may be back but it seems that travelling at the front of the aircraft is not," IATA said.
       July's upturn was felt most strongly in Asia, IATA said.

Airbus raises aircraft demand forecast

2009-09-19T20:21:00.001-07:00

       The European planemaker Airbus has increased its forecasts for long-term new plane demand but said the current industry crisis was likely to spark a spate of new order cancellations this winter.
       The EADS subsidiary said in a Thursday statement it saw global demand for 25,000 new aircraft across the industry in the twenty-year period between 2009 and 2029, up from the 24,262 it forecast for 2007-2027.
       It said replacement of older aircraft and the expansion of low-cost carriers would both be factors in future growth,while the new planes would have a total value of $3.1 trillion.
       Airbus chief operating officer for customers John Leahy told reporters, however, that he thought the upcoming winter would be tough for airlines, which would then cancel or postpone orders.
       "I think it's going to be a difficult winter. Airlines flew with not very high yields in the summer so did not build up the war chests they usually do," he said.
       "We are expecting some airlines to say 'we'd love to have the aircraft, but we haven't got the money'."
       Yields, a keenly-watched indicator in the airline industry, show average fares per passenger.
       Leahy added that he remained con-fident the company's 2010 deliveries would match the current year, which in turn is expected to stay flat on 2008 at around 480.
       He added that he did not expect a World Trade Organisation inquiry into the competitive impact of subsidies received by Airbus to disrupt the devel-opment of its new A-350 wide-body jet.
       "I see no impact on the A-350 programme from the WTO, he said."
       Airbus said that in spite of an anticipated 2% fall in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) this year - a measure of air travel passenger numbers - the firm expected the figure to be up 4.6% next year and continue at similar levels.
       Arch-rival Boeing said in its equivalent forecast in June that it expected 29,000 new planes to be ordered over twenty years, at a value of $3.2 trillion.
       Meanwhile, Airbus chief executive Tom Enders said in remarks published yesterday that the European planemaker "faces two further 'difficult' years and does not rule out making further production cuts if necessary to adjust to demand.
       "I certainly cannot exclude that we will cut back production even more,"he told the Wall Street Journal in an interview."I think we still have two difficult years ahead of us."
       Airbus last year suspended plans to increase production of its top-selling single-aisle, A320-family jets to 40 planes a month and in February this year it decided to cut that production to 34 a month from 36 a month from October 2009.
       Production rates of the wide-body A330/A340 family would be paused at the current level of 8.5 a month, and not increased further as previously planned,the planemaker said in February.
       Failing to cut production creates the risk of making so-called "white tails"that leave the factory floor without a buyer and have to be parked idle at the jetmaker's expense.

Carriers "in joint bid to help JAL"

2009-09-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

       American Airlines will team up with British Airways and Qantas Airways to offer cash-strapped Japan Airlines fresh capital and expanded business ties,two sources said, aiming to fight off a rival offer from Delta Air Lines.
       The proposal, which will include a capital injection from American Airlines but may not bring money from British Airways (BA) or Australia's Qantas, comes as Delta holds rival talks to invest in JAL and woo it to a rival airline alliance.
       JAL, which is headed for its second straight loss this business year, is weighing both offers as part of a larger government-backed restructuring expected to include heavy lay-offs, route reductions and asset sales.
       Both Delta and AMR Corp's American are courting JAL to gain access to promising routes in Asia, including in Japan where the mainly domestic Haneda airport is undergoing a major expansion that will see a large increase in international flights.
       "A tie-up with Delta would give JAL a bigger benefit when it comes to North American routes," said Ryouta Himeno,transport analyst at Mitsubishi UFJ Securities."But by involving other carriers which are strong in other areas, American could have a good chance to keep JAL in Oneworld and expand its reach in Asia."
       Executives from JAL's Oneworld airline alliance partners American, BA and Qantas met JAL executives this week in Tokyo and told them of their plans to put together a joint offer, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said.
       The American-led group will try to sell JAL on the idea that leaving Oneworld,which pools frequent flyer miles, integrates computer systems and feeds passengers between member airlines, would trigger a big loss of business for JAL.
       Delta is a member of the rival SkyTeam alliance, which has no major Japanese carrier. Fellow SkyTeam member Air France-KLM has been named as a potential partner with Delta for an investment in JAL. Japan's second-largest airline, All Nippon Airways Co, is part of the Star Alliance, the third major airline group.
       "Combined, the Oneworld partnership today generates over half a billion dollars for JAL in revenues on an annual basis.JAL is very aware of this number," said one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the negotiations are not public.
       Spokespersons for all the airlines declined to comment.
       In addition to an investment, American Airlines is talking with JAL about the creation of a joint venture under which the two would co-operate more closely and share revenues on flights as well as look to attract business customers with joint contracts.

TNT EXPANDS ITS FLEET, OFFERS MORE TRANSPORTATION CHOICE TO EXPORTERS

2009-09-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

       The inauguration of TNT's new dedicated aircraft yesterday will give Thai exporters more choice in cargo transportation.
       "We can offer our clients, especially those relying on exports of automotive, electronics and electronics parts, to have more choice through the combination of our road network in Asia and air network", said Alan Miu, managing director of TNT Express Worldwide (Thailand).
       As TNT yesterday kicked off a new dedicated B747-400ER freighter service between Hong Kong and Europe, it reflected its commitment to investing and growing in Asia.
       James McCormac, regional managing director of TNT Asia Pacific, said that it was well-placed to capitalise on strong trading links between the two regions with its integrated air and road delivery network in Asia and Europe.
       The new aircraft will not only serve customers in South China, but also in neighbouring countries like Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Taiwan. TNT will now be operating two dedicated freighter aircraft, providing freight and express delivery services between Europe and Asia.
       The B747-400ER, which provides non-stop flights, operates between Hong Kong and TNT's European air hub in Liege, Belgium. The existing one - B747-400ERF - will travel between Europe and Shanghai via Hong Kong. The two aircraft are capable of carrying up to 110 tonnes with the lowest tonne/mile cost offering. Currently, TNT has a fleet of about 40 aircraft.
       "The freighter from Hong Kong would ensure our customers, especially those in hi-tech communications, electronics and fashion industries, can become more competitive due to faster factory-to-market lead times and increasing inventory management efficiency," said McCormac.
       He added: "Our continuous investment in Asia clearly demonstrates TNT's long-term confidence in the region."
       TNT Asia Road Network recently expanded into Cambodia. The network now links 127 cities across six countries - from Singapore to China - and stretches across more than 7,500 kilometres.

PARENTS OF PHUKET CRASH VICTIMS WARN ABOUT AIRLINES

2009-09-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

       The parents of two Britons who died in a plane crash in Thailand warned other travellers on Wednesday of the dangers of flying on airlines blacklisted in Europe.
       Alex Collins and Bethan Jones, both 22, were killed when a plane operated by budget airline One-Two-Go crashed on approach to landing in Phuket exactly two years ago, killing 90 passengers and crew.
       In a joint anniversary statement, Jean and Steve Jones and Margaret and Richard Collins said: "No parent should ever have to go through the nightmare of losing a child in such a devastating way.
       "We firmly believe this accident was preventable. The European Commission absolutely did the right thing in naming and shaming One-Two-Go Airlines," they added.
       The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, added One-Two-Go to its blacklist of airlines banned from the 27-nation EU after the crash, although it has since been removed.
       But the parents of Collins and Jones said others should be made aware of the dangers of blacklisted airlines.
       "Our message to families is very clear: at all costs do not fly on any airline that has been on the EU blacklist, or is associated with an airline that has been named or shamed.
       "Very few people are aware of this EU blacklist and we want to raise awareness of its imporatance, and the fact that it has, and will save lives.
       The EU blacklist is dominated by African airlines, but also includes a few in Asia and former Soviet states.

JAL to slash 6,800 jobs, pursue tie-up

2009-09-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

       Japan Airlines (JAL) said yesterday it would slash 6,800 jobs and pursue a tie-up with a foreign carrier in a bid to return to profit in the face of severe turbulence unleashed by the global recession.
       The job cuts, which will shrink JAL's workforce by 14%, are part of an emergency restructuring plan being prepared by Asia's largest carrier, which is seeking financial aid from the government.
       "The personnel reduction cannot wait," president Haruka Nishimatsu told reporters after briefing a governmentappointed panel on the planned revamp.
       "The world is changing, and we have to adjust our size. It's easy to expand,but it's extremely difficult to downsize,"he said.
       JAL, which lost more than $1 billion in the April-June quarter, has already slashed thousands of jobs in recent years.
       Nishimatsu said JAL aimed to seal a tie-up with an overseas carrier by midOctober, without naming any potential partners.
       According to local media, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines' parent company, as well as Korean Air, are considering taking a stake in JAL. European carrier Air France-KLM is also seen as a possible partner.
       Delta is part of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, while JAL and American Airlines belong to the rival Oneworld grouping.
       Nishimatsu told the government panel the three pillars of JAL's recovery plan were a drastic cut to its route network,a review of personnel costs and a capital tie-up, a Transport Ministry official said.
       The Nikkei business daily reported over the weekend that JAL aimed to raise around 250 billion yen ($2.7 billion)by March next year by taking out loans and selling new shares and other assets.
       The Japanese airline already announced last month a drastic reduction in flight services as it braces for a second straight year in the red, hit by the global economic downturn and swine flu fears.
       Industry experts said the downsizing could give JAL some breathing space but they would not cure all its ills.
       "Of course, cuts to unprofitable routes and personnel are necessary, but they won't solve JAL's recurring problems,"said Makoto Murayama, a transport analyst at Nomura Securities.
       He said it was imperative for the com-pany to reduce the burden of its generous pensions payments to its retired workers.
       JAL has forecast a net loss of 63 billion yen in the year to March 2010, after a 63.2-billion-yen deficit last year.
       It has had a troubled record since its 1987 privatisation and a complex merger with domestic carrier Japan Air Systems,which was finally completed in 2004 after several years of negotiations and integration difficulties.
       But "JAL is still an attractive partner for its competitors," said Osuke Itazaki,a transport analyst at Credit Suisse."The chances of a revival are still high if it can succeed in its streamlining efforts."
       Prospects of JAL securing more state aid from the government have been clouded by a change of power in Japan,with a new centre-left government seen as less business-friendly than the outgoing conservatives.
       "I don't think there will be a drastic change in the scheme under the new administration, but it is still too early to predict," said Itazaki.
       Some lawmakers of the newly victorious Democratic Party signalled concern about the prospect of additional government support for JAL.

Vietnam opens parts plant

2009-09-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

       Fast-industrialising Vietnam opened its first aircraft parts plant yesterday, reflecting the country's "tremendous growth" as a regional manufacturing centre, officials said.
       MHI Aerospace Vietnam, a subsidiary of Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,began operations in June and made its first delivery last month, the firm's president, Hirotaka Masuda, told a ceremony at the plant.
       The company aims to produce wing flaps for 10 Boeing 737 passenger jets a month.
       Standing beside a flap, Masuda said Mitsubishi Heavy scouted locations across Asia, but settled on Hanoi because of its political stability, abundant workforce and facilities at the Thang Long Industrial Park.
       The park, near the city's international airport, is home to other major Japaneseowned firms.
       Ralph Boyce, president of Boeing Southeast Asia, called the opening a milestone that "reflects tremendous growth of the manufacturing sector here and the burgeoning of technical expertise available in Vietnam."
       The $7-million facility employs more than 50 people, many of whom watched the ceremony in their purple coveralls.
       The workers received Japanese language training in Hanoi and 11-months of technical instruction in Japan, Masuda said.
       "What we have emphasised is training," he added."We cannot afford even a small mistake," he said.
       Phan Huu Thang, head of Vietnam's Foreign Investment Department, said he hoped for the factory's success "which will boost the development of this industry in Vietnam."
       In a brief interview with Agence France-Presse, Masuda said the global financial and economic crisis "is not affecting our production."
       The Japanese parent company has been producing 737 flaps since 1976 but expansion to Vietnam is part of an effort to shift some metal components assembly overseas,"where abundant human resources are available," a company statement said.
       Mitsubishi Heavy's Japanese facilities,meanwhile,"will focus on high-valueadded operations," it said.

American Airlines may invest in JAL

2009-09-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

       American Airlines is in talks to take a minority stake in Japan Airlines (JAL) and form a joint venture with the struggling airline, a source said, pitting it against a rival bid from Delta Airlines.
       JAL, Asia's largest airline by revenues,lost about $1 billion last quarter and has been seeking investors to prop up its finances for a state-supervised overhaul likely to include heavy job cuts, a reduction in routes and asset sales.
       American Airlines, a unit of AMR Corp,has held talks with JAL over several weeks on forming a joint venture under which the two would share revenues on flights
       and offer business customers joint contracts, the source said.
       The source, who has direct knowledge of the talks, spoke on condition of anonymity because the negotiations are not public.
       JAL is also weighing an offer from Delta, a source told Reuters last week.According to Japanese media, Delta would inject up to 50 billion yen ($551 million) into JAL and wants a tie-up that would include code-sharing on international flights.
       The proposed venture between American and JAL hinges on the enactment of an "open skies" agreement now being discussed by the Japanese and US governments which would allow for close cooperation on flight scheduling and sharing of profit.
       "I'm not talking about hugs and kisses.I'm talking about economic value to Japan Airlines," the source said."What we've been talking about is actually expanding the relationship, not just maintaining it."
       JAL and American have had a codesharing agreement for a decade and are both members of the Oneworld alliance,which pools frequent flyer incentive schemes. Other members of Oneworld are British Airways and Cathay Pacific Airways.
       A JAL spokeswoman declined to comment on specific talks with other airlines,including media reports that Air FranceKLM may also look to invest in JAL.
       "We are looking at a wide variety of measures, and that may include tie-ups with airlines," JAL's Sze Hunn Yap said.
       American is keen to preventing JAL from forming a tie with Delta, which became the world's largest carrier when it bought Northwest Airlines last year and could use JAL to increase its international footprint.
       Delta operates a hub at Narita airport but is without a Japanese partner. It could try to get JAL to defect from Oneworld for the SkyTeam alliance, which along with Delta includes Air France,Korean Air and Russia's Aeroflot.
       In addition to the size of any capital injection, American Airlines will be pushing JAL executives to consider what they see as more compelling long-term economic benefits of joining hands with American as opposed to Delta.
       These include less direct competition in Asia and a relationship that would be on a more equal footing, the source said, adding a senior executive would be in Tokyo this week to continue their discussions with JAL."Delta, now that they've hooked up with Northwest ...have significant hub operations here in Narita. So the question for JAL is would it end up being a junior partner to Delta," the source said.
       JAL is headed for its second straight annual loss in its year to March 2010,hit by the global economic downturn and heavy fixed costs. It is due to submit a restructuring plan this month, a condition of a 100-billionyen state-backed credit line secured in June. The airline is also considering raising an additional 250 billion yen by March to help fund restructuring,the Nikkei business daily reported yesterday. That would include about 100 billion yen through an issue of new shares, the paper said.
       JAL also plans to ask aircraft makers, trading houses, investment funds and the Development Bank of Japan to buy shares, the Nikkei said.

MHI picks aluminium, not carbon, for jet

2009-09-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

       Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, building an aircraft to rival Bombardier Inc and Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica SA in the regional market, scrapped plans for carbonfibre wings and will use aluminium instead.
       "The aircraft maker also plans to offer a third variant of the plane with 100 seats, beyond the 78- and 92-seater models already planned," the company said in its September newsletter.
       Mitsubishi, which builds the carbonfibre wings for Boeing Cos 787 Dreamliner, said design work showed composites would not offer the anticipated weight reduction because more material would be needed to strengthen the structures.
       Boeing and Airbus SAS have turned to light-weight composites for their latest models, the 787 and the A350, to help airlines save on fuel. The 787, a widebody plane that will also have a composite fuselage, will be 21/2 years late when it enters service in 2010, partly because of difficulties with design and manufacturing. The latest delay was to allow engineers to reinforce sections along the wing where the composite layers had separated in ground stress tests.
       Mitsubishi's updated design "will feature an aluminium wing box, which will make it easier to manufacture the optimal wing structure," the company said in the newsletter. Wing boxes are the sections under the fuselage that hold the wings together.
       "Mitsubishi is switching to aluminium because it discovered that the weight savings in using composites on widebody planes arent matched on smaller models," spokesman Mick Corliss said in an e-mail responding to questions.Parts of the wing would have to be reinforced if composites were used, adding weight, he said.
       "Using aluminium for the wing box will also allow the company to optimise that component on its entire family of regional jets more easily," Corliss said.
       Mitsubishi Aircraft president Hideo Egawa said at a news conference on Thursday that the planes delivery date has now been pushed back by several months to early 2014 from 2013.
       Boeing and Airbus, which are both considering building new narrow-body models, currently offer planes starting at about 110 seats.

HEAD OF AIRPORT SIEGE PROBE CHANGED

2009-09-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

       Outgoing national police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan signed an order just before he stepped down to change the head of the police probe into the yellow shirts' seizure of Suvarnabhumi Airport late last year.
       The order was signed two days after the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found grounds for criminal and disciplinary action against Patcharawat over his role in the crackdown on an anti-government mob outside Parliament on October 7.
       Questions have been raised as to whether it was legal for the police chief to sign such an order after he was indicted by the NACC.
       Some legal experts said Patcharawat should have stood down from his duties immediately.
       In the order, Patcharawat replaced Pol Lt-General Wut Phuavej with Pol Lt-General Somyos Phumphanmuang - another assistant police chief - as head of the inquiry team.
       The move took effect from Wednesday.
       Wut was seen as siding with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). He took to the PAD stage and defended the yellow shirts in front of the Royal Thai Police Club last July when the PAD voiced upset at being charged with terrorism for their mass protest at the new airport.
       Somyos is close to Newin Chidchob, the de facto leader of Bhum Jai Thai Party, and Vichai Raksriaksorn, owner of King Power, which runs the "duty free" outlet at airport.
       Somyos has said he is ready to take up the task as soon as he gets the order. He vowed be neutral and handle the case with transparency.

Direct Saudi flights elusive

2009-09-09T22:56:00.000-07:00

       Still holding a grudge against Thailand over the gems scandal 20 years ago,Saudi Arabia has frowned on Thailand's renewed bid to reinstate regular direct flight between the two countries.
       Riyadh made its position clear when a team of Thai Airways International executives went to Saudi Arabia recently for talks about resuming non-stop flights between Bangkok and Jeddah.
       Technically, THAI can fly to Saudi Arabia based on the bilateral air services agreement concluded five years ago,which allows the designated national airlines to each operate up to nine flights a week between the two countries.
       The THAI team sensed an unspoken but clear disapproval for its bid due to Saudi authorities' continued dissatisfaction over Thai authorities' handling of the 1989 jewellery theft, according to an industry source.
       Saudi Arabia refuses to resume normal relations with Thailand though many of the culprits have been prosecuted.
       The issue began when Kriangkrai Techamong, a Thai cleaner, stole jewellery and valuables worth 500 million baht from the palace of Prince Faisal and escaped to his Lampang home.
       Thai police retrieved most of the stolen valuables and returned them to Saudi Arabia. However, the Saudi palace found the main piece of jewellery, the "Blue Diamond", was fake.
       "There are still a lot of questions left unanswered by Thai authorities and as long as these questions are not addressed,don't expect them to normalise the relationship, especially economically with Thailand," the source noted.
       THAI now realises that it is better off not trying to re-establish service in spite of promising traffic potential.
       And even if it insisted on using technical rights to operate flights, the ensuing problems may not be worth the effort,the source explained.
       Before the talks, the flag carrier was keen to operate four to five flights a week between Bangkok and Jeddah using the wide-bodied Airbus A330-300s.
       Jeddah is the principal gateway to Mecca, Islam's holiest city, which ablebodied Muslims are required to visit at least once in their lifetime.
       The bulk of potential traffic on the route, up to 80%, are Muslims from southern Thailand, Indochina and China making the Hajj pilgrimage and conducting other religious activities year-round.
       About 13,000 Thai pilgrims, mostly from the southern region, travel to Mecca each year. Muslims constitute 8-10% of Thailand's population of 67 million.
       However, THAI has been allowed to a limited number of flights between Thailand and Saudi Arabia on a chartered basis mainly for pilgrims to Mecca.
       During the two-week Hajj that starts on Oct 20, THAI will operate 14 flights carrying 3,000 people to Medina airport close to Mecca, according to sources.

China displays model of first large passenger jet

2009-09-08T19:18:00.001-07:00

       China showcased its newest and biggest commercial plane yesterday - a jetliner with as many as 200 seats that could boost the country's fledgling aviation industry to compete with Western rivals like Boeing Co and Airbus SAS.
       The single-aisle C919 plane is scheduled to take its maiden voyage in 2014 before being delivered to buyers in 2016,according to Wang Wenbin, an official with the plane's manufacturer, statebacked Commercial Aircraft Corp of China.
       Work on the prototype began last week, he said. A car-sized mockup of the jet was on display yesterday at an Asian air show in Hong Kong.
       The project is a major first step by China toward developing homegrown commercial planes, along with the research and technology capabilities, for its fast-growing domestic market rather than relying on foreign companies. It would also pave the way for international expansion.
       Because China's nascent commercial aerospace industry still lacks expertise,the C919 initially will be outfitted with engines and other parts from foreign companies.
       "The civil aviation industry is just starting to boom," said Wang, COMAC's assistant general manager."Although we have ... experience on civil aircraft manufacturing, we still have a long way to go in comparison with those aviation industry superpowers such as the US."
       The C919 is designed for short- to medium-range hauls up to 5,555 kilometres, and can seat as many as 200 depending on the configuration. According to state media, the first nine in the jet's name was chosen because it suggests eternity in Chinese culture, with the 19 referring to 190 seats the plane might accommodate. C stands for COMAC.
       Chinese aviation executives make no secret about their global ambitions.
       "C919 comes after Airbus and Boeing,so you will have ABC in the aviation industry," the plane's chief designer Wu Guanghui told state media earlier.

AIRPORT LINK TO START ON KING'S BIRTHDAY

2009-09-06T02:30:00.000-07:00

       The long-delayed Airport Rail Link, to and form Suvarnabhumi Airport, will start with free service to the public from December 5, to coincide with the birthday celebrations for His Majesty the King.
       Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Yuthana Tupcharoen, said people interested in free rides on December 5 may apply for tickets from October 1 at either the Airport Rail Link office or SRT head-quarters.
       Test runs of the system have been conducted since February by Siemens, the manufacturer and installer of the rail system, and no problems have been found. Independent engineers will do safety inspections of for the next three months and if no problems are found, the rail link will be set to start.
       The SRT board has hired Deutsche Bahn International of Germany to train Airport Rail Link staff, in a Bt85-million deal.
       The 28-km rail link connects Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan province to the City Air Terminal in Bangkok's Makkasan area.
       The Airport Rail Link is owned and will be operated by SRT, through a subsidiary company, which will administer the overall operations.
       According to a preliminary study, the fare for an express trip will be Bt150 per person, while fares for City Line commuter trips, will vary from Bt30-50 per passenger.
       Transport for airport express ridders and local commuters will run on the same track with the same equipment, but with a staggered schedule.
       The premium-fare express services will run on the hour between Suvarnabhumi Airport and City Air Terminal, while the City Line service will stop at six local stations along the route.

       The express service will cost Bt150 and run on the hour; commuters will pay Bt30-50 for trips to six local stations, from December 5.

Trolley deal fast-tracked

2009-09-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

       The bidding terms for the supply of trolleys to Suvarnabhumi airport are expected to be finalised in two weeks,Airports of Thailand president Serirat Prasutanond says.
       Approval for the terms of reference had been sought from the AoT board so the trolleys could be secured through a special method which would speed up the process.
       The supplier should be selected and the trolleys will begin to enter service by no later than January, Mr Serirat said.
       He said airport users had complained about the ageing, faulty trolleys at the airport.
       He said about 3,200 trolleys were the focus of the complaints.
       Mr Serirat said they were not working properly because they were brought in from other airports pending the supply of the new trolleys.
       The trolleys were obtained from Don Mueang airport and some regional airports after the AoT tore up its agreement with Thai Airport Ground Services following a contractual dispute.

Boeing replaces Dreamliner programme chief

2009-09-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

       Boeing Co, which has experienced a series of embarrassing and costly delays on the long-awaited 787 Dreamliner, said on Monday that Scott Carson, the head of its commercial airplanes division,"is retiring and will be replaced by Jim Albaugh, effective on Tuesday."
       The news comes four days after Boeing said it would finally make the first flight of the 787 by the end of this year. Boeing is the world's top aircraft maker followed by EADS unit Airbus.
       The first test flight has been delayed repeatedly because of production problems and a two-month labour strike,hurting Boeing's credibility as it grapples with the commercial aerospace slump.At least one expert said the management change did not necessarily improve Boeing's fortunes.
       "Where we are surprised is in Boeing's choice of successor, given Jim Albaugh's lack of experience in commercial aerospace, and the less than perfect track record that IDS has had in programme execution and wins over the last couple of years under his leadership," said Rob Stallard, analyst with Macquarie Securities."We are not convinced that this move improves the situation at BCA (Boeing Commercial Airplanes)."
       He noted that Albaugh was taking on several pressing issues, the first flight of the 787, and how to proceed with the 737 programme given delivery deferrals over the last 12 months.
       Carson,63, who has led the unit since 2006, would work on transition and other projects till year end, the company said.Speaking on a media conference call,Boeing chief executive Jim McNerney said Carson made the decision to step down.
       "The decision to retire was Scott's,"McNerney said."It was based on many factors, the most important of which was resetting the 787 schedule last week and giving his successor a clear path forward on the programme."
       Albaugh,59, has headed Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) since 2002, overseeing some of Boeing's largest systems integration contracts, including the $160 billion Future Combat Systems modernisation programme and the multibillion-dollar ground-based segment of missile defence.
       "Jim is a seasoned and effective aerospace executive with substantial experience leading and integrating technically complex businesses and programs from initial development through full production and delivery," McNerney said in a statement.
       McNerney said Albaugh already has "working knowledge" of BCA and the 787 programme from his role on the senior leadership team at Boeing.
       Some analysts had questioned Al-baugh's future after the company lost several large defence competitions in recent years and saw its biggest programmes cut by Defence Secretary Robert Gates as part of a sweeping overhaul of Pentagon procurement.
       A Boeing spokesman said most IDS development and production programmes under Albaugh's watch were on time and on budget and earned solid earnings for Boeing.
       Chicago-based Boeing said Carson and Albaugh would work together to ensure a smooth transition of customer and other business relationships and that Carson would also assist on special projects for the company through year end.

BOEING NAMES NEW HEAD OF COMMERCIAL AIRPLANES

2009-09-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

       Boeing yesterday named a new head of its troubled commerical aviation division, plagued by the muchdelayed 787 Dreamliner programme.
       Boeing said Jim Albaugh, head of the company's defence unit, would succeed Scott Carson today at the helm of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
       Albaught, 59, is president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defence Systems.
       Carson, 63, who has been president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes since 2006, will retire at the end of the year, the US aerospace giant said in a statement.
       "Jim is seasoned and effectiveaerospace executive with substantial experience leading and integrating technically complex businesses and programmes from initial development throught full production and delivery," Boeing chairman, president and chief executive Jim McNerney said.
       McNerney said that Carson had chosen to announce his retirement at this time after Boeing last week unveiled a new schedule for the fuel-efficient 787's first test flight and first delivery. "We've set a new course," he added.
       The management shuffle came after Boeing announced on Thursday its 787 Dreamliner aeroplane will be delivered to Japanese launch customer all Noppon airways in late 2010.
       Boeing launched the Dramliner programme in April 2004 and initialy had planned to deliver the first faircraft to ANA in the first half of 2008.
       Boeing said the new schedule reflected a previously announced need to reinforce an area within the side - of- body section of the aircraft and an additional several weeks needed to reduce flight test and certification risk.
       ANA and Australia's Qantas, another 787 customer, both expressed frustration at the latest delay in a calendar that has been pushed back five times.
       The highly anticipated long-haul 787 aircraft is seen as key to the US aerospace giant's future.
       Boeing is facing stiff competition in the aviation market from Airbus.
       Airbus is working on a new longrange A350 plane aimed at competing with the Dreamliner and exepcted to fly in mid-2013.
       In response to a question about a Boeing board of directors meeting last week, McNerney said that those discussions were confidential.
       He added: "It's no secret that we've had challenges historically and we've got to make sure we deliver."

Minister rejects oil-for-prisoner allegation

2009-08-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

       Britain denied on Sunday any link between trade with Libya and the Lockerbie bomber's release after a report suggested London was swayed by an oil deal into making him eligible for a prison transfer home.
       The Sunday Times said the government decided two years ago that it was "in the overwhelming interests of the United Kingdom" to ensure Abdelbaset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi could at some point be sent back to Libya.
       According to letters obtained by the newspaper, Justice Secretary Jack Straw dropped an attempt in 2007 to exclude Megrahi from a prisoner transfer agreement with Libya because of "wider negotiations" with Tripoli.
       His decision came after discussions between Libya and BP over a massive oil exploration deal became bogged down, the paper said. The deal was ratified by Libya soon afterwards.
       In response to the report, Mr Straw acknowledged that the prisoner transfer agreement was part of efforts to bring Libya back into the international fold after it abandoned its nuclear weapons programme.
       "What is totally untrue is that any part of these negotiations with the Libyans was that at some stage Mr Megrahi would be released," the justice secretary told Sky News television.
       He said that under the agreement,the Scottish government had a veto over any prisoner transfer - and noted that Edinburgh had in fact rejected such an option for Megrahi in favour of a compassionate release earlier this month.
       "The implication that, somehow or other, we have done some backdoor deal in order to release Mr Megrahi is simply nonsense," Mr Straw added to the BBC. Terminally-ill Megrahi was freed from a Scottish prison after serving just eight years for the 1988 bombing of a PanAm jet over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, which killed 270 people.
       London insists the decision to release Megrahi was made solely by the semiautonomous Scottish authorities.
       Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond also denied the decision was based on commercial deals. Speculation, however,continues about Britain's stance, particularly as the son of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, Seif al-Islam, has said Megrahi "was always on the negotiating table" in oil and gas deals.

AOT URGED TO KEEP EXPANDING AND IMPROVING SERVICE

2009-08-31T05:09:00.000-07:00

       Aviation industry and airport experts recommended Airports of Thailand (AOT) keep expanding and improving the quality of its service in order to maintain competitiveness.
       Representatives of major airports including Singpore's Changi Airport and Munich International Airport and Munich International Airport, as well as executives of international aviation associations, also offered their strateges for achieving success and suggested key factors in becoming a regional aviation hub.
       Foo Sek Min, executive vice president of Singapore's Changi Airport, said four key factors in operating a successful airport were continuous investment in infrastructure, efficiency of operations, a focus on service, and creating new experiencees for passengers and other customers.
       He said the success of any airport depends on a combination of efficiency, punctuality, safety and problem-solving.
       "Changi Airport is one of the most successful airports in the region because we keep expanding," he said.
       Aprt from adding a new terminal, Changi Airport is also focused on new opportunities to manage airport out-side the country. It already manages Hue Airport in central Vietnam. "We are listening to our customers and responding to their feedback," he said.
       The airport's new terminal includes non-aviation-related facilities such as hotels and a centre selling perishables, and features solar panels on its roof as part of the airport's evironmentally friendly policy.
       Munich Airport is also creating new activities for travellers. Among the new attractions are flower gardens, celebrity-meeting events, game shows, dance performance and movies.
       Peter Trautmann, Munich InternationalAirport's representative for international projects, said the airport would not be a success without cooperation from all related parties.
       Trautmann said the airport, airlines and passengers all strive to achieve the minimum connecting-flight time, which he said is approximately 30 minutes. Moreover, connections and related activities are all done under roof, with additional conveniencess such as food and beverages, retail shops and relaxation facilities also present.
       Mokhtar A Awan, regional director of the International Civil Aviation Organistion, said Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of the busiest in the world.
       He said the airline and cargo industries and expected to grow further in this region, so all airports must improve facilities and services.
       "Airports should focus not only one cost reduction, but also must assure travellers of security and protect them from unexpected incidents," Awan said. According to Wong Hong, the International Air Transport Association's (LATA) regional durector for industry distribution and financial affairs, the aviation industry is set to recover.
       LATA forecasts the aviation industry will grow 3.3 per cent in 2010.
       The LATA director said the global economic crisis was an opportunity for airlines and airports to restructure their operations and business strategies to enhance efficiency and competitivenes.
       Shun Leung Wong, marketing manager for Airport Council International, said being a successful aviation hub depended on many factors, including location, a strong enconomy, airline volume, quality of customer services, strength of the home base, security and competitive pricing.
       Serirat Prasutanond, president of AOT, said the company recently set up a markeing team that will travel overseas to seek new business.

AIRLINE MULLS RAISING CAPITAL LATER THIS YEAR

2009-08-28T20:04:00.001-07:00

       Thai Airways International is mulling a plan to raise capital, as part of the airline's plan to strengthen its financial condition without depending solely on sales revenue.

       After THAI's board of directors meeting yesterday, executive chairman Wallop Bhukkanasut said the airline needed to have a stronger capital base.
       "Late this year, it will be finalised whether THAI will raise capital and how much," he said.
       THAI is now capitalised at Bt17 billion.
       According to Wallop, the national carrier will try its best to achieve the Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) at Bt25-Bt30 billion. He noted that the target is achievable, noting the August cabin factor of 76 per cent, which was higher than expected. Meanwhile, THAI looks to see a stable cabin factor during September through December, a large part of the country's high season.
       The board approved in principle the restructuring of the corporate strategy and planning department, which will oversee the planning, operations and IT units. The department is crucial in plotting business strategies, overseeing the fleet and maximising returns from assets.
       THAI has yet to appoint the executive vice president for the department.
       The airline's labour union has voiced opposition to the restructuring. Wallop noted that THAI would need to clear the issue with the union, insisting that the new structure was vital for the company's future growth. He added that the department was crucial as it will put all the planning, operations and IT activities, which are now spread under different departments, in one roof. This will lead to higher efficiency, he said.
       The board also appointed Pruet Boobphakam as executive vice president for the commercial department. It also appointed Chuda Dhanabhumi, special activities adviser, as vice president for the human resources planning and development department. The appointments take effect immediately.
       According to Wallop, Pruet is the most experienced in commercial affairs. He has been stationed in a number of countries, including Germany, Sweden, Australia, Malaysia and China.
       "His main task is to increase revenue. He will need to make the decision whether the number of Bangkok-Oslo flights will be increased from five per week to six, as all flights are fully booked. Meanwhile, he will also consider whether to resume Bangkok-Johannesburg flights in preparation for World Cup 2010," Wallop said.
       Pruet was appointed managing director of the cargo and commercial mail department in December 2008. He will remain acting managing director of the department.

Don Mueang finds new roles

2009-08-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

       The conceptual plan to develop new roles for Bangkok's old Don Mueang airport is now set to be implemented with the emergence of potential project sponsors.
       EADS, the European aerospace and defence company, is among several international concerns that have already proposed to invest and operate aviationrelated facilities.
       These facilities are among six new functions that Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) recently defined for the 95-yearold airfield, which has been little used since the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport in September 2006.
       The six planned facilities are: a maintenance centre for medium and small aircraft; a maintenance centre for landing gear for narrow-bodied aircraft; an aircraft parts stock management centre; a flight simulator facility; an international free-trade zone; and a private jet/air taxi terminal.
       EADS, also the parent firm of the planemaker Airbus, wants to maintain landing gear for narrow-bodied jetliners such as the Airbus A320 at Don Mueang,said AoT president Serirat Prasutanond.
       AoT has also received a couple of proposals to establish aircraft part inventories and expects to name the successful bidder to operate the private jet terminal by the end of next month, he said.
       The private jet terminal looks set to be the first of the proposed facilities to be implemented, giving a new lease of life for the airport, which currently serves a few domestic flights by budget carriers Nok Air and One-Two-Go.
       EADS is seeking privileges from the Board of Investment for the maintenance facility, expected to cost 1 billion baht.
       Europe Aviation is also reported to be competing to set up an aircraft maintenance centre at Don Mueang.
       Both EADS and Europe Aviation are also requesting that the BoI to waive the 49% limit on foreign ownership of an aircraft maintenance operations in Thailand.
       Mr Serirat clarified that AoT would not invest in these proposed facilities but would offer the space at Don Mueang in return for concession fees.
       Meanwhile, the AoT president yesterday reiterated at an international airport conference that the majority stateowned company was determined to push Suvarnabhumi Airport into the ranks of the top 10 best airports in the world according to the Geneva-based Airports Council International's ratings this year.
       Suvarnabhumi moved from 40th position in 2007 to 28th in 2008 and to 19th place in the first quarter of this year.

PAL to cut staff after loss

2009-08-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

       National carrier Philippine Airlines said yesterday it would cut its workforce by offering early retirement as a cost-cutting measure after suffering more than $301 million in losses.
       "We want to make PAL lean and mean so it will be agile and flexible enough to adapt to the new economic climate,"company president Jaime J. Bautista said in a statement.
       The statement said the company would take "decisive steps" to restructure after last month reporting losses of $301.4 million for its fiscal year ended March 2009. It had net profit of $30.6 million in the previous year.
       The airline did not specify how many of its 8,000-plus employees would be offered early retirement.
       The company's revenue increased to $1.634 billion in the last fiscal year from $1.504 billion in the previous year due to a 17% increase in passengers, but it was overwhelmed by increased maintenance costs and record-high fuel prices that raised expenses to $1.9 billion. Fuel accounts for 44% of the airline's operating costs.
       Bautista said the cost cuts would not undermine airline safety and compliance with industry standards.
       He also said that the airline would continue to meet increasing passenger demand especially for the domestic market and is eyeing new charter or regular destinations.
       The airline will soon acquire new Boeing 777-300ER jets.

Fragile air traffic recovery is under way, says IATA

2009-08-27T18:55:00.002-07:00

       A recovery in air traffic is under way, according to latest data from a global industry body, in another sign the world economy is clawing its way out of recession.
       "But the recovery will be volatile and weak," the International Air Transport Association said yesterday, indicating the turbulence that has buffeted an industry facing another year of multi-billion dollar losses is not at an end.
       Airlines carried 11.3% less cargo and 2.9% fewer people in July than a year earlier, IATA said in its latest monthly reading of cross-border traffic, a leading indicator for the health of world trade.
       The figures represented an improvement from June, when the year-on-year declines were 16.5% for cargo and 7.2%for passengers.
       Air freight is a good leading indicator of world trade movements, since shippers tend to switch to air when speed is more important than cost - at the start of an upturn - and switch to ocean transport in a recession, IATA says.
       "As a result, air freight is first into recession but usually is first out," it said in a recent analysis.
       So far this year, freight volumes have fallen 19.3% and air travel is down 6.8%,according to IATA, whose data exclude domestic flights.
       And compared with June and adjusted for seasonal factors, both freight and passenger travel grew by more than 3%in July, it said.
       "The data can be rather volatile but this does confirm earlier signs that a recovery in demand for air transport has begun, though there are good reasons for expecting the path of further recovery to be volatile and weaker than recoveries from previous recessions," IATA said.
       The association said there was a varied regional pattern, with passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific remaining weak but improving, with a strong rebound in air freight reflecting recovery in several Asian economies.
       "Airlines in Europe and North America are seeing less improvement in freight,but a stronger improvement in passenger volumes which could reflect earlier cuts in fares."
       Passenger capacity was more in line with demand in July, with passenger load factors averaging 80.3%, but excess capacity continued to emerge in the freight sector, it said.
       "Downward pressure on freight rates and revenues continues to increase,"said the Geneva-based body, which represents 230 carriers.
       IATA has estimated airlines will lose $9 billion in 2009 after an $8.5 billion loss in 2008, when high oil prices hit profits and then the global credit and financial crisis slashed demand for business and leisure air travel.

ATTA TRIMS PROJECTION ON ARRIVALS

2009-08-27T18:55:00.001-07:00

       The Association of Thai Travel Agents has revised this year's forecast for international arrivals down to 11.5 million due to a pessimistic tourism outlook.
       ATTA president Surapol Sritrakul said the conservative figure was based on surveys conducted among the agency's members.
       "We haven't seen any positive factors or advance bookings for the upcoming high season," he said yesterday.
       Though the number of tourists from Iran, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, India and China is on the rise, arrivals from Europe and the United States are still low. Between January and July, ATTA members catered to 900,000 travellers, a 40-per-cent decrease from the same period last year.
       Figures produced by the ATTA are lower than those of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT). The TAT recently revised its forecast from 13.2 million to 14 million arrivals because it believes the tourism industry will recover in the high season. Meanwhile, the TCT recently revised up its forecast from 12 million to 13.1 million, expecting tourists to return as political unrest subsides.
       According to Surapol, arrivals are so low that some small operators have been forced to shut down or sell their businesses. "The sector is not expected to recover until the middle of next year, and full recovery will only be seen late next year," he said.
       He added that the government should help tour operators through soft loans. So far only 30 small operators have received financial assistance, even though 300 applied for it. The ATTA and other key tourism associations are planning to ask the Finance and Tourism and Sports ministries for help.
       Surapol said the ATTA would hire two specialists to come up with new tourism schemes as well as marketing and sales strategies.
       Pradech Payakvichain, a TAT consultant, said tourism operators needed new strategies to compete with other countries, especially once the Asean Economic Community comes into effect.
       Thailand is not the only country suffering from a slump in tourist arrivals. According to the International Air Transport Association, passengers in July had declined 2.9 per cent compared to the same month last year, while freight demand was down 11.3 per cent. The international passenger-load factor stood at 80.3 per cent.
       The drop in July passenger demand was a relative improvement compared to the 7.2-per-cent drop in June and the 6.8-per-cent decline recorded over the first seven months of the year. The July capacity was more in line with reduced demand than in previous months and load factors were similar to those recorded in July 2008.
       These developments, however, have come at the expense of yields that continue to fall sharply.

Politicians seek to relax airport security

2009-08-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

       Thai politicians are pressuring Suvarnabhumi Airport's security staff to drop some pre-boarding screening procedures, even though this would breach global aviation security standards.
       The move to lift the requirement for passengers to put their jackets and belts through X-ray machines before they walk through metal detectors is being spearheaded by Pichet Panwichartkul, a Democrat MP.
       Mr Pichet has called the procedures an inconvenience for passengers and he is attempting to use his position as an adviser to the House standing committee on banking and finance to ease airport security, which has left security and airline managers dumbfounded.
       Industry sources said the committee recently summoned airport security chiefs to issue an ultimatum for the procedure to be waived from last Wednesday. The committee threatened to take further steps to enforce its demand if this order was ignored.
       In a broadside at Suvarnabhumi management published in the Aug 19 edition of Naew Na newspaper, Mr Pichet questioned Suvarnabhumi security's inability to distinguish between suspicious belts and normal ones.
       The former finance minister asked why passengers have to take off their belts at the checkpoint and then clumsily put them back on in public.
       "How is it possible that a female foreign passenger must remove her jacket to reveal her light clothing underneath to go through the screening?" he asked.
       The management of Suvarnabhumi and its airport security have "acknowledged" Mr Pichet's wish but so far have continued with the pre-boarding screening procedures.
       Aviation operators have pointed out that the screening procedures Mr Pichet wants to axe are enforced by most airports around the world and are in direct compliance with those enforced by the United States Transport Security Administration (TSA) as a counter-terrorism precaution.
       "Mr Pichet's wish to ease the screening procedure, if heeded, is very dangerous in exposing Suvarnabhumi and all airlines which operate through it to security risks," said one airline executive.
       He described Mr Pichet's request as reflecting a lack of understanding of the objectives of aviation security, which are to protect aircraft, passengers and crew, as well as to support national security and prevent terrorism.
       Putting jackets and belts into X-ray machines enables airport security personnel to detect weapons or contraband goods like narcotics.
       "There have been four or five recent cases when Suvarnabhumi security discovered belts with small knives inserted inside. That could not be detected by the naked eye," said an airport source.
       Relaxing screening procedures simply to reduce inconvenience for passengers would result in Suvarnabhumi being downgraded in its global security rating, said sources in the aviation industry. "Air travellers will not feel safe passing through Suvarnabhumi and airlines, especially US carriers, will have to review security risks when operating through this airport," said an aviation executive.
       If these procedures were waived, most airlines would have to conduct their own screening at the gates, increasing inconvenience and cost and wasting passengers' time.

For Gadhafi, release of Lockerbie prisoner part of complex agenda

2009-08-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

       The very concept of anti-imperialism is still at the heart of Gadhafi's discourse. His ideological prism has not changed.
       Once the mad dog of the Middle East,as Ronald Reagan called him, Colonel Moammar Gadhafi, the Libyan leader,has focused on shedding his outlaw status:he heads the African Union, attended a Group of Eight economic conference in Rome and is courted by Western powers hungry for Libyan oil.
       But if the world thought the colonel had changed his views after 40 years in power,he proved otherwise with the hero's welcome he gave Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi, the only person convicted in the Lockerbie bombing of 1988.
       "He likes to rub it in to the West that he was vindicated, that he's becoming an internationally recognised figure again," said Dirk J Vandewalle, associate professor of government at Dartmouth College.
       It was signature Gadhafi, extracting a concession from Western powers, offering thanks, then appearing to mock them for caving in. On his visit to Paris in 2007, he lectured the French on human rights. In Rome this year, he pinned a photograph to his chest of the 1931 arrest by Italian troops of the Libyan guerrilla leader Omar alMokhtar, whom the Italians later hanged.
       But this time, Col Gadhafi appears to have overreached (even if Mr Megrahi's homecoming, indeed his entire case, may not be as straightforward as many perceive).
       Instead of enhancing Col Gadhafi's standing, as he had hoped, Mr Megrahi's release has highlighted inherent conflicts in his reengagement with the outside world, experts said. Col Gadhafi's revolutionary ideology still clashes with Western expectations. He has failed to use his nation's opening to make political and economic improvements at home. There may even be a degree of naivete on the part of Col Gadhafi, who has expressed shock at the full-throated response from Washington and London.
       George Joffe, a lecturer at the Centre of International Studies at Cambridge Uni-
       versity, said the Libyans had "felt they succeeded" at complying with requests to keep the celebrations low-key. After all, Col Gadhafi did not himself greet Mr Megrahi at the airport.
       In that way, this case forces the West and Libya to face up to differences in perceptions that have hung over the courtship since reconciliation began.
       The West sees the current situation as clear-cut: Libya honouring a convicted terrorist who helped to blow up a jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland. But Libya experts said that it was far more nuanced, explaining in part why Libya acted as it did, and why it was so surprised by the reaction. There are several reasons, the experts said, chief among them that the government never accepted Mr Megrahi's guilt.
       "When Megrahi was found guilty there was an immediate sense in Libya that a great miscarriage of justice had taken place,"Mr Joffe said."And even on the day of the sentence, Gadhafi said that he would do everything to reverse it. Right from the beginning they did not accept the sentence."
       Still, this does not completely explain Col Gadhafi's behaviour.
       "Libya is highly authoritarian, but he still has a domestic audience he needs to appeal to," said Dana Moss, a visiting fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy."In the aftermath of giving up nukes and reengaging the US he wants to show he is no puppet of the West and that he made his decisions independently."
       In the days since Scottish officials released Mr Megrahi, Col Gadhafi's son Saif al Islam Gadhafi seemed to go out of his way to incite vitriol aimed at the very people he was thanking - officials in Scotland. Most damaging was his suggestion that British officials had agreed to release Mr Megrahi as part of a quid pro quo business deal. Saif al Islam Gadhafi, who accompanied Mr Megrahi home from Scotland, is thought to be engaged in a succession contest with his brother Moatessem-Billah Gadhafi. Saif al Islam Gadhafi was widely seen as using the Megrahi case to try to burnish his credentials,especially among the old guard who do not trust him.
       But Libyan officials say his comments were misconstrued, that Libya was simply using any leverage it had, including during trade talks, to free Mr Megrahi.
       Perhaps the central element, however,which cannot be overlooked, is Moammar Gadhafi's personal ambition.
       He gained the international status he craved when he became head of the African Union and he has used his position to promote his top goal - creation of a United States of Africa with one army, one passport,one currency and one leader. He hoped that bringing Mr Megrahi home would elevate his status among African leaders.
       From the beginning, it was almost inevitable that this case would end in hostility and recriminations. For those whose relatives died in the 1988 bombing, forcing Libya to pay millions to each family and putting Mr Megrahi in prison for life amounted to a shred of justice. But to Libya, that money was a business deal, a small price for a ticket to re-engage with the West and attract foreign investment. Libya did not admit guilt. It assumed responsibility for "the actions of its officials". The resolution cost Libya about $2.7 billion. The next year Libya's foreign investment reached $8 billion.
       In the gap of perception over Mr Megrahi's homecoming, where the West expressed outrage, Col Gadhafi saw hypocrisy, experts said. When in 2007 Libya released five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor sentenced to death on charges they had infected children with the virus that causes Aids, they were greeted by the Bulgarian president and prime minister, the French president's wife and the foreign affairs commissioner of the European Union.
       Col Gadhafi agreed to send the nurses to Bulgaria to serve out prison terms, but they were immediately pardoned by the Bulgarian president.
       "Why didn't we hear these objections,on the exoneration of this condemned team?"Col Gadhafi asked last week."Are we donkeys,but they are humans?"
       His parallel was dismissed in the West,where health officials argued that his charges were fabricated. But Libyans believed Mr Megrahi was a political prisoner, and some experts assert that those sentiments are not without some justification.
       "I remember talking to one of the judges from the panel that convicted him," said Mr Vandewalle of Dartmouth."He said there was enormous pressure put on the court to get a conviction."
       Next Tuesday Libya will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the coup that brought Col Gadhafi to power. Mr Megrahi may again be on display.
       "The very concept of anti-imperialism is still at the heart of Gadhafi's discourse," Mr Moss said."His ideological prism has not changed. He has to show, or wants to show,that he is not backing down."

AOT board to mull disposal of stakes in five companies

2009-08-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

       Airports of Thailand's board is expected to decide tomorrow whether the company should dispose of stakes in five companies in order to avoid conflicts of interest, an AOT source said yesterday.
       The five companies are Thai Airport Ground Services, in which AOT has a 28.5-per-cent stake; King Power Duty Free, in which it holds 5 per cent; Airport Duty Free (10 per cent); Airport Associate (10 per cent); and Fuel Pipeline Transportation (1.38 per cent).
       "The share-disposal suggestion is the result of a study by a working committee chaired by AOT director Prasong Poontaneat. The study suggested AOT should dispose of shares in five of its 11 subsidiaries and affiliated companies, due to possible conflicts of interest," the source |said.
       The source said the committee had concluded AOT could maintain stakes in the remaining six companies, as there were no signs of conflict of interest.
       The six companies are Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (60-per-cent holding), Thai Aviation Refuelling (10 per cent), Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services (4.94 per cent), Phuket Kitchen (10 per cent), Don Mueang International Airport Hotel (9 per cent) and Trade Siam (1.5 per cent).
       AOT operates Suvarnabhumi and four other international airports in Thailand.
       Meanwhile, the board will also consider the management's proposal to operate a ticket-screening service. AOT had planned to outsource the service but now considers that operating the service itself will save on maintenance costs.
       The source said the board would also consider a new marketing campaign that would see AOT provide more benefits to certain airlines. Under such a campaign, airlines with a high number of passengers passing through its airports would enjoy special landing and parking fees.
       AOT had planned to provide special fees across the board but now considers this would make too much of a dent in its revenue.
       AOT posted a net profit of Bt1.47 billion for the quarter from April to June, against Bt7.3 billion in the same period last year.
       The full-year net profit is also expected to drop, due to a |sharp decrease in the number of travellers.
       It estimates the number of international arrivals this year will drop from last year's 14.6 million to between 12 million and 13 million, due to the global economic crisis and domestic political turbulence.

Lighter airplanes open new horizons for PB Air

2009-08-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

       PB Air is adding two new light aircraft to its fleet as part of its business optimisation and expansion plan.
       The airline, controlled by Boon Rawd Brewery baron Piya Bhirom-Bhakdi, has leased two twin-engine turboprop Saab 340s from AeroCentury, a Californiabased aircraft leasing and financing firm,for five years.
       The first of the Saabs, which are about 12 years old, is due to join the carrier's fleet, now comprising two larger Frenchmade ATR 72-500 turboprops leased from Bangkok Airways, by the end of September. The second aircraft is scheduled for delivery a month later.
       PB Air director Heribert Gaksch said the two Saab 340s were well suited to demand patterns on two new routes Bangkok-Surin and Bangkok-Chumphon - that it plans to introduce.
       They will also save costs on some of PB Air's existing routes which use ATR 72-500 aircraft whose 70-seat capacity has become excessive in the light of weak travel demand.
       "The ATRs are half-filled on some existing routes, like those to Mae Sot,"he said."If we could carry 25 to 26 passengers on each Saab 340 flight then we could break even."
       The 19-year-old airline hopes to inaugurate four flights per week to Chumphon, and three to Surin, later this year.
       The airline plans to keep the two ATR aircraft in its fleet, to serve its trunk routes to Lampang, Nakhon Phanom and Sakhon Nakhon, said Mr Gaksch.
       That means PB Air would renew its lease for the two ATRs, due to end in October, with Bangkok Airways.
       Rising jet fuel prices are currently PB Air's biggest concern. The airline is "slowly coming out of the mud of red numbers", said Mr Gaksch, adding that the carrier should break even by year-end.

Jetstar Asia to launch China flights

2009-08-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

       The Singapore-based budget carrier Jetstar Asia announced yesterday it would expand capacity and planned to begin flights to mainland China in December.
       "Mainland China has immense potential for Jetstar's low-fare offering and the broader Jetstar group network destinations," said chief executive Chong Phit Lian.
       "China is a clear focus of future growth and with our expanding fleet in 2010,we are in the stage of actively assessing future potential growth," she said.
       As well as aiming to expand into China,Jetstar will from October increase flights to Manila from seven to 10 per week,and will also run three daily trips instead of the current two to Bangkok from next month.
       And from December the firm will resume its flights to Phuket, a route it terminated in March last year partly due to escalating oil prices.
       Jetstar Asia said it would take delivery of three Airbus A320 jets over the next 12 months, which will boost its fleet capacity by 46%.
       Meanwhile, Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia said yesterday it would launch its seventh route into mainland China in October as part of its regional expansion despite the economic slump.
       "AirAsia will be the first airline to fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu,the capital city of Sichuan province in southwestern China, with four weekly flights from October 20," it said in a statement.
       The carrier said the new route would be operated by its long-haul affiliate AirAsia X.
       AirAsia already flies to Shenzhen,Guangzhou, Guilin and Haikou in the southern region, Hangzhou in the east and Tianjin in the north.
       It also has flights to Hong Kong and Macau.

AoT reveals B32m tender

2009-08-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

       Airports of Thailand Plc is planning to call for tenders for six redevelopment projects at Don Mueang airport totalling more than 32 million baht.
       The announcement had sparked interest from several private firms, Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum said yesterday.
       AoT is preparing legal documents,project details and investment and returns forecasts prior to calling for tenders for the outsourcing contracts, Mr Sohpon said.
       The successful firms will be announced within the month.
       The six projects are: the renovation of Don Mueang's private jet and air taxi terminal; the provision of landing gear maintenance for 150-seat aircraft; the management of a regional aviation spare parts service; the operation of maintenance and repair services for small and medium-sized aircraft; the development of an international free trade zone; and the establishment of an airline pilot flight simulator training centre.
       AoT is seeking permission from the Customs Department to turn part of the airport into a customs- and tax-free zone to provide a free trade area.
       AoT president Serirat Prasutanond said five of the projects - excluding the flight simulator training centre which is being budgeted - would cost 32.3 million baht to outsource.

AIRLINE UPGRADES ERODING THEIR PRIME PROFIT SOURCE

2009-08-24T20:24:00.001-07:00

       Price cuts aimed at filling empty airline seats mean flying business class is not longer a luxury affordable only when teh company is paying.
       Swiss International Air Lines is selling upgrades to flat-bed beths for US$460 (Bt15,700), while Singapore Airlines has halved thhe price of business tickets bought with air miles and British Airways has offered two premium seats for the price of one.
       First-and business-class travel fell 21 per cent worldwide in June compared with a year earlier, or three times the decline in economy class, accordiing to industry data.
       That has eroded the prime source of profit at carriers such as British Airways, which last year got 45 per cent of revenue from premium travel tha taccounted for only 13 cent of seats sold.
       "There are more promotions than ever, fare wars left and right, and you can use your air milers in ways we've never seen before, " said Matt Bennett, founder of First Class Flyer.com, a Monterey, California-based online newsletter.
       "What's bad for airlines is great for travellers. Their pricing structure is under siege."
       Filling seats through discounts is risky, said Stephen Furlong, a Dublin-based analyst with Davy Stockbrokers. Cheaper deals may erode the exclusivity of premiumclass travel and business flyers may switch en masse to teh cheaper fares, hurting overall revenue.
       While June's fall in premium traffic eased from a 24-per-cent drop in May, the improvement came at the expense of a steeper decline in revenue, which fell 41 per cent in the second quarter as fares shrank.
       Singapore Airlines, where the exclusivity of premium class-travel "used to be sacred" according to Beneett, has offered its 76 centimetre business seats, among the widest in the industry, at a 50-per-cent discount when paid for in airr miles. The deal has featured 25 destinations this year with about half a dozen qualifyingin any given month.
       The discounting is a response to the economic slump and the company's strategy is to remmain a premium, fulol-service carrier, spokesman Nick Ionides said.
       British Airways introduced its first ever two-for-one flights offer in May for selected departures between June and October. The deal is still available to people booking from the US using a BA Visa credit card.
       While cheap upgrades, heavy discounting and no-frills business seats may help airlines fill the front of their planes, carriers face a delicate balancing act in order to avoid permanently damaging demand for premium tickets.

LA and London routes hurt Qantas

2009-08-23T20:30:00.001-07:00

       Australian flag-carrier Qantas yesterday blamed flagging demand on its key London and Los Angeles routes for an 88-per-cent drop in annual net profit.
       Chief executive Alan Joyce said the two routes,, once the airline's main profit generators, were operating at aloss due to increased competition and the impact of the global financial crisis.
       Joyce said that while the airline's domestic operations were still protitaable, the LA and London routes had dragged its international business into the red.
       "Basically, those routes are the biggest issue," he told public broadcaster ABC.
       "Those two big routes are very dependent on premium traffci. Premium traffic dropped by between 20 and 30 per cent for us."
       Qantas last week announced net profit fell to 117 million dollars Australian dollars (Bt3.4 billion) in the 12 months to June, down from A4969 million.
       Competition in the Australia-Los Angeles route has ramped up this years with US giant Delta and Virgin's V-Australia taking on existing players Qantas and United Airlines.

Scots defend Libyan release

2009-08-23T20:29:00.001-07:00

       The Scottish government has defended its decision to free the Lockerbie bomber in the face of a blistering attack from the head of the FBI and criticism yesterday from political opponents at home.
       FBI chief Robert Mueller said in a strongly worded letter to the Scottish justice minister that releasing Abdelbaset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi "gave comfort to terrorists around the world". Mr Mueller said the decision to free Megrahi, who has terminal cancer, on compassionate grounds made a "mockery of justice".
       But the Scottish government hit back,saying the decision to release Megrahi had been reached "on the basis of Scotland's due process, clear evidence and the recommendations from the parole board and prison governor".
       "Compassionate release is not part of the US justice system but it is part of Scotland's," a spokesman said.
       The Lockerbie case has personal resonance for Mr Mueller, a former prosecutor who played a major role in investigating the 1988 bombing of PanAm Flight 103 over the Scottish town in which 270 people died. The majority were Americans. Criticism of the decision also came from Scotland's former first minister Jack McConnell, who said it was a "grave error of judgement".
       "The way in which the decision has been made and the decision itself have damaged the reputation of the Scottish justice system," he said."It's damaged that reputation, but more significantly it's also damaged the reputation of Scotland internationally." The semiautonomous Scottish government,based in Edinburgh, can take decisions independently of London on justice matters but not foreign affairs.
       In its reply to Mr Mueller's criticism,the Scottish government said that before taking the decision, Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill "could not have consulted more widely - he spoke with the US families, the US attorney-general, Secretary of State [Hillary] Clinton and many others".
       Britain's Business Secretary Peter Mandelson - Prime Minister Gordon Brown's de facto deputy - said suggestions that a deal had been struck on Megrahi were "offensive".
       The British government is under pressure to explain its role in Megrahi's release, but it says the decision was a matter solely for Scotland. London and Washington have condemned the "hero's welcome" given to Megrahi on his return to Libya.
       "The idea the British government ... would sit down and somehow barter over the freedom or the life of this Libyan prisoner and make it all part of some business deal ... it's not only wrong, it's completely implausible and actually quite offensive," said Mr Mandelson.
       European governments including Britain are lobbying hard for business in Libya as it emerges from years of sanctions. Oil companies such as BP and Shell are among several British firms hoping to make big profits in the desert country. Britain's Foreign Office flatly denied any link.
       "No deal has been made between the UK government and Libya in relation to Megrahi and any commercial interests," a spokesman said.

GADHAFI JUNIOR COMES OUT OF THE SHADOWS

2009-08-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

       The man who paraded the Lockerbie bomber has played a pivotal role in ending Libya's isolation ByDaniel Howden and Jonathan Brown

       It was the homecoming of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, but in the event he was relegated to the part of mere supporting actor. Dressed in white and with his arms aloft at the top of the aircraft's stairs, the author of the Libyan victory, Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, was not going to allow his key role in the affair to be forgotten.
       The spotlight remained glued to the son of Libya's president as he directed Megrahi's movements and ushered the television cameras up the stairs for a close-up.
       The personal triumph being claimed on the runway of a Libyan military base came in stark contrast to the official line that the release had been standard Scottish judicial procedure. For the controversial return to Tripoli of the man convicted of murdering 270 people was the culmination of a personal mission by Saif al-Islam, who swore to bring Megrahi home last year.
       Africa's longest serving president,Moammar al-Gadhafi, was conspicuous by his absence. In the hours preceding the landing the Libyan president had received a letter from Gordon Brown urging him to "act with sensitivity",while US President Barack Obama had told Libyan authorities not to welcome the prisoner but to "place him under house arrest".
       Libya's Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Baghdadi opted not to comment on the release at a press conference last Thursday.
       In the face of this official silence,the credit for the diplomatic coup was left to Colonel Gadhafi's heir-apparent,Saif al-Islam. The only television pictures of the homecoming seen in Libya were highlights broadcast on a channel strongly connected to the 37-year-old engineer, which showed him delivering his compatriot to a cheering crowd.
       The spectacle was causing acute embarrassment in Scotland, where the devolved administration had sought to portray the release as a purely legal issue. In public at least the matter was being left entirely to the Scottish Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill.
       But the political ramifications had been endlessly debated in the top echelons of the Scottish National Party,where it was felt that they had inherited an "impossible situation".
       The April ratification by the British government of a prisoner transfer agreement with Libya was followed almost immediately with a request from Tripoli for Megrahi to be handed over.
       With a prisoner exchange rejected as unacceptable to many of the families of victims and the US government, a second line of attack, a 1994 provision allowing compassionate licence to Scottish ministers, was brought into play.
       The issue of compassionate release had been discussed at a meeting between Scottish and Libyan officials on July 6 when it was made clear that an application would most likely succeed.By July 24, Megrahi had applied.
       This compromise allowed the Labour government in London to vent its anger at its SNP-led rival over the border and distance itself from the release despite the facilitating role it had played in the prisoner-exchange deal.
       As with so many aspects of Libya's reconciliation with the West, the timing of the latest move raised serious questions.
       Megrahi's release coincides with the opening festivities in the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Libya's revolution, which falls in September.
       But there is a limited amount to celebrate. The poor living standards most Libyans endure have in the past been blamed on UN sanctions, but now that excuse is gone. Gadhafi senior's grandstanding at the head of the African Union has been met with grumbling at home, where massive oil revenues have failed to deliver improved roads, hospitals, schools and institutions.
       Conceding political ownership of Megrahi's homecoming to Saif al-Islam appeared calculated to deflate mount-ing domestic criticism of his father and, furthermore, to raise a clamour for Saif to withdraw his announcement last year that he had retired from politics.
       While the Scottish decision to release the bomber on compassionate grounds appeared sudden, it followed a round of high-level shuttle diplomacy carried out by Gadhafi's second-born son.
       The compulsion to secure privileged access to Libya's enormous energy reserves has seen political leaders from Tony Blair to Nicolas Sarkozy get to grips with Gadhafi's bedouin roadshow.More recently Mr Brown and Mr Obama met the unpredictable autocrat on the fringes of the G8 meeting this month.But there is little doubt that the West favours the more urbane son as its gobetween with Tripoli.
       In each of the major diplomatic breakthroughs that have brought Libya in from the cold and advanced it to the status of "strategic partner" to the UK,Saif al-Islam has had a decisive role.He has been at the centre of the secret accords, trade deals, compensation packages and prisoner exchanges that have marked the country's return to respectability.
       The abandonment of Libya's nuclear weapons programme, the release of the Bulgarian medics convicted of infecting children with HIV, the agreement of compensation for the Lockerbie bombings, the normalisation of relations with the US - all have borne the fingerprints of Saif al-Islam.
       Which was why it was a surprise in August last year when he announced he was withdrawing from politics, dis-missing speculation that he would replace his father, saying that Libya "was not a farm to be inherited".
       But, in the eccentric politics of Gadhafi senior, few certainties can be relied on. Three months later Saif was in New York talking about a constitution and democratic elections for Libya.The deadline he set for this was September of this year, at the end of the anniversary celebrations commemorating his father's rise to power. The stage could be set for Saif to reconsider inheriting the farm.

AS LOAD FALLS, JAL SEEKS MERGER WITH CARGO RIVAL

2009-08-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

       Japan Airlines yesterday announced that it aimed to merge its freight business with that of rival Nippon Cargo Airlines in response to a sharp drop in demand during the economic downturn.
       JAL, which lost US$1 billion (Bt34 billion) in the three months to June, said it had agreed to start negotiations with Nippon Yusen Kaisha, which owns the rival cargo firm, with a view to joining forces by April 1, 2010.
       "Following the collapse of the economy in the United States last autumn, the financial crisis that spread worldwide caused demand for air cargo transport to fall drastically and market situations to worsen," JAL said.
       A merger of the two largest cargo operators in Japan should enable them to make a profit, JAL said.
       The two airlines have already started code-sharing for cargo flights.
       "Further consolidation is expected to bring about more benefits such as allowing both companies to significantly reduce cost and to fortify their technical expertise," JAL said in a statement.
       JAL, Asia's biggest carrier, earlier this month announced drastic cuts to its flight services as it braces for a second staright year in the red.

Air cargo firms eye merger

2009-08-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

       Japan Airlines Corp said it would start talks to merge its ailing cargo business with a unit of shipping firm Nippon Yusen as the airline looks to return to profit with the help of statebacked funds.
       JAL, Asia's largest airline by revenue,secured a deal in June to borrow 100 billion yen ($1.1 billion) from two statebacked lenders and three commercial banks and is now restructuring under state supervision.
       The company has already announced plans to cut domestic and international flights, but is under pressure to come up with more drastic cost-saving measures as it heads for its second-straight annual loss in the year to March 2010.
       JAL and Nippon Yusen said they would begin talks towards a potential merger of their cargo businesses in April, building on a code-sharing alliance between the two firms under which they mutually use each others networks to sell and transport cargo.
       "The air cargo business has been one of the hardest hit industries by the re-cession from last year," Hitoshi Oshika,corporate officer of Nippon Yusen, said at the briefing.
       The combination of JAL's cargo business with the Nippon Yusen unit, Nippon Cargo Airlines Co, would create a company with combined sales of about $3 billion and in control of roughly 30% of Japan's international air cargo market,JAL said.
       Its global competitors would include FedEx Corp and UPS.
       JAL reported a 50.9 billion yen operating loss for the year to March 2009 and has forecast a 59 billion yen loss for the current year, as it struggles to control costs and suffers along with other airlines due to a slump in global travel.
       Nippon Yusen has been looking for ways to turn around its air cargo business,which booked an operating loss of 17.9 billion yen in the year to March 2009 on sales of 79.4 billion yen.
       The shipping firm has implemented cost-cutting measures and replaced its fleet with more fuel-efficient cargo planes.

Rock-bottom air fares on offer

2009-08-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

       International airlines are offering extralow prices both inside and outside of Thailand in a bid to attract more passengers during this low season.
       Turkish Airlines yesterday announced its "Great SurprisesW promotion for the month of September. Round trips from Istanbul to Casablanca, Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Nice, Berlin, Beirut, Stockholm, Frankfurt, Chisinau, Gothenburg and Hanover will be priced from Euro111(Bt 5,400), execluding taxes, for economy class and Euro 333 for business class.
       Long-range flights will also be included in the campaign, with round trips from Istanbul to Lagos, Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok and New York priced from Euro 333, excluding taxes.
       Jetstar will operate two flights a day between Singapore and Phuket from December 15. Starting late next month, it will increase its gfrequency between Bangkok and Singapore from two flights a day to three.
       AirAsia recently announced a new service between Kuala Lumpur and Abu Dhabi on subsidiary AirAsia X to begin on November 23.
       The airline is now offering an attractive all-inclusive price of Bt1,020 one way, available exclusively online via its website until next Wednesday for travel between November 23 and next July 31.
       Thai Airways International recently launched a new Royal Orchid Holidays "Historic Legendary Mosques in Bangkok" package. To promote the package, the airline flew in Pakistani reporters to visit the Bang Luang, Ton Son and Charoen Pasana mosques in Bangkok.
       The promotion is aimed at attractoing Muslim passengers during this low season.

Sohpon objects to upgrade

2009-08-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

       Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum is objecting to the House committee on transport's proposal to develop Nam Phong airport into a commercial airport because he says nearby Khon Kaen airport can still function well enough.
       The minister yesterday said that there was no need to develop Nam Phong airport because Khon Kaen airport was only about 30 kilometres away and had enough capacity for air traffic needs.
       Besides, the development of Nam Phong airport, which the air force was using for training, would end up being too costly, he said.
       Echoing Mr Sohpon, Chaisak Angsuwan, deputy permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry, said that Khon Kaen airport was capable of serving 2.5 million passengers a year and that the current number of air passengers visiting the airport was only around 400,000 to 500,000 a year.
       He said that Nam Phong airport was the only place left for the air force to conduct exercises and the air force regularly uses the airport for this purpose.
       Developing Nam Phong into a commercial airport would affect military operations and thus jeopardise national security, Mr Chaisak said.
       The runway and parking bays of Nam Phong airport are heavily cracked and the airport is surrounded by tall trees,he said.
       It would be too costly to maintain the facility which would also need a better road network in its vicinity.

Tyre glitch jet lands safely

2009-08-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

       A Thai Airways International plane has landed safely at Suvarnabhumi airport after developing technical problems.
       Flight TG 234 from Hat Yai to Bangkok carrying more than 200 passengers and crew suffered a tyre problemwhile landing at about 1pm yesterday, causing the wheels to stop functioning normally.The tyres automatically deflated.
       The pilot managed to bring the aircraft to a halt safely. No passengers were injured, said acting THAI president Narongsak Sangkhapong. The plane was an Airbus A300-600, which had been in use for some time.
       THAI issued a statement to clarify the incident. It said that the Airbus had 232 passengers on board.
       The flight departed from Hat Yai airport at 11.27am and was scheduled to arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport at 1pm.
       When the aircraft approached Suvarnabhumi, the tyre no.4 fuse blew during landing.
       The pilot made an announcement to inform passengers and had the aircraft towed from the runway to the taxiway,then to the parking bay. The flight crew reported the incident for towing to parking bay No.202 at 1.25pm.
       The aircraft was equipped with a tyre fuse safety system to safeguard against tyre bursts, where the system releases pressure from the upper area of the tyre to depressurise it.
       THAI's Technical Department has conducted a thorough check of the aircraft concerned to find the cause of the incident and found nothing abnormal with the aircraft brake system.