SAWAH ONLINE blog

British Airways jet makes emergency landing at Heathrow

الأحد، ٢٦ مايو ٢٠١٣

, England - A British Airways plane with 75 passenLONDO Ngers on board made an emergency landing at Heathrow airport today after one of its engines caught fire. Eye-witnesses reported seeing a fire in the right-hand engine of the Airbus 319 as it was forced to land just minutes after it took off at 8.17am bound for Norway’s capital Oslo. Residents on the Heathrow flight path said there was an "almighty blow-out" from the aircraft as it flew at just a few thousand feet above them. BA said the jet, which is now being examined by investigators, had developed a "technical fault". Suggestions that it was grounded by a bird strike will form part of the investigation. Passengers were evacuated from the aircraft, BA flight 762, using emergency slides and up to 10 fire crews raced to extinguish the flames. At least three passengers were treated by ambulance crews for minor injuries. The emergency landing forced the closure of both runways for half an hour, as incoming flights were diverted to other airports in the South-East and many others were cancelled. Clive Cook, who lives on the flightpath, said: "The actual engine itself was on fire. This plane was coming over and suddenly the tone of its engine changed dramatically. I’d almost say it sounded as if it was like a blow-out or an explosion." Another eye witness, an armed forces member calling himself only Aiden, said he saw smoke "swirl off the wing tip" as he drove near the airport. He added: "The plane was coming right over my head and I had to brake because when I saw the starboard engine it was all blackened. "The reverse thrusters, the flaps on the side of the carriage were open. The port engine was all clean and normal. The starboard one was all flames inside and fully blackened." A third eyewitness, named only as Jamie, was working in his garden near Stamford Bridge in Chelsea. He said: "All of a sudden we heard this almighty noise. We could see the right engine on fire — it was horrendous. You don’t see things like that every day. "Your thoughts are with the people. If we could hear it that badly then what were the passengers going through?" The stricken aircraft had taken off on the southern runway but performed an emergency U-turn on to the northern runway, which remained closed today as it was blocked by the jet. Passengers faced severe delays as the airport operated both arrivals and departures with only one runway — effectively running at half capacity. The drama happened on a very busy day for Heathrow as about 100,000 travellers pass through it for the start of the bank holiday getaway. BA will be carrying more than 463,000 customers over the entire bank holiday weekend, with 128,000 travelling tomorrow and another 116,000 flying on Monday. The inquiry will be carried out by BA, the Air Accident Investigation Board and the Civil Aviation Authority.

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TSA US SKI SAFER

الخميس، ٢٥ أبريل ٢٠١٣

What we need TSA for? Nearly 12 years after helping to create the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Rep. John Mica, urged Orlando International Airport officials Tuesday to dump the agency in favor of private contractors. "We probably can do more with less in the private sector and provide better service to the people of Orlando," Mica, R-Winter Park, told an airport committee considering whether to bring in a company that would screen passengers before they board. As the chairman of Congressional aviation subcommittee after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, Mica was instrumental in drafting and passing the legislation that created the TSA. Mica said his intent was to make the sky safer, not create an agency that he contends is bloated and overly bureaucratic. He predicted contractors would be more efficient in staffing, which he said would shorten the time passengers spending waiting in security lines. Before TSA, the airlines were responsible for ensuring passengers did not bring weapons or contraband on planes. Jerry Henderson, TSA's director in Orlando, was supposed to appear before the airport panel Tuesday, but he canceled. Dean Asher, who chairs the TSA services committee, said "some things happening on the national level" made Henderson unavailable. A TSA spokeswoman declined comment on why Henderson did not attend. In his stead, Henderson sent a two-page letter defending the agency. In 2011, he wrote, TSA officers confiscated almost 18,000 prohibited items, not including liquids, and referred 481 passengers to law enforcement, resulting in 57 arrests. He also noted that 95 percent of passengers surveyed during spring break said they satisfied with their TSA experience, down 3 percent from 2010. Asher said no decisions have been made about TSA by the 10-person panel. A recommendation to the seven-member airport board of directors would be made in September, he said. If Orlando International decides to hire private contractors, they still would be supervised by TSA and operate under federal rules.

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LGBT survey (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender).

الأربعاء، ٢٤ أبريل ٢٠١٣

US Gay and lesbian hotel guests spend an average 57 per cent more on their travels than their heterosexual counterparts. That is the result of the latest survey by Community Marketing Inc., a partner of ITB Berlin. Rika Jean-Francois, ITB Berlin’s CSR officer and member of the board of the International Gay & Travel Association (IGLTA) presented the findings at the ITB Berlin Convention and at the recently held strategy conference of Wien Tourismus in Vienna. Late last year, in a survey conducted in the USA by Community Marketing Inc., 5,700 interviewees were asked about their travel habits. According to the survey, it is not only hotels but entire destinations that benefit from LGBT travellers (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender). Sunshine and relaxation the main reasons for holidaying

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Boeing to make fixes to the battery system of the 787

السبت، ٢٠ أبريل ٢٠١٣

EVERETT, Wash. - The Federal Aviation Administration today cleared Boeing to make fixes to the battery system of the 787 Dreamliner. Today's approval clears the way for Boeing and its customers to install the approved modifications and will lead to a return to service and resumption of new production deliveries. "FAA approval clears the way for us and the airlines to begin the process of returning the 787 to flight with continued confidence in the safety and reliability of this game-changing new airplane," said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney. "The promise of the 787 and the benefits it provides to airlines and their passengers remain fully intact as we take this important step forward with our customers and program partners." The FAA's action will permit the return to service of 787s in the United States upon installation of the improvements. For 787s based and modified outside the United States, local regulatory authorities provide the final approval on return to service. Approval of the improved 787 battery system was granted by the FAA after the agency conducted an extensive review of certification tests. The tests were designed to validate that individual components of the battery, as well as its integration with the charging system and a new enclosure, all performed as expected during normal operation and under failure conditions. Testing was conducted under the supervision of the FAA over a month-long period beginning in early March. "The FAA set a high bar for our team and our solution," said McNerney. "We appreciate the diligence, expertise and professionalism of the FAA's technical team and the leadership of FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood throughout this process. Our shared commitment with global regulators and our customers to safe, efficient and reliable airplanes has helped make air travel the safest form of transportation in the world today." Boeing, in collaboration with its supplier partners and in support of the investigations of the National Transportation Safety Board and the Japan Transport Safety Board, conducted extensive engineering analysis and testing to develop a thorough understanding of the factors that could have caused the 787's batteries to fail and overheat in two incidents last January. The team spent more than 100,000 hours developing test plans, building test rigs, conducting tests and analyzing the results to ensure the proposed solutions met all requirements. "Our team has worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive solution that fully satisfies the FAA and its global counterparts, our customers and our own high standards for safety and reliability," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "Through the skill and dedication of the Boeing team and our partners, we achieved that objective and made a great airplane even better." Boeing also engaged a team of more than a dozen battery experts from across multiple industries, government, academia and consumer safety to review and validate the company's assumptions, findings, proposed solution and test plan. The improved battery system includes design changes to both prevent and isolate a fault should it occur. In addition, improved production, operating and testing processes have been implemented. The new steel enclosure system is designed to keep any level of battery overheating from affecting the airplane or even being noticed by passengers. "This is a comprehensive and permanent solution with multiple layers of protection," said Conner. "The ultimate layer of protection is the new enclosure, which will ensure that even if a battery fails, there is no impact to the airplane and no possibility of fire. We have the right solution in hand, and we are ready to go. "We are all very grateful to our customers for their patience during the past several months," said Conner. "We know it hasn't been easy on them to have their 787s out of service and their deliveries delayed. We look forward to helping them get back into service as quickly as possible." Boeing has deployed teams to locations around the world to begin installing improved battery systems on 787s. Kits with the parts needed for the new battery systems are staged for shipment and new batteries also will be shipped immediately. Teams have been assigned to customer locations to install the new systems. Airplanes will be modified in approximately the order they were delivered. "The Boeing team is ready to help get our customers' 787s back in the air where they belong," said Conner. Boeing will also begin installing the changes on new airplanes at the company's two 787 final-assembly plants, with deliveries expected to resume in the weeks ahead. Despite the disruption in deliveries that began in January, Boeing expects to complete all planned 2013 deliveries by the end of the year. Boeing further expects that the 787 battery issue will have no significant impact to its 2013 financial guidance. Boeing 787 Dreamliner orders (by customer): All Nippon Airways launched the 787 Dreamliner program with an order for 50 aircraft in 2004. Currently, the carrier has the most orders for the airplane by an airline Customer 787-8 787-9 Total Orders GE RR Deliveries Aeroflot 22 22 Aeroméxico 2 6 8 2 Air Astana 3 3 * Air Berlin 15 15 * Air Canada 37 37 * Air China 15 15 * Air Europa 8 8 * Air France-KLM 25 25 Air India 27 27 * 6 Air New Zealand 10 10 * Air Niugini 1 1 * ALAFCO 8 8 * ALC 12 12 All Nippon Airways 36 30 66 55 17 American Airlines 12 30 42 * Arik Air 7 7 * Avianca 15 15 * Aviation Capital Group 5 5 Azerbaijan Airlines 2 2 * Biman Bangladesh Airlines 4 4 British Airways 8 16 24 * Business Jet / VIP Customer(s) 3 3 6 5 Camair-Co 2 2 * China Southern Airlines 10 10 * CIT Leasing Corporation 10 10 2 Delta Air Lines 18 18 Ethiopian Airlines 10 10 * 4 Etihad Airways 41 41 * Gulf Air 16 16 Hainan Airlines 10 10 * Icelandair 1 1 * ILFC 33 41 74 12 19 Japan Airlines 25 20 45 * 7 Jet Airways 10 10 Kenya Airways 9 9 * Korean Air 10 10 * LAN Airlines 22 4 26 * 3 Lion Air 5 5 * LOT Polish Airlines 8 8 * 2 Nakash 2 2 * Norwegian Air Shuttle 3 3 * Oman Air 6 6 PrivatAir 2 2 Qantas Group 14 14 Qatar Airways 30 30 5 Republic of Iraq 10 10 Royal Air Maroc 4 4 * Royal Jordanian 7 7 * Saudia 8 8 Scoot 20 20 Transaero Airlines 4 4 * Travel Service 1 1 TUI Travel 13 13 * Unidentified Customer(s) 7 17 24 5 5 United Airlines 36 14 50 25 6 Uzbekistan Airways 2 2 * Vietnam Airlines 8 8 Virgin Atlantic Airways 16 16 * Total

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Chinese FRA Web site

الجمعة، ١٩ أبريل ٢٠١٣

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Fraport AG has launched a Chinese version of its Frankfurt Airport Web site [ www.frankurt-airport.com ] to meet the special information needs of the growing number of passengers from China. This latest service follows other recent new offerings such as the FRA WebApp in Chinese and Shopping Assistants, airport service staff who give assistance in Mandarin Chinese. The new Chinese FRA Web site [ cn.frankurt-airport.com ] provides passengers flying to or from China with information and tips to make their stay at Germany’s biggest aviation hub as easy and comfortable as possible. Not simply a one-to-one version of the information existing on the German and English sites, the Chinese FRA Web site addresses the specific needs of Chinese passengers. Along with essential airport and travel topics, there is information about the diverse shopping and service facilities, the wide range of fashionable European and international brands, as well as details on how and where to obtain value-added tax refunds directly in the terminals at Frankfurt Airport. The Chinese aviation market, which is one of the fastest growing in the world, is particularly important for Frankfurt Airport. Germany is already the most popular destination in Western Europe for Chinese travelers. In 2012, Frankfurt Airport welcomed approximately one million passengers traveling on routes to and from China. With the help of the online Chinese FRA Web site, Fraport is expanding . Frankfurt’s role as a preferred international gateway for Chinese travelers and is further enhancing travel comfort and the “quality of stay” for the steadily rising number of passengers from China. When planning their next trip to Germany and Europe, Chinese passengers should remember the following key information sources in Mandarin: FRA’s Web site at: cn.frankurt-airport.com; and the FRA WebApp for mobile smartphones at: www.webapp.frankfurt-airport.cn . MEDIA CONTACT: Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide, Robert A. Payne, B.A.A. – International Spokesman and Head of International Press/PR & External Activities Team, Press Office (UKM-PS), Corporate Communications, 60547 Frankfurt, Germany; Tel.: +49 69.690.78547; E-mail: r.payne@fraport.de ; Internet: www.fraport.com ; www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org

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the 10th Routes Europe in 2015

الخميس، ١٨ أبريل ٢٠١٣

of Routes Europe 2015 April 18, 2013 in Events (Forimmediaterelease.net) It was announced today that Aberdeen City and Shire will host Routes Europe 2015. The announcement, which took place during a press conference at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC), where the event will be held from April 12-14, 2015, was attended by Cllr. Barney Crockett, Leader of the Council, Aberdeen City Council; Dawn Schultz, City Promotions Manager Economic&Business Development, Aberdeen City Council; Cllr. Peter Argyle- Chair of the Infrastructure Services Committee Aberdeenshire Council; Brian Horsburgh, Managing Director, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre; Maya Rousen, Project Manager, Scottish Enterprise; Martin Ritchie, Aviation Officer, Transport Scotland; Steve Harris, Chief Executive, VisitAberdeen; Shona Anderson, Regional Director, VisitScotland; David Stroud, Executive Vice President of Routes and Katie Bland, Future Hosts Director for Routes. Routes Europe is the region’s largest route development forum and enables the aviation industry’s decision makers from across Europe to examine air services, discuss new market opportunities and developments and get up to speed on potential new destinations. The announcement of Aberdeen as the Host destination for Routes Europe 2015 represents the culmination of a successful bid to host the event which was initiated by Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) in which all of the region’s key stakeholders were involved in supporting the proposal. These stakeholders include: Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association, Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future, AECC, Aberdeen International Airport, National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Travel Scotland, VisitAberdeen, VisitScotland Business Tourism Unit and VisitScotland. Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Scottish government is working to secure more direct international flights from Scotland and hosting events such Routes Europe supports this ambition. This event is a great opportunity to showcase the continuing strength of the economy of the Northeast and the dynamic nature of Aberdeen International Airport as one of the fastest growing airports in the UK. It is also an opportunity to showcase what Scotland as a whole has to offer airline operators, namely an ambitious, forward-looking country keen to do business with our international neighbours.” Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee, Peter Argyle, commented: “Bringing this significant tourism event to the Northeast is an excellent achievement, and another demonstration that local authorities and their partners are working hard to make the most of what the area has to offer. It is another chance to highlight to those in the travel trade and airline industry just what we have to offer in this area and try to secure even more of the global tourism market. We hope that one of the outcomes will be increased flights and routes to and from Aberdeen International Airport, with one of the major benefits being increased visitors to the region." “Aberdeen is one of the very few cities in Europe showing sustained year on year growth,” said Steve Harris, Chief Executive of VisitAberdeen, he continued: “To have 1000 of the European aviation industry’s most senior decision makers coming here, to see not only our vibrant economy but our historic city and fabulous countryside, is a wonderful opportunity. We will be able to demonstrate to airlines the business opportunities that links with Aberdeen could bring them and any new routes that we can gain as a result will benefit us all and further strengthen our industries.” Carol Benzie is the Airport’s Commercial Director. She said: “Securing Routes Europe in 2015 is a major achievement for everyone involved. The profile that this conference will bring to the region is hard to overstate. The event brings airlines and industry leaders from around the globe to the city and will ensure that the delegates get a chance to see what the wider region has to offer.” Ms. Benzie went on to say: “Our ability to host major events and showcase our area will be one of the key outcomes of Routes Europe in 2015, and will provide a lasting legacy within the industry. As a team, we are very much looking forward to playing our part in what will be a milestone event.” Council leader Barney Crockett said: “Routes Europe is quite simply the most prestigious and significant conference in its class. As the beating heart of Europe's oil and gas economy, Aberdeen has taken a big step forward onto the travel and tourism industry stage in attracting this huge travel event. Part of the attraction of the city has clearly been the Team Aberdeen approach, and I thank all of our partners. The airport plays a central role in our economy, and I believe the conference opens a way to extend Aberdeen's offer of air travel." Aberdeen is the gateway to Scotland’s castle and whisky country. Scotland’s Castle trail runs through the heart of Aberdeenshire, and the region is home to 13 of the world’s most unique castles. Aberdeen is also known as “the Granite City” named for its sparkling buildings, built from locally-quarried grey granite and elegant architecture. The city’s old town, Old Aberdeen, dates back to the 1400s and is home to the oldest granite cathedral in the world, St. Machar’s Cathedral. The city, which is home to around 250,000 inhabitants, is within 15 minutes of the stunning countryside which surrounds Aberdeen and is also the capital of the Grampian Highlands with the majestic Grampian Mountains dominating the skyline to the west and miles of unspoiled coastline to the east. “We are delighted to announce Aberdeen will be our host city forthat the 10th Routes Europe in 2015. Delegates will experience the economically vibrant region of the Northeast of Scotland and the myriad of business and leisure opportunities on offer,” commented David Stroud, Executive Vice President for Routes, who went on to say: “Aberdeen International Airport is already well connected across Europe and will allow easy access for delegates. Routes Europe has experienced substantial year on year growth, and the AECC will offer plenty of scope for further growth in 2015. The Aberdeen partners demonstrated a highly-unified and aligned approach in their bid to host the event, and we look forward to working with Team Aberdeen towards Routes Europe 2015 to further develop air service into ABZ.” Aberdeen provides a great example of the interconnection between air connectivity and economic growth. Aberdeen International Airport operates over 80 daily scheduled routes and recently went through a runway extension allowing for new international and national flights into the city. Over 60% of the airport’s passenger traffic is business traffic predominantly driven by the energy industry, and the airport also has one of the biggest commercial helicopter operations in the world, carrying over 500,000 passengers per year. Improving international air connectivity continues to be a key area for the development of Scotland’s globally-competitive business environment, and Routes Europe is an ideal opportunity for Scotland to showcase its economic development potential and the opportunities that exist for the development of new air links to Europe. With daily services to many regional destinations, such as London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, Copenhagen, and Frankfurt, Aberdeen International Airport provides the highest level of hub connectivity of any UK regional airport. MEDIA CONTACT: Victoria Jones, PR Executive, UBM Aviation Routes Limited, T: +44 (0) 161 234 2730, E: pr@routesonline.com

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IT&CM China 2013

> SHANGHAI - IT&CM CHINA 2013 - REPORT: First day of show kicked off with certification courses and culminates in Opening Ceremony and Welcome Dinner. Meanwhile exhibitors and buyers were also briefed about the new on-site appointment scheduling format where delegates can schedule additional appointments during the Buyers-Meet-Sellers session today. SHANGHAI - IT&CM CHINA 2013 - REPORT: IT&CM China 2013 delegates and the rest of the world can now watch highlights of the event on Youku (China’s own video streaming site) as video clips of show are released daily beginning today, till the 19 April 2013. YouTube videos will be available after the event. “Thanks to technology, we are able to bring video highlights of the event from the day before, right to our delegates. These video dailies not only capture the essence of the key sessions that took place, but also give delegates or other industry professionals who are not present, a glimpse into what took place. Complementing the existing printed TTG Show Daily: IT&CM China 2013, this is our way of taking communication with our delegates and the industry to another level” said Mr. Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media. Videos for the 17 April 2013 can be viewed here. Key events taking place at the first day of IT&CM China include two established certification programmes: “Fundamentals of Business Travel Management Course – Associate Level” by Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Academy for Corporate Travel Managers, and the “Association Professionals Competencies Briefing” by Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) and Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) for Association Executives. A total of 36 international and local participants are expected to attend both courses. “Our very own 3-day GBTA China Conference, which we have organised in conjunction with IT&CM China as part of the Shanghai Business Events Week, concludes today. Dovetailing the conference and the Certification Course provides tremendous value, allowing trade professionals that deal with Corporate Travel and MICE responsibilities, a convenient avenue in terms of location and dates, to attend both events” said Mr. Welf Ebeling, Regional Director of GBTA Asia. Mr. Simon Pryor, Principal Professional Learning and Certification Advisor of Australasian Society of Association Executives, shared “This year, the Association Professionals Competencies Briefing has targeted more domestic associations. Introducing an added facilitator Ryan Xia, Office and Finance Manager of Tenpin Bowling Association of Queensland - who has the experience of managing both international and Chinese associations will help participants relate better to the takeaways that he’ll be sharing”. Meanwhile exhibitors and buyers were also briefed about the new on-site appointment scheduling format where delegates can schedule additional appointments during the Buyers-Meet-Sellers session tomorrow. The successful implementation of the new Online Diary has allowed delegates to schedule up to 100% of their business appointments prior to the event. Finally, Kerry Hotel Pudong will play host to delegates at tonight’s Opening Ceremony and Welcome Dinner. Set in Shanghai’s largest pillarless ballroom, the highly anticipated performance “Peony Pavilion” is unquestionably the entertainment highlight of the evening. Being one of the first intangible cultural sites in China to have made it to UNESCO’s World Intangible Culture Heritage List, Peony Pavilion boasts of romantic story, poetic words, aesthetic expression, fabulous costumes, dreamlike performance, elaborative stage background as well as the mythical allure that never fails to make a deep impact on its audience. Performed by the greatly respected Kunqu Opera, the evening is set to impress with this exquisite classic literature. Delegates will also be treated to a specially brewed and bottled beer that has been prepared by the hotel exclusively in honour of this event. The Guest-of-Honour for the evening is Mr. Yang Jin Song, Vice-Chairman of Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration (SMTA).

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Aviation Day Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

. Some 6.7 million African jobs and nearly $68 billion in African GDP are supported by air transport. “The benefits of aviation connectivity go far beyond these figures. With a few kilometers of runway the most remote region can be connected to the global community. And that could mean access to vital sources of health care and emergency assistance; jobs selling products in global markets or welcoming tourists; or opportunities for education, exploring the world or creating business,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO. Tyler’s comments were made at the opening of IATA’s Aviation Day Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Safety Safety continues to be the biggest challenge for African aviation. In 2012 airlines averaged one hull loss for every five million flights on Western-built jet aircraft while the African average was one for every 270,000 flights. However, there were no Western-built jet hull-losses among the 380+ airlines on the registry of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), including 25 airlines in sub-Saharan Africa. “World-class safety is possible in Africa. The safety record of African carriers on the IOSA registry tells us that the key to this is integrating the best safety practices of the industry as captured in the IOSA standards. IATA is committed and actively engaged in helping to enhance African aviation’s safety performance to reach worldwide levels based on the African Strategic Improvement Action Plan,” said Tyler. IATA, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and others cooperated to develop the African Strategic Improvement Action Plan, which is based on five objectives: Establishment of independent and sufficiently funded civil aviation authorities. Implementation of effective and transparent safety oversight systems by all African States. Completion of an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) by all African carriers. Implementation of accident prevention measures focused on runway safety and loss of control in-flight. Implementation of Flight Data Analysis (FDA). Implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS) by all service providers. These objectives garnered political support when they were incorporated in the Abuja declaration adopted by African Ministers for transport. This commits African aviation stakeholders -government and industry- to achieve a safety performance on par with the global average by the end of 2015. Early this year, it was endorsed by the African Union Summit-showing recognition of the importance of aviation safety at the very highest levels of government in the continent. IATA is focusing its efforts on getting more airlines onto the IOSA registry. “All of our members -including those in Africa- are already on the registry. But of course, safety is not only about IATA’s members or those of AFRAA. It is an industry issue,” said Tyler. In addition to a series of IOSA familiarization workshops with regulators and airlines, IATA announced sponsored in-house IOSA training for ten African airlines Tyler also reiterated IATA’s longstanding criticism of the European Union Air Safety List of banned airlines. “The European Union’s approach is wrong. It lacks transparency. And it does not improve safety” said Tyler. There are no transparent criteria for removing airlines from the banned list. “But, the overall safety improvements that we can expect from the commitment to mandate IOSA registration for all carriers will be a very strong argument for Europe to re-think its position,” said Tyler. Costs “The African industry cannot fulfill its potential if it continues to be weighed down by high costs,” said Tyler. IATA highlighted the need for governments to rein in the high costs of fuel and burdensome taxes and charges. Fuel taxes: Buying aviation fuel in Africa is about 21% more expensive than the global average as a result of heavy taxes, many of which are in contravention of ICAO principles. IATA is working with airlines in Africa on a campaign for compliance with global standards. Improvements have been realized in Angola, Uganda and Ghana. Tyler challenged Ethiopian officials to rectify excise taxes and required contributions to stabilization funds (subsidization of other fuel users) which are levied in contravention of ICAO principles. Taxation: Africa also suffers the impact of onerous direct taxes on tickets. “We see a combination of ‘solidarity’ taxes, tourism taxes, VAT, and infrastructure development fees, each of which reduces the ability of aviation to drive economic benefits and generate jobs. Governments must carefully weigh the income generated against lost economic opportunities. There should be a joined-up policy framework that is focused on the benefits of connectivity which would grow in a more favorable tax environment,” said Tyler. Liberalization “In Africa, connectivity is an issue. Getting around the continent is not easy. Aviation connectivity is a catalyst for economic growth. But those ties must be enabled by agreements among governments. There is outstanding potential for greater aviation connectivity among African states to drive development. The African Union’s objectives center on unity, and development—both economic and social. Aviation can be a key driver in achieving those goals. As the African Union celebrates its first half-century of success, there is no better way to look towards the future than with a vision for a continent that is connected and working together with safe, efficient, and abundant air links,” said Tyler. African issues will be debated in the full spotlight of the global aviation industry when the IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit is held in Cape Town, South Africa from 2 to 4 June. Journalists are encouraged to register.

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UK is the emirate's best performing international guest market

الأربعاء، ١٧ أبريل ٢٠١٣

Figures show 196,518 guests stayed in the emirate in February 2013, an increase of 7% on the same month in 2012, and delivered 676,445 guest nights - a 23% rise on the previous year. Figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) show that the UK is the emirate's best performing international guest market. During February 2013 some 12,595 UK guests stayed in the emirate's 141 hotels and hotel apartments - a 10% rise on the same month in 2012. They accounted for 61,309 guest nights, an increase of 20% on the previous year. UK travellers visiting Abu Dhabi are also staying longer, with the average length of stay of UK visitors in February 2013 increasing by 9% to 4.45 nights. Overall, Abu Dhabi generated double digit growth in total guest nights, revenue, occupancy and average length of stay in February 2013. Figures show 196,518 guests stayed in the emirate in February 2013, an increase of 7% on the same month in 2012, and delivered 676,445 guest nights - a 23% rise on the previous year. The average length of stay climbed 15% during the month-on-month comparison to stand at 3.44 nights. February's performance means that in the first two months of 2013, Abu Dhabi is riding a 5% upturn in guest arrivals on year-to-date comparisons with 2012. Major events helped drive February's performance with the emirate hosting its annual Gourmet Abu Dhabi; a gastronomic extravaganza featuring a star-studded cast of Michelin-star chefs and special guests. The event includes master classes, industry insights from hospitality experts, and Chateau and gourmet dinners hosted by a range of the UAE capital's finest hotels. "The fundamentals show that people are staying longer in the emirate which demonstrates that our message of there now being so much more to see and do thanks to expanded resort, attractions and business events offerings is resonating well," said HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi. "We are well placed to make a lasting and positive impression among the many industry leaders who will join us in Abu Dhabi this April for the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit 2013. We will use this pre-eminent forum to make clear our ambitions and persuade these influencers that our time as a balanced leisure/business destination has come."

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Aviation is a catalyst for economic

الثلاثاء، ١٦ أبريل ٢٠١٣

Airlines from the Pacific along with some Asian carriers will lead the world in profit hikes in 2013, the global International Air Transport Association (IATA) revised forecast shows. Profit potential of Pacific-based airlines like Australia’s Virgin Blue and the Qantas group, Air New Zealand are unrivalled in the world when you merge the bottom lines for such Asian giants as Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Air China, China Southern, China Eastern and Japan Airlines. Together, the region will generate US$4.2 billion this year—surpassing the initial projected figure of US$3.2 billion and that of last year. Net profits, however, for the 240-member airlines of IATA could have been significantly higher this year if it were not for government impediments and soaring fuel prices. Speaking for 240 airlines in 115 countries, IATA member companies which carry 84% of the world’s air traffic, its chief executive anticipates profit levels for airlines in 2013 to be third largest since 2000. “It’s a small step in the right direction,” IATA’s Tony Tyler outlined in his latest figures. This year’s promising Pacific and Asian results will set the global airline industry’s net profit margin to 1.6%. “That tells you something about how difficult the airline business is.” It expects airlines globally to rake in US$10.6 billion in net profit, up from an earlier forecast of US$8.4 billion and substantially better than the US$7.6 billion achieved in 2012. Founded in 1945 by 57 member airlines, IATA now represents air passenger and cargo movements worth nearly $2.2 trillion annually. From the South Pacific region, Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Air Niugini, Air Tahiti Nui, AirCalin, Air Tahiti and Guam’s Continental Micronesia are avid members of IATA—responsible for connecting around 3 billion people every year. “The fortunes of the industry rise and fall with the global economic cycle,” said Tyler. Europe’s ongoing recession, slow recovery in the United States and natural disasters in Japan have led to slowdown in world travels. But some astute strategic planning by airlines in the region will ensure a huge rebound to rising profitability in 2013. Airlines deliver tremendous value “Aviation is a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity...and an industry that can generate sustainable returns can do that more effectively.” While recent mergers and new code-sharing between Australian regional carriers like Virgin with Etihad and Qantas with Emirates will ignite new rivalry for passenger travels between the two regions of the Pacific and Middle East, it can only add revenue to the regional airlines. Middle Eastern airline profits are expected to rise by more than half this year to US$1.4 billion as they extend their routes around the globe. IATA anticipates that about a third of the world’s trade by value dollars is with goods shipped by air—moving a bumper 50 million tons of cargo every year. Tyler reckons that once the atrocities and economic slowdown around Europe, America, Africa and the Middle East subside, the regional Pacific and other airlines will be able to reap greater profits. “Efficiency gains have seen the airlines making some money in very difficult (high oil prices and weak economic growth),” he said. “A few years ago, that would have been impossible. But we still are nowhere near approaching what would be considered a normal return in other industries.” Returning a margin of 5.3%, the airlines from Asia Pacific are world beaters when it comes to contributing to the industry’s profits. It is followed by North America at 4.1% ($3.6 billion in profits) and the Middle East at 3.4%, Europe $800 million, Latin America $600 million, Africa $100 million. Tyler pointed out that improvements in the industry’s profitability were encouraging, but must be kept in perspective. “Chronic anaemic profitability is characteristic across most of the aviation value chain when compared to other sectors. “It will require more than improving economic conditions to fix. Neither the challenges nor the benefits of doing so should be underestimated.” Government gate access He said governments around the world and especially in Europe and the United States were deterring airlines from cashing in on further opportunities in the aviation industry. Airlines have capacity to increase traffic flow from developing countries in Asia and the Pacific to Europe but government regulations like the new UK passenger duty from this month and a move towards a single European sky were inhibiting carrier companies from expanding operations in that region. “Many governments don’t seem to understand. Just look at the knocks that the industry is taking,” cautioned Tyler. Governments with open deregulation policies have found that airlines are contributing to their country’s growth by way of employment, tourism, air cargo and increasing access to the outside world. “That is why we will continue to remind governments to engage the industry in a partnership to create a joined-up policy framework that enables a sustainable aviation industry and encourages the benefits it brings.” Tyler said IATA has observed that restrictive government regulations and taxes only suffocate airlines from doing their business in a much greater profitable manner. “There is a long list of government-generated impediments to providing the connectivity that could have a very powerful and positive impact on generating economic growth that is so desperately needed.” He said the relationship with governments goes far beyond safety, security, and sustainability. As aviation is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, it needs government backing to prosper. “A perfect world would have open markets and a level playing field. That is not the case today.”

SAWAH ONLINE blog

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