Future Of ‪‎Dubai‬-- WOW!!!!!

Proflight Zambia begins 50-seater jet flights to mark jubilee

Proflight Zambia has begun flights on its new 50-seater jet aircraft, introduced to mark Zambia's Golden Jubilee.

The Bombardier CRJ-100 plane was delivered to Zambia last week and operate throughout October, giving the airline time to assess market demand with a view to extending the lease on the aircraft going forward.
The new jet will primarily operate on the Lusaka-Ndola morning and evening flights, but where demand is high it will also be used on Solwezi, Mfuwe and Livingstone routes.
The aircraft is already proving popular with passengers, said Proflight Director of Government and Industry Affairs Captain Philip Lemba.

“We have already seen strong take-up of seats on the new plane and the feedback we are getting from passengers is that the larger, more spacious cabin is very much appreciated,” said Lemba.

IATA confirms benefits of liberalising African skies

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published a report setting out the considerable social and economic benefits of intra-African air service liberalisation.

The report, by the experienced independent economic consultants InterVISTAS, outlines the benefits that would accrue if 12 African nations were to implement the 1999 Yamoussoukro Decision. The 12 nations in the report are: Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda. The Yamoussoukro Decision committed 44 signatory countries to deregulating air services and to opening regional air markets to transnational competition. The implementation of this agreement, however, has been slow, and the benefits have not been realised.

Tony Tyler (right), IATA’s Director General and CEO said: “This report demonstrates beyond doubt the tremendous potential for African aviation if the shackles are taken off. The additional services generated by liberalisation between just 12 key markets will provide an extra 155,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in annual GDP. A potential five million passengers a year are being denied the chance to travel between these markets because of unnecessary restrictions on establishing air routes. Furthermore, employment and economic growth are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the benefits of connectivity. Aviation is a force for good, and plays a major role in helping to reach the African Union’s mission of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.”

Aviation already supports 6.9 million jobs and more than $80 billion in GDP across Africa. The InterVISTAS research demonstrates that liberalisation will create opportunities for further significant employment growth and economic development. The jobs and GDP impact for the 12 countries in the study are listed in the table below.

Nation Additional Employment Additional GDP (USD)
Algeria 11,100 123.6 million
Angola 15,300 137.1 million
Egypt 11,300 114.2 million
Ethiopia 14,800 59.8 million
Ghana 9,500 46.8 million
Kenya 15,900 76.9 million
Namibia 10,600 94.2 million
Nigeria 17,400 128.2 million
Senegal 8,000 40.5 milion
South Africa 14,500 283.9 million
Tunisia 8,100 113.7 million
Uganda 18,600 77.6 million

"The study clearly highlights the crucial role air transport plays in driving economic and social development in Africa through enhanced connectivity. Governments should support the growth of the industry by fully liberalising African skies as intended by the Yamoussoukro Decision, while providing other facilitator assistance like implementing global standards in safety, security and regulations, reducing high charges, taxes and fees and removing visa requirements for ease of movement across the continent," said Dr. Elijah Chingosho, Secretary-General of the African Airlines Association.

“Africa represents a huge potential market for aviation. It is therefore unfortunate that African states are opening their aviation markets to third countries but not to each other, which does not promote the spirit of the Yamoussoukro Decision. This isn’t just holding back African aviation, but African economies. This important new report developed in collaboration with IATA, AFRAA and our key regional partners provides compelling facts and figures which should send a powerful message to States and their key decision makers such as Finance, Tourism and Trade ministries across the continent to place aviation at the heart of their economic development and national planning growth strategies,” said Ms. Iyabo Sosina, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission.

“It is essential that African governments use aviation as a critical driver of social and economic development. The Yamoussoukro process has been ongoing for decades -- Africa cannot afford to delay its implementation any longer. Greater connectivity leads to greater prosperity. I am an optimist for Africa - but we need governments to act on their commitments, and set aviation free,” Tyler said.

Indian City Becomes First Vegetarian City in the World

Worldcrunch reports a historic change in Palitana, an Indian city, which has become the first all-vegetarian city in the world.

Behind this revolutionary change are the Jain monks who went on a hunger strike to pressure the state of Gujarat to outlaw animal slaughter in their city. The hunger strike was successful and the Gujarat government imposed a ban on animal slaughter and outlawed the sale of meat and eggs.

About 5 million people in India practice Jainism and agree with the ban.

Virat Sagar Maharaj, a Jain monk, says, "Everyone in this world - whether animal or human being or a very small creature - has all been given the right to live by God."

As individuals, the best thing you can do to protect animals is to adopt a kind vegan lifestyle. For more information and tips for transitioning to a vegan diet.

Ebola outbreak highlights global disparities in health-care resources

Date:

August 14, 2014

Source:

NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Summary:

The outbreak of Ebola virus disease that has claimed more than 1,000 lives in West Africa this year poses a serious, ongoing threat to that region: the spread to capital cities and Nigeria -- Africa's most populous nation -- presents new challenges for healthcare professionals. The situation has garnered significant attention and fear around the world, but proven public health measures and sharpened clinical vigilance will contain the epidemic and thwart a global spread.

PHOTO: Captain Uhuru ‘Flying’ Himself To the Hague

One thing that has endeared Uhuru Kenyatta to Kenyans who at first were skeptical of his leadership credentials is his charisma and cool nature.

Despite facing serious criminal charges at the Hague, the ‘president’ was at his usual best showing his easy going nature.

On his trip to the Netherlands on a Kenya Airways flight, he made his way to the cockpit and assumed the pilot’s role. Posing for a photo in the pilot’s hat and once again proving why he is a cool president and a clown at that.

-nairobiwire.com

Many in U.S. lack knowledge about Ebola, its transmission, poll finds

Date:

August 22, 2014

Source:

Harvard School of Public Health

Summary:

Although the Centers for Disease and Prevention reports no known cases of Ebola transmission in the U.S., a poll shows that four in 10 adults in the U.S. are concerned that there will be a large outbreak in the country, and one-quarter are concerned that they or someone in their immediate family may get sick with Ebola over the next year.

Fast, simple diagnostic test specific to 2014 Ebola outbreak

Air Algerie confirms triple order for A330s

Air Algerie has ordered three Airbus A330-200s according to the latest numbers released by the European manufacturer.

The agreement helped take Airbus’s gross order total to 1,077 aircraft by the end of the third quarter, with a net of 791.
Of the airframer’s long-haul lines, only the A330 increased its order count in September.
Airbus delivered 443 aircraft in the first three-quarters of the year, two fewer than it managed by the same point last year. Boeing has delivered 528 aircraft in the same period .
Meanwhile Egyptian carrier Nile Air is believed to have cancelled most of the Airbus A321s it ordered six years ago.
The airline ordered the aircraft in December 2008, about a year after it disclosed the selection at the Dubai air show.

nyc photo

Airbus delivers 18th HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft to U.S. Coast Guard

Defense and Space, Inc. has delivered the 18th HC-144A Ocean Sentry maritime patrol aircraft to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Ocean Sentry is based on the Airbus CN235 tactical airlifter with more than 235 currently in operation by 29 countries.

The latest HC-144A will join a fleet of Ocean Sentries operating from Coast Guard Air Stations in Cape Cod, Mass.; Mobile, Ala.; Miami and most recently Corpus Christi, Texas. This month Air Station Corpus Christi turned over the maritime patrol mission to the HC-144 after the retirement of the last HU-25 Guardian aircraft.

“Airbus Defense and Space is dedicated to supporting the U.S. Coast Guard’s HC-144A fleet and will provide technical engineering services and spare parts for decades to come,” said Mike Cosentino president of Airbus Defense and Space, Inc. “The ease of maintenance and low operating costs have allowed the Coast Guard to achieve exceptional operational effectiveness and reliability with the HC-144A.”

The Coast Guard competitively selected and acquired the HC-144A. The aircraft is effective and efficient in a broad range of demanding maritime patrol missions, including search and rescue, homeland security and disaster response.

The Department of Homeland Security recognized the Coast Guard’s HC-144A program as its 2013 DHS Project of the Year. Airbus Defense and Space has worked to deliver to the Coast Guard this capability consistently on or ahead of schedule and on cost. The HC-144A achieved initial operational capability with the Coast Guard in 2008.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Ocean Sentry fleet recently completed its first 50,000 hours of flight. The demonstrated maintainability of the HC-144A aircraft allows the Coast Guard to fly more hours per airframe in a year with the Ocean Sentry than any other aircraft in its fleet.

Source and image: Airbus

Lockheed Martin’s DRTS enables to conduct realistic training

Lockheed Martin has enabled the U.S. Army to conduct more realistic live fire training and accelerate learning with the delivery of the Digital Air Ground Integration Range (DAGIR). DAGIR is the first range in U.S. Army history to integrate air and ground assets across a digitally powered range, providing higher-fidelity performance data so that soldiers receive more comprehensive feedback during training.

Delivered to the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), DAGIR allows ground maneuver units and attack aviation to coordinate, synchronize and engage targets in the same battle space for maximum weapons training effectiveness. During the government acceptance test, Lockheed Martin demonstrated range capabilities including a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise.

Provided under the Digital Range Training System (DRTS) program, DAGIR now becomes the largest and most dynamic U.S. Army training range, located at Fort Bliss, Texas.

“The Digital Air Ground Integration Range offers more realistic training, helping soldiers, crews and platoons build confidence as they prepare for missions they’ll face in today’s operational environment,” said Jim Weitzel, vice president of Training Solutions for Lockheed Martin’s Mission System and Training business. “As the leader inmilitary training and simulation, Lockheed Martin integrated a variety of innovative technologies to make DAGIR the most advanced digital U.S. Army range in existence today.”

Lockheed Martin’s DRTS ranges are low-risk, mature and flexible systems. From crew-level to platoons, soldiers are immersed in realistic live fire training exercises with threat, neutral and friendly simulations. Earlier this year, the company inserted new technologies into DRTS enabling after-action reviews with almost movie-like visuals, ensuring vehicle crew evaluators have top-caliber visual, audio and virtual feedback to help crews learn from their training experience.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.

Source and image: Lokcheed Martin

$7.5 Million Solid Gold Lamborghini: In Dubai

When you have, quite literally, everything--or at least the capacity to buy everything--what do you want? Solid gold models of $400,000 cars, apparently.
That's our take-away from this $7.5 million solid gold Lamborghini Aventador model, anyway.
When you have, quite literally, everything--or at least the capacity to buy everything--what do you want? Solid gold models of $400,000 cars, apparently.

US airlines, 1,1% on-time arrival decrease in 3Q, 2014

The nation’s largest airlines posted an on-time arrival rate of 77.7 percent in August, down from the 78.8 percent on-time rate in August 2013, but up from the 75.6 percent mark in July 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report released today.

In addition, the reporting carriers canceled 1.2 percent of their scheduled domestic flights in August, up from the 1.0 percent cancellation rate posted in August 2013, but down from the 1.6 percent rate in July 2014.

The consumer report also includes data on tarmac delays, chronically delayed flights, and the causes of flight delays filed with the Department’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) by the reporting carriers. In addition, the consumer report contains information on mishandled baggage reports filed by consumers with the carriers and consumer service, disability, and discrimination complaints received by DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division. The consumer report also includes reports of incidents involving the loss, death, or injury of pets traveling by air, as required to be filed by U.S. carriers.

Tarmac Delays

In August, airlines reported one tarmac delay of more than three hours on a domestic flight and no tarmac delays of more than four hours on international flights. The reported tarmac delay is under investigation by the Department.

Chronically Delayed Flights

At the end of August, there were nine flights that were chronically delayed – more than 30 minutes late more than 50 percent of the time – for three consecutive months. There were an additional 16 regularly scheduled flights that were chronically delayed for two consecutive months. There were no chronically delayed flights for four consecutive months or more. A list of flights that were chronically delayed for a single month is available from BTS.

Causes of Flight Delays

In August, the carriers filing on-time performance data reported that 6.14 percent of their flights were delayed by aviation system delays, compared to 6.16 percent in July; 7.97 percent by late-arriving aircraft, compared to 9.01 percent in July; 6.01 percent by factors within the airline’s control, such as maintenance or crew problems, compared to 6.59 percent in July; 0.68 percent by extreme weather, compared to 0.70 percent in July; and 0.03 percent for security reasons, equal to 0.03 percent in July.

Weather is a factor in both the extreme-weather category and the aviation-system category. This includes delays due to the re-routing of flights by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration in consultation with the carriers involved. Weather is also a factor in delays attributed to late-arriving aircraft, although airlines do not report specific causes in that category.

Data collected by BTS also shows the percentage of late flights delayed by weather, including those reported in either the category of extreme weather or included in National Aviation System delays. In August, 35.73 percent of late flights were delayed by weather, up from 33.68 percent in July and 33.83 percent in August 2013.

Source and image: U.S. DoT

MH17 Ukraine сrash victim found with oxygen mask

According to Lenta.ru, body of a passenger, found at the place of Boeing wreckage in Ukraine, was found with the oxygen mask on, reports Frans Timmermans, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Netherlands.

Having this in mind, explains the Minister, the passenger must have had enough time to put the mask on his face. “Therefore, the version may not be denied” – says the Frans Timmermans in his interview with de Volkskrant.

Previously experts have stated that all the passengers had lost their conscious and died due to depressurization of the aircraft.

According to one of the versions, the aircraft was hit by a missile. Authorities from Netherlands are responsible for the investigation of the catastrophe causalities, while the black boxes are being analysed in the United Kingdom.

Source and image: Lenta.ru

Ebola Zombies Are Real: 2 Ebola Victims ‘Rise from the Dead

Panic is spreading across an African community after reports that two Ebola victims have risen from the dead. No, this is not a movie script or a new book from Stephen King. The victims, both females in their 40s and 60s, died recently of the deadly virus in separate communities in Nimba County, Liberia.

According to reports in a local newspaper, the two women have reportedly been resurrected and have been seen walking among the living. Needless to say this has created a great deal of panic and fear among locals.

Dorris Quoi of Hope Village Community and a second victim identified as Ma Kebeh, both died about the same time. Ma Kebeh had been indoors for two nights without food or medication before her death. No additional information was available on Dorris Quoi.

While details are sketchy, The New Dawn Hospital in Nimba County said, both victims, were pronounced dead by medical personnel, and were about to be taken for burial when they rose from the dead. Since the Ebola outbreak in Nimba County, this is the first incident of dead victims resurrecting, the paper said.

Nimba County has recently reported news of other unusual Ebola cases. In what may be a related case a native doctor from the county, who claimed that he could cure infected victims, himself died from the virus last week. There is no information as to his resurrection or lack thereof.

The Ebola outbreak has already killed at least 3,800 people in five West African countries this year while an estimated 13,800 people have been infected with the virus, which has no known cure. America’s respected Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has predicted there could be up to 1.4 million cases of deadly Ebola by the end of January. This underscores the reason for all victims of the virus to be either cremated or buried in special escape proof coffins.

Ethiopean receives its 10th B787 Dreamliner

Boeing forecasts World Air Cargo traffic to double in next 20 Years

Boeing projects air cargo traffic will grow at an annual rate of 4.7 percent over the next 20 years, with global air-freight traffic expected to more than double by 2033.

Emirates Airline to strategically focus on Africa

Emirates is placing a strategic focus on Africa in the coming decade by increasing operations by over 40%, said Sir Tim Clark speaking last week at the Africa Global Business Forum 2014.

Speaking at the conference around the theme of 'Connectivity and Trade - Supporting Dubai as the Hub to Africa', Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline said: "Africa has been a great growth story for us. The Government of Dubai recognised the untapped potential of Africa early on and Emirates has been instrumental in supporting the region’s growth. Today, Emirates fleet investment in Africa tops $7 billion with operating costs of over $2 billion. We will add around 10 destinations in the next decade and will continue our investment and commitment to introduce more frequencies to our existing points to provide critical links to emerging markets from Asia, the Middle East and Australia."

"Africa is still an underserved market and Emirates will continue to channel traffic through the Dubai hub, which has already become a key gateway for the African continent," continued Clark.

Dubai’s geographical location makes it possible for African travellers to experience shorter travel times, which have been historically routed through European hubs like London, Paris and Frankfurt.

In the past five years, Emirates carried over 1.6 million passengers and 40,000 tons of cargo between Africa and China, underscoring the vital trade relationship that the continent has with the east . By 2020, Emirates expects to provide an additional 8.5 million seats to its African capacity.

There are over 500,000 African nationals that currently reside in Dubai. Over 800,000 African Nationals visited Dubai last year alone and it is estimated that by 2020 tourism from Africa to Dubai will reach over 1.5 million visitors per year.

Emirates currently operates 22 passenger and 6 dedicated freighter destinations to Africa.

DHL Express certified as Top Employer 2015 in Africa

DHL Express SSA has been certified as a Top Employer in Africa for its outstanding employee offerings across the region.his is in addition to six African countries - South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Ghana that were also certified Top Employers in their local markets. Independent research by the Top Employers Institute shows the company looks after its people exceptionally well and DHL Express is one of the select few companies to achieve the exclusive Top Employers Africa 2015 certification in various African regions in which they operate. According to Charles Brewer, MD of DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa, this achievement is an acknowledgement of the business’s strong focus on employee engagement, development and training on the African continent. Top Employers is a global and annual programme that certifies organisations which successfully demonstrate exceptional HR environments and employee offerings. The programme is an audited and research based process that assesses employee offerings as well as the conditions employers create for staff to develop. Brewer says that this accolade is testament to their dedication of having motivated employees, which is a key focus pillar of their strategy. “Understanding the need to drive a common culture across 220 countries, we launched a Certified International Specialists training program for all 3,500 staff in Africa. Everyone from the Global CEO to a Courier in any country has gone through this training program reinforcing our core competencies as an organization. CIS training has been central to our staff retention and development globally.” The Top Employers Institute assessed DHL Express’ employee offerings on various criteria, including talent strategy, workforce planning, employee on, learning & development, performance management, leadership development, career & succession management, compensation & benefits and company culture. Crucial to the Top Employers process is that participating companies must meet the required high standard in the research in order to achieve the certification. Only organizations that achieve certification in at least four countries within the region deserve the special Top Employers Africa 2015 recognition. The independent research has verified DHL Express’ outstanding employee conditions in all certified countries. Judith Oude Sogtoen, director of international business development for the Top Employers Institute: “Our extensive research concluded that DHL Express forms part of a select group of employers that advance employee conditions worldwide. Their people are well taken care of. Now that they have received the Top Employers Africa 2015 certification, they can truly consider themselves at the top of an exclusive group of the world’s best employers. A reason to celebrate!” “We truly value external recognition and believe that it affirms our position as the International Specialists in Africa,” concludes Brewer. Charles Brewer, MD of DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa   

FL Technics wins a tender for the rent of 8400 sq. m. MRO hangar in Indonesia

FL Technics, a global provider of tailor-made aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services, is glad to announce that the company has recently won a tender for the rent of 8400 sq. m. aircraft maintenance hangar at Indonesia’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the busiest airport in the Southern Hemisphere. FL Technics will operate the hangar for at least 5 years and will launch its operation with base maintenance services for AirbusA320 aircraft.

The tender for the hangar rent was conducted by PT Angkasa Pura II, a state enterprise of the Indonesian Department of Transport responsible for the management ofairports and air traffic services in Indonesia. According to the terms and conditions, FL Technics with partners shall operate a total area of 24 500 sq. m., including a 8400 sq. m. hangar as well as the adjacent ramp, aircraft parking stands and additional facilities, via an established Indonesian company. The new FL Technics MRO centre will employ over 150 engineers, technicians, NDT specialists and other qualified personnel, capable of serving up to three narrow-body type aircraft at one time.

In 2013 Soekarno-Hatta International Airport served almost 400 000 domestic and international flights, approx. 59.7 million of passengers and over 342 000 tonnes of cargo. These numbers make it one of the largest airports in Asia Pacific and the busiest in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the heart of the Indonesian aviation market, new FL Technics MRO centre will support local operators with comprehensive solutions, including A-to-D checks, interior refurbishment services, NDT inspections, composite and structure repairs, spare parts supply, etc. All services will be provided in accordance with both local and EASA requirements.

Concerning the market potential, today there are already over 4-5 thousand commercial aircraft flying in the region. Moreover, quite a few Indonesian carriers are on the list of operators with the fastest growing fleets. For instance, the country’s major carriers alone are planning to more than double their fleets in the upcoming 10-15 years. With this in mind, following the successful launch of operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, FL Technics is also considering the opportunities for future expansion with the construction of an additional hangar in the country.

“During the last couple of years we have been thoroughly exploring the Asian market. We are now confident that we possess a deep understanding of its trends and issues, which local carriers are facing in the MRO segment. Following the establishment of successful connections with the region’s aviation business community, we have decided to make the step and launch a new modern technical base at one of the main air hubs in Asia-Pacific. In addition to the extensive European experience and technical know-how, we will offer the region our one-stop-shop philosophy, supporting local carriers with base and line maintenance, technicaltraining, spare parts supply, engineering and engine support as well as other MRO solutions,” shares Zilvinas Lapinskas, the CEO of FL Technics. “We would also like to thank the Indonesian authorities for their confidence in our experience and competence as well as for entrusting us with the development of a new MRO centre at Indonesia’s main airport. This is the start of a new promising chapter in the FL Technics development and its cooperation with Asian carriers, MROs and other players in the region.”

Source and image: FL Technics / Avia Solutions Group

Ebola Crisis: EU organises airlift operation to West Africa

The European Union is scaling up its response to the Ebola disease in West Africa with an airlift operation to the affected countries. The European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) will facilitate the transportation of relief items to West Africa. In addition, the EU will fund and coordinate if necessary the evacuation of international staff from Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

A quarter of the new €4 million funding will be allocated to UNICEF, enabling three Boeing 747 cargo planes to transport vital material to Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. The first plane will take-off on Friday, carrying 100 metric tons of emergency equipment from Amsterdam to Freetown, Sierra Leone. The supplies and equipment include personal protection equipment, including masks and gloves, as well as essential medicines and hygiene supplies.

In addition, the remaining €3 million will help in the setting up of a medical evacuation system, coordinated by the ERCC, that will enable international workers in West Africa diagnosed with the Ebola virus disease (EVD) to be evacuated in less than 48 hours by plane to hospitals within Europe that are equipped to deal with the disease.

This initiative is funded from €30 million in humanitarian aid announced by the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, in New York last month during a High Level Meeting in response to the Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak convened by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon.

"We are in a race against time to fight Ebola," said Kristalina Georgieva, European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian aid and Crisis Response. "The European Commission alone has so far pledged some €180 million to help the affected countries. Funding is crucial but far from enough. That is why, together with our member States, we have been mobilising in-kind assistance including medical equipment and personnel."

Tonio Borg, European Commissioner for Health, added: "To strengthen Europe's preparedness to handle Ebola, we have been mobilising solidarity inside the EU. We are working closely so that patients can be treated in an appropriate healthcare facility."

The ERCC is coordinating the transportation of aid, equipment and personnel to hotspots in the countries affected by the disease. European countries such as the UK, France, Austria and Belgium have already made use of the mechanism, providing field hospitals, ambulances, sanitation products, medical isolation equipment and experts to the affected region.

Source and image: Europa.eu

Meet Pinoy pilot who flew world's largest plane

MANILA – The Filipino pilot who successfully landed the world's largest passenger aircraft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for the first time believes that the historic event will help improve the negative perception on the Manila airport.

Captain Franklyn Mallari Desiderio piloted the Emirates Airbus A380 from Dubai to Manila Tuesday night to celebrate the airline’s move to the NAIA-Terminal 3.

President Aquino himself welcomed the arrival of the aircraft and officials of Emirates Airline.

"We did well on approach, the landing was really nice," the 41-year-old pilot said.

"There's so much skepticism that Manila cannot accept the A380 into this airport. By doing this flight, on the approach, on the runway, on the landing and taxiway, I would say that Manila is capable."

Desiderio is the first Filipino pilot certified to fly the Airbus A380, a double decker jumbo jet that can seat more than 500 passengers.

He manned his first flight when he was only 16 years old, and has served as a commercial airline pilot for 18 years.

His first commercial flight, flying a Fokker-50 aircraft, was a roundtrip from Manila-Catarman in 1997.

"It takes a little bit of time before you get into the 380. I always tell young pilots around the world, just keep on studying," he said.

The plane, which is 50 percent bigger than the Boeing 747, features an onboard lounge, shower spa and 14 first class suites.

The landing of the Airbus A380 is only a one-time event, but there is a possibility of a return if there is passenger demand.

Emirates transferred its operations to the NAIA-3 in September in efforts to decongest the NAIA-Terminal 1.

FL Technics Training to teach a new generation of aircraft mechanics starting January 2015

FL Technics Training, a global provider of aviation technicaltraining services, is delighted to announce the start of a new basic technical training course which is planned to be launched in January 2015. The new course is aimed at training various aviation enthusiasts to perform comprehensive aircraft maintenance in accordance with EASA requirements.

“Due to historical circumstances, aviation hasn’t been the most popular profession in the majority of Eastern and Central European countries over the past two decades. The same goes for many emerging markets where the 1990-2000s youth had been preferring management, economics, business and other related studies. As a result, today local aviation industries feel the lack of not only qualified personnel, but also those who will replace the current generation of aircraft engineers, mechanics, NDT-specialists, etc. For that reason we have recently launched a technical training program specially for aviation enthusiasts from around the world, and the first group of students will start their training already in January 2015”, comments Kestutis Volungevicius, Head of FL Technics Training.

The 36-month long training will cover all the basic courses required to gain the qualification of an aircraft mechanic. The program includes such modules as Mathematics, Physics, Electrical and Electronic fundamentals, Digital Techniques Electronic Instrument Systems, Materials and Hardware, Maintenance Practices, Aerodynamics, Human Factors, Aviation Legislation, Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems, Gas Turbine Engine and Propeller. The entire program is conducted at FL Technics Training’s study centres in Vilnius and Kaunas (Lithuanian) and in strict accordance with the requirements of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Upon the successful completion of the training, all students will be provided with an opportunity to join the international team of FL Technics and work at one of the company’s aircraft maintenance centres in Lithuania, as well as throughout its Line Maintenance network across Europe, the CIS and Asia-Pacific.

“As a licensed aircraft mechanic, one will most likely be able to earn significantly above the average salary rate in many emerging markets. But most importantly, we hope that such aviation training programs will offer young people a wider range of studies thus assisting them in finding their true dream job”, shares Kestutis Volungevicius, Head of FL Technics Training.

For more information about basic aircraft mechanic training program and the upcoming January 2015 training course, please visit: http://dream-job.fltechnicstraining.com

Source and image: FL Technics

Modernising airspace capacity, air traffic control, avionic systems and airfield operations in the Middle Eas

The Middle East is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world, with high capacity airports are being opened in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha in order to keep pace with this growth. However, modernisation of the region’s airspace is failing to keep up with capacity demands which in turn could begin to constrain the region’s economic development. Future Air Transportation Systems Summit will bring together the key stakeholders responsible for Airspace Management, Air Traffic Control, Avionic Systemsand Airfield Operations to meet and discuss what is, and what needs to be done in order to maximise any efficiency gains from modernising the region’s air transportation systems.

Format and Programme

High profile panel debates held over two days on issues such as the development towards aircraft-led versus ground-based decision making, and how advances in engineering technologies in other industries might impact aviation   Technology showcase exhibiting a wide range of systems aiming to transform air traffic management and modernise the airspace functionality   Regional case studies demonstrating international best practice and highlighting regional challenges   Roundtable discussions on key issues of interest bringing together regional and international experts

Who will attend?     C-level executives, senior decision makers and government officials from:   Civil Aviation Authorities   Military Airspace Users and Operators   Airlines and Airports   International Aviation Associations and Organisations   Air Traffic Control and Air Navigation Service Providers   System Integrators and Technology Solution Providers           For more information please contact Paul Scoble at paul@smg-online.com or call +971 4 447 5357.

Gulfstream opens parts distribution center in EU

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. recently moved its European Parts Distribution Center to a facility near London’s Heathrow Airport. The center houses high-usage items commonly required by international customers and provides rapid-response support to Gulfstream’s service center less than an hour away at London Luton Airport.

“This new location is ideal for us,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Product Support. “There are more direct, non-stop flights from Heathrow than any other airport in Europe, so we can get parts and materials to customers faster than ever. In addition, the warehouse’s proximity to Gulfstream Luton enables us to supplement the parts we have there. This warehouse will also support our dedicated mobile repair unit based in Europe and technicians in Luton dispatched to assist customers in the region.”

Gulfstream has started stocking parts at the new distribution center, which is approximately 8,000 square feet/743 square meters. The center, which is located at the Heathrow Gateway business complex in west London, is expected to have more than $50 million in inventory by the end of 2015. Gulfstream’s partner in this operation is Ceva Freight (UK) Ltd., which provides the warehouse space and handles logistics services.

“Our business partner can take care of customs documentation and ground transportation at each end,” Burns said. “This arrangement will benefit our European-based fleet, which has grown dramatically since 2008.”

In the last six years, Gulfstream’s European fleet has grown from 109 aircraft to more than 200.

Gulfstream maintains a worldwide spares inventory of more than $1.4 billion, with more than $65 million in European-based inventory at Gulfstream Luton and Jet Aviation Basel in Switzerland.

Source and image: Gulfstream

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

WestJet enters code-sharing with China Airlines

WestJet today announced it has entered into a code-share agreement with China Airlines (CI), allowing the carrier to begin marketing and selling WestJet-operated flights. Code-share designations will be available on select WestJet flights from Vancouver and Los Angeles. Bookings can be made through China Airlines or a travel agency.

"We are very excited to announce a code-share partnership with WestJet's oldest interline partner," said Chris Avery, Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances, and Corporate Development. "Just a few years ago, WestJet's agreement with China Airlines laid the groundwork for future interline and code-share agreements as part of our airline partnership strategy. With 38 partnerships now in place, we continue to bring top-quality airlines on board, along with more services to market for the business traveller. The success of this combined strategy plays a part in WestJet's consistently strong results, and this announcement underscores our efforts."

"China Airlines began flying to Canada in 2000 and offers daily non-stop flights from Taipei to Vancouver," said China Airlines' spokesperson Jeffrey Kuo. "We are thrilled to expand our reach in Canada with WestJet's code-share service."

This is the twelfth code-share agreement for WestJet. Since 2011, WestJet has initiated code-shares with American Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air and Qantas. Additionally, WestJet has 26 interline relationships, further connecting passengers world-wide to WestJet's network.

Source and image: WestJet

Cebu Pacific launches low-cost KSA-Philippines flights

(Left to right) Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Deputy Director General II Beda Badiola, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia 2nd Secretary Fahad Eid AlRashidy, CEB General Manager for Long Haul Alex Reyes and Department of Foreign Affairs Executive Director for Migrant Workers Affairs Ricardo Endaya officially launch Cebu Pacific’s Manila-Riyadh route with a cake-cutting ceremony.


Cebu Pacific Air now flies thrice weekly, non-stop flights between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, becoming the only low-cost carrier flying between the two countries.
CEB’s flights from Riyadh to Manila depart at 12:45 a.m. (Riyadh time) and arrive in Manila at 3:40 p.m. (Manila time) every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Flights from Manila to Riyadh depart at 5:05 p.m. (Manila time) and arrive in Riyadh at 11:35 p.m. (Riyadh time) every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
CEB also started its thrice-a-week, non-stop flights from Manila to Dammam on Oct. 4, 2014, with lowest year-round fares to start from SAR249.
In a press statement, CEB said it uses brand-new Airbus A330-300 aircraft with a configuration of 436 all-economy class seats for these two new routes.
It said passengers may also opt to purchase baggage allowance, seat selection, wi-fi connectivity inflight and hot meals.
“Cebu Pacific will keep flying to where the Filipinos are. As we expand our operations in the Middle East, we are proud to offer even more Filipinos in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia --- the fastest, most affordable way to come home,” said Alex Reyes, CEB general manager for Long Haul Division.

 

 

Aside from Riyadh and Dammam, CEB’s long-haul division also operates flights to Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Sydney, Australia. From Manila, CEB offers fast and convenient same-terminal connecting flights for guests taking advantage of the airline’s extensive Philippine network.
For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to "http://www.cebupacificair.com/" or call Attar Travel Company +966-11-216-1158 (Riyadh and Dammam). The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@cebupacificair) and Facebook (Cebu Pacific Air) pages.
CEB's 51-strong fleet is comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 28 Airbus A320, 5 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. It is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2014 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 11 more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 1 Airbus A330 aircraft.
It flies to 34 Philippine and 28 international destinations, including Boracay (Caticlan), Palawan (Puerto Princesa), Tokyo, Beijing, Bali, Seoul, Hanoi and Siem Reap.
Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline.

Spirit Airlines,3.2% load factor decrease in 3Q, 2014

Spirit Airlines today reported its preliminary traffic results for September 2014. Traffic (revenue passenger miles) in September 2014 increased 13.5 percent versus September 2013 on a capacity (available seat miles) increase of 18.0 percent. Load factor for September 2014 was 81.5 percent, a decrease of 3.2 pts compared to September 2013. Spirit's preliminary completion factor for September 2014 was 99.1 percent, down 0.4 percentage points year-over-year due to service disruptions caused by the Air Traffic Control facility fire in Chicago and Hurricane Odile which damaged the airport in Los Cabos, Mexico resulting in a temporary suspension of all flights to/from Los Cabos.

The Company recently became aware of an underpayment of Federal Excise Tax ("FET") on a minority portion of its fuel purchases for the time period beginning July 1, 2009, coinciding with a change in fuel service provider, through August 30, 2014. In its calculation for economic fuel price for the third quarter 2014, the Company will exclude the prior years' additional FET amount of $9.3 million but will include the year-to-date 2014 additional FET amount of $2.1 million. The Company estimates its economic fuel price per gallon for the third quarter of 2014, which includes the year-to-date 2014 additional FET amount, will be $3.13.

Based on actual results for July and August and estimated results for September, including the year-to-date 2014 FET amount noted above, the Company believes its third quarter adjusted operating margin will be in the lower half of its previous guidance range. The Company plans to provide an investor update on October 15, 2014 which will include more detailed guidance for the third quarter 2014.

Source ad image: Spirit Airlines