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Boeing Statement on United Arab Emirates C-17

2009-02-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 24, 2009 -- The Boeing Company is pleased that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its intent to acquire the C-17 Globemaster III, the world's most advanced airlifter. The C-17 continues to serve as the backbone of international airlift missions, supporting numerous humanitarian-relief and peacekeeping efforts around the world. We look forward to partnering with the UAE as it strengthens its airlift capabilities with the C-17, which remains unequaled in performance, versatility and reliability.

Lufthansa airlines

2009-02-17T13:34:00.000-08:00

Lufthansa may face a full strike by its cabin crew members after trade union UFO said on Tuesday the latest round of wage talks with the German flagship carrier had failed.

"We will decide on (whether to call for) further strikes today," a spokesman for the union said, adding UFO may ballot for industrial action.

This was the fourth round of talks in which Lufthansa has been offering a wage increase of up to 10 percent. The package includes better work conditions and profit sharing.

Pushing for a better offer, cabin crews represented by UFO have staged protests twice in the past weeks, forcing the carrier to cancel dozens of flights and cope with delays.

Last July, Lufthansa's passenger numbers were hurt by strikes by ground staff and cabin crew as well as walkouts by regional pilots that forced the carrier to cut flights.

The wage agreement that ended that walkout added about EUR100 million euros (USD$126.5 million) a year to costs, the company has said.

Lufthansa earlier this month raised its full-year 2008 outlook, saying its fourth quarter had yielded stronger results than expected, aided by lower fuel costs.

Air Ryan

2009-02-17T13:33:00.002-08:00

order 200 planes for USD$7 billion with delivery starting in 2013, CEO Michael O'Leary said on Tuesday.

Ryanair is not in advanced talks with either of the two on the order and is happy to wait until the plane makers' "order book collapses" to negotiate a better deal, he said.

The planes have a list price of about USD$70 million each but Ryanair expects to negotiate at least a 50 percent discount to pay about USD$35 million - USD$40 million each for a total order of roughly USD$7 billion, he said.

"The sticker price is USD$70 million, but we would never dream of paying anything like that," he told reporters after a news conference on the airline's plans in Italy.

Despite Ryanair's historic relationship with Boeing, O'Leary said he would order planes from Airbus if they offered a cheaper price. In that case, Ryanair would simply designate some of its airport bases as those for Airbus planes, he said.

The planes would be delivered between 2013 and 2016, he said. Ryanair has a fleet of 171 Boeing 737-800s, and has firm orders to bring that up to 310 planes by 2012, he said.

Airlines Canada

2009-02-17T13:33:00.001-08:00

Air Canada only emerged from its last round of bankruptcy protection in 2004. But the economic crisis has hammered most international carriers as traffic has dropped, forcing them to cut routes, reduce capacity and lay off employees.

Air Canada last year cut 2,000 jobs and reduced capacity by 7 percent and has made more cuts since.

Chief Executive Montie Brewer said on Friday -- as Air Canada announced an unexpectedly large loss of CAD$727 million for the fourth quarter of last year -- that the airline would seek to reduce costs by another CAD$100 million and shave capacity by a further 3.5 percent.

The company said on Friday it has shored up its balance sheet with CAD$641 million in new financing, but warned that the recession may put more pressure on its revenue in 2009. Air Canada said it has up to CAD$1 billion of assets it could use to increase its liquidity if needed.

Air Canada

2009-02-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

Air Canada, the country's biggest airline, could be forced to file for bankruptcy protection if it does not secure additional financing and succeed in renegotiating covenants in credit card agreements, UBS analyst Fadi Chamoun said.

"Notwithstanding lower fuel costs, we believe that cash from operations will be insufficient to meet rising pension funding obligations and over CAD$1 billion (USD$800 million) of debt repayment over the next two years," Chamoun said in a note dated February 13.

Covenants in credit card agreements could tighten further in the second quarter and result in the airline being required to maintain higher cash deposits, said Chamoun, who cut his target price for its shares to CAD$1 from CAD$1.50.

"In the absence of additional financing (sale of assets) and renegotiation of covenants in credit card agreements, Air Canada could be forced to file for bankruptcy in our opinion," he wrote.

Air Canada spokeswoman Angela Mah declined to comment on the UBS report.

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2009-02-15T07:29:00.001-08:00

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2009-02-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

Speculation has focused on the wintry weather as the cause of Thursday night's crash, when the Dash 8 Q400 turboprop plane pitched wildly in its final approach before plunging to earth, killing all 49 people on board and one person in the house.

Two women in the house survived.

Chealander said it was too early to know whether ice was to blame. The mechanical systems seemed to be working normally, he said, but there would be more clarity when a team in Washington begins a detailed analysis of the flight recorders on Sunday.

The plane's crew reported snow and mist and commented on ice buildup on the windscreen and front of the wings shortly before the crash, according to the cockpit voice recorder.

The delicate and gruesome task of recovering remains and evidence from the site about 6 miles (10 km) from Buffalo Airport was being handled by 100 to 150 NTSB investigators, FBI agents, coroners and volunteer firefighters.

Bodies were being taken to the Erie County medical examiner for identification.

As the plane descended toward the airport with its landing gear down, its nose suddenly and violently moved up and down and its wings see-sawed, investigators said after initial reviews of the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.

Despite witness accounts that the plane nosedived into the house, Chealander said the wreckage was lying flat and the nose was pointed in the opposite direction to the runway.

Ice Slows Search At Site Of Deadly US Plane Crash

2009-02-15T07:27:00.000-08:00

Investigators were hampered by ice on Saturday as they searched for bodies and clues in the wreckage of a commuter plane that crashed into a house in western New York state, killing 50 people.

"It is a slow process but we are making progress," said Steve Chealander of the National Transportation Safety Board.

Despite delays caused by frozen water from fire hoses and the mingling of debris from the plane and house, he told a news conference the NTSB hoped to wrap up the investigation in the Buffalo suburb of Clarence Center by Wednesday.

"The medical examiner believes that three to four days are going to be required to recover the victims of this crash," he said. "They've already pulled some of the folks out of there."

Speculation has focused on the wintry weather as the cause of Thursday night's crash, when the Dash 8 Q400 turboprop plane pitched wildly in its final approach before plunging to earth, killing all 49 people on board and one person in the house.

Two women in the house survived.

Chealander said it was too early to know whether ice was to blame. The mechanical systems seemed to be working normally, he said, but there would be more clarity when a team in Washington begins a detailed analysis of the flight recorders on Sunday.

The plane's crew reported snow and mist and commented on ice buildup on the windscreen and front of the wings shortly before the crash, according to the cockpit voice recorder.

The delicate and gruesome task of recovering remains and evidence from the site about 6 miles (10 km) from Buffalo Airport was being handled by 100 to 150 NTSB investigators, FBI agents, coroners and volunteer firefighters.

Bodies were being taken to the Erie County medical examiner for identification.

As the plane descended toward the airport with its landing gear down, its nose suddenly and violently moved up and down and its wings see-sawed, investigators said after initial reviews of the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.

Despite witness accounts that the plane nosedived into the house, Chealander said the wreckage was lying flat and the nose was pointed in the opposite direction to the runway.

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2009-02-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

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Bombardier Q400s Have Had Few Prior Problems

2009-02-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

Canadian plane maker Bombardier said on Friday the crash of one of its Dash 8 Q400 turboprop aircraft near Buffalo, New York, on Thursday night, which killed 50 people, was the first fatal crash involving that type of plane.

A spokesman for Bombardier told CBC television news that 220 of its Q400 NextGen turboprops have been delivered to airlines around the world.

That fleet has logged more than 1 million flying hours and 1.5 million takeoff cycles without a fatal accident, John Arnone, a Bombardier spokesman, told the CBC.

Three Dash 8 Q-400 planes, owned by SAS, were involved in crash landings in Scandinavia due to problems with landing gear in a span of 45 days in late 2007. None of those incidents were fatal.

Montreal-based Bombardier said last week it would lay off 1,360 people due to the downturn in its business jet market. It said that softness could be offset by an expected 10 percent rise in orders for commercial aircraft, led by an increase in demand for the Q400 turboprop.

The company said earlier this week that it had agreed terms with Colgan Air, the airline that operated the plane that crashed on Thursday, on an option to buy another 15 Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners.

That was on top of 15 firm Colgan orders, worth USD$432 million, announced in January for the fuel-efficient, low emission, 70- to 80-seat turboprops.

Boeing 787 On Track For Q1 2010 Delivery

2009-02-14T13:08:00.002-08:00

Boeing's delayed 787 Dreamliner remains on track for its first deliveries in the first quarter of 2010, Scott Carson, chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said on Tuesday.

The company pushed back the 787 delivery schedule for a fourth time in December, making its plane almost two years late and risking cancellations from angry airlines.

Carson said that Boeing's record order backlog would serve the company well as economic recession "continues to challenge every region of the world."

The company is working to backfill orders that were deferred due to the bad economy, he said.

"We are, as I said, feeling good about 2009, cautiously optimistic about 2010, but prepared to make the rate adjustments we need to," Carson said.

He said that if Boeing had to slow 737 production it might be in the region of 10 percent in 2010.

Boeing would continue to split the market with Airbus, he said, but added new Russian, Brazilian, Chinese, Canadian and Japanese competitors aspired to enter the marketplace.

"We cannot be dismissive of... their attempts," Carson said.

Biofuel From Forestry Waste Is Close

2009-02-14T13:08:00.001-08:00

New types of green fuels produced using waste from forestry may be among the first new generation biofuels to start production, an executive from Finnish forestry and paper group UPM-Kymmene said on Thursday.

UPM was planning to expand into biofuel production and was currently conducting trials to produce biodiesel, bioethanol and heavy fuel oils from forest residues including tree bark, twigs and stumps, said vice president corporate relations and development Hans Sohlstrom.

Global airlines are likely to use a wide range of new generation bio-jet fuels in coming years rather than fuel from a single crop or plant type, the conference heard from Christian Schuchert, strategy director for Boeing in Germany.

Airline biofuel use could start rising perceptibly from 2010 if the financial crisis does not choke investment in production projects, he said.

Bio-Jet fuels produced from camelina, a type of flax, had already been developed.

Jet fuels from the oilseed jatropha were expected in two to three years, from hydrophyte aquatic plants in two to four years and from algae in eight to ten years, Schuchert said.

Fuels will have to be strictly quality-certified by authorities but attention should be focused on the technical qualities of the fuel rather than the feedstock it was produced from, he said.

Producing new generation bio jet fuels could give developing countries a chance for new economic activity which could also support their national airlines, he said.

Governments worldwide want second generation biofuels to replace first generation green fuels produced from foods such as corn, sugar and vegetable oils, following bitter controversy about whether biofuel production raises food prices.

"According to our plans we should have the necessary information in our hands to make decisions about the first large scale commercial unit by the middle of this year," Sohlstrom said on the sidelines of a conference on second generation biofuels.

"However I am not saying we will make a decision as many things have changed in this financial and economic climate." Any investment could involve hundreds of millions of euros.

If current trials were positive, a start to commercial green fuel production from forest residues could be possible in 2012-2013, he said.

About three million tonnes of forestry residues was likely to be sufficient to produce 200,000 tonnes of biodiesel.

"We believe there are large volumes of residues that could be used for biofuel production in Europe and elsewhere," he said. "Around half of a tree's biomass is currently left as residue which cannot be used for timber or paper production."

Plane Crashes In New York State Killing 50

2009-02-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

Plane Crashes In New York State Killing 5A commuter plane suddenly nosedived and crashed into a house in snowy western New York state late on Thursday, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground as it burst into a fireball.

Speculation immediately focused on the weather as other pilots in the area reported ice buildup on their wings, but investigators cautioned on Friday that it was premature to determine a cause.

Continental Connection Flight 3407, operated by Colgan Air, was travelling to Buffalo from Newark, New Jersey. Colgan is a unit of Pinnacle Airlines.

The 74-seat plane -- a Dash 8 Q400 turboprop made by Canada's Bombardier -- lost contact with air traffic controllers and went down at about 10:20 pm EST on Thursday (0320 GMT on Friday) a few miles before the runway at Buffalo Airport, authorities said.

It was the third fatal crash since 2003 for Pinnacle and its Colgan unit, according to safety records. The two previous involved flights that were not carrying passengers, resulting in four crew deaths.

Bombardier said it was the first fatal crash involving that type of plane.

Only the tail section of the plane appeared intact, sticking out of a crater as firefighters worked into the day to put out a blaze fed by jet fuel and a natural gas leak.

"It's hard to make sense of it today but God hasn't left us. Two of three people that were in the home that the plane landed on miraculously escaped," New York Governor David Paterson told a news conference. "So we just take what little we can and move forward."

There were 44 passengers, four crew members and an off-duty pilot on board. Among the victims was Beverly Eckert, the widow of a victim of the September 11 attacks in 2001 and an advocate for survivors.

HIGH-PITCHED NOISE

Witnesses in the Buffalo suburb of Clarence Center said the plane came out of the sky in a steep dive.

"I could hear what sounded like a high-pitched sound -- a tube with air rushing through it," Keith Burtis told CNN. "You could feel the ground shake."

Other pilots in the area were concerned about icing, control tower recordings showed.

Commercial aircraft are equipped with de-icing systems but safety experts say even a small buildup of ice on the wings can affect aerodynamics.

Weather conditions were not unusual for that part of western New York at this time of year -- snow, 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) and moderate wind.

Federal investigators recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders on Friday and were sending them to Washington for analysis.

The plane was set to start its approach to land when air traffic controllers suddenly lost contact, control tower communications showed.

"It's remarkable that it only took one house," said Dave Bissonette, emergency coordinator for the town of Clarence. "It could have easily wiped out that whole neighbourhood."

Thursday's disaster came less than a month after the successful crash landing of a US Airways jet on the Hudson River in New York City.

All 155 people on board survived after the plane hit birds, taking out both engines, and pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger brought it down safely on the river.0

British Airways Undercarriage Fails On Landing, 4 Hurt

2009-02-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

Passengers used emergency slides to evacuate a British Airways plane when its nose wheel collapsed on landing at London's City Airport on Friday, injuring four people, officials said.

The front undercarriage failed when BA flight 8456 from Amsterdam landed at the east London airport on Friday evening with 67 passengers and four crew on board, the airline said.

"As a precaution, the emergency slides were deployed and the passengers were evacuated down the slides onto the runway," BA said in a statement.

A passenger was taken to hospital with a minor injury and one other minor injury was reported, BA said.

The London Ambulance Service, which sent six ambulance crews to the airport, said four people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

A BA spokeswoman said the plane was an RJ-100, a model manufactured by BAE Systems.

Passenger Justin Fletcher told BBC Television: "It appeared that it was coming in a bit quicker, and on landing the front wheel collapsed."

"There was obviously quite a loud bang as the plane scraped in. Afterwards the stewards and stewardesses were quick to evacuate everyone," he said. "Everyone was quite calm and handled it all quite well."

Reuters photographer Andrew Winning, at the scene, said the plane had come to a halt half-way down the runway, slumped on its nose, with its emergency chutes out. The plane was ringed by several emergency vehicles.

A fire service spokeswoman said the passengers and crew got out of the plane before emergency services arrived. There was no fire and the fire service did not have to intervene, she said.

Air France-KLM Posts Q3 Loss, To Cut Costs

2009-02-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

Air France-KLM swung to an expected third-quarter operating loss and abandoned costly fuel price hedges weighing on its finances, boosting its shares on Friday.

Air France-KLM also announced EUR1.2 billion euros of capital spending cuts, half of them in the coming year, and said it would cut summer seat capacity by 2 percent, in a move adopted by many airlines to help shore up profitability.

The losses were expected since Air France-KLM warned last month of a EUR200 million loss in the three months to December 31 as the economic crisis drove the sector deep into the red. A year ago, it posted a profit of EUR311 million.

Air France-KLM said it had reduced its hedged fuel position to 43 percent for its 2009-10 year, and to 20 percent for each of the following two years.

A drop in the value of its fuel hedging positions -- designed to protect the company against oil prices that peaked near USD$150 a barrel in July, compared with USD$47 now -- accounted for EUR288 million of third quarter net losses.

Air France-KLM posted an overall third-quarter net loss of EUR505 million, having made a EUR139 million net profit a year earlier. Revenue was flat at EUR5.97 billion.

The airline reiterated it expected an operating profit for its 2008-09 year ending March 31, but the level would depend on how the economy developed until then, especially in cargo which is facing a bleak environment.

"In the meantime, we will continue to assess all our costs in order to achieve additional savings wherever possible."

HIRING FREEZE

The airline denied French media reports it planned to sack some of its 70,000 workers but a spokeswoman said it would continue a "normal process" of trimming staff costs through attrition, by freezing recruitment and leaving vacant posts unfilled.

The group reduced staff numbers by about 2,000 last year.

Air France-KLM is the latest of several airlines to report losses, facing what the International Air Transport Association has forecast to be one of the industry's toughest years and a decline in cargo traffic brought on by a slump in world trade.

Overcapacity and evaporating fuel surcharges put pressure on cargo pricing in the third quarter, driving down unit revenue as freight traffic fell by 12.5 percent, Air France-KLM said.

It said long-haul passenger traffic was "relatively resilient" in the third quarter but robust economy travel failed to make up for a drop in first and business class revenues.

Medium-haul suffered from a poor domestic market. France's economy shrank 1.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Air France-KLM has reported a 1.9 percent drop in passenger traffic in January and a drop of more than 20 percent in underlying cargo traffic for a second month.

As a barometer of the way the economy is affecting aviation, industry officials say cargo data could point to further declines in passenger traffic in coming months.

The commuter plane that crashed near Buffalo

2009-02-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

The commuter plane that crashed near Buffalo, New York, late on Thursday was set to start its approach to land when air traffic controllers suddenly lost contact, control tower communications show.

As the tower called in vain for Continental Connection flight 3407 operated by Colgan Air to respond, one controller asked for help to find out what happened to the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 plane with 44 passengers and four crew on board.

"Colgan 3407. Buffalo Tower. How do you hear?" the controller said.

"This is ground communication. We need to talk to someone at least five miles northeast... either state police or sheriff's department. We need to find out if anything is on the ground," he said.

"This aircraft was five miles out and all of a sudden we have no response to that aircraft."

Another man's voice said: "All I can tell you is the aircraft was over the marker and we're not talking to them now."

The controller then tells other planes the Dash 8 "didn't make the airport."

"Cactus, did you find Colgan?" he says to the cockpit crew of one flight.

"Unfortunately, they said he went down about right over the marker," the crew member responds.

The tape was played on US television networks.

All 48 people on the Colgan flight and one person on the ground were killed when the plane crashed into a house in the Buffalo suburb of Clarence Center and burst into flames.

Plane Crashes In New York State Killing 49

2009-02-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

Forty nine people were killed when a passenger plane crashed into a house 10 miles from Buffalo Airport, New York and burst into a ball of flames late on Thursday, officials said.

The plane, a Continental Connection flight operated by Colgan Air, was on a flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Buffalo with 44 passengers and four crew on board when it crashed in the Buffalo suburb of Clarence Center amid rain and sleet, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.

Erie County Executive Chris Collins said all 48 people on board the plane were killed. One person was killed in the house while two others escaped with minor injuries, he said.

"At this point there is no information whatsoever as to what the cause may be," Collins told a news conference early on Friday. He said the control tower lost contact with the plane before it landed but officials knew of no trouble.

Clarence Town supervisor Scott Bylewski told reporters: "I did hear what sounded like a door slamming... I then went outside of my own house and could see that the sky was red."

"It's remarkable that it only took one house, as devastating as it was. It could have easily wiped out that whole neighbourhood," Dave Bissonette, emergency coordinator for the town of Clarence, said.

"The only recognisable piece of the plane left is the tail," he said.

Colgan Air said the plane was a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. The plane is a turboprop regional aircraft that can carry more than 70 people. Colgan Air is a subsidiary of Pinnacle Airlines.

"All indications are that this is an air safety incident," Amy Kudwa, spokeswoman for the US Department of Homeland Security, said in Washington when asked about any possible terrorist connection.

Weather conditions were not unusual for that part of upstate New York at this time of year -- snow, 32 degrees F (0 degrees C), moderate wind, Bissonette said.

But because of the weather, investigators will look at icing as a potential cause. Safety experts say even a small buildup of ice on the wings can affect aerodynamics although commercial aircraft are equipped with de-icing systems.

Investigators should be able to recover the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, which could yield important information about any mechanical problems or other potential causes.

The Buffalo News quoted Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority spokesman Douglas Hartmayer as saying there was little communication between the plane and the tower before the crash. It said crew members on the flight from Newark had reported mechanical problems as they approached Buffalo.

An aviation source with knowledge of the incident said there was no distress call from the crew.

Colgan Air said in a statement the plane, Continental Airlines Flight 3407, crashed at about 10:20 pm (0320 GMT Friday).

The National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates transport accidents, planned to send a team to the site on Friday morning from Washington.

Continental Airlines said it was profoundly saddened by the crash.

"Continental extends its deepest sympathy to the family members and loved ones of those involved in this accident," said Continental chief executive Larry Kellner in a statement. "We are providing our full assistance to Colgan Air so that together we can provide as much support as possible for all concerned."

It was the first deadly US airline accident since August 2006 when a similar number of people were killed when a Comair jet crashed on takeoff in Kentucky. Crew error was cited in that incident.

The US airline industry has recorded its safest period overall since 2001, flying more than 500 million people annually with three fatal crashes -- all involving smaller regional carriers, not major airlines.

Thursday's crash came less than a month after the successful crash landing of a US Airways jet on the Hudson River in New York City. All 155 people on board survived after the plane struck birds that were sucked into both engines and pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger brought the plane down on the river. Passengers and crew were rescued by ferry boats.

Pratt & Whitney Canada To Cut 1,000 Jobs

2009-02-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

Aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Canada said on Thursday it will lay off up to 1,000 workers from its global operations as it responds to a drop in the business jet market.

The company said it told its 10,000-strong workforce on Wednesday that around 10 percent of them would go within the next few months.

Employees of the Longueuil, Quebec-based company were also told they would have to take 10 unpaid days off throughout the year on top of a two-week summer shut down.

"Given the economic context... we've got to put measures in place on one side to reduce costs across the company and on the other side to reduce our global workforce," said Pierre Boisseau, a spokesman for the company.

"The big aircraft manufacturers have... announced production reduction, they've cancelled orders, they've announced staff reduction as well, so this is having a direct impact on our business activities."

P&WC builds engine for companies such as Bombardier, Embraer and Cessna.

Cessna, the world's largest maker of corporate jets, announced last month it would lay off 4,000 people. A week ago, Bombardier said it would cut 1,360 jobs, saying it expected the business jet market to fall by 10 percent this year.

Boisseau said P&WC was still in talks with its customers all around the world in order to determine in which of its facilities it would be cutting back.

Around 7,000 of the company's employees work in Canada, with 5,500 in the province of Quebec.

P&WC also makes engines for helicopters, regional airliners, and smaller aircraft.

The company has also put a hiring freeze in place and said it was looking at other measures to try to lessen the impact on employment levels.

US Airways Jet Had Bird Remains In Both Engines

2009-02-05T17:01:00.001-08:00

Bird remains were found in both engines of a US Airways jet that lost power and ditched in New York's Hudson River last month, US transportation investigators said on Wednesday.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said both engines of the Airbus A320 were damaged and contained "organic material" that was sent to bird experts at the Smithsonian Institution for identification. The board previously had said bird remains were found in the right engine, and now has confirmed the same in the left engine.

The pilot of Flight 1549 bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, radioed to air traffic controllers that the plane had struck a flock of birds, knocking out both engines, shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia airport on January 15.

The jet could not return to LaGuardia or find another suitable landing spot, so the crew glided down to the river. All 155 passengers and crew escaped.

A mechanical problem reported in the right engine two days before the incident had been properly fixed and was not a factor, the safety board said.

US Airways Crew: "We're Gonna Be In The Hudson"

2009-02-05T17:00:00.002-08:00

The crew of a US Airways jet disabled by birds that knocked out both its engines over New York calmly told air controllers: "We're gonna be in the Hudson" before splash landing in the river, according to tapes of the account released Thursday.

The Federal Aviation Administration recordings revealed a four-minute segment of clipped, matter-of-fact radio communication between the pilots of Flight 1549 and controllers, who cleared the skies to get the stricken plane with 155 passengers and crew in for an emergency landing.

The recordings start with the Airbus A320 apparently striking a flock of birds shortly after takeoff on January 15 from LaGuardia Airport, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina.

After takeoff, the New York high altitude controller gives routine instructions to the US Airways jet, code named "Cactus" because the company is based in Arizona.

The following is an abbreviated exchange of communication between radar controllers and Captain Chesley Sullenberger, both of whom misstated the call signs for the flight.

1549: "This is, uh, cactus Fifteen-Thirty-Nine (sic). Hit birds. We lost thrust in both engines. We're turning back towards LaGuardia."

FAA to LaGuardia: "It's Fifteen-Twenty-Nine (sic). He, ah, bird strike. He lost all engines. He lost the thrust in the engines. He is returning immediately."

FAA: "Cactus Fifteen-Twenty-Nine (sic) if we can get it to you do you want to try to land runway one three (at LaGuardia)?"

1549: "We're unable. We may end up in the Hudson."

Controllers at this point repeat runway instructions and again the US Airways crew says it cannot make LaGuardia.

1549: "Oh what's over to our right? Anything in New Jersey, maybe Teterboro (airport)?"

FAA: "Do you want to try and go to Teterboro?"

1549: "Yes"

FAA to Teterboro: "Cactus Fifteen-Twenty-Nine over the George Washington Bridge wants to go to the airport right now."

FAA: "You can land (at) Runway One at Teterboro."

1549: "We can't do it."

FAA: "Okay, which runway would like?"

1549: "We're gonna be in the Hudson."

FAA: "I'm sorry, say again, Cactus?"

Radar contact is lost seconds later and there is no response. Nevertheless, controllers continue to try and get Flight 1549 to an airport, suggesting Newark as a third alternative. Other pilots see the plane hit the water.

Another set of controllers asks a helicopter pilot who has spotted Flight 1549: "Is he still flying?"

HELICOPTER 1: "Looks like he (is) getting lower."

HELICOPTER 2: "Going down."

HELICOPTER 1: "He's in the water."

HELICOPTER 1: "I got him in sight right next to the USS Intrepid mid-

Dubai's LCAL Slashes Dreamliner Order

2009-02-05T17:00:00.001-08:00

Dubai-based aircraft leasing firm LCAL has slashed its order for Boeing 787 Dreamliners to five planes from 21 due to the global economic crisis, Boeing's regional spokesman said on Thursday.

The global downturn which has sent much of the industrialised world into recession has hurt airlines as fewer people travel, forcing carriers to review capital spending and abandon less-profitable routes.

"LCAL and Boeing have agreed to reduce the number of LCAL orders," said Fakher Daghestani, Boeing's Middle East communications director. LCAL specifically focuses on acquiring and leasing the 787, according to its web site.

"LCAL is preparing for tough challenges caused by the global recession," Daghestani added, without giving details on when the remaining five planes would be delivered or the value of the deal.

Daghestani declined to say if other clients in the Middle East might also cancel orders.

Gulf Arab carriers, including Emirates had placed billion-dollar orders for planes from Boeing and Airbus, banking on regional economic growth to boost traffic through the hub linking East Asia, Europe and Africa.

Last year, Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways finalised a USD$10 billion, 51-plane order from Airbus, as well as a 45-plane order from Boeing.

But the global financial crisis has also taken its toll on the Gulf Arab region, where a six-year economic boom came to an end late last year as oil prices collapsed.

Dubai, one of seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, is facing a severe property price downturn that has led to scores of job losses and tens of billions of dollars of project cancellations.

Qatar Airways, which has about 30 787s on order, said in January it was in talks to revise delivery of the jets and was seeking compensation after the manufacturer's latest delay affected the airline's expansion.

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2009-02-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

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China Airline Sector Overhaul Unlikely

2009-02-04T02:44:00.000-08:00

A major restructuring of China's loss-making airline industry is unlikely in the near term as the government has more urgent issues to tackle, a senior Chinese airlines executive said on Wednesday.

Liu Shaoyong, chairman of China Eastern Airlines, said China should set up a state-owned company which will then hold stakes in its three biggest carriers to improve their synergies and global competitiveness.

China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Air China, are the country's three biggest carriers. All have warned of losses for 2008 largely due to slowing air traffic demand amid the global economic slowdown.

"The big three are competing fiercely with each other and yet they are all controlled by the same boss SASAC. That is a huge waste of resources," Liu said.

He was referring to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the ultimate owner of all Chinese state firms.

Liu said he had submitted a proposal to the government during the annual parliamentary meeting in March 2008, but any drastic industry restructuring was unlikely in the near term.

"Personally, I think the current industry structure will remain intact for quite some time as the government needs to handle unexpected situations currently," he said.

China's economic growth slumped to 6.8 percent in the last quarter, dragging down the pace of expansion for all of 2008 to a seven-year low of 9.0 percent as the full force of the global financial crisis struck home.

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao had in January called for prompt action in the first three months of the year to stop the slowdown in the economy.

Sources said the Chinese government was discussing the possibility of brokering a merger of Shanghai-based China Eastern and its smaller peer Shanghai Airlines.

Liu called the proposed merger a "good move", but said the airlines themselves had not held any discussions on equity ties so far.

BAA Agrees UK Tax Exemptions - Report

2009-02-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

Spanish construction and services group Ferrovial has agreed a tax break on capital gains by its British airports unit BAA that could be worth hundreds of millions of pounds, Expansion reported, citing unnamed sources.

After a year of negotiations with Britain's Inland Revenue, Ferrovial has secured exemptions on capital gains from asset sales in 2008 as well as additional planned disposals, such as London's Gatwick Airport, the newspaper said.

The Spanish company is considering indicative offers for Gatwick after it was told by Britain's antitrust regulator to sell the airport as well as London's Stansted because of competition concerns.

Ferrovial will be allowed to keep Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports, with 65 million passengers a year.

Last month, Heathrow was controversially awarded government approval for a third runway for an estimated GBP9 billion pound (USD$12.74 billion) investment.

Brazil, Chile, Israel Airlines Fixed Cargo Prices - USDOJ

2009-02-03T11:14:00.000-08:00

LAN Cargo, ABSA Cargo and EL AL Israel Airlines agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to fix air freight prices, the US Justice Department said on Thursday, and the companies will pay a total of criminal fines of USD$124.7 million.

LAN Cargo and ABSA Cargo, which is substantially owned by LAN Cargo, will pay a combined fine of USD$109 million while EL AL will pay a USD$15.7 million fine, the Justice Department said.

All three airlines agreed to cooperate with US prosecutors, who have collected more than USD$1 billion in criminal fines from an ongoing probe of price-fixing for air cargo shipments.

LAN Cargo and ABSA Cargo were charged with conspiring to fix prices for fresh flowers, heavy equipment and other goods between February 2003 and February 2006. Prosecutors said that EL AL's participation in the conspiracy lasted from about January 2003 until at least February 2006.

LAN Cargo said on Wednesday that it agreed to pay an USD$88 million fine over five years as part of the US price-fixing investigation.

LAN Cargo said ABSA Cargo would pay a fine of USD$21 million over five years.

The plea agreements are subject to approval by the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

LAN Cargo said it understood the investigation involved more than 30 international airlines.

The Justice Department said 12 airlines had agreed to plead guilty to price fixing as part of the investigation and would pay more than USD$1 billion in criminal fines. It said three executives had agreed to plead guilty and had been sentenced to serve a total of 20 months in jail.

Cargo, Passengers Boost LAN's 2008 Profit

2009-02-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Chile's leading airline LAN said on Tuesday its net profit rose 8.9 percent in 2008 and 16.1 percent in the fourth quarter as demand for passenger and cargo services offset fuel costs.

LAN said in an earnings statement that fourth-quarter profit was USD$117.1 million, versus USD$100.8 million for the same period last year. For the year, LAN reported profit of USD$335.7 million, compared with USD$308.3 million in 2007.

"This result is mainly a result of greater demand in the markets in which the company operates, for passenger and cargo operations, impacted by the drastic rise in fuel prices that affected the industry in general," the company said in the statement to the local market regulator.

LAN reported a USD$24.5 million loss for fuel price hedges in the fourth quarter, compared to a gain of USD$20.8 million in the same period in 2007.

This year, LAN has 30 percent of its estimated fuel demand hedged for the first quarter, 40 percent for the second quarter and 20 percent for the remainder of the year, the company said.

Revenue in 2008 rose 28.6 percent from a year earlier to USD$4.534 billion, while operating profit rose 29.7 percent to USD$536.18 million, LAN said.

For 2010, it has 10 percent of estimated demand covered.

LAN said under current market conditions it planned to raise passenger capacity 10 percent in 2009 and forecast passenger business growth would be driven in the year by domestic markets in Chile, Peru and Argentina.

LAN's cargo unit said last week it had agreed to pay an USD$88 million fine as part of a price-fixing investigation led by the US Department of Justice, which was offset against the company's results for 2007 and the third quarter of 2008.

LAN's cargo network covers about 75 destinations worldwide. It has operations in Chile, Brazil and Mexico and has been given the green light to set up an affiliate in Colombia.

Parent LAN has affiliates in Ecuador, Peru and Argentina. It accounts for more than half of Chile's international passenger traffic and nearly three-quarters of its domestic traffic.

Korean Air Q4 Loss Wider Than Forecast

2009-02-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

Korean Air Lines reported a worse-than-expected quarterly loss on the weak won but expected it would swing to an annual operating profit in 2009.

Korean Air, the world's largest air cargo carrier, is also set to suffer from declining exports from South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy.

Analysts are worried about falling cargo shipments as Korean Air is highly exposed to South Korean sales of tech products such as semiconductors, mobile phones and flat screens to developed markets.

Airlines worldwide face declining demand for passengers and cargo as the global recession deepens. Last week, Japan's All Nippon Airways said it would fall into the red in the current business year for the first time in six years.

Korean Air said it aimed to post a KRW600 billion won operating profit in 2009, compared with a KRW99.3 billion operating loss in 2008, by focusing on overseas travel demand.

Price competitiveness from the weak won and a marketing drive are helping the airline attract more transit passengers, while US visa waiver programme for South Koreans is expected to support demand for outbound flights.

Korean Air posted a KRW659.5 billion (USD$474.4 million) net loss in the October-December quarter. The result compares with net losses of KRW35.3 billion a year earlier and KRW684.1 billion in the third quarter.

Heavy currency conversion losses from the won's weakness, which fell 26 percent against the dollar last year, hit the company's bottom line.

The soft local currency also resulted in higher costs for imported fuel and plane leasing, Korean Air said.

Fourth-quarter sales were KRW2.71 trillion, higher than the KRW2.3 trillion a year earlier.

Shares in Korean Air ended up 0.15 percent, lagging the wider market's 1.42 percent gain. The stock had fallen 1.8 percent after the results.

Korean Air said it would invest KRW870 billion this year to introduce new aircraft and to build a cargo terminal in China.

Separately it said it ordered two additional A380 superjumbo jets from European aircraft maker Airbus, bringing its total A380 order to ten.

Aerospace Q4 Profit Beats Estimates

2009-02-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

B/E Aerospace, the world's biggest supplier of plane seats, posted a quarterly profit that beat most estimates, driven by strong operating margins and a doubling of sales at its distribution unit.

The company also forecast 2009 profit above Wall Street estimates, even as it remained "cautiously optimistic" about the next two years amid a drop in air traffic.

Demand for new planes has fallen sharply amid the global recession and this is expected to hurt several suppliers to original equipment manufacturers.

However, B/E Aerospace has not seen any cancellation of orders, it has only seen deferrals, Jesup & Lamont Securities analyst Alex Hamilton said.

Hamilton expects the company's acquisition of Honeywell International's Consumables Solutions aerospace fasteners distribution unit to boost 2009 earnings considerably.

"The outlook means that the margins are going to be relatively stronger," the analyst added.

B/E Aerospace fits out commercial and business jets with oxygen masks, food trolleys and other equipment, and its customers include world's leading plane makers -- Airbus and Boeing.

For 2009, the company forecast earnings of USD$2.00 a share, excluding HCS integration costs of about 10 cents a share, on revenue of about USD$2.25 billion.

The company forecast a first-quarter profit below market estimates, citing weaker product mix at the commercial aircraft unit, decreased shipments on new aircraft deliveries as a result of the Boeing strike, and lower spares revenue due to airline cash conservation measures.

For the fourth-quarter, B/E Aerospace reported net profit of USD$46.4 million.

Excluding charges, it earned USD$51.9 million, compared with USD$42.3 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue rose 14 percent to USD$526.8 million, driven mainly by the growth in its distribution segment.

Distribution segment revenue more than doubled to USD$232.5 million, reflecting the acquisition of the Honeywell unit.

Heathrow Airport

2009-02-02T14:31:00.001-08:00

Heavy snow disrupted air travel in northern Europe on Monday, halting flights at London's Heathrow Airport and bringing traffic almost to a standstill.

All flights in and out of Heathrow were cancelled for a period before a limited service resumed with long delays and cancellations. One of its two runways was closed.

A Cyprus Airways jet at Heathrow slipped off a taxiway after arriving from Larnaca but came to a safe halt. No-one was hurt.

Gatwick, Stansted and Luton airports reported delays and flight cancellations. London City Airport, which serves the financial district, was closed for the day.

Dublin, Cork and Belfast airports were also forced to cancel some flights.

Tens of thousands of commuters were advised not to attempt the journey into work in London, experiencing some of its worst snow in almost 20 years. Buses were taken off the roads and hundreds of schools were closed across the country, leaving children to play and build snowmen in parks and gardens.

"I'd rather be sledging than at school," said 7-year-old Georgie Cunliffe, in a London park.

Forecasters said Britain would be gripped by a second day of freezing weather on Tuesday with more heavy snow spreading across the country overnight.

Conditions familiar to eastern Europe and other northerly countries notoriously pitch Britain into chaos, its infrastructure ill prepared for the cold.

Northern France also had difficulty as snow blanketed Paris and surrounding countryside bringing major air, rail and road systems to a halt.

London business leaders said the estimated cost to the capital alone could be as much as GBP48 million pounds in lost productivity. The country's Federation of Small Businesses estimated that continuing bad weather on Tuesday could cost the economy more than one billion pounds.

Large parts of London's underground rail network were suspended, forcing commuters to walk or seek those taxis prepared to stay out on the roads.

WEATHER WARNING

Highway authorities warned of hazardous driving conditions in southern and central England and advised people not to drive unless absolutely necessary.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the government was "doing everything in our power to ensure that the services, road, rail and airports, are open as quickly as possible."

The heaviest snow fell in southern England. Epsom in Surrey had depths of 31cm (12 inches), south London had 28cm and the North Downs in Kent saw 25cm.

The Met Office extended severe overnight weather warnings for large parts of the country, including Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire and the Midlands.

Weather experts said southeast England was experiencing some of its worst snow since the early 1990s.

The international rail operator Eurostar also reported delays due to snow in Britain, France and Belgium.

Many workers attempted to walk to their offices, but London's Chamber of Commerce business organisation said lost productivity could cost the capital dear at a time when the British economy is in recession.

In France, traffic jams were recorded on roads leading into the capital during the rush hour and the Paris transport authority said many buses had to be cancelled.

So far, this winter has been Britain's coldest in more than a decade and forecasters expect the cold weather to continue for several more days with freezing winds blowing in from Russia.

BA/Iberia Merger "Close", 55-45 Split Possible

2009-02-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

The chairman of Spain's Caja Madrid, the biggest shareholder in Iberia with 23 percent, said an agreement on a merger between the airline and British Airways was close.

"I believe the operation is close, that's my impression," Miguel Blesa told journalists as he presented the unlisted bank's 2008 results on Monday.

Blesa is also deputy chairman of Iberia.

When asked what was blocking a merger agreement, Blesa said the share split, corporate governance questions and the location of the combined group's headquarters all needed to be resolved.

"The perception now I think is that the share exchange will not be 60-40," he said of the likely stakes to be held by BA and Iberia. "Iberia is now worth more. It will be closer to 55-45."

Caja Madrid said in a later statement that Blesa's estimates for the share exchange were his own and not the bank's.

British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh is expected in Madrid on Tuesday for talks with Iberia Chairman Fernando Conte and other Oneworld alliance bosses.

"The talks are ongoing, no timescales have been set," a BA spokeswoman said.

When the two announced last July they were discussing a merger, British Airways expected to secure around 65 percent of the combined group, but its shares have since dropped, worsened by a profit warning in January.

Together with the pound's recent slide against the euro, Iberia's market capitalisation is now higher than BA's.

Iberia's shares closed up 1.66 percent at 1.84 euros after the announcement. BA lost 3.33 percent to 116 pence, although the airline also suffered due to massive travel disruption at Heathrow, its London hub.

BA cancelled all short-haul flights and long-haul journeys before 1700 GMT due to heavy snow. A spokesman said the weather also disrupted other airlines, and that disruption was likely to continue on Tuesday.

Alaska Air Posts Q4 Loss After Charges

2009-02-01T02:39:00.000-08:00

Alaska Air posted a fourth-quarter net loss on Thursday due to special charges, including realized losses of USD$50 million from early termination of fuel hedging contracts.

The company reported a net loss of USD$75.2 million loss, compared with a profit of USD$7.4 million a year earlier.

Special items also included pre-tax restructuring charges of USD$9.2 million and fleet transition costs of USD$6.7 million.

Excluding special items, Alaska Air reported a profit of USD$16.4 million, compared with a year-earlier loss of USD$17.9 million.

The company said it had nearly USD$1.1 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of December 31.

US Airlines Fight FAA Crew Rest Requirements

2009-02-01T02:37:00.000-08:00

Seven US airlines have sued the Federal Aviation Administration, claiming the agency broke its own rules and may have compromised flight safety when it set new standards for pilot rest times last year without input from the carriers.

The airlines, including American Airlines, Continental Airlines and United Airlines, filed the lawsuit on December 24 in the the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The airlines said in the complaint that they should have had a chance to comment on the rules, which would place yet another financial burden on them.

"FAA has neither demonstrated how the rule will advance safety, considered the potential that the rule may actually diminish safety, nor justified the significant costs of the rule against any purported benefit," the carriers said.

Delta Air Lines, which recently merged with Northwest Airlines, was not a party to the lawsuit. Both Delta and Northwest have negotiated separate rules with the FAA governing crew rest requirements on long-haul flights.

The FAA did not comment on the lawsuit on Monday.

The government rules require additional rest time and longer time between flights for pilots on nonstop flights that last more than 16 hours. To comply, airlines would have to put more pilots on those flights and provide more in-flight rest facilities for them.

These changes would drive up costs for airlines, which hope to claw their way out of a financial downturn in 2009.

The vast majority of international flights are shorter than 16 hours, but weather delays can unexpectedly lengthen trips and pilots' workdays.

United Airlines Widens On Volatile Fuel Prices

2009-02-01T02:33:00.000-08:00

United Airlines parent UAL on Wednesday said its quarterly net loss widened on erosion in the value of its fuel hedges as oil prices dropped.

The company said its net loss amounted to USD$1.3 billion, compared with USD$53 million a year earlier.

The airline industry, battered severely last year by high fuel costs, cut capacity in the fourth quarter to offset that bill and to gain pricing power as economic woes eroded travel demand.

UAL said its revenue was USD$4.55 billion in the quarter, down 9.6 percent.

The company said it ended the quarter with an unrestricted cash balance of USD$2 billion.

AMR, UAL Losses Widen, Tough Times Ahead air

2009-02-01T02:30:00.000-08:00

Two of the largest US airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines, on Wednesday posted wider quarterly losses and warned that the economic slowdown in 2008 would likely continue this year, causing larger-than-expected job and route cuts.

UAL, parent of United Airlines, said it would cut 1,000 salaried and management positions from its payrolls this year, while AMR, parent of American Airlines, said it would trim capacity more than expected.

American and United are the first two major carriers to report their fourth-quarter earnings, and their statements muddied the outlook for the entire industry as it grapples with volatile fuel prices and the potential for sagging travel demand.

"It's going to be weak, no doubt about it," said Ray Neidl, analyst at Calyon Securities. "The question is can the airlines, with capacity cuts, keep up with the decrease in demand in a weak economy?"

AMR shares fell more than 21 percent to USD$8.24 on the New York Stock Exchange. UAL shares shed more than 7 percent to USD$10.70 on Nasdaq.

The airline industry, including AMR and UAL, slashed capacity last year to offset their high fuel bills and bolster fares as the economic recession eroded travel budgets.

A 75 percent decline in oil prices in the second half of 2008 greatly eased the fuel price burden for airlines. But it also lessened the value of airline fuel hedges, creating a new problem for the embattled industry.

AMR said its quarterly net loss widened as the price it paid for fuel rose 8 percent in the quarter from a year before.

The company said its fourth-quarter net loss was USD$340 million, compared with USD$69 million a year earlier.

Excluding one-time items, AMR said it lost USD$214 million.

Special items included a USD$23 million charge related to aircraft groundings and capacity cuts as well as a non-cash pension settlement charge of USD$103 million.

The airline industry, including AMR, made hefty capacity cuts in the fourth quarter of 2008 to offset volatile fuel prices and to bolster fares as demand sagged in a weak economy.

The company said it expects its mainline capacity to decrease more than 8.5 percent in the first quarter amid economic uncertainty. AMR said its 2009 mainline capacity will decline by more than one percentage point beyond a previous forecast provided in October.

"We intend to continue managing our business -- from capacity and fleet planning to balance sheet repair, fuel hedging and revenue initiatives -- conservatively and with discipline," AMR chief executive Gerard Arpey said in a statement.

AMR reported revenue of USD$5.47 billion, down 3.8 percent. The company said it ended the quarter with USD$3.6 billion in cash and short-tern investments.

AMR said the company now expects to receive 29 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2009 as a result of Boeing's delivery delays, compared with 36 expected previously.

UAL said its quarterly net loss widened on erosion in the value of its fuel hedges, as oil prices dropped.

The company said its net loss amounted to USD$1.3 billion, compared with USD$53 million a year earlier.

UAL reported a USD$370 million cash loss on fuel hedges that settled in the quarter, due to the recent fall in fuel prices. The company also suffered non-cash, net mark-to-market losses on its fuel hedges of USD$566 million.

The company, which cut about 7,000 jobs in 2008, said it would cut another 1,000 salaried and management positions in 2009.

UAL said its revenue was USD$4.55 billion in the quarter, down 9.6 percent. The company said it ended the quarter with an unrestricted cash balance of USD$2 billion.

Airlines Ask US To Withdraw NY Airport Slot Sales

2009-02-01T02:28:00.000-08:00

US airlines have asked the Obama administration to withdraw a government plan for boosting competition and reducing congestion by auctioning takeoff and landing rights at New York-area airports.

The chief lobbying group for the major carriers asked Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to swiftly rescind last year's Bush administration initiative.

"As you noted at your confirmation hearing, auctioning slots does not make sense as a tool to address congestion," James May, chief executive of the Air Transport Association, said in a letter to LaHood dated January 22.

May urged LaHood to act before further litigation on the matter. Airlines sued to block the auctions on grounds the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lacked the authority to carry them out.

A US appeals court stayed the auction plan last month pending further court review.

The Bush administration had sought to sell up to 10 percent of rights for takeoffs and landings at LaGuardia and John F Kennedy airports in New York, and Newark in New Jersey, as a way to streamline operations and facilitate new service.

LaGuardia, Newark and JFK, all popular with business travellers, are among the worst airports in the United States for delays and congestion. Airlines tend to pack their schedules and run many flights with feeder aircraft, especially at LaGuardia.

The tie-ups add millions of dollars annually in industry operating costs, and tend to ripple across the country and affect flights in other cities.

US Airways, Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines all have hubs or other operations at one or more of the three airports.

OCEANIC AIRLINES ADVERT

2009-01-31T16:43:00.000-08:00

We regret to announce that Oceanic Airlines has ceased all operations effective immediately.

Michael Orteig, President of Oceanic Airlines, released this statement: "After 25 years of service, we are forced to close our doors. Due to financial difficulties in the wake of the Flight 815 tragedy, we are no longer able to sustain service. We are deeply sorry that we can no longer serve our loyal customers, and apologize for any inconvenience our decision will cause."

Passengers of Oceanic Airlines are encouraged to contact their travel agent or one of Oceanic's airline partners to make alternate travel arrangements.

EU Asks Germany To Improve Airline Certification

2009-01-31T15:21:00.001-08:00

The European Commission said on Thursday it had asked Germany to improve its system of environmental and safety certification for passenger aircraft.

"The European Commission today sent a reasoned opinion to Germany for not recognising a certificate issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency in accordance with EU rules," the Commission said in a statement.

"The legislation concerned aims to establish common safety requirements for civil aviation in Europe," it added. "It lays down the rules for granting certificates to specific aircraft types, in relation to safety and environmental protection."

Malaysia Turns Down AirAsia Airport

2009-01-31T15:19:00.000-08:00

Malaysia's government has turned down plans from budget carrier AirAsia to build a new airport outside the capital, Kuala Lumpur, a source with knowledge of the negotiations said on Friday.

The new airport, which would have been the fourth to service the capital, attracted criticism from many people, including influential ex-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as well as state investment fund Khazanah, which owns part of Malaysia Airports Holdings, the country's sole airport operator.

The decision to cancel the MYR1.6 billion ringgit (USD$443.7 million) project was made at a meeting of AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandez and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday, the source said.

"The new airport is a no go," the source said.

AirAsia had proposed to build, own and operate the airport on 3,000 acres of land owned by plantations of power conglomerate Sime Darby in the central state of Negri Sembilan.

AirAsia's proposal to build its own dedicated airport follows the budget carrier's longstanding complaints that its present low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport would not be able to cope with future passenger growth.

The carrier has also complained about the fees airport operator MAHB imposes.

The source said that AirAsia would be allowed to renegotiate fees and other charges with MAHB as a result of the new airport being cancelled.

Catalan Group Iniciatives Buys Spanair

2009-01-31T15:18:00.000-08:00

Catalan group Iniciatives Empresarials Aeronautiques said on Friday it had bought 80.1 percent of struggling SAS unit Spanair, and would fund the purchase by raising EUR100 million euros through a share issue.

SAS will own the remaining 19.9 percent of the airline and retain Spanair's debt. The airline will be based in Barcelona, the capital of the region of Catalonia.

Austrian Air Unveils EUR425 Mln Cost Cuts

2009-01-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

Financially strapped Austrian Airlines unveiled on Friday a EUR425 million euro (USD$555.9 million) cost-cutting initiative to be implemented by 2012 to withstand a projected fall in passenger volume.

Some EUR225 million in cost reductions will be implemented this year and a further EUR200 million by 2012, said the money-losing airline, which is to be taken over by Germany's Lufthansa in a deal signed last month.

Austrian said it would cut capacity about 10 percent compared with 2008 to achieve savings of EUR115 million. Flights to Mumbai, Burgas and Baia Mare would be dropped by the end of March.

A further EUR110 million in savings this year would be achieved from implementation of more flexible working hours, temporary deferral of salary and pension payments, and a requirement to take accumulated staff leave.

Through these savings, Austrian Airlines intends to attain a margin on earnings before interest and tax of around 6-7 percent, which would provide a basis for future growth, the company added.

On Thursday evening the troubled airline disclosed that chief executive Alfred Oetsch had resigned. His duties on the management board will be assumed by Chief Operations Officer Peter Malanik and Chief Commercial Officer Andreas Bierwirth.

Oetsch said his departure was "designed to enable a new beginning at the company, including at the level of management".

First China-Built Airbus Due In July

2009-01-31T15:14:00.000-08:00

China's Sichuan Airlines will become the world's first carrier to receive an Airbus built outside Europe when it takes delivery in July of an A320 assembled in China, an Airbus staff memo said.

Details of the historic delivery, almost four decades after the plane maker was born as a four-nation European consortium, were disclosed to employees in the internal note this week.

It comes as Airbus prepares to sign separate deals with China over investment in its next model, the A350, which will include new carbon materials and will be assembled in France.

Airbus began assembling some of its A320 model of jets in Tianjin near Beijing in September from fuselage parts shipped from Europe.

According to the memo, the Tianjin factory is now full, with four airframes assembled and a fifth in position.

Airbus and rival Boeing have been turning to Asian markets, led by China, for growth as demand weakens at home.

However, China too is now succumbing to the global economic crisis. In December, Beijing encouraged airlines to cancel or postpone 2009 deliveries due to falling air traffic.

Tianjin A320s are assembled from fuselage parts shipped from factories in France, Germany, Spain and Britain. Airbus aims to reach local Chinese output of four A320s a month by end-2011.

Under pressure over jobs, Airbus says Tianjin will serve the Chinese market and that most construction will remain in Europe.

It says the move will lock in a good slice of the 3,000 new planes Airbus predicts China will need over the next 20 years.

But it faces criticism from European unions who say the move adds to outsourcing fears amid the recession and could result in the loss of European technology to a potential jet maker rival.

Airbus has suspended plans to lift total A320-family output to 40 planes a month from 36 due to the global economic crisis.

For now its Chinese production plans remain intact. So if the overall output freeze lingers, assembly of up to 4 planes a month could be transferred to China from Europe. However, with the industry in turmoil due to a drop in air travel, Airbus has said it cannot make firm predictions even for 2009.

Most analysts expect production to be hit everywhere as the recession bites before rebounding on signs of recovery.

Sichuan Airlines, a mid-sized carrier partly owned by China Southern Airlines, operates more than 130 routes, almost entirely within China, with a fleet of 40 jets.

Details of the first Airbus to be made in China emerged as EADS invited China to produce high-tech materials for its next generation of Airbus, the future mid-sized lightweight A350.

A deal to build a plant in Harbin was due to be signed on a visit to Spain by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday.

Another deal is expected as he visits Britain on Monday, when Xi'an Aircraft International will sign a parts manufacturing agreement with Airbus, a person familiar with the transaction said.

Spain has a 5 percent stake in EADS, which is controlled by French and German interests with two factories also in Britain.

Continental Airlines

2009-01-30T03:31:00.000-08:00

Continental Airlines is dedicated to providing a level of service to our customers that makes us a leader in the airline industry today. We understand that to do this we need to have a product we are proud of and employees who like coming to work everyday. Objective evidence shows that we are leading the industry in customer service.

In addition to being chosen as the airline with the highest customer satisfaction for long flights in three of the last four years by Frequent Flyer magazine & JD Power and Associates, our domestic and international service has won numerous awards, including: "Freddies" for our OnePass frequent flyer program; "Airline of the Year" by OAG; "Best Managed" by Aviation Week & Space Technology; "Most Improved Airline" by the national Airline Quality Rating study; and "Airline of the Year" by Air Transport World. Our on-time arrival, baggage delivery, and denied boarding performance has historically been among the best of the major US airlines as measured by the US Department of Transportation. Most importantly, we were named one of the 100 best places to work by Fortune Magazine and our Continental Airlines - Airline Tickets, Vacations Packages, Travel ..employees.

The plan, Customer First, contains specific, voluntary service commitments to continue this high level of performance and to improve wherever possible. While the plan does not intend to amend or replace the Contract of Carriage that defines our terms and conditions of carriage, the plan attempts to explain the applicable policies in a clear, consistent, and understandable fashion.

Customer First is the result of a joint effort of the airline industry, the U.S. Congress, and the U.S. Department of Transportation to address the key service elements that most affect our customers. To provide everyone access to this information, the plan may be downloaded in its entirety here or it may be requested at any Continental airport or Continental ticket office. We encourage all of our customers to read it carefully.

Our goal is to make every flight a safe and pleasant experience for our customers. These commitments are specifically designed to reduce the possibility that we might not reach that objective every time you fly with us and will allow us to deal promptly with any service failure. We are implementing and reinforcing company-wide training programs and systems enhancements to confirm that Continental employees are meeting these commitments, and we are measuring how well we perform. We want our customers to let us know how we're doing by calling our Customer Care department toll-free at 1-800-WECARE2.

cheaptickets.

2009-01-30T03:29:00.000-08:00

Orbitz® has revolutionized the online travel industry!

Orbitz Worldwide is a leading global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products. Orbitz Worldwide owns and operates a strong global portfolio of consumer travel brands that includes Orbitz, CheapTickets, ebookers, HotelClub, RatesToGo, the Away Network, Asia hotels, and corporate travel brand Orbitz for Business.

Cheap Flights

2009-01-30T03:28:00.001-08:00

Who we are

Originating in the United Kingdom, Cheapflights made its entrance as the first search engine and flight comparison site in 1996. Enjoying great success and profitability in the UK, Cheapflights spread its wings and launched the U.S. site in May 2003. Since its inception in the UK and the U.S., Cheapflights has experienced dramatic growth in site traffic, flight deals, revenue and new customers, and each year builds additional loyalty and recognition among its consumers and partners. Today, Cheapflights U.S. ranks number 13 in the travel search sector, according to Hitwise.

What we do

Cheapflights is a travel search engine. We offer consumers flight options based on price, dates of travel and airlines, however we do not book flights or hotels. We work with our partners to supply you with the best travel deals to all your favorite destinations. Cheapflights publishes flight deals from both traditional and low-cost airlines, as well as smaller specialty-travel providers, plus last minute deals and exclusive flight offers not available anywhere else. And we give you two ways to search! Simply enter the departure and destination information and we will supply you with the best deals to get you there or search by region, country, and flexible dates. Cheapflights will then show you the best deals, and direct you to the site where you can book your travel.

How we work for you

Cheapflights is the first place you should begin your travel planning – the world is at your fingertips. From travel deals to travel content, we provide you with everything you need for your next trip. Whether you know your destination or you need some travel inspiration, our site has over 500 flight guides to worldwide destinations to help tempt you. Our flight guides are full of useful information including when to travel, passport/visa requirements, local customs and even in-flight reading suggestions! We not only find you a great deal to your destination, we give you some insider information to use once you’re there.

Along with Cheapflights’ extensive collection of flight guides and travel tips, we also offer a weekly newsletter, useful links for travelers, Cheapflights “Travel on the Fly” podcasts, and our flight news blog which is updated daily. The blog has all the latest airline information, news, and travel deals.

Airline Tickets, Cheap Flights, Cheap Plane Tickets, Hotels, Car

2009-01-30T03:19:00.000-08:00

CheapOair brings Airfares, Hotels, Car Rentals and Vacation Packages data from multiple sources such as 3 GDS's and 15 other negotiated rates data sources to bring the best value to our customers. Our vision has always been to develop and enhance the latest technologies into scalable travel solutions for today’s savvy traveler. CheapOair provides 24/7 Toll free (866-636-9088) call center support to offer reliable and consistent quality service.

Our motto is: "QUALITY and RELIABILITY - Delivered"

Our portfolio of products include over 18 million exclusive flight deals, low airfare guarantees, 84,000 Negotiated hotel rates and the technological foundation to deliver affordable tickets to every region in the world.

CheapOair is The Only Way To Go!

Lufthansa airlines

2009-01-29T01:24:00.001-08:00

Deutsche Lufthansa AG ranks upfront among the world’s leading airlines.

As an Aviation Group, Lufthansa adheres firmly to economic and strategic criteria, focusing on the core competencies of its five business areas: Passenger Transportation, Logistics, MRO, Catering and IT Services. The Group attaches overriding importance to quality and innovation, safety and reliability.

Lufthansa can look back on an eventful history. It has included many glorious moments but the course of events has not always been smooth. History is always a reflection of people and their times. The challenges facing air transport have become increasingly complex, yet Lufthansa has always found the strength to learn and renew itself. That ability has gained the company its lead position in the international airline business.

Moving moments in a company's lifetime: Lufthansa from infancy to the present-day. The first passengers use a ladder to climb into the Fokker-Grulich FII. Today's passengers check in on the Internet or with a WAP-enabled mobile phone...

1926: Lufthansa owes its origins to "Deutsche Luft Hansa Aktiengesellschaft" (renamed "Lufthansa" in 1933), which is formed from a merger between "Deutsche Aero Lloyd" (DAL) and "Junkers Luftverkehr" on January 6. The new airline inherits its crane logo, designed by "Deutsche Luft-Reederei" in 1919, from DAL, the blue-and-yellow house colours from Junkers.

It commences scheduled flights on April 6 with a fleet of 162 aircraft, of 18 different types. A flying expedition to China is the event of the year.

1927-
1930: Following its acquisition of shares in 1926 in the German-Russian "Dereluft" airline, which was founded in 1921, Lufthansa is influential in the founding of the Spanish Iberia, the Brazilian "Syndicato Condor" and the Chinese "Eurasia" airlines.

1934: Lufthansa opens the first trans-oceanic, scheduled airmail service across the South Atlantic. Between 1936 and 1938, it also experiments with scheduled air services across the North Atlantic.

1939-
1945: After substantial expansion of the route network in 1939—including flights to Bangkok and Santiago de Chile—wartime air services, except for a few European countries, are suspended. All flights are discontinued in 1945 and Lufthansa goes into receivership and is finally wound up and struck from the Berlin commercial register in 1965.

1951-
1955:The Federal Transport Minister sets up a working committee in 1951 to prepare for the resumption of air traffic in postwar Germany and entrusts the job of implementation to "Büro Bongers", the office headed by Hans M. Bongers, the traffic chief of the old Lufthansa in Cologne. A new company to run air services and named "Aktiengesellschaft für Luftverkehrsbedarf" (Luftag) is founded in Cologne on January 6, 1953. The company changes its name to the more traditional "Deutsche Lufthansa Aktiengesellschaft" in 1954, and resumes scheduled flights on April 1, 1955.

1960: Lufthansa enters the jet age, initially on long-haul routes, with the arrival in the fleet of the Boeing 707. The last of the propeller-driven aircraft, a Vickers Viscount, is retired in 1971.

1964-
1976: Conversion to jet aircraft continues with the start of flights on medium-haul routes with the Boeing 727 and, on short-haul, with the Boeing 737, the city jet largely fathered by Lufthansa. The wide-body era begins at Lufthansa with the delivery of its first Boeing 747 jumbo jet in 1970, later to be joined by the McDonnell-Douglas DC10 and the A300, the first of the jets from the newly founded European aircraftmaker.

1990: Lufthansa resumes flights to Berlin 45 years after the end of World War Two following Germany's reunification.

1992-
1997: Lufthansa masters its worst-ever economic crisis with a sweeping rehabilitation programme. The airline, largely owned by the state, is privatised step by step. Its MRO, cargo and IT businesses are spun off as independent companies.

1997: Lufthansa, Air Canada, SAS, Thai Airways und United Airlines create the "Star Alliance", the world's first multilateral airline grouping, later to be joined by other carriers.

1997-2001: The Lufthansa Aviation Group equips itself for the new millenium, training its focus on innovation and quality. Placement of orders for 15 Airbus A380 megaliners charts the airline’s path into the future.

2002- 2005 Even during times of crisis in the aviation industry, Lufthansa remains on the ascent: With the “Future European Operations“ programme, the airline reorganises its regional markets, while gaining new partner airlines to expand the Star Alliance global route network. Passengers enjoy greater comfort in a completely revamped Business Class with fast broadband Internet connectivity in the aircraft cabin.

2005 Lufthansa celebrates the 50th anniversary of the new Lufthansa following its postwar
re-entry into the airline community. SWISS is integrated as an independent airline in the Lufthansa Group. Its integration consolidates Lufthansa’s position among Europe’s leading network carriers.

2006- 2008 Lufthansa creates new perspectives for Germany's future as a business location: Lufthansa orders 20 Boeing 747-8s and is the launch customer for the aircraft. Preparations for the A380 include route proving with Airbus, a new A380 maintenance hangar and a new terminal area in Frankfurt. The Lufthansa Aviation Center becomes an architectural flagship. Lufthansa Cargo founds the cargo airline AeroLogic with DHL Express. Further partners strengthen the Star Alliance, which now encompasses 21 members.

Catalan Group To Join Bid For SAS's Spanair

2009-01-29T01:14:00.001-08:00

A group of Spanish investors, Catalana D'Iniciatives, said late on Wednesday it would make a bid for SAS unit Spanair alongside the Barcelona government's tourist body and another investor.

In a statement, Catalana D'Initiatives said they would invest up to EUR12 million euros (USD$15.7 million) in the offer for the airline, but gave no further details.

The spokesman said earlier on Wednesday that the group had been told by SAS that bidders had until Saturday to present an offer.

Singapore Air Cuts Flights To US, Europe, India

2009-01-29T01:12:00.000-08:00

Singapore Airlines said on Wednesday it will reduce the number of flights connecting the city-state to parts of the United States, Europe, India and Thailand.

The frequency of flights will be reduced from Singapore to New Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai in India, while some flights to Bangkok and London will be suspended.

The frequency of all-business flights from Singapore to the US will also be reduced, but flights to Kuwait and Cairo will be increased.

Vietnam Airlines

2009-01-29T01:06:00.000-08:00

Golden Lotus Plus is a frequent flyer program offered by Vietnam Airlines. This reward program offers all Vietnam Airlines loyal passengers many benefits such as award tickets and privileged services.

Golden Lotus Plus has three official levels including Silver, Titanium, and Gold tiers. Corresponding to your GLP membership level, you will receive various free preferential services and benefits when traveling on flights operated by Vietnam Airlines. To ensure that you receive these advantages, please present your GLP membership card when making reservations and checking-in for flights.

As members of the Golden Lotus Plus program, whenever you travel with Vietnam Airlines or have other transactions with GLP program partners, points will be credited to your account and you can easily redeem your points for valuable awards.

To join the GLP program, you must firstly enroll to be a member of the GLP program as Registered member. Registered members can only accumulate points by flying on eligible booking class of Vietnam Airlines’ eligible flights in order to upgrade higher membership levels.

Yugoslav Airlines,jet airways

2009-01-29T01:04:00.000-08:00

The Society for Air Travel AEROPUT was founded on June 17th, 1927, and was succeeded by Yugoslav Aerotransport.

In 1987 JAT was ranked 31st among the 112 international carrier members of IATA (International Air Transport Association), and was ranked 10th in Europe among members of the AEA (Association of European Airlines).

JAT has been a member of IATA since 1961 and of AEA since 1971.
Jat Airways Activities
The company’s basic activity is the transport of passengers and cargo on regularly-scheduled and charter traffic. Aside from its basic service, Jat Airways is also engaged in the following activities: training pilots and other air travel staff, renting excess capacity, tourism-related services, agricultural aviation and other similar services.
Fleet
Jat Airways currently owns 16 planes for the transport of passengers and cargo on domestic and international lines: ten B 737-300, one B 737-400 and five ATR 72-200.
Flight Academy
The Flight Academy in Vršac trains airplane staff for both Jat Airways’s needs as well as for external users. The Academy’s training resources include twenty-five C-172/152 airplanes, two C-310s, two PA-31Ts, two C-402s as well as a hotel to accommodate crew and other guests.
Training Centre
The Training Centre provides training to aviation crew for various types of aircraft, control and continued training to other company employees (STW/STD, sales, technical crew and similar).
Economic Aviation
The Economic Aviation centre is located in Vršac and its main activity includes providing services to agricultural and similar organisations. The centre's resources include thirteen M-18 planes, ten AN-2s and one AG-CAT, a hanger and equipment for aircraft maintenance.
The Јаt Airways Aeromedical Centre – Occupational Medicine Office
The Јаt Airways Aeromedical Centre – Occupational Medicine Office provides medical services to flight crew and other company employees.
Other Resources
The airline owns modern business offices as well as other buildings and warehouses at the airport.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

2009-01-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is a worldwide company based in the Netherlands. Since their merger in 2004, KLM works closely with Air France within the AIR FRANCE KLM holding company. In terms of financial turnover, AIR FRANCE KLM is the world's largest airline partnership; it also transports the most passengers and is the world's second-largest cargo transporter.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is a worldwide company based in the Netherlands. It comprises the core of the KLM Group, which further includes KLM Cityhopper and Transavia. Furthermore, KLM works closely with Air France within the AIR FRANCE KLM holding company, which has existed since the two companies merged in 2004. In terms of financial turnover, AIR FRANCE KLM is the world's largest airline partnership; it also transports the most passengers and is the world's second-largest cargo transporter.

AIR FRANCE KLM's strategy can be expressed in a single expression: One Group, Two Airlines, Three Core Activities. It indicates that KLM maintains its own company identity within the international airline industry. It means that KLM can give substance to its business activities as it sees fit, as long as they are attuned with those of the AIR FRANCE KLM Group as a whole. KLM's core businesses are passenger transport, cargo shipment, and aircraft maintenance. KLM's cargo activities have been fully integrated with those of Air France since 2007.

KLM and Air France each have their own networks. Together they maintain a worldwide network of flight connections based on what they call their Dual-Hub Strategy. The two hubs - transfer airports - are Air France's home base, Paris Charles de Gaulle and KLM's home base, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Together with Air France, KLM offers passengers and cargo shippers more than 250 destinations, whether nonstop connections or links to secondary destinations.

Both KLM and Air France are members of SkyTeam, one of the worldwide airline alliances. With eleven member airlines as of January 2008, SkyTeam is the world's second-largest alliance in terms of market share. As SkyTeam members, Air France and KLM play an important role in North America, Europe, and Asia. And, together with Kenya Airways, they enjoy a strong position in Africa as well.

KLM's strategic aim is to achieve profitable and sustainable growth. KLM is well aware that sustainable business practice is a prerequisite to gaining public support toward achieving its aims. For this reason, it works to achieve profitable growth that contributes to its own corporate aims as well as to economic and social development in the Netherlands. Together with Air France, KLM wants to achieve this growth by further developing its core activities in the most attractive markets, by working more closely with its fellow SkyTeam members, and by continuing to reduce costs.

KLM gives active substance to the critical preconditions that will help it attain its goals. It is working to create growth possibilities at Schiphol Airport, to gain access to every market that will increase the quality of its network, and to maintain a level competitive playing field for all industry players. It also works to ensure a balance between the company's interests and those of the people living and working close to the airport.

As an employer, KLM strives to keep its staff working for as long as possible. To achieve this, KLM pays specific attention to staff flexibility, mobility, participation, and health.

In fiscal 2006/07, the KLM Group transported almost 23.4 million passengers and 657.022 tons of Airfrance Cargo- KLM Cargo. It performed maintenance and technical modifications on aircraft, engines, and components for more than a hundred different airlines. The KLM Group avails itself of a modern fleet of 203 aircraft. During that year, the KLM Group employed 33.002 staff (FTEs).

China Southern Airlines Co

2009-01-29T00:56:00.000-08:00

China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd. – the newest member of SkyTeam - is a main air transportation business of China Southern Air Holding Company.

With flight operations based at Guangzhou’s brand-new, award-winning Baiyun International Airport, China Southern Airlines’ company logo can be seen around the globe with a brilliant red kapok delicately adoring a blue vertical tail fin.

China Southern Airlines has 13 branches located throughout China, including: Beijing, Dalian, Guangxi, Hainan, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Northern, Shenzhen, Xinjiang and Zhuhai Helicopter Company. Five holding subsidiaries are located in Chongqing, Guizhou, Shantou, Xiamen and Zhuhai with 2 bases in Shanghai & Xian and 18 domestic sales and ticket offices situated throughout China, including Chendu,Hangzhou,Nanjing and Taibei,etc.

As China’s largest airline, China Southern Airlines has 54 International offices located in major metropolitan markets around the world, including: Amsterdam, Dubai, Lagos, Los Angeles, Paris, Singapore, Seoul, Sharjah, Sydney ,Tokyo,New York,London,Vancouver,Dibai, Brisbane,etc.

China Southern Airlines operates the largest and most technologically advanced airline fleet … as well as the most extensive domestic air network in The People’s Republic of China.

Currently, China Southern Airlines operated 342 modern Boeing 777, 747, 757, 737 and Airbus A330, 321, 320, 319 and 300 jet aircraft serving destinations to 841 cities in 162 countries … forming an extensive network, with Guangzhou and Beijing as its hubs, covering all of China and radiating throughout Asia with convenient connections to all main cities in the world via close cooperation with all the SkyTeam member airlines.

In 2007, China Southern Airlines carried nearly 57 Million passengers, being ranked world #4 and Asia #1 and the only one Asian airline listed top 5 from China,ranked as the largest airline in China for 29 consecutive years and is the only carrier in mainland China entering into the world’s Top 10 passenger airlines - based on annual passenger traffic volume.

As of 16 July 2008, China Southern Airlines had achieved more than 5 Million safe flight hours and carried 2.5 hundred Million passengers safely and was honored the Five-Star Flight Safety Award by the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) – the current most prestigious award for safe flight operations in the Chinese aviation industry, becoming the only Chinese carrier maintaining the longest safety record and occupying a leading position in the international aviation industry.

The airline owns and operates its own independent pilot training centers for pilots and flight attendants. China Southern Airlines, with more than 3,300 comprehensively trained and experienced pilots, is the only Chinese carrier that has the independent capability of “building its pilots from the ground up” as it trains young aviators at its Western Australia Flying College in Perth … then moves these graduates to advanced cadet training at its Zhuhai Flight Training Center, a joint venture with Montreal-based CAE Inc.

China Southern Airlines enjoys a strong aircraft maintenance capability through its joint-venture company GAMECO - Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering Co., Ltd. – the largest aircraft maintenance hanger in Asia and via its MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Co., Ltd. - in partnership with the German MTU - the biggest aero engine overhaul facility with the highest level in maintenance in mainland China. Additionally, China Southern Airlines has earned two second prizes in the National Science & Technology Progress Award, one for its System Operations Control Center and the other for its Engine Performance Monitoring System.

In 1995, 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2007, China Southern Airlines was honored by the CAAC with the “Golden Roc Cup” – the previous most prestigious award in the Chinese aviation industry.

China Southern Airlines is committed to putting the customer first and dedicated to exceeding its customers’ expectations by offering reliable, on-time and convenient quality customer service.

China Southern Airlines attaches key importance to its branded products strategy, offering a host of reliable and convenient on-time services. The airline currently has the largest frequent flyer program in China - The Sky Pearl Club - with more than 4.2 Million members, enjoying numerous opportunities for free flights and flight upgrades.

China Southern Airlines is the first airline in China to own and operate its own terminals – Terminal One at Beijing Capital International Airport, Terminal One at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport and Terminal Three at Urumqi Diwobao International Airport.

China Southern Airlines is the aviation marketing leader in China and is renowned for its numerous branded services such as The Sky Pearl Club; First & Business Class VIP Lounges Ground Service; China Southern Connections Service and “95539” Customer Service & Call Center Hot Line.

China Southern Airlines has been named the “Best Airline in China” by several international organizations, and was honored with the “Five Star Diamond Award” by The American Academy of the Hospitality Sciences in January 2004.

China Southern Airlines is developing at a brisk pace.

In 1997, China Southern Airlines debuted on both the New York and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges and in 2003, the airline was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

China Southern Airlines successively merged with, took over shareholding stocks in and joined the equity in numerous Chinese carriers.

China Southern Airlines led the Chinese aviation industry in introducing the Boeing 737, 757, 777, Airbus A330 and the superjumbo A380 to the Chinese marketplace; the first Chinese carrier to introduce its own Computer Reservation System and Internet e-ticketing; the first to introduce its own Revenue Management, System Operations Control, Finance Management, Human Resources, Cargo and Office Automation Systems; established a mammoth cargo station ranked #1 in mainland China and the third largest in the world … and the largest air catering center in the mainland.

In January 2005, China Southern Airlines inked a pact with Airbus for five A380 superjumbo aircraft
In August 2005, China Southern Airlines signed an agreement with Boeing for 10 B787-8 Dreamliners, becoming the largest purchaser of this type of aircraft in China.

In 2006, China Southern Airlines placed an order for six B777 freighters, striding forward a brand new step in its cargo development.

China Southern Airlines has received numerous honors, including:
In 1995, 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2007 China Southern Airlines was honored the “Golden Roc Cup” - the most prestigious safe flight operation award in the Chinese aviation industry.

In 2002, China Southern Airlines was ranked #13 among the Top 100 listed Chinese enterprises by Fortune Magazine.
In 2002, China Southern Airlines was named one of the Top 10 emerging Chinese third party logistics enterprises by The China Shipping Gazette.

In 2002, China Southern Airlines’ “Operation Target Management” Program was honored the second prize in the 9th China National Enterprise Management Modernization Innovation Achievements.

In 2003, China Southern Airlines was ranked 9th among the top 500 Chinese informationisation enterprises and was honored the “Best Informationisation Efficiency Award”.
In both 2002 and 2004, China Southern Airlines was named as the “Best China Airline” by TTG Asia Travel Magazine.

In 2004, China Southern Airlines’ System Operations Control System was honored with second prize in the “National Science & Technology Progress Award”.
In January 2004, China Southern Airlines was honored with the Five Star Diamond Award by The American Academy of the Hospitality Sciences.

In April 2005, China Southern Airlines was named the “Best Air Cargo in China” during the 1st Annual Cargonews China Awards.
On 31 December 2006, China Southern Airlines Xinjiang Company (the former Xinjiang Airlines) successfully completed 52 consecutive years of safe flight operations, setting a new record for safe flight operations in China’s aviation industry.

In 2006, China Southern Airlines was honored the Three-Star Flight Safety Award by the CAAC – the most prestigious award for safe flight operations in the Chinese aviation industry.
On 20 May 2007, China Southern Airlines was presented the Four-Star Flight Safety Award by the CAAC – the current most prestigious award for safe flight operations in the Chinese aviation industry.

On 8 September 2007, China Southern Airlines received the Outstanding Contribution To Society Award at the forum on Social Responsibility And Harmonious Society 2007, organized by Xinhua News Agency.
In January 2008, China Southern Airlines was named the CCTV China Annual Best Employer 2007.

On 9th March, the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) held the 2007 Customer Evaluation Results Conference. China Southern Airlines was honored the “2007 Customer Satisfaction Award” – the most prestigious quality service award in the Chinese aviation industry.
On 10th April,China Southern Airlines was named as the “Best Business Class Airline in China” at the annual TTG China Travel Award ceremony held in Shanghai.

On 20 May 2007, China Southern Airlines was presented the Four-Star Flight Safety Award by the CAAC – the current most prestigious award for safe flight operations in the Chinese aviation industry.
On 16 July 2008, China Southern Airlines was presented the Five-Star Flight Safety Award by the CAAC – the current most prestigious award for safe flight operations in the Chinese aviation industry, becoming the only Chinese carrier maintaining the longest safety record and occupying a leading position in the international aviation industry.

Northwest Airlines,

2009-01-29T00:54:00.000-08:00

Northwest Airlines, Inc.
Northwest began on October 1, 1926, flying mail between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Chicago.
Passenger service began in 1927.
On July 15, 1947, Northwest pioneered the Great Circle route to Asia, with service to Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Manila.
Northwest became a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines on October 29, 2008.
Reservations can be made online through nwa.com Reservations or by calling 1-800-225-2525.

Facilities
Reservations Centers: Chisholm, Minn.; Minneapolis/St. Paul; Seattle/Tacoma; Sioux City, Iowa; Tampa, Fla.
Maintenance Bases: Minneapolis/St. Paul; Tokyo
Pilot Bases: Anchorage; Detroit; Honolulu; Memphis, Tenn.; Minneapolis/St. Paul
Flight Attendant Bases: In the United States: Boston, Detroit, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York Kennedy/La Guardia, San Francisco and Seattle/Tacoma. International locations include Bangkok, Thailand; Hong Kong; Manila, Philippines; Osaka, Japan; Beijing; Singapore; Taipei, Taiwan; Tokyo
In Flight Office: Amsterdam

Fleet

The airline operates a fleet of aircraft including Boeing 747s, and 757s, McDonnell-Douglas DC-9s and Airbus A330s, A320s and A319s. Northwest also is one of the world's largest cargo airlines, operating a dedicated fleet of 14 B747 freighters. It is the only U.S. combination carrier (passenger and cargo service) to operate dedicated 747 freighters.

royal jordanian airlines

2009-01-29T00:52:00.000-08:00

In 1963, His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan issued a Royal Decree for the setting up of a national air carrier. His words were unforgettable. "I want our national carrier to be the ambassador of goodwill and the bridge across which we exchange culture, civilization, trade, technology, friendship and better understanding with the rest of the world."

Inspired by this royal vision, Alia (later renamed Royal Jordanian) launched its operations.

Royal Jordanian's role as Jordan's national carrier has now long been established. Today, under the invaluable guidance and directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the airline carries out its mission, while continuously modernizing and upgrading its services, renewing its fleet and expanding its route network and operations.

Royal Jordanian's headquarters are located in the heart of the capital, Amman, and its flights are operated from Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA). Its modern fleet covers a network of 54 destinations on four continents.

The airline owns Royal Wings, a Royal Jordanian subsidiary company dedicated to charter business, operating from Amman Civil Airport in Marka. It also owns 20% of Jordan Airline Training and Simulation Limited (JATS), 20% of Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited (JorAMCo), 20% of Alpha (the flight catering services company) and 6% of the Royal Jordanian Air Academy.

In view of its reputation and international level of competitiveness, the airline was honored when the prestigious oneworld airline alliance invited Royal Jordanian to join its elite membership, of which the most important are, American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and others. RJ is thus the first Arab and regional air carrier selected to join any of the three global airline alliances (oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance), and the first airline to join oneworld in the last five years.

The airline officially joined oneworld on April 1, 2007, after it completed all technical and technological requirements to become part of the grouping.

Royal Jordanian currently has marketing alliances, through code-sharing, with several International airlines including Air Canada, American Airlines, Gulf Air Company, Iberia, Yemen Airways, Malev Hungarian Airlines , Syrian Arab Airlines ,Thai Airways, Tarom, US Airways, Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines.

Airline

2009-01-29T00:50:00.000-08:00

An airline provides air transport services for passengers or freight, generally with a recognized operating certificate or license. Airlines lease or own their aircraft with which to supply these services and may form partnerships or alliances with other airlines for mutual benefit.

Airlines vary from those with a single airplane carrying mail or cargo, through full-service international airlines operating hundreds of airplanes. Airline services can be categorized as being intercontinental, intra continental, domestic, or international and may be operated as scheduled services or charters.

Airline Reservations, Airline Ticket Reservations, Flight Reservations

2009-01-29T00:49:00.000-08:00

Cheap Manila to Boracay Flights and Schedule

Tips for Your Cheap Boracay Flights from Manila

There are different Boracay Flights while there are one way or round trip options to choose from, that is, either from Manila to Boracay or Caticlan (Catiklan) airport/airstrip and vise versa. Although most of these flights do vary in their respective prices, I have done my own research on the different airlines that serve one way and round trip accommodation Boracay Flights to help tourists arrive in Boracay safe and sound.

Services of flights from Manila to Boracay (Caticlan) or Boracay (Caticlan) to Manila can be reserved using different airlines here in the Philippines from the Domestic Terminal. Just for specific information, however, the nearest airport to Boracay is Caticlan Airstrip aside from the Kalibo, Aklan airport so for those who are on their way, you can choose to land either via Caticlan Airport or Kalibo, Aklan Airport.

2 Popular Flight Airports and Route to Boracay Beach

If you take Caticlan Airport, it will only take you a few minutes to get to Boracay whereas if you take the Kalibo, Aklan Airport, you will be obliged to travel by bus in a 1 and 1/2 to 2 - hour trip just to reach Caticlan where a ferry boat will take you to the isolated Boracay Island.

The only advantage is if you choose to take Kalibo, Aklan Airport, you can shop around for additional stuff that you want to buy for your stay in Boracay and take a tour of the historical provincial capital, Kalibo where the world renowned Ati-Atihan Festival happens every second Sunday of January. You can also buy a lot of souvenir items there as well as in Boracay Beach proper to take with you.

United Airlines

2009-01-29T00:46:00.000-08:00

United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAUA) operates nearly 3,000* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States.

United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 975 destinations in 162 countries worldwide. United's 52,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com.

US Airways

2009-01-29T00:43:00.001-08:00

From its humble beginnings in 1939 as All-American Airways -- delivering airmail to Western Pennsylvania and the Ohio Valley -- US Airways has grown to become one of America's great success stories.

All-American Airways quickly grew into Allegheny Airlines, US Air and finally US Airways through buyouts and mergers. In September 2005, US Airways merged with America West Airlines to become the fifth largest airline in the United States.

Combining the East Coast prominence of US Airways and West Coast strengths of America West Airlines, the new US Airways operates more than 1,500 mainline flights per day. A network of 10 regional carriers, including two wholly-owned subsidiaries, form US Airways Express and US Airways Shuttle to provide an additional 2,340 daily departures.

All told, US Airways offers more than 3,800 daily departures to 240 destinations in 32 countries. A dedicated team of nearly 35,000 aviation professionals welcome 70 million passengers per year. The US Airways mainline fleet consists of Airbus A330, A321, A320 and A319 aircraft as well as Boeing 767, 757 and 737 aircraft. The Express fleet utilizes more than 450 regional jets and turbo-prop aircraft.

With primary hubs in Charlotte, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Las Vegas plus significant operations in New York (La Guardia), Washington D.C. (Washington National), Pittsburgh and Boston, US Airways has a rich culture and colourful history as one of America's great airlines.

Turkish Airlines

2009-01-29T00:42:00.000-08:00

Turkish Airlines,Turkey’s national flag carrier, was founded in Ankara on 20 May 1933 as “State Airlines Administration,” under the direction of the Ministry of Defence. In 1955, it was restructured into “Turkish Airlines.” 25% of the company was sold via an SPO under a privatisation programme in 2005, and today, 50.9% of the company shares are public, while the rest remain state-owned.

In 2007, Turkish Airlines became one of the fastest-growing airlines among European carriers in terms of capacity and traffic growth. It was also named the number one carrier for fewest pieces of lost luggage within the period. Additionally, Turkish Airlines has been ranked as a four-star airline by Skytrax. With its fleet of 102 aircraft, last year THY carried 19.65 million passengers across a network comprised of 107 international and 32 domestic destinations.

Complementing its passenger services, Turkish Cargo provides fast, reliable and high-quality air cargo service, meeting customer demands with the vision of becoming the most preferred air cargo carrier wherever it flies. Of the almost 70 airlines operating in the Turkish market, Turkish Cargo holds 50% of the total air cargo market.

Turkish Airlines continues to offer more services and destinations to its passengers by joining the Star Alliance team.

TAP Portugal

2009-01-29T00:40:00.003-08:00

TAP Portugal is the Portuguese leading airline, member of Star Alliance since March 14, 2005, the same day on which the company also celebrated its 60^th anniversary. Its Lisbon hub is a key European gateway at the crossroads of the African, North & South American continents, where TAP stands out as the leading carrier in operation to Brazil, currently with 67 frequencies a week.

TAP’s current network comprises 58 domestic and international destinations in 26 countries world-wide, with an even greater range of cities beyond its own system-wide network served by code-share operations with a number of partner airlines all over the world.

Thus, TAP offers customers an extended and highly flexible choice while providing them with the most convenient scheduled flights and easy connectivity onto further distant destinations.

Along with PGA, acquired in 2007, TAP currently offers over 1,850 weekly flights in average, on a modern fleet of 53 Airbus aircraft, to which add some more 16 aircraft servicing PGA. In the whole, the Company’s current fleet now comprises 69 aircraft.

Quality service to customers is the company’s top priority and as such TAP continuously strives to upgrade and improve its product and services tailored to meet travellers’ expectations.

Retaining the Portuguese character of the Company’s brand and quality service as the basic concept and its differentiating mark has been the main driver of TAP strategy in most recent years

SWISS

2009-01-29T00:40:00.001-08:00

Swiss International Air Lines is closely linked with Switzerland in more than name only. Classic Swiss values such as quality, reliability and hospitality make flying with SWISS a distinctive travel experience.

Founded as Switzerland’s national airline in 2002 as the successor to Crossair, SWISS became a member of the Star Alliance network in 2006. Within this framework, SWISS remains committed to its mission of providing quality air services linking Switzerland with Europe and the world.

SWISS now serves 76 destinations around the world from its Zurich hub and from Basel and Geneva international airports. It operates a fleet of technically advanced aircraft with which it carries some 12.2 million passengers annually. Airbus A330s and A340s are used on intercontinental routes, with the Airbus A320 family and Avro RJ100 aircraft handling short-haul and regional flights.

SWISS understands the needs of customers across the travel spectrum. For those travelling between continents, SWISS offers the luxury and exclusivity of SWISS First, an exceptionally high standard of comfort and calm in SWISS Business or the friendly service of SWISS Economy. On short flights within Europe, SWISS offers complete flexibility from full-service in SWISS Business to a more streamlined product in SWISS Economy. Whichever option is selected, passengers can count on enjoying the personal service on which the more than 6,800 SWISS employees pride themselves. From the moment they book their flight until they step off the aircraft, the focus is on their needs.

The effort involved in striving for quality really pays off when an airline is recognised by its passengers and the industry it is part of. SWISS has collected a number of awards in various categories since its inception, testimony to its commitment to making air travel a pleasurable experience for everyone who boards a SWISS aircraft.

Spanair

2009-01-29T00:37:00.004-08:00

Spanair was born inspired by the philosophy of providing the best quality in air transport service to all its passengers. After 20 years, the company is very proud to have consolidated itself as the first alternative in Spanish air transport.

The company’s priorities are to offer the best levels of safety, punctuality, comfort and excellence in service. With 327 daily flights (42 charter and 285 scheduled), a fleet comprising 58 aircraft and 3,524 employees, Spanair is a dynamic company that relies on experience and constant growth.

When Spanair began its operations in 1988, it transported 454.624* passengers, with sales of 36 million Euros. In 2007 some 11.2 million passengers flew with the company and consolidated revenues for the Spanair Group, reached 1.171 million Euros.

In 1999, Spanair signed an agreement with the European AIRBUS to renew and increase the fleet with 45 aircraft from the A320 family. It was decided to name these aircraft after some of the Living Spanish Universal Figures including celebrities such as Camilo José Cela (Author), Plácido Domingo (Tenor), Juan de Avalos (Sculptor) and the “Marques de Samaranch” The honoree President of the International Olympic committee).

Punctuality is a priority for Spanair, as well as for its passengers. For this reason, since February 2001, it is the only Spanish airline offering a punctuality guarantee commitment on its domestic routes, in line with the idea of ensuring the highest quality service to all its passengers both in-flight and on the ground. The Punctuality Guarantee system rewards Business Avant travellers with an Avant electronic voucher that can be exchanged for another flight travelling in any class that the passenger chooses and on any Spanair domestic route within the Spanish Peninsula or the Balearic Islands. To receive a free ticket that is valid for any flight to or from the Canary Islands, two Avant electronic vouchers will be required. An electronic voucher will also be given to passengers who travel Economy class that entitles them to a 25% discount based on the online or published fare and valid for the next time they buy any domestic flight operated by the airline. These conditions apply if the aircraft doors close more than 15 minutes after the scheduled departure time due to reasons attributable to the airline.

As well as this, since the 10th of March 2008 Spanair launched its Spanairx4 product, which gives customers flying its domestic routes the option of choosing between four different flight classes: Business, Avant, Economy Plus and Economy. The company is thereby offering its passengers a time-saving product, which enhances flexibility and adds to the advantages offered by the four classes.

Spanair was awarded the ALPHA Excellence in Marketing, which honors the company's initiative towards their passengers and improvement of standards in quality of service. Spanair was also awarded with an ISO 9001:2000 certified Corporate Quality Program and became the first Spanish airline to receive an IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification.

Malayan Airways

2009-01-29T00:37:00.003-08:00

SIA's history can be traced back to May 1947, when Malayan Airways operated its first commercial flight linking Singapore with Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang. The airline was later renamed Malaysian Airways (1963) and Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (1967), which was split in two in 1972, creating Malaysian Airline System (since renamed Malaysia Airlines) and SIA. Over a period of more than half a century, SIA has earned a reputation as an innovative market leader, combining a quality product with excellent service.

SIA, together with its airline subsidiaries, Singapore Airlines Cargo and regional airline SilkAir, has a route network extending to 65 destinations in 35 countries, serving Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, the South West Pacific, and Africa.

SIA has one of the youngest fleets of any major airline, with an average age of just over 6 years. The airline operates a fleet of MEGATOP 747s, JUBILEE 777s, A340-500s and took delivery of its first A380-800 in October 2007.

Excellence in customer service has been integral to SIA's success. Superb inflight service is the cornerstone of its reputation for customer service and hospitality. SIA has developed a reputation for being an industry trend-setter. The list of industry-leading innovations by SIA includes being the first to offer free headsets, a choice of meals and free drinks in Economy Class in the 1970s, and the first with satellite-based inflight telephones in 1991. In 2001 the airline became the first to introduce a global inflight e-mail system to all passengers. SIA has also taken inflight dining to new heights with the formation of its International Culinary Panel and World Gourmet Cuisine.

The care and attention that Singapore Airlines gives its customers, symbolised by the Singapore Girl, has earned the airline many industry and travel awards, including Conde Nast Traveller's "Best International Airline" award in 19 out of the last 20 years.

The Lufthansa Aviation Group

2009-01-29T00:37:00.001-08:00

The Lufthansa Aviation Group is one of the world’s leading air transport corporations. It comprises more than 400 subsidiaries and affiliates, active in business segments including passenger business, logistics, repair and overhaul, catering, leisure travel and IT services.

Lufthansa’s headquarters is in Cologne. Its operational centre for passenger and cargo services is located in Frankfurt. The other key locations in Germany are Munich, Berlin and Hamburg.

The Group ranks among the leaders in the international airline business: In the year 2003 Lufthansa transported on international routes more passengers than any other IATA airline and the company has been the number one in international cargo traffic for many years. Last year, the Group’s 513aircraft flew on routes to 208 destinations, carrying 62.9 million passengers and 1.58 million tons of air freight. The seat load factor for the Group’s fleet reached 73.1 percent while our total overall load was 69.8 percent (+1.2 percentage points).

Lufthansa considers a modern, young fleet indispensable. Modern aircraft are more economical and more environmentally compatible to operate than older models, as they burn less fuel and emit fewer pollutants. Accordingly, the airline launched a fleet modernization program in 2003. Ten new Airbus A340-600s and ten new Airbus A330-300s have replaced older aircraft in 2003/2004. Lufthansa is planning to operate the new Airbus A380 from 2007. Lufthansa Cargo is also set to modernize its fleet by 2005 and to replace its Boeing 747- 200s with MD-11 freighters. With an average age of 8.4 years, the Lufthansa fleet is roughly two years younger than the combined fleet operated by IATA carriers.

To offer its customers a dense network of seamless connections, Lufthansa has built up a number of worldwide partnerships. Launched in 1997, the Star Alliance network is the most important of these link-ups. WOW, the first global alliance in the area of cargo, is having a positive effect. At the regional level, as well, Lufthansa is counting on a network of alliances in the form of ”Lufthansa Regional,” which joins five different carriers under a common roof.

Quality and innovation, safety and reliability are and will remain the hallmarks of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. They shape the image of the company and they will be the guarantor of its success in future too. Newest examples are the new Business Class concept on long-haul routes, inaugurated in December 2003 and Flynet - Lufthansa has been the first airline to provide broadband Internet access on board its aircraft. In December 2004 Lufthansa implemented a unique programme for their premium customers. A dedicated terminal at Frankfurt, exclusive service on the ground with personal service right through to departure and special shuttle services direct to the aircraft makes flying Lufthansa even more convenient and enjoyable.

Facts & Figures

Number of aircraft: 513
Aircraft types: Boeing 747-400, Airbus A340-300, Airbus A340-200, Airbus A300-600, Airbus A310, Airbus A321, Airbus A320, Airbus A319, Boeing 737-300, Boeing 737-500, Avro RJ85, Canadair CRJ700, Canadair CRJ100/200
Hubs: Frankfurt, Munich
Number of employees: 105,261
Passengers per year: 62.9 million
Sales revenue: US $35.30 billion
Frequent flyer programme: Miles & More (Senator, Frequent Traveller)
Number of destinations: 208
Network strengths: Extensive global network
Date of entry: May 1997

EgyptAir

2009-01-29T00:36:00.001-08:00

EgyptAir is the world-famous, national airline of Egypt, based in the cosmopolitan city of Cairo.

Over 75 years, EgyptAir has experienced significant growth. It was the first airline in the Middle East and Africa and the seventh in the world to join IATA and become a treasured brand.

When EgyptAir started operation on 7^th May 1932, its fleet comprised just 2 aircraft carrying 4 people between Cairo and Alexandria. Over more than seven decades in service, the airline has been the pioneer within the region: In 1960 it was the first in the Middle East and Africa to use the Comet C-4 jets; nine years later it was the first to fly Boeing 707s.

Currently, EgyptAir's fleet comprises 50 aircraft serving 69 destinations in 44 Countries with over 1200 weekly flights. In 2006/2007 EgyptAir, carried more than 6.5 million passengers fulfilling the needs of both business and leisure travellers.

EgyptAir is wholly state-owned, self financed without any government subsidy, and characterized by its loyal staff who aspire to the highest standards of customer care.

The airline has recorded a substantial profit in past years. This is also fortified by huge assets of more than US$ 3.8 billion.

For the fiscal year ending 31st July 2007, EgyptAir achieved a record total revenue of US$ 1,143 billion.Total group revenue increased by an impressive 14 %, compared with the previous year.

One of the potentials of EgyptAir’s future success stories is the team spirit which is drives its team to ensure that the best possible service is being given to its customers, partners and stakeholders.

In 2004, EgyptAir demonstrated the scale of its commitment to the highest standards of safety by being the first IOSA certified airline in the Middle East and Africa. Moreover, the confidence in its capabilities to deliver competitive customer service to its customers and affiliates encourages them to plan doubling their fleet in the coming five years.

EgyptAir is a major contributor to achieving the goal of converting Cairo international airport into a hub connecting traffic flows and serving global air travel.

In the third quarter of 2008 EgyptAir passengers from and to Cairo will enjoy going through the state-of-the-art Terminal 3 Building which will revolutionize the overall travel experience of its customers.

Facts & Figures

Number of aircraft: 50
Aircraft types: B777, A340, A330, A321, A320, B735, B738, Embrear 170, a300-600
Hubs: Cairo
Number of employees: 7,300
Passengers per year: 7.8 million
Sales revenue: US$ 1.48 bn
Frequent flyer programme: EgyptAir plus
Number of destinations: 69
Network strengths: Middle East, Africa, Europe, Far East, North America
Date of entry: July 2008

Asiana Airlines

2009-01-29T00:35:00.002-08:00

Every journey begins with the first step. Asiana, took that first step in 1988 when it was introduced as the second flag carrier in Korea. On the occasion of its 15th Anniversary in 2003, Asiana took its next major step in joining the Star Alliance network.

For more than a decade, Asiana's main goal, has been to offer its passengers the highest safety and service standards. With the aim of guiding every thought and action of its employees, Asiana adopted the term "Uncompromising Safety" as the main theme of its mission statement. In keeping with this target of uncompromising safety, Asiana maintains the youngest fleet worldwide and, as the first airline in the world, was granted ISO 9002 certification on aircraft maintenance.

Asiana's dedicated in-flight and ground service makes you feel at home while in the air. This was rewarded with the ATW Passenger Service Award for 2001. Also, a Customer Satisfaction Survey carried out over a few years by several renowned research companies, declared Asiana to be the most satisfactory airline in 2001.

With its young fleet of 69 aircraft, Asiana today serves 82 cities in 21 countries, including 18 destinations within Korea. As the largest connection between mainland China and the rest of the world, Asiana focuses not only on playing a significant role in covering all major Asian destinations, but is also expanding its global network coverage. In 2002, Asiana carried more than 12 million passengers with 283 scheduled daily flights. Asiana has 8,391 employees, comprising 799 pilots, 2,317 flight attendants and 3,880 ground staff.

Facts & Figures

Number of aircraft: 69
Aircraft types: A320-200, A321, A330-300, B767-300 (B767-300ER), B737-400, B737-500, B777-200ER, B747-400(747-400 COMBI)
Hubs: Seoul Incheon
Number of employees: 8,391
Passengers per year: 11.83 million
Sales revenue: US$ 3.48 billion
Frequent flyer programme: Asiana Club
Number of destinations: 82
Network strengths: Korea, China, (South-/East-) Asia
Date of entry: March 1, 2003

Air Canada

2009-01-29T00:35:00.001-08:00

Air Canada is Canada’s largest full-service airline and the largest provider of scheduled passenger services in the Canadian market, the Canada-U.S. transborder market and in the international market to and from Canada. Together with its regional affiliate Jazz, Air Canada serves over 29 million customers annually and provides direct passenger service to over 174 destinations on five continents. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance™, providing the world's most comprehensive air transportation network.

Air Canada has an extensive global network, with hubs in four major Canadian cities (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary), providing scheduled passenger jet service directly to 67 Canadian cities, 53 destinations in the United States and 56 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada and its regional affiliate Jazz operate 1,354 scheduled flights each day on average. Through its strategic and commercial arrangements with Star Alliance™ , Air Canada offers service to over 855 destinations in 155 countries and provides top tier frequent flyer benefits.

Air Canada was ranked ‘Best Airline in North America’ in the world’s largest survey of air travelers conducted by the independent UK-based research firm Skytrax between August 2006 and June 2007. Air Transport World magazine awarded Air Canada the prestigious Airline Industry Achievement Award in 2007 for Market Leadership. Air Canada was voted ‘Best Airline in North America’ and ‘Best Airline in Canada’ by readers of the U.S. magazine, Global Traveler, and was voted ‘Best Business Class to Canada’ by readers of the U.S magazine, Business Traveler. EnRoute magazine received the award for Best Travel Magazine at the 2007 North American Travel Journalists’ Association Awards.

Air Canada's predecessor, Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) inaugurated its first flight on September 1, 1937. By 1964, TCA had grown to become Canada's national airline; it changed its name to Air Canada. The airline became fully privatized in 1989. In 2000, Air Canada acquired Canadian Airlines International. Today, as it celebrates its 70th anniversary, Air Canada is the 14th largest commercial airline in the world, with approximately 23,000 full-time equivalent employees. Air Canada shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol “AC-B.TO”.

In 2007, Air Canada added 11 new non-stop international routes, including the launch of Vancouver-Sydney on December 14th using one of Air Canada’s eight brand-new Boeing 777 aircraft.

Facts & Figures

Number of aircraft: 335
Aircraft types: B777-300, B777-200, B767-200, Boeing 767-300, A340-300, A330-300, A321-200, A320-200, A319-100, Embraer 190 and Embraer 175
Hubs: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary
Number of employees: 27,619
Passengers per year: Over 29,000,000
Sales revenue: US$ 7.394 billion (as of 2006)
Frequent flyer programme: Aeroplan
Number of destinations: about 174
Network strengths: Canada, U.S. and the Caribbean
Date of entry: May 1997

Air China

2009-01-29T00:34:00.001-08:00

Air China Limited is abbreviated as "Air China" and its predecessor, the old Air China, was founded in 1988. On September 30th, 2004, Air China Limited was founded in Beijing, with 19,972 employees, total registered assets of 6.5 billion RMB and the paid-up capital of 9.433 billion RMB. On December 15th, 2004, Air China had successfully made its listed stocks appear in Hong Kong (stock code 0753) and London (trading code AIRC).

The enterprise logo of Air China is an artistic Phoenix, the Chinese version of Air China written by Mr. Deng Xiaoping and the English translation "AIR CHINA". The enterprise mission is "meet the requirements of customers, create mutual values".

Air China is the only airline company which flies with the national flag. The headquarter of Air China is located in Beijing, and it also has several branch companies such as Southwest, Zhejiang, Chongqing, Inner Mongolia, Tianjin, Guizhou, Tibet and a Shanghai and Huanan base. Air China owns 220 Boeing and Airbus planes and flies to 27 countries and districts, among which there are 36 international cities and 70 domestic cities. There are 4,160 scheduled flights per week.

Air China has a strong domestic and international route and sales network. In recent years it has strengthened several regional hubs such as the Southwest with the centre of Chengdu, Eastern China with the centre of Shanghai, Southern China with the centre of Guangzhou. In order to strengthen the market sales and make the sales channel more flexible, at present Air China has made electronic tickets and online sales businesses available in many domestic cities, which can offer customers convenient and fast ticket purchasing service.

Air China owns an extensive client group with a high quality. Over 71% of the guests who take Air China flights are business and commercial passengers. The Frequent Passengers Club of Air China has active and faithful members who have reached 3.01 million people as of the end of 2005. In August 2004, Air China became the sole and formal airline partner of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Facts & Figures

Number of aircraft: 220
Aircraft types: B747, B777, B767, B737, A340, A330, A320, A319
Hubs: Beijing, Chengdu,Shanghai
Number of employees: 19,972
Passengers per year: 34.84 million
Sales revenue(CNY): US$ 7.3 billion
Frequent flyer programme: PhoenixMiles (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Basic)
Number of destinations: 121 (43 international & 71 domestic)
Network strengths: China
Date of entry: December 2007

Air New Zealand

2009-01-29T00:32:00.000-08:00

Since the earliest days, the people of the South Pacific have been great travellers. Air New Zealand has continued that tradition, pioneering routes that link its Pacific region to the rest of the world.

Founded in 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited, Air New Zealand is New Zealand's national airline. Air New Zealand directly serves 49 cities in 16 countries, including 26 destinations within New Zealand.

Air New Zealand's commitment to delivering excellent customer service and, one which embodies the confidence, unique style and friendliness of New Zealand, continues to be recognised through many prestigious awards. Recent awards include the “Best Passenger Service Award” in the prestigious 2008 Air Transport World magazine awards, the "Best Airline to the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand" in December 2007 by Business Traveler Magazine in the United States and named Australasia's Leading Business Class Airline at the 14th Annual World Travel Awards 2007.

In the last few years, Air New Zealand has implemented changes to its domestic, trans-Tasman & Pacific operations to improve services to both business and leisure travellers. Air New Zealand has introduced a new Premium Economy cabin, an exclusive class of travel that sits between Business Premier and Economy. Acquisition of the new Boeing 777-200ER aircraft and the re-fit of its current Boeing 747-400s to incorporate a state-of-the-art on-demand in-flight entertainment system, with premium New Zealand food and wines being served onboard. Additional orders have also been placed for the new Boeing 777-300ER and the next generation Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft which will support Air New Zealand’s expanding route network, as well as making it one of the youngest fleets in the region - all part of creating an inspiring journey for customers.

Facts & Figures

Number of aircraft: 96 (18 more on order)
Aircraft types: B747-400, 777-200ER, B767-300ER, Airbus 320, B737-300, ATR 72-500, Q300, Beech1900D
Hubs: Auckland,Los Angeles
Number of employees: 10,829
Passengers per year: 11.7 million
Sales revenue: NZD$4.297 billion
Frequent flyer programme: Airpoints (Gold Elite, Gold, Silver & Jade)
Number of destinations: 49
Network strengths: New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Rim
Date of entry: March 1999

Information provided by member airline.