After stopping operations earlier this month, Jet Airways technically isn’t gone forever. There are still some who want to see the airline gain additional financing in order to resume operations.
While there are some indicators Jet Airways could fly again, it seems unlikely given the current situation.
Jet Airways had a lot of debt and very little cash. India’s all out price war, with fares as low as a few cents, meant that there was an incredibly slim margin for profit.
Unfortunately, the market just didn’t work for Jet Airways. They invested in new aircraft, including the 737 MAX, and broadened their international partnerships. With a robust route network, Jet Airways thought they could be India’s top carrier.
Also burdening Jet Airways were high fuel costs and high taxes. Jet Airways simply could not make a profit. They teetered and tottered for months before finally seeing their fleet depleted.
In the days prior to their official suspension, only a handful of aircraft were operating and zero international routes were scheduled.
There has been a movement to resurrect Jet Airways. Former Jet Airways staff engaged in protests to get the airline up and running again. Jet Airways had a sizeable staff who are now faced with major uncertainty.
While some crew members went off to rival carriers, like SpiceJet, others are still looking for opportunities.
Jet Airways relied heavily on Etihad Airways for investment. Etihad itself faces significant financial concerns, yet somehow found Jet Airways worth sustaining. Over the years, they have put millions of dollars into the airline.
However, after the collapse of the airline and Etihad’s ongoing losses, it doesn’t seem like Etihad would want to resurrect the carrier before they get on solid financial footing themselves.
Etihad could always partner with an Indian conglomerate as Singapore Airlines did with their investment in Vistara. This could give Etihad some additional security since they wouldn’t necessarily be the ones pumping in funding for Jet Airways.
Jet Airways seems to be running out of luck and time for a new investor. With rival carriers descending on Jet’s valuable assets such as planes and the valuable slots at crowded airports, Jet Airways would face significant headwinds if they restarted operations.
This would definitely worry investors, especially as Indian airlines continue to miss out on record profits that other carriers see.
This is the question that aviation analysts and investors are grappling with. Jet Airways has a lost a lot in terms of positive name recognition, reputation, and key assets.
A new Jet Airways would have to reassure travelers that they can trust the carrier with their travel plans.
India’s aviation market is already quite crowded. State run Air India doesn’t seem to need to focus on turning a profit and low-cost carriers account for a significant market share.
As a result, it would be necessary for Jet Airways to define themselves as something different to what India already has. The problem is that Jet Airways doesn’t really have anything new and unique to offer travelers that current carriers cannot provide.
Delta Airlines recently announced a return to India. Though still vague on a few details, Delta plans to fly from New York to Mumbai. Mumbai was a major hub for Jet Airways. Thus, it made sense for Delta to connect the cities since there would be strong connecting opportunities.
Jet Airways has closely worked with Delta and KLM.
In the aftermath of Jet’s collapse, it seemed highly unlikely that Delta would return to Mumbai. Previously, it was reported that Delta may have some interest in Jet Airways and had a codesharing partnership with the carrier.
However, now that Delta is returning to Mumbai, it could be possible that they will have a role in resurrecting Jet Airways. Now, while there are no official reports or even rumors indicating Delta is seriously considering this.
While many would like to see Jet Airways resume operations, it seems highly unlikely, it may be the end of Jet Airways forever.
Tourism Observer
Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Conservation: News,Stories And Experiences From Allover The World
Showing posts with label delta airlines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label delta airlines. Show all posts
Thursday, 2 May 2019
Sunday, 9 September 2018
UNITED KINGDOM: Credit Card Details Of 380,000 Stolen After Malicious Criminal Hack On British Airways
BA's CEO, Alex Cruz, said Friday that enough data was stolen to allow criminals to use credit card information for illicit purposes, and that police are investigating.
We know that the information that has been stolen is name, address, email address, credit card information; that would be credit card number, expiration date and the three-letter code in the back of the credit card, Alex Cruz said.
He added that no passport data had been obtained in what he called a very sophisticated, malicious criminal attack.
It advises people to contact their bank or credit card company if they used the airline's website and mobile app to make or change a booking between 10:58 p.m. London time on Aug. 21 and 9:45 p.m. London time on Sept. 5.
The recommendation does not apply to customers who bought tickets or changed reservations outside those times.
The airline promised to reimburse any financial losses suffered by customers directly because of the theft of this data.
British Airways faces another public relations nightmare as the company has advised that their mobile app and website were the target of a cyber breach which has compromised personal data, specifically the payment card information, of at least 380,000 customers.
The breach was announced on Thursday and customers affected are those who made or changed bookings on the company’s platforms over a 15-day period between 21:58 GMT on August 21 and 20:45 GMT on September 5.
British Airways CEO Alex Cruz issued an apology and appeared on various media on Friday to apologize further for the very sophisticated malicious criminal attack.
Cruz reassured customers that the sites were now secure and investigations were underway as to how the criminals accessed the payment card information of the customers, which included the three-digit CVV number on the back of credit and debit cards.
The CVV is legally not allowed to be stored by companies which is of particular concern in the investigation.
Also of concern is the length of time that the harvesting of customer details was able to continue for over two weeks, with the airline only noticing something was awry on Wednesday night and concluding the serious extent of the criminal activity on Thursday.
Emirates President Sir Tim Clark was speaking at the annual Aviation Festival in London on Friday and offered his rivals some words of consolation saying that BA was dealt a dose of bad luck.
Sir Tim added that airlines can expect further breaches as digital transformation of the business increases.
He said, At Emirates we have strengthened and added resources to the cyber security units. The fact is if you do not spend time and money you are going to be hugely exposed.
IT news site The Register quoted an unnamed expert as saying the cause of the breach may probably come down to either not having an update tested before it goes live, cost-cutting resulting in the site not being tested as often as it should have been or lower quality support, not patching the servers.
The site also reported that on August 1 BA’s Group IT Service Effectiveness Manager had advised staff that management had approved a proposal to outsource the airline’s cyber security to IBM and that a consultation process with affected staff would be initiated.
BA has been under scrutiny in the last few years for the cost-cutting measures and business model changes which have been implemented across the airline under Cruz.
With regard to those customers affected by the breach, Alex Cruz said that: we will compensate them for any financial hardship that they may have suffered.
What that compensation will be is yet to be determined with BA customers taking to social media to express their anger and frustration against the airline.
Affected customers should first seek advice from their bank, then monitor bank and credit card statements closely for signs of possible fraudulent activity.
There could be possible phishing scams in which hackers would try to trick affected consumers into revealing personal information like pincodes or banking passwords.
Some customers are relating stories of being stranded in foreign countries without access to funds as their banks have advised them to cancel their payment cards.
Further concern is being raised of the opportunities the criminals have to use the data obtained in a myriad of fraudulent practices such as creating fake accounts with other companies.
Some angry travelers complained that they had already noted bogus activity on credit cards that had been used to make British Airways bookings during the time when the breach was undetected.
The hack once again puts the spotlight on the strength of the IT systems at major companies as they expand their digital services.
British Airways experienced an IT-related crisis in May last year when roughly 75,000 passengers were stranded after the airline cancelled more than 700 flights over three days because of system problems.
In the UK, the incident is also being investigated by the Information Commissioner’s Office; the National Crime Agency; and National Cyber Security Centre.
If BA is found to be in breach of recent EU GDPR legislation, introduced in May, they may face a fine equivalent to four percent of their annual global revenue.
For the airline, this would equate to £489m in addition to the passenger compensation.
When attempting to access BA’s online Media Center on Friday afternoon to retrieve further updates on the situation, users are prevented from doing so and faced with a Privacy Error message which reads: Attackers might be trying to steal your information from mediacentre.britishairways.com (for example, passwords, messages or credit cards).
In the U.S., Delta Airlines said in April that payment-card information for several hundred thousand customers could have been exposed by a malware breach months earlier.
The same breach also hit Sears Holdings Corp., which operates Kmart stores.
British Airways revealed the new hack Thursday evening and began notifying customers.
Britain's National Crime Agency says it is investigating.
Tourism Observer
Friday, 29 June 2018
NETHERLANDS: Air France-KLM’s New CEO Be An Aviation Specialist
There is so much opposition to the naming of Philippe Capron as CEO that the group is now considering naming separate CEOs for the holding company and Air France itself.
The situation within the combine is explosive. Capron’s name emerged last week as a possible new CEO for the group.
But both KLM and Delta Airlines, another shareholder and partner of Air France KLM, object on the grounds that Capron had no experience in the aviation industry nor in the role of CEO.
Like his predecessors at Air France KLM, Capron has a privileged relationship with the French government and is a graduate of the prestigious École nationale d’administration, the FD said.
Air France KLM is seeking a replacement for Jean-Marc Janaillac, who quit in May over lack of support for a new pay and conditions pact.
He was also largely blamed for the many days lost to strikes which cost the combine some €400m so far this year.
KLM is very profitable while Air France keeps running losses which further undermines the fragile alliance.
Meanwhile, Accor is pressing ahead with plans to buy a stake in state-backed airline Air France-KLM, approaching European investors to ask them to team up with the French hotelier, said three people familiar with the situation.
The search for regional partners is in part to address any concerns that Accor could breach EU aviation regulations, which demand that European airlines must have at least 50 per cent of their capital owned by European investors in order to secure their right to fly.
At least a quarter of Accor’s capital is owned by non-European investors, which could prove to be an issue in buying a stake in the French airline, said one person with knowledge of the situation.
European investors could ease any concerns about the extent of overseas ownership of the stake.
Accor earlier this month confirmed it was looking at buying the French state’s 14 per cent stake in Air France-KLM, which is valued at about €430m.
While some Accor investors have said they see an industrial logic to a potential tie-up between Accor and the airline, with the potential for working together in areas such as loyalty programmes, data and technology, some have questioned why Accor needs to spend €430m on a stake to do this.
By teaming up with other investors, Accor could help alleviate these concerns, said a person familiar with the deal.
Accor’s move comes during a turbulent period for the French-Dutch airline which is trying to find a new chief executive to replace Jean-Marc Janaillac, who quit in May after putting his job on the line in an effort to end strikes over pay.
The board of Air-France KLM was meeting in Amsterdam on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the chief executive search and the company’s strategy.
Philippe Capron, chief financial officer at French water and waste company Veolia, has been mooted as a favourite for the role among the nomination committee, which is led by Air France-KLM interim chief executive Anne-Marie Couderc.
According to people familiar with the matter, KLM and shareholders Delta and China Eastern Airlines, which each hold 8 per cent of the group, have expressed concern with Mr Capron’s appointment, partly because of his lack of aviation experience.
French finance minister Bruno Le Maire on Sunday suggested the race is still open: Capron is one of the possible candidates but he is not the only one. It takes experience.
The French government, whose 14 per cent stake in the company comes with voting rights of 23 per cent, has said it would like to see a new chief executive of the airline installed before making any decisions on changes to its ownership.
However, that uncertainty could in turn make the hunt for a new chief executive more difficult because candidates already facing a battle with unions may be reluctant to commit before they have visibility on any changes in the group’s shareholder structure.
Chinese tourism company Jinjiang International Company Limited owns about 12.32 per cent of Accor. The Qatar Investment Authority has 10.17 per cent, and 5.69 per cent is held by the Kingdom Holding Company of Saudi Arabia, according to Accor’s shareholder register at December 31.
France’s transport minister on Thursday said it was important that Air France-KLM’s new CEO be a specialist of air transport.
Minister Elisabeth Borne also said that it would be good to appoint the new CEO in July.
French media have reported that KLM, the Dutch airline part of the group, and Delta Airlines - which has an 8.8 percent stake - had expressed opposition toward possible plans to name Veolia chief financial officer Philippe Capron as new Air France KLM CEO over his lack of experience in the sector.
Without getting into more details Borne said Capron was one of the candidates, Air France-KLM is facing global competition and I think it is important that we find someone who is a specialist of the aviation sector and can quickly take leadership in the company, which faces important challenges.
Air France-KLM said on Wednesday that its search for a new chief executive was continuing, adding it hoped to reach a decision “as quickly as possible”.
Tourism Observer
Friday, 15 June 2018
USA: Delta to Add Seattle-Osaka Service in Partnership with Korean Air
As Seattle’s global airline, Delta offers service to the top destinations throughout Asia, and additional access to Japan is important for our Seattle customers as well as the business community throughout Washington state and beyond, said Tony Gonchar, Delta’s vice president — Seattle.
We’re pleased to offer another key business destination with our new nonstop Osaka service from Seattle.
Delta will fly the new route with one of the airline’s Boeing 767-300ER equipped with 25 fully flat-bed seats in Delta One, 29 seats Delta Comfort+ and 171 seats in the Main Cabin.
Every seat has access to Wi-Fi, free personal in-flight seatback entertainment screens and power ports.
Meals, created in partnership with Delta’s Michelin two-star consulting chef Norio Ueno will be featured in all cabins of service.
Schedule details will be released at a later date. Delta today at Osaka offers daily service to Honolulu, making Seattle its second nonstop U.S. destination from the Japanese city.
Delta has made the difficult business decision to cease Seattle-Hong Kong service, with the last flight out of Hong Kong on Oct. 4. Delta will continue to serve Hong Kong from Seattle via Seoul-ICN, with its joint venture partner Korean Air.
Delta continues to make significant investments in the Puget Sound region and remains Seattle’s No. 1 global carrier, said Gonchar.
We look forward to serving our customers this summer as we operate our busiest schedule yet at our Seattle hub with more than 170 peak-day departures to more than 50 destinations.
The Seattle-Osaka route will be included in Delta’s joint venture partnership with Korean Air, which serves 12 destinations in Japan — giving shared customers optimized schedules, a more seamless customer experience and improved loyalty program benefits.
Giving customers more choices between the U.S. and Asia, the launch of Seattle-Osaka is another milestone in building the industry’s best trans-Pacific joint venture with Korean Air, said Matteo Curcio, vice president — Asia Pacific.
Tourism Observer
Wednesday, 12 July 2017
USA: Airline Wars Flare Between US Airlines And Gulf Airlines
Late last month, Delta Air Lines posted a video on its public relations website attacking Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways.
Now, the airline's rivals have hit back at Delta with an economic impact study and an attack ad of their own.
The long-running feud between America's three legacy carriers and their Middle Eastern rivals continues to be most the volatile and heated business dispute in recent memory.
Here's the shorthand version of the feud: Since 2015, American, Delta, and United Airlines have been complaining about competition from three huge and fast-growing Middle East-based rivals — Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways (the ME3).
The US3's position, which is succinctly explained in Delta's 15-minute-long video, argues that the ME3's growth has been fueled by more than $50 billion in subsidies over the past decade. As a result, they believe this allows the ME3 to flood the international market with un-sustainably low prices designed to drive out competitors and threaten the job security of US aviation workers.
They're taking our jobs, they're taking our markets, and over time, they want to take over international flying, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said of the ME3 in the video.
Delta and its allies believe the playing field is inherently unbalanced and that it is unfair to expect a private company to compete against the resources of a national government.
As a result, they also say the ME3 are in violation of the Open Skies agreements that govern air travel between the US and 120 nations including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The US3 has asked the Trump Administration to re-examine the Open Skies agreements with the UAE and Qatar while prohibiting any further expansion into the US by the ME3.
In reaction, Emirates released a study on Monday claiming the airline's activities generated $21.3 billion worth of economic impact in the US during 2015.
The report by Virginia-based consulting firm Campbell-Hill Aviation Group posits that Emirates' activities, directly and indirectly, supported more than 104,000 jobs in the US that year.
Emirates, while closely associated with the government of the Dubai, has always maintained that it is an independent profit driven enterprise. In an interview with the Business Insider earlier this year, the airline's president, Sir Tim Clark, called the US3's unrelenting campaign against his company as "infantile".
Delta Air Lines declined to comment on the matter and instead referred Business Insider to the Partnership for Open & Fair Skies, the lobbying organization representing the US3 in the dispute.
Emirates’ new study is based on fundamentally flawed assumptions and is simply meant to distract from their trade cheating behavior, the Partnership's chief spokesperson, Jill Zuckman, said in an emailed statement.
Economists have already empirically demonstrated that the presence of Gulf carriers fails to meaningfully stimulate new demand in U.S. markets."
Also on Monday, US Airlines for Open Skies (USAOS) released a new 30-second attack ad calling for the Trump Administration to ignore the US3's demands which they characterize as merely an attempt to limit competition.
The group whose members include JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines, FedEx, and Atlas Air believe the US3's actions put US airlines operating in the UAE and Qatar at risk for retaliatory actions.
In fact, the USAOS believes the US3's campaign will destabilize the whole network of more than 100 Open Skies agreements that support hundreds of thousands of US jobs while saving consumers $4 billion annually in airfares.
The presence of USAOS represents a faction of the US aviation industry that operates in an environment very different from the nation's three remaining legacy carriers.
FedEx and Atlas Air are two of the world's largest international freight carriers with major operations in the Middle East and around the world.
Although they do depend Open Skies agreements to do business around the world, they are not in direct route competition with the ME3.
While most major US airlines, including American and Delta, benefit from direct business dealings with the ME3 and their subsidiaries, JetBlue is the most open about it.
The New York-based boutique airline is a major partner for Emirates and takes on much of the airline's connecting traffic within the US.
In 2016, JetBlue was awarded a Fly America Act contract for all US government travel to Dubai as well as between New York and Milan, Italy.
Since JetBlue does not operate any long haul international routes outside of the Americas, all of its Fly America passengers will actually travel on Emirates planes.
In response to USAOS, Zuckman said:
Our opponents have chosen to stand with foreign airlines that want to kill U.S. jobs and undermine international trade agreements. It’s outrageous and offensive that any American business would defend these foreign trade cheaters over the livelihoods of over 1.2 million American workers. We hope that President Trump and his administration will see through this misleading campaign and enforce our trade deals to protect American jobs.
Tourism Observer
www.tourismobserver.com
Now, the airline's rivals have hit back at Delta with an economic impact study and an attack ad of their own.
The long-running feud between America's three legacy carriers and their Middle Eastern rivals continues to be most the volatile and heated business dispute in recent memory.
Here's the shorthand version of the feud: Since 2015, American, Delta, and United Airlines have been complaining about competition from three huge and fast-growing Middle East-based rivals — Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways (the ME3).
The US3's position, which is succinctly explained in Delta's 15-minute-long video, argues that the ME3's growth has been fueled by more than $50 billion in subsidies over the past decade. As a result, they believe this allows the ME3 to flood the international market with un-sustainably low prices designed to drive out competitors and threaten the job security of US aviation workers.
They're taking our jobs, they're taking our markets, and over time, they want to take over international flying, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said of the ME3 in the video.
Delta and its allies believe the playing field is inherently unbalanced and that it is unfair to expect a private company to compete against the resources of a national government.
As a result, they also say the ME3 are in violation of the Open Skies agreements that govern air travel between the US and 120 nations including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The US3 has asked the Trump Administration to re-examine the Open Skies agreements with the UAE and Qatar while prohibiting any further expansion into the US by the ME3.
In reaction, Emirates released a study on Monday claiming the airline's activities generated $21.3 billion worth of economic impact in the US during 2015.
The report by Virginia-based consulting firm Campbell-Hill Aviation Group posits that Emirates' activities, directly and indirectly, supported more than 104,000 jobs in the US that year.
Emirates, while closely associated with the government of the Dubai, has always maintained that it is an independent profit driven enterprise. In an interview with the Business Insider earlier this year, the airline's president, Sir Tim Clark, called the US3's unrelenting campaign against his company as "infantile".
Delta Air Lines declined to comment on the matter and instead referred Business Insider to the Partnership for Open & Fair Skies, the lobbying organization representing the US3 in the dispute.
Emirates’ new study is based on fundamentally flawed assumptions and is simply meant to distract from their trade cheating behavior, the Partnership's chief spokesperson, Jill Zuckman, said in an emailed statement.
Economists have already empirically demonstrated that the presence of Gulf carriers fails to meaningfully stimulate new demand in U.S. markets."
Also on Monday, US Airlines for Open Skies (USAOS) released a new 30-second attack ad calling for the Trump Administration to ignore the US3's demands which they characterize as merely an attempt to limit competition.
The group whose members include JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines, FedEx, and Atlas Air believe the US3's actions put US airlines operating in the UAE and Qatar at risk for retaliatory actions.
In fact, the USAOS believes the US3's campaign will destabilize the whole network of more than 100 Open Skies agreements that support hundreds of thousands of US jobs while saving consumers $4 billion annually in airfares.
The presence of USAOS represents a faction of the US aviation industry that operates in an environment very different from the nation's three remaining legacy carriers.
FedEx and Atlas Air are two of the world's largest international freight carriers with major operations in the Middle East and around the world.
Although they do depend Open Skies agreements to do business around the world, they are not in direct route competition with the ME3.
While most major US airlines, including American and Delta, benefit from direct business dealings with the ME3 and their subsidiaries, JetBlue is the most open about it.
The New York-based boutique airline is a major partner for Emirates and takes on much of the airline's connecting traffic within the US.
In 2016, JetBlue was awarded a Fly America Act contract for all US government travel to Dubai as well as between New York and Milan, Italy.
Since JetBlue does not operate any long haul international routes outside of the Americas, all of its Fly America passengers will actually travel on Emirates planes.
In response to USAOS, Zuckman said:
Our opponents have chosen to stand with foreign airlines that want to kill U.S. jobs and undermine international trade agreements. It’s outrageous and offensive that any American business would defend these foreign trade cheaters over the livelihoods of over 1.2 million American workers. We hope that President Trump and his administration will see through this misleading campaign and enforce our trade deals to protect American jobs.
Tourism Observer
www.tourismobserver.com
Friday, 19 May 2017
HONDURAS: Honduras Introduces Improved Air Travel For American Tourists
Direct flights to Honduras from the United States increase the connectivity of this Central American country.
The next time you think of traveling to Honduras, forget long layovers and expensive flights, but start thinking of saving time and money as Honduras announces improved air travel for North American visitors.
Spirit Airlines, the low-cost airline company has begun to offer non-stop flights from two major U.S. hubs, namely Fort Lauderdale and Houston.
Honduras is one of the few countries in Central America to have two direct flights coming from the U.S., granting one Central American country a competitive advantage for greater connectivity and accessibility in its fares. Since Spirit established air service to San Pedro Sula, the airline has transported more than 350,000 passengers.
In expanding their routes to Central America, Spirit accompanies American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Avianca, and United Airlines in offering direct non-stop service or connecting cities through Miami and Dallas (American and Avianca), Atlanta (Delta), and Houston (United & Spirit), making the Mayan archaeological site of Copan even closer.
Along with American airlines, Canadian tourist companies have sought to expand their service to Honduras through Transat Tours, a Canadian Tour-Operator. Beginning in December 2016, just in time for winter in the northern hemisphere, they will add direct flights from Quebec City to the island of Roatán, Honduras.
This new service will be in addition to their existing flights from Montreal, Quebec to Roatán and Toronto, Ontario to Roatán.
Additionally, Transat Tours and Sunwig Vacations who also offer direct flights to Honduras from major Canadian cities, sold an estimated of 15,000 packages to the country.
This expansion in the tourism sector reflects an aggressive promotional effort made by private companies to further relationships with Honduras. Over the past 24 months, Transat Tours, with the help of the Honduran government, has seen an increase of more than 15% from previous seasons.
The development of these relationships has been crucial in these companies being able to meet their mutual sales goals.
“Thanks to these new investments in the tourism sector and the diversified efforts carried out by the government and private companies, Honduras will continue positioning itself as an ideal destination for Americans and Canadians as the most diverse tourist offering in Central America,” noted Emilio Silvestri, Director of the Honduran Institute of Tourism.
From the rich history of Comayagua, to the unmatched beauty of the Bay Islands, located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, which houses the largest coral reef in the Americas, together with the rough shores of the Pacific coast, crossing over mountains, lakes, and forests, then to discover the ancestral legacy of the Mayan culture in Copan or uncovering the mysteries of an unknown civilization in Kaha Kamasa, Honduras has a natural and cultural beauty unlike anything else the world has discovered.
Another step forward in the relationship between Tegucigalpa and Taipei, as Honduras welcomes Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen for her first trip to this emerging Central American country. In the beginning of January, Honduran officials laid out the red carpet for President Tsai, welcoming Taiwanese interest and investment in the country’s promising economic future.
The Taiwanese president’s stop in Honduras is a part of a larger Central American tour, where she visits El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Her decision to begin the trip in Tegucigalpa reflects the sustained importance that Honduras has in the eyes of Taiwanese leadership.
Overall, this week-long circuit seeks to strengthen diplomatic ties and cooperation between Taiwan and its Central American allies.
Following a meeting between President Tsai and President Juan Orlando Hernández held in Taipei in October, President Tsai traveled to Tegucigalpa to affirm economic, diplomatic, and commercial ties strengthened through bilateral trade agreements and major cooperation projects.
The two nations have maintained a fraternal relationship for more than 75 years and the leaders are confident that 2017 will welcome a new chapter of economic prosperity for both countries.
Over the years, Honduras has been steadily increasing their agricultural exports to China (Taiwan), as Taiwanese investors have kept an eye on the increasing economic prosperity of this Central American gem.
Following the meetings and as a part of the larger and most important economic initiative in the history of the country, Honduras 20/20, Taiwanese consumers can expect an increase in Honduran goods in their local supermarkets such as melon, beef, powdered milk, and other basic products.
Along with increased economic benefits, President Tsai’s arrival reflects a strong cultural relationship that seeks to engage Honduras’ strongest resource: its people. Over the past several years, Honduras has sent over 300 culturally curious students to Taiwan to study abroad and participate in the Taiwan Scholarship Program, providing young Hondurans with first-hand exposure to Chinese culture.
Through the initiative #JovenesHN, launched by Marca Honduras in efforts to connect and engage with Honduran youth studying abroad, the event held in Taipei hosted close to 100 students eager to learn more about their country’s brand in their home away from home.
With only a month into 2017, this year continues to look promising for the future of Honduras and through continued international support the country hopes to increase its global footprint while strengthening its internal infrastructure.
President Tsai’s visit to Honduras symbolizes further confidence in Honduras’ growing economies, which will provide both nations with increased stability, commerce, and global recognition.
The next time you think of traveling to Honduras, forget long layovers and expensive flights, but start thinking of saving time and money as Honduras announces improved air travel for North American visitors.
Spirit Airlines, the low-cost airline company has begun to offer non-stop flights from two major U.S. hubs, namely Fort Lauderdale and Houston.
Honduras is one of the few countries in Central America to have two direct flights coming from the U.S., granting one Central American country a competitive advantage for greater connectivity and accessibility in its fares. Since Spirit established air service to San Pedro Sula, the airline has transported more than 350,000 passengers.
In expanding their routes to Central America, Spirit accompanies American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Avianca, and United Airlines in offering direct non-stop service or connecting cities through Miami and Dallas (American and Avianca), Atlanta (Delta), and Houston (United & Spirit), making the Mayan archaeological site of Copan even closer.
Along with American airlines, Canadian tourist companies have sought to expand their service to Honduras through Transat Tours, a Canadian Tour-Operator. Beginning in December 2016, just in time for winter in the northern hemisphere, they will add direct flights from Quebec City to the island of Roatán, Honduras.
This new service will be in addition to their existing flights from Montreal, Quebec to Roatán and Toronto, Ontario to Roatán.
Additionally, Transat Tours and Sunwig Vacations who also offer direct flights to Honduras from major Canadian cities, sold an estimated of 15,000 packages to the country.
This expansion in the tourism sector reflects an aggressive promotional effort made by private companies to further relationships with Honduras. Over the past 24 months, Transat Tours, with the help of the Honduran government, has seen an increase of more than 15% from previous seasons.
The development of these relationships has been crucial in these companies being able to meet their mutual sales goals.
“Thanks to these new investments in the tourism sector and the diversified efforts carried out by the government and private companies, Honduras will continue positioning itself as an ideal destination for Americans and Canadians as the most diverse tourist offering in Central America,” noted Emilio Silvestri, Director of the Honduran Institute of Tourism.
From the rich history of Comayagua, to the unmatched beauty of the Bay Islands, located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, which houses the largest coral reef in the Americas, together with the rough shores of the Pacific coast, crossing over mountains, lakes, and forests, then to discover the ancestral legacy of the Mayan culture in Copan or uncovering the mysteries of an unknown civilization in Kaha Kamasa, Honduras has a natural and cultural beauty unlike anything else the world has discovered.
Another step forward in the relationship between Tegucigalpa and Taipei, as Honduras welcomes Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen for her first trip to this emerging Central American country. In the beginning of January, Honduran officials laid out the red carpet for President Tsai, welcoming Taiwanese interest and investment in the country’s promising economic future.
The Taiwanese president’s stop in Honduras is a part of a larger Central American tour, where she visits El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Her decision to begin the trip in Tegucigalpa reflects the sustained importance that Honduras has in the eyes of Taiwanese leadership.
Overall, this week-long circuit seeks to strengthen diplomatic ties and cooperation between Taiwan and its Central American allies.
Following a meeting between President Tsai and President Juan Orlando Hernández held in Taipei in October, President Tsai traveled to Tegucigalpa to affirm economic, diplomatic, and commercial ties strengthened through bilateral trade agreements and major cooperation projects.
The two nations have maintained a fraternal relationship for more than 75 years and the leaders are confident that 2017 will welcome a new chapter of economic prosperity for both countries.
Over the years, Honduras has been steadily increasing their agricultural exports to China (Taiwan), as Taiwanese investors have kept an eye on the increasing economic prosperity of this Central American gem.
Following the meetings and as a part of the larger and most important economic initiative in the history of the country, Honduras 20/20, Taiwanese consumers can expect an increase in Honduran goods in their local supermarkets such as melon, beef, powdered milk, and other basic products.
Along with increased economic benefits, President Tsai’s arrival reflects a strong cultural relationship that seeks to engage Honduras’ strongest resource: its people. Over the past several years, Honduras has sent over 300 culturally curious students to Taiwan to study abroad and participate in the Taiwan Scholarship Program, providing young Hondurans with first-hand exposure to Chinese culture.
Through the initiative #JovenesHN, launched by Marca Honduras in efforts to connect and engage with Honduran youth studying abroad, the event held in Taipei hosted close to 100 students eager to learn more about their country’s brand in their home away from home.
With only a month into 2017, this year continues to look promising for the future of Honduras and through continued international support the country hopes to increase its global footprint while strengthening its internal infrastructure.
President Tsai’s visit to Honduras symbolizes further confidence in Honduras’ growing economies, which will provide both nations with increased stability, commerce, and global recognition.
Thursday, 27 April 2017
USA: Delta Airlines Fights Against Cancer
One day can change the lives of an individual, a family, a business or an entire community when disaster strikes — leaving them feeling helpless. One day can also make all the difference when people come together to change lives for the better.
On April 26, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to come together for its third annual Giving Day to support its urgent humanitarian needs, provide comfort and hope where it’s needed most and inspire the single largest day of Red Cross giving outside of major disasters. The theme for this year’s event is #Help1Family.
The American Red Cross is Delta’s longest-standing nonprofit partner, which has allowed the airline and its employees and customers to help those in need for more than 75 years. To support its partner, Delta encourages employees to join the campaign by donating to #Help1Family.
“Delta's ongoing partnership allows the airline, our customers and our employees to always be there to help those in need,” said Tad Hutcheson, Managing Director — Community Engagement. “Supporting the #Help1Family campaign gives our employees the opportunity to help those who are affected by crisis around the world and truly make a difference in the lives of others.”
Throughout the year, Delta employees give blood at corporate blood drives, making Delta the largest corporate blood donor in the Southeast and ranked No. 3 nationwide, donating 8,132 pints of blood during 2016.
Also, Delta is an Annual Disaster Giving Program participant at the $1 million level, allowing the organization to be strategic and proactive in disaster response.
The American Red Cross is the U.S.’ premier provider of disaster relief, blood, health and safety services. The organization provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the world, and trains millions of people in first aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills.
The Red Cross has the largest network of humanitarian volunteers, with 13 million in 187 countries, and responds to a community disaster every eight minutes.
Donating to fight cancer is now easier than ever, and it’s just a text away. U.S.-based Delta customers and employees can text FLY to 41444 to donate money directly to the American Cancer Society.
Money donated via Delta’s text campaign counts towards the airline’s goal of raising $2.25 million in 2017 for the Society. Unlike other text campaigns that use a third-party carrier, 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to the Society.
Participants in the text campaign will be entered into a drawing for an iPad, and the winner will be announced May 13. Official sweepstakes rules are available here.
For 15 years, Delta has partnered with the American Cancer Society to elevate awareness and ensure essential dollars continue to fund cutting edge research, provide free services to anyone fighting cancer and offer grass roots education to help people learn how to reduce their cancer risks.
In 2016 more than 50,000 Delta employees, family members and customers donated more than $2 million to fund the Society's lifesaving mission.
The text campaign is just one of a number of initiatives Delta and its employees are engaged in to reach their fundraising goal. On May 5, Delta will hold the largest corporate Relay For Life event in the U.S. at Atlanta TechOps.
Donations can be made through the Delta Corporate Relay For Life website.
During the Relay event, Delta will hold its eighth annual Jet Drag, also at Atlanta TechOps. Teams across the airline will raise money to compete in the event, where teams of 20 try to pull a Boeing 757 20 feet in the fastest time.
Additionally, Delta stations around the globe will hold fundraising and awareness events for Delta Day of Hope on May 10, and customers onboard will notice the Delta One TUMI amenity kits take on a purple accent for the month in support of the American Cancer Society.
On April 26, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to come together for its third annual Giving Day to support its urgent humanitarian needs, provide comfort and hope where it’s needed most and inspire the single largest day of Red Cross giving outside of major disasters. The theme for this year’s event is #Help1Family.
The American Red Cross is Delta’s longest-standing nonprofit partner, which has allowed the airline and its employees and customers to help those in need for more than 75 years. To support its partner, Delta encourages employees to join the campaign by donating to #Help1Family.
“Delta's ongoing partnership allows the airline, our customers and our employees to always be there to help those in need,” said Tad Hutcheson, Managing Director — Community Engagement. “Supporting the #Help1Family campaign gives our employees the opportunity to help those who are affected by crisis around the world and truly make a difference in the lives of others.”
Throughout the year, Delta employees give blood at corporate blood drives, making Delta the largest corporate blood donor in the Southeast and ranked No. 3 nationwide, donating 8,132 pints of blood during 2016.
Also, Delta is an Annual Disaster Giving Program participant at the $1 million level, allowing the organization to be strategic and proactive in disaster response.
The American Red Cross is the U.S.’ premier provider of disaster relief, blood, health and safety services. The organization provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the world, and trains millions of people in first aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills.
The Red Cross has the largest network of humanitarian volunteers, with 13 million in 187 countries, and responds to a community disaster every eight minutes.
Donating to fight cancer is now easier than ever, and it’s just a text away. U.S.-based Delta customers and employees can text FLY to 41444 to donate money directly to the American Cancer Society.
Money donated via Delta’s text campaign counts towards the airline’s goal of raising $2.25 million in 2017 for the Society. Unlike other text campaigns that use a third-party carrier, 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to the Society.
Participants in the text campaign will be entered into a drawing for an iPad, and the winner will be announced May 13. Official sweepstakes rules are available here.
For 15 years, Delta has partnered with the American Cancer Society to elevate awareness and ensure essential dollars continue to fund cutting edge research, provide free services to anyone fighting cancer and offer grass roots education to help people learn how to reduce their cancer risks.
In 2016 more than 50,000 Delta employees, family members and customers donated more than $2 million to fund the Society's lifesaving mission.
The text campaign is just one of a number of initiatives Delta and its employees are engaged in to reach their fundraising goal. On May 5, Delta will hold the largest corporate Relay For Life event in the U.S. at Atlanta TechOps.
Donations can be made through the Delta Corporate Relay For Life website.
During the Relay event, Delta will hold its eighth annual Jet Drag, also at Atlanta TechOps. Teams across the airline will raise money to compete in the event, where teams of 20 try to pull a Boeing 757 20 feet in the fastest time.
Additionally, Delta stations around the globe will hold fundraising and awareness events for Delta Day of Hope on May 10, and customers onboard will notice the Delta One TUMI amenity kits take on a purple accent for the month in support of the American Cancer Society.
USA: Delta Launches LSTN Headphones In Premium Cabins,
Airline continues multi-billion dollar customer experience investment while supporting Starkey Hearing Foundation through LSTN Sound Co. partnership.
Delta is amping up its in-flight amenities with the introduction of noise-cancelling headphones from Los Angeles-based sound and philanthropic company LSTN Sound Co.
Beginning this summer, customers traveling in Delta One, including transcontinental flights between JFK and LAX/SFO, DCA-LAX and BOS-SFO, and later this year, Delta Premium Select, will enjoy a pair of LSTN headphones while in flight.
Developed specifically for the in-flight experience, the noise-canceling headphones will enable customers to better experience Delta Studio, the airline’s industry-leading, free in-flight entertainment system, at 30,000 feet.
This latest enhancement is part of the airline’s multi-billion dollar investment in the customer experience that includes a cabin modernization program featuring new seats, seatback entertainment systems with free entertainment, high-capacity overhead bins, access to Wi-Fi on nearly all flights, free Main Cabin meals on select flights, upgraded free Main Cabin snacks, chef-curated meals in Delta One, a seasonal wine program, an Alessi-designed collection of serviceware in Delta One and First Class, and more.
Delta has also made significant investments in the customer experience on the ground, in addition to plans to add nearly 250 new aircraft to its fleet in coming years.
These include new Delta Sky Club locations in Denver, Atlanta and Seattle and Club renovations in Nashville, Dallas, Newark and Minneapolis-St. Paul; airport enhancement programs in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York and Salt Lake City and the testing and implementation of an enhanced boarding process in Atlanta.
“Our partnership with LSTN directly aligns with Delta’s commitment to give back to local communities, while making thoughtful enhancements to the on-board experience for our customers,” said Tim Mapes, Delta’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Delta was interested in LSTN not only because of its stylish and functional headphones, but for the innovative way in which they serve communities around the world.”
Through its partnership with LSTN the airline will be supporting Starkey Hearing Foundation, LSTN’s philanthropic partner who provides ear care and hearing aids to those in need around the world.
Over the past four years, LSTN has partnered with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to provide hearing aids to more than 22,000 people, and will enable thousands more to receive the gift of hearing by donating part of the proceeds from its partnership with Delta to the nonprofit.
“Delta has always enabled our mission by helping us travel around the world, and we are excited they are partnering with us to change lives of thousands in need,” said LSTN founder Bridget Hilton.
In advance of the partnership launch, Delta and LSTN will sponsor a mission with Starkey Hearing Foundation in Peru this May, where employees from each brand will be assisting in fitting and distributing hearing aids to those in need.
The mission will be documented and transformed into an in-flight video, which will be visible on all IFE-equipped Delta flights globally this summer. Delta will also host LSTN activations showcasing the headphones’ unique style and design in key Delta Sky Clubs alongside the launch.
“By designing and creating the LSTN for Delta on-board headsets, we are greatly expanding our core mission to increase funding and awareness for Starkey Hearing Foundation and their global hearing health programs worldwide,” said LSTN co-founder Joe Huff.
About LSTN
LSTN Sound Co. is on a mission to change lives through the power of music. For every premium headphone or speaker sold, proceeds are donated to their nonprofit partner, Starkey Hearing Foundation, to help provide hearing aids to people in need around the world. LSTN products can be found in luxury boutiques across the globe as well as online. The company was founded in 2013 in Los Angeles, California by Bridget Hilton and Joe Huff.
Delta is amping up its in-flight amenities with the introduction of noise-cancelling headphones from Los Angeles-based sound and philanthropic company LSTN Sound Co.
Beginning this summer, customers traveling in Delta One, including transcontinental flights between JFK and LAX/SFO, DCA-LAX and BOS-SFO, and later this year, Delta Premium Select, will enjoy a pair of LSTN headphones while in flight.
Developed specifically for the in-flight experience, the noise-canceling headphones will enable customers to better experience Delta Studio, the airline’s industry-leading, free in-flight entertainment system, at 30,000 feet.
This latest enhancement is part of the airline’s multi-billion dollar investment in the customer experience that includes a cabin modernization program featuring new seats, seatback entertainment systems with free entertainment, high-capacity overhead bins, access to Wi-Fi on nearly all flights, free Main Cabin meals on select flights, upgraded free Main Cabin snacks, chef-curated meals in Delta One, a seasonal wine program, an Alessi-designed collection of serviceware in Delta One and First Class, and more.
Delta has also made significant investments in the customer experience on the ground, in addition to plans to add nearly 250 new aircraft to its fleet in coming years.
These include new Delta Sky Club locations in Denver, Atlanta and Seattle and Club renovations in Nashville, Dallas, Newark and Minneapolis-St. Paul; airport enhancement programs in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York and Salt Lake City and the testing and implementation of an enhanced boarding process in Atlanta.
“Our partnership with LSTN directly aligns with Delta’s commitment to give back to local communities, while making thoughtful enhancements to the on-board experience for our customers,” said Tim Mapes, Delta’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Delta was interested in LSTN not only because of its stylish and functional headphones, but for the innovative way in which they serve communities around the world.”
Through its partnership with LSTN the airline will be supporting Starkey Hearing Foundation, LSTN’s philanthropic partner who provides ear care and hearing aids to those in need around the world.
Over the past four years, LSTN has partnered with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to provide hearing aids to more than 22,000 people, and will enable thousands more to receive the gift of hearing by donating part of the proceeds from its partnership with Delta to the nonprofit.
“Delta has always enabled our mission by helping us travel around the world, and we are excited they are partnering with us to change lives of thousands in need,” said LSTN founder Bridget Hilton.
In advance of the partnership launch, Delta and LSTN will sponsor a mission with Starkey Hearing Foundation in Peru this May, where employees from each brand will be assisting in fitting and distributing hearing aids to those in need.
The mission will be documented and transformed into an in-flight video, which will be visible on all IFE-equipped Delta flights globally this summer. Delta will also host LSTN activations showcasing the headphones’ unique style and design in key Delta Sky Clubs alongside the launch.
“By designing and creating the LSTN for Delta on-board headsets, we are greatly expanding our core mission to increase funding and awareness for Starkey Hearing Foundation and their global hearing health programs worldwide,” said LSTN co-founder Joe Huff.
About LSTN
LSTN Sound Co. is on a mission to change lives through the power of music. For every premium headphone or speaker sold, proceeds are donated to their nonprofit partner, Starkey Hearing Foundation, to help provide hearing aids to people in need around the world. LSTN products can be found in luxury boutiques across the globe as well as online. The company was founded in 2013 in Los Angeles, California by Bridget Hilton and Joe Huff.
Tuesday, 21 March 2017
NETHERLANDS: Hydraulic Failure, Delta Fails To Takeoff From Amsterdam
A Delta Airlines Airbus A330-300 performing flight from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Atlanta,GA (USA), was accelerating for takeoff from Amsterdam at low speed about 70 knots over ground due to the failure of the green hydraulic system, the aircraft vacated the runway via taxiway S2 about 1800 meters/5900 feet down the runway and stopped clear of the runway.
The crew requested to be towed to the apron, however, after about 5 minutes continued taxi towards the apron.
Upon entering the apron the nose gear steering failed prompting the crew to stop, the aircraft was then towed into the gate.
A passenger reported the captain announced their green hydraulic system had failed causing the reject of the takeoff.
The aircraft vacated the runway and stopped, then commenced taxi towards the apron, but brakes were applied hard upon entering the apron and the aircraft stopped.
The captain announced they had needed to apply emergency brakes as the nose gear had taken an uncommanded turn.
The aircraft was subsequently towed into the gate, passengers disembarked normally.
A replacement Airbus A330-300 was readily available in Amsterdam due to the winterstorm in the USA, that had caused flight cancellations.
A replacement A330-300 registration N803NW departed about 3.5 hours later and reached Atlanta with a delay of 3.5 hours.
The crew requested to be towed to the apron, however, after about 5 minutes continued taxi towards the apron.
Upon entering the apron the nose gear steering failed prompting the crew to stop, the aircraft was then towed into the gate.
A passenger reported the captain announced their green hydraulic system had failed causing the reject of the takeoff.
The aircraft vacated the runway and stopped, then commenced taxi towards the apron, but brakes were applied hard upon entering the apron and the aircraft stopped.
The captain announced they had needed to apply emergency brakes as the nose gear had taken an uncommanded turn.
The aircraft was subsequently towed into the gate, passengers disembarked normally.
A replacement Airbus A330-300 was readily available in Amsterdam due to the winterstorm in the USA, that had caused flight cancellations.
A replacement A330-300 registration N803NW departed about 3.5 hours later and reached Atlanta with a delay of 3.5 hours.
Friday, 28 October 2016
Looming Pilot Shortage Accross America
Piloting a jetliner was once a glamorous profession. Then came the 9/11 terror attacks, airline bankruptcies and pension cuts. And entry-level pilots worked for peanuts.
But now the pendulum is swinging back. Regional airlines across America — including the Northwest’s Horizon Air — are grappling with a looming pilot shortage.
Horizon currently has about 650 pilots on staff.
“We’re looking for roughly 100 to 120 pilots per year that we need to keep adding in for growth as well as to cover attrition,” said LaMar Haugaard, director of pilot development and recruiting at Horizon Air in Portland.
Horizon Air is part of Seattle-based Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines as well. They are just one player in a global industry, which the Boeing Company estimated in 2014 will need 558,000 commercial airline pilots over the next 20 years.
Aviation economist Dan Akins of the consulting firm Flightpath Economics described the regional airline sector as “the tip of the spear” for feeling the pilot shortage.
“There aren’t enough pilots being supplied to the industry to sustain it,” Akins said in an interview. He contended that smaller cities risk losing air service unless the current trajectory changes.
“I think we are in the very early stages of a really hard landing for the industry,” Akins said.
The big shortage
So how did airline pilots get in short supply?
“It really is a perfect coming together of growth within the industry,” Haugaard said.
That’s combined with the beginnings of an anticipated wave of retirements from the major airlines, who then backfill by plucking pilots from regional carriers. The Federal Aviation Administration requires commercial airline pilots to retire at age 65.
Then add to that, a big increase in the training requirements needed to get an air transport pilot license. That came from the FAA in 2013 in the wake of a commuter airline crash in upstate New York.
A lot of commercial airline pilots used to come over from the Air Force too, but Haugaard said the military does not train as many pilots as it used to.
“Marry that up with fewer and fewer people getting into the industry — mainly due to becoming cost-prohibitive on the training side — you have shortage that will come from that,” Haugaard said. “And we are certainly seeing that now.”
Perks for the aspiring pilot
So now Horizon and its peers are inking deals with university aviation programs to ramp up pilot development. The arrangements include tuition reimbursement or a big signing bonus for aspiring pilots. In exchange, those students commit to fly with a certain carrier for at least two years once they’re qualified.
The stepped-up recruiting by various airlines led Teamsters Local 1224 Vice President Mark Niles to observe, “It’s almost a game of one-upmanship right now.”
The veteran Horizon pilot said he had heard of rivals offering bonuses in excess of $20,000 to get new pilots in the door. Job offers can include a combination of signing bonus, a later retention bonus and advancement preferences to command bigger jets.
Horizon management and its pilots union are currently in talks about how to sweeten the airline’s offerings to stay competitive.
A recently signed pilot development deal between Horizon Air and Central Washington University included one-time $7,500 “stipends” for up to 17 aviation students per year. In addition, Horizon donated a $10,000 desktop flight simulator.
Central Washington University Aviation Chair Sundaram Nataraja foresees major enrollment growth in his department to fill the pipeline.
“We want to grow this to a bigger level,” Nataraja said. “In five years down the road, we want to have a total of 1,000 students in the aviation department. Currently we have 200.”
Nataraja said parents still get wide-eyed when he explains the cost of a professional pilot education. It runs $80,000-$100,000 over four years, chiefly due to the fees for one-on-one flight training. A typical student may graduate with considerable debt. But thanks to the newfound, stiff competition for aviation graduates, entry level pay at regional airlines has risen significantly over the past year.
Student instructors with a first officer job awaiting them estimated their starting pay would be in the $30,000-$35,000 range. A few years ago, a freshly minted co-pilot at a regional airline might have earned less than $25,000 per year to start. As cockpit crew members gain experience and move up the career ladder, their pay soars into the six figures.
‘A dream come true’ in Ellensburg
Tyler Holmen, 18, of Redmond, Washington, knows what he wants to do in life.
“Flying has just always fascinated me,” Holmen said. “I kind of settled on it at an early age. It’s kind of a dream come true here.”
Holmen and fellow aviation students at Central Washington could hardly have picked a better time to become professional pilots.
Flight instructor Gage Geist, 22, graduated from CWU in late spring. He’s now giving flight lessons to undergrads, which helps Geist rack up the flight hours needed to qualify for an airline job. A first officer slot awaits him at his chosen Horizon Air as soon as he logs 1,000 flight hours.
“By the time I graduated, I had three conditional job offers,” Geist said.
He said that’s a big change from even just a few years ago.
“When I first started off, it was once in a blue moon we would have a recruiter come by — maybe once every other month,” Geist said. “Now it’s almost every other week.”
It takes a dispatcher to manage the waves of instructors and students rotating through five flight simulators and a fleet of single engine Cessnas used as flight trainers at Ellensburg’s Bowers Field Airport.
New training programs
Inside the training center, a bulletin board is covered with recruiting posters and ads from regional airlines such as Horizon Air, SkyWest and Mesa Airlines. You may know these better flying under their alternate identities as Alaska Airlines, Delta Connection or United Express.
The competing airlines gush about being the place where “your career takes off” and how quickly you can “upgrade” to a parent company’s mainline jets.
Until this year, CWU was the only public university in the Pacific Northwest offering a four-year bachelor’s degree as a professional pilot. A bunch of community colleges in Oregon and Washington have two-year pilot training programs with transfer options to meet the airlines’ preference for a bachelor’s degree.
Earlier this year, Green River College in Auburn, Washington, introduced a four-year bachelor’s degree track. The program’s enrollment filled right away according to Aviation Department Chair George Comollo.
Comollo said his department was in talks to set up a direct recruitment pathway with Horizon that would include the one-time $7,500 stipend and a guaranteed cockpit job for selected students. He said SkyWest Airlines might be the next partner to seek clearance to land on campus.
Thursday, 27 October 2016
Drunk Delta Pilot Arrested
A SkyWest pilot scheduled to fly a Delta Connection flight out of South Dakota's Rapid City Regional Airport was arrested Wednesday morning on charges that he was intoxicated, the Rapid City Police Department says.
The local Argus Leader newspaper reports that Rapid City Police were notified that a pilot smelled of alcohol shortly after 8 a.m. local time Wednesday, according to public information officer Brendyn Medina.
Rapid City Police Chief Karl Jegeris said via Twitter at 12:55 p.m. ET that police had arrested a Skywest Airlines pilot for “operation of an aircraft while intoxicated.” To be arrested for operating an aircraft while intoxicated, the blood alcohol level has to be above .04, according to the Argus Leader. The pilot taken into custody is 38 years old, the newspaper reports.
SkyWest flies regional aircraft on feeder routes for major airlines Delta, American and Alaska Airlines.
SkyWest told Today in the Sky the pilot had been removed from flying duty while the company investigates the charges.
“SkyWest holds its employees to the highest standards of professionalism and the safety and security of our customers and people are our top priority,” SkyWest said in the statement. “We apologize to our passengers for the delay of SkyWest flight #4574, operating as Delta Connection from Rapid City to Salt Lake City, due to a crewmember issue. The crewmember has been placed on administrative leave and removed from flying duties as we investigate this situation. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement’s investigation into this matter."
From Rapid City, SkyWest flies under the Delta Connection brand to Delta’s hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Salt Lake City. The flight in Wednesday’s incident was Delta Connection Flight 4574 to Salt Lake City. The flight -- a Canadair CRJ200 regional jet, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware -- had been scheduled to depart Rapid City at 8:30 a.m. local time. Delta’s website shows the flight departed late at 10:38 a.m. local time.
"The system worked the way it is designed to ensure passengers' safety was not compromised," Jegeris, the Rapid City Police Chief, said in a tweet.
The local Argus Leader newspaper reports that Rapid City Police were notified that a pilot smelled of alcohol shortly after 8 a.m. local time Wednesday, according to public information officer Brendyn Medina.
Rapid City Police Chief Karl Jegeris said via Twitter at 12:55 p.m. ET that police had arrested a Skywest Airlines pilot for “operation of an aircraft while intoxicated.” To be arrested for operating an aircraft while intoxicated, the blood alcohol level has to be above .04, according to the Argus Leader. The pilot taken into custody is 38 years old, the newspaper reports.
SkyWest flies regional aircraft on feeder routes for major airlines Delta, American and Alaska Airlines.
SkyWest told Today in the Sky the pilot had been removed from flying duty while the company investigates the charges.
“SkyWest holds its employees to the highest standards of professionalism and the safety and security of our customers and people are our top priority,” SkyWest said in the statement. “We apologize to our passengers for the delay of SkyWest flight #4574, operating as Delta Connection from Rapid City to Salt Lake City, due to a crewmember issue. The crewmember has been placed on administrative leave and removed from flying duties as we investigate this situation. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement’s investigation into this matter."
From Rapid City, SkyWest flies under the Delta Connection brand to Delta’s hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Salt Lake City. The flight in Wednesday’s incident was Delta Connection Flight 4574 to Salt Lake City. The flight -- a Canadair CRJ200 regional jet, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware -- had been scheduled to depart Rapid City at 8:30 a.m. local time. Delta’s website shows the flight departed late at 10:38 a.m. local time.
"The system worked the way it is designed to ensure passengers' safety was not compromised," Jegeris, the Rapid City Police Chief, said in a tweet.
Monday, 8 August 2016
Global Computer Outage Causes Delta Airlines To Halt All Flights
Delta's official Twitter account offered up a slew of apologies to annoyed fliers who tweeted their complaints to @Delta.
The tweets confirmed the outage but didn't give any estimate on when it would be resolved.
In a statement posted on the company's website this morning, Delta warned customers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
"Delta has experienced a computer outage that has affected flights scheduled for this morning," the statement said. "Flights awaiting departure are currently delayed. Flights en route are operating normally.
Delta is advising travelers to check the status of their flights this morning while the issue is being addressed."
Monday, 9 May 2016
CHINA: China Eastern Airlines Boosts North America Capacity
China Eastern Airlines plans to boost its capacity to North America by 50 per cent in 2016 to tap the rapidly growing travel market between China and the US in the China-US tourism year, chief executive Ma Xulun said in an interview with the South China Morning Post on Friday.
“Air travel between the two countries is expected to rise to more than 5 million passengers this year, with about 3 million being US-bound from China. We have great confidence in the market and hope to capture as much of this opportunity as possible,” Ma said.
He added that the airline is also looking to capture more than half of the 3 to 4 million additional air travellers expected after Disneyland Shanghai opens in June.
China Eastern last year introduced Delta Airlines as a 3.5 per cent strategic shareholder in a landmark deal worth US$450 million.
China Eastern transported 1.12 million passengers on China-US routes last year according to Dong Bo, chief marketing officer and general manager of its marketing and sales committee. “Our capacity increase in 2016 will be about 50 per cent,” Dong said.
The mainland Chinese airline on Wednesday reported a 33 per cent profit rise to 4.54 billion yuan (HK$5.4 billion) in 2015. Ma said all of China Eastern’s US routes turned in profits last year and that flights to New York and to Los Angeles were among its top 10 most profitable routes.
Analysts have expressed concerns about overcapacity as mainland airlines vie to capture the Chinese outbound travel market by aggressively adding international flights. Passenger yield, a unit profitability indicator, dropped at all the big three Chinese airlines in 2015.
China Eastern’s net yield on international routes dropped 3.9 per cent on international routes – the least among its peers. Still, competition and currency headwinds brought a loss of 800 million yuan in the last quarter of the year at China Eastern and a 900 million yuan loss at China Southern.
“There will be downward pressure on ticket prices in the short term,” said Dong. “But China-US traffic rights are near exhausted, so supply growth is capped. We expect oil prices to stay low this year, so it is possible to achieve further bottom line improvement.”
China Eastern is currently the third largest operator on China-US routes after United Airlines and Air China. Ma said China Eastern’s capacity will grow to be near Air China’s this year. He said they are seeking to deepen its partnership with Delta by expanding flight codeshares and moving to joint operations this year.
“We have formed strategic partnerships in the key markets of US, Europe and Australia with Delta, Air France-KLM, and Qantas respectively. This year’s focus will be to deepen our ties,” Ma said.
China Eastern had 590 planes at the end of last year. It suffered an exchange loss of nearly 5 billion yuan last year – a 24-fold rise – because the yuan depreciation multiplied the interest it had to pay on its 87.3 billion yuan worth of US-dollar denominated debts.
Chief financial officer Wu Yongliang said the airline has set a target to bring down its US-dollar debt level to 50 per cent from 53 per cent now through currency swaps to renminbi, and will also increase its yuan financing channels through low interest-rate, short-term commercial paper.
The company did not declare any dividend because of a pending 15-billion yuan private placement plan. “We plan to complete that first and use no less than 40 per cent of 2015 profit for dividend payment at 2016 interim,” Wu said.
“Air travel between the two countries is expected to rise to more than 5 million passengers this year, with about 3 million being US-bound from China. We have great confidence in the market and hope to capture as much of this opportunity as possible,” Ma said.
He added that the airline is also looking to capture more than half of the 3 to 4 million additional air travellers expected after Disneyland Shanghai opens in June.
China Eastern last year introduced Delta Airlines as a 3.5 per cent strategic shareholder in a landmark deal worth US$450 million.
China Eastern transported 1.12 million passengers on China-US routes last year according to Dong Bo, chief marketing officer and general manager of its marketing and sales committee. “Our capacity increase in 2016 will be about 50 per cent,” Dong said.
The mainland Chinese airline on Wednesday reported a 33 per cent profit rise to 4.54 billion yuan (HK$5.4 billion) in 2015. Ma said all of China Eastern’s US routes turned in profits last year and that flights to New York and to Los Angeles were among its top 10 most profitable routes.
Analysts have expressed concerns about overcapacity as mainland airlines vie to capture the Chinese outbound travel market by aggressively adding international flights. Passenger yield, a unit profitability indicator, dropped at all the big three Chinese airlines in 2015.
China Eastern’s net yield on international routes dropped 3.9 per cent on international routes – the least among its peers. Still, competition and currency headwinds brought a loss of 800 million yuan in the last quarter of the year at China Eastern and a 900 million yuan loss at China Southern.
“There will be downward pressure on ticket prices in the short term,” said Dong. “But China-US traffic rights are near exhausted, so supply growth is capped. We expect oil prices to stay low this year, so it is possible to achieve further bottom line improvement.”
China Eastern is currently the third largest operator on China-US routes after United Airlines and Air China. Ma said China Eastern’s capacity will grow to be near Air China’s this year. He said they are seeking to deepen its partnership with Delta by expanding flight codeshares and moving to joint operations this year.
“We have formed strategic partnerships in the key markets of US, Europe and Australia with Delta, Air France-KLM, and Qantas respectively. This year’s focus will be to deepen our ties,” Ma said.
China Eastern had 590 planes at the end of last year. It suffered an exchange loss of nearly 5 billion yuan last year – a 24-fold rise – because the yuan depreciation multiplied the interest it had to pay on its 87.3 billion yuan worth of US-dollar denominated debts.
Chief financial officer Wu Yongliang said the airline has set a target to bring down its US-dollar debt level to 50 per cent from 53 per cent now through currency swaps to renminbi, and will also increase its yuan financing channels through low interest-rate, short-term commercial paper.
The company did not declare any dividend because of a pending 15-billion yuan private placement plan. “We plan to complete that first and use no less than 40 per cent of 2015 profit for dividend payment at 2016 interim,” Wu said.
Friday, 29 April 2016
USA: Delta Airlines Plane Lands With Flat Tyre
An American plane was forced to make land with a flat tyre after it deflated on take off.
Authorities said the Delta Airlines jetliner landed safely at Los Angeles International Airport following a flight from Atlanta on Wednesday.
Airport police officer Rob Pedregon said the pilot of Flight 2355 reported a possible wheel problem before landing.
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said inspections then found the Boeing 757's tyre was actually flat.
Pedregon said passengers were taken by bus to the gate. The aircraft, which was carrying 181 people, was towed in for inspection and maintenance.
Authorities said the Delta Airlines jetliner landed safely at Los Angeles International Airport following a flight from Atlanta on Wednesday.
Airport police officer Rob Pedregon said the pilot of Flight 2355 reported a possible wheel problem before landing.
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said inspections then found the Boeing 757's tyre was actually flat.
Pedregon said passengers were taken by bus to the gate. The aircraft, which was carrying 181 people, was towed in for inspection and maintenance.
Monday, 11 April 2016
USA: Congress Urged To Review State Of Airline Business
The last time Congress convened a panel to look into competition and antitrust issues in the airline industry, carriers TWA, Northwest Airlines and America West were still operating.
That was more than 20 years ago, and a coalition of travel organizations thinks it's about time for another review, especially because mergers and bankruptcies have put control of more than 70% of domestic travel in the U.S. in the hands of four major carriers.
“The time has come to reexamine the state of competition in the U.S. domestic and international air travel marketplace,” says a letter to four key members of Congress from a coalition that represents online travel agents, hotel operators and airport managers, among others.
The group complains that fliers have fewer choices at some hub airports and service has been cut to many smaller airports.
Delta Air Lines, for example, carries about 74% of all passengers out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Southwest Airlines flies 95% of passengers out of Chicago Midway International Airport, federal data show.
At Memphis International Airport, the number of flight departures has dropped by almost half in the last eight years, according to federal statistics.
Airlines say there is no need for a congressional study because fares are low and airlines are investing heavily in new planes and remodeled terminals, primarily because of cheap fuel costs and high demand for flights.
“The fact that demand is strong shows that passengers are making the connection between a healthy airline industry and a better flying experience,” said Vaughn Jennings, a spokesman for Airlines for America, the trade group for the nation's airlines.
That was more than 20 years ago, and a coalition of travel organizations thinks it's about time for another review, especially because mergers and bankruptcies have put control of more than 70% of domestic travel in the U.S. in the hands of four major carriers.
“The time has come to reexamine the state of competition in the U.S. domestic and international air travel marketplace,” says a letter to four key members of Congress from a coalition that represents online travel agents, hotel operators and airport managers, among others.
The group complains that fliers have fewer choices at some hub airports and service has been cut to many smaller airports.
Delta Air Lines, for example, carries about 74% of all passengers out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Southwest Airlines flies 95% of passengers out of Chicago Midway International Airport, federal data show.
At Memphis International Airport, the number of flight departures has dropped by almost half in the last eight years, according to federal statistics.
Airlines say there is no need for a congressional study because fares are low and airlines are investing heavily in new planes and remodeled terminals, primarily because of cheap fuel costs and high demand for flights.
“The fact that demand is strong shows that passengers are making the connection between a healthy airline industry and a better flying experience,” said Vaughn Jennings, a spokesman for Airlines for America, the trade group for the nation's airlines.
Sunday, 7 February 2016
Airline Efficiency Can Be Measured From Employees Per Aircraft Ratio
The employees per aircraft ratio of Ireland’s Ryanair is just 29.69 because its 9,501 employees are looking after a fleet of 320 aircraft.
SyrianAir (Syrian Arab Airlines) has an employees per aircraft ratio of 400 as its 4,000 employees are taking care of 10 aircraft only!
After SyrianAir, the state-owned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has the world’s second worst employees per aircraft ratio of 391 employees per plane.
Employees Per Aircraft Ratio is deemed to be one of the most vital benchmarks of calculating the productivity any airline around the world.
Here follows the staff-to-aircraft ratios of world’s 40 most famous international carriers:
The employees per aircraft ratio of Ireland’s Ryanair is just 29.69 because its 9,501 employees are looking after a fleet of 320 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft of Garuda Indonesia, the flag carrier of Indonesia, is 56.15 because its 7,861 employees are looking after a fleet of 140 aircraft.
The employee-to-aircraft ratio of Turkish Airlines is just 63.36 because its 18,882 employees are looking after a fleet of 298 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft of American Southwest Airlines is only 67.76 only because its 46,278 employees are looking after a fleet of 683 aircraft. Its revenues stand at $18.6 billion.
The employees per aircraft of Air China is just 70.39 because its 25,269 employees are looking after a fleet of 359 aircraft.
The employees-per-airplane ratio of Finland’s FinnAir is 76.01 because its 5,473 employees are looking after a fleet of 72 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft of the Caribbean Airlines of Trinidad and Tobago is 76.19 because its 1600 employees are looking after a fleet of 21 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft of Scandinavian Airlines or SAS is 88.70 because its 12,329 employees are looking after a fleet of 139 aircraft.
The employee-to-aircraft ratio of Swiss International Air Lines is 97.19 because its 8,067 employees are looking after a fleet of 83 aircraft.
The employee-to-aircraft ratio of Air New Zealand Limited is 101.85 because its 11,000 employees are looking after a fleet of 108 aircraft.
The employee-to-aircraft of American Delta Airlines is 110.80 only because its 80,000 employees are looking after a fleet of 722 aircraft. Its revenues stand at $40.3 billion.
The employees-per-aircraft ratio of International Airlines Group is 113.30 only because its 59,484 employees are looking after a fleet of 525 aircraft. Its revenues stand at $22.7 billion.
The staff-to-aircraft ratio of United Airlines is 117.48 only because its 84,000 employees are looking after a fleet of 715 aircraft. Its revenues stand at $38.9 billion.
The employees per aircraft of American Airlines is 120.66 only because its113,300 employees are looking after a fleet of 939 aircraft. The revenues of American Airlines stand at $42.7 billion.
The staff-to-plane ratio of Taiwan’s EVA Air is just 124.04 because its 7,815 employees are looking after a fleet of 63 aircraft.
The employee-to-aircraft ratio of Italy’s Alitalia is just 127.60 because its 14,036 employees are looking after a fleet of 110 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft ratio of British Airways is just 135.07 because its 39,710 employees are looking after a fleet of 294 aircraft.
The employee-to-aircraft ratio of Spain’s Iberia Air Lines is 140.63 because its 18,000 employees are looking after a fleet of 128 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft of Japan Airlines is 141.41 because its 31,534 employees are looking after a fleet of 223 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft ratio of Egypt Air is 142.86 because its 9,000 employees are looking after a fleet of 63 aircraft.
The employee-to-aircraft ratio of UAE’s Eithad Airlines is 148.84 because its 17,712 employees are looking after a fleet of 119 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft ratio of Saudi Arabian Airlines is just 152.40 because its 24,842 employees are looking after a fleet of 163 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft of Air Canada is just 157.89 because its 27,000 employees are looking after a fleet of 171 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft ratio of Chile’s LATAM is just 165.85 because its 53,072 employees are looking after a fleet of 320 aircraft.
The employee-to-aircraft ratio of China Eastern Airlines is 166.36 only because its 68,874 employees are looking after a fleet of 414 aircraft. Its revenues stand at $14.6 billion.
The employees per aircraft ratio of Air France-KLM Airlines is 166.67 only because its 94,666 employees are looking after a fleet of 568 aircraft. Its revenues stand at $27.8 billion.
In case of Iran Air, it is 174.41 because its 7,500 employees are looking after a fleet of 43 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft ratio of China Southern Airlines is 175.78 only because its 90,000 employees are looking after a fleet of 512 aircraft. Its revenues stand at $17.6 billion.
The employees per aircraft ratio of Qatar Airways is just 179.19 because its 31,000 employees are looking after a fleet of 173 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft ratio of Malaysian Airlines is just 181.82 because its 14,000 employees are looking after a fleet of 77 aircraft.
The employee-to-aircraft ratio of Russian Aeroflot is 187.21 because its 30,328 employees are looking after a fleet of 162 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft of Lufthansa Airlines is 193.13 because its 118,781 employees are looking after a fleet of 615 aircraft. Its revenues stand at $33.8 billion.
The employees per aircraft of the South African Airways is 216.81 because its 11,491 employees are looking after a fleet of 53 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft ratio of Australian Qantas is 218.49 because its 28,622 employees are looking after a fleet of 131 aircraft.
The employee-to-aircraft ratio of Singapore Airlines is 219.84 because its 23,963 employees are looking after a fleet of 109 aircraft.
The employee-to-aircraft ratio of Emirates Airlines is 231.53 because its 56,725 employees are looking after a fleet of 245 aircraft. Its revenues stand at $24.2 billion.
The employees per aircraft ratio of Sri Lankan Airlines is 283.33 because its 6,800 employees are looking after a fleet of 24 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft ratio of Air France is 295.97 because its 69,553 employees are looking after a fleet of 235 aircraft.
The employees per aircraft ratio of Thai Airways is 308.82 because its 25,323 employees are looking after a fleet of 82 aircraft.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has the world’s second worst employees per aircraft ratio of 391 staff per plane.
SyrianAir (Syrian Arab Airlines) has an employees per aircraft ratio of 400 as its 4,000 employees are taking care of 10 aircraft only!
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
KENYA: Direct Flights From US To Kenya Will be Soon
Kenya’s transport cabinet secretary James Macharia, said that he anticipates to commence direct flights to the U.S. by May as the country has cleared almost all aviation audit issues. Macharia added that several airlines had expressed interest to offer direct flights between Kenya and the U.S., such as Delta Airlines and Kenya Airways.
The minister went on to say that Jomo Kenyatta Airport has scored 88% when it was assessed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation last September. Inspectors from the FAA in the U.S. are expected to complete the audit of the airport before the end of March.
Delta announced plans to start services to Kenya as early as 2009. However, the airline postponed its plans for an Atlanta-Nairobi route after the U.S. government refused permission, citing security concerns.
Saturday, 30 January 2016
USA: Qatar Airways Acquires Two New 787s
The day started with a briefing by Jim Haas, Boeing’s Director of Product Marketing, at the Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 production line facilities at the plant at Paine Field. The briefing went into the details of the Boeing 787 product family and the status of the Boeing 787-10 aircraft as well as an update on the status of the Boeing 777X products. Following this, media were allowed to participate on a tour of the Everett production lines for the Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
Following the morning events at the production facilities, the attending media were transferred to the Everett Delivery Center. There, the two aircraft were handed over by Ray Connor, CEO of Boeing Commercial Aircraft and other executives of Boeing Commercial Aircraft to His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker of Qatar Airways and members of the Qatar Airways organization.
In comments made during the acceptance ceremony, Mr. Al Baker said he was very pleased in the way that the program has progressed over the years since Qatar Airways had been the Middle East delivery customer for the Dreamliner. He noted that at the beginning of the program, there had been issues with the program that at times caused a possible cancellation of the orders. Once those initial hurdles had been overcome, however, Qatar Airways had been very happy with their Dreamliners. He also alluded to possible confirmations of converting the options on 30 Boeing 787-8s to the Boeing 787-9 in the future.
In his comments, Mr. Connor was very proud of the partnership between Boeing Commercial Aircraft and Qatar Airways. Following the signing of the acceptance documents, and the presentation of the 25th Dreamliner with its special decal to commemorate the delivery, the media was entertained in the Business Class section of the 25th Dreamliner by Mr. Al Baker for a spirited question and answer session.
One of the first questions posed to Mr. Al Baker, referenced comments made by Richard Anderson, CEO of Delta Airlines in the ongoing feud between the two carriers. Mr. Al Baker was very critical of the comments made by Mr. Anderson, alluding to the record profits made by Delta Airlines and his feeling that the customers of Qatar Airways benefit from the newer technology aircraft and service provided by the airline. He was also personally critical of Mr. Anderson, suggesting that “he had lost the plot” and also adding that “he is getting close to retirement age so I would take whatever he says with a pinch of salt”.
In replying to a question addressing the consolidations that had occurred in the industry in recent time, Mr. Al Baker reiterated, “As far as the Middle East is concerned, we will stay” also adding “Don’t ever imagine that Qatar Airways will be renamed something else.” Mr. Al Baker added that in the future, there will be acquisitions of other airlines in order to improve them. With regards to future expansion in the USA by Qatar Airways, Mr. Al Baker noted “We have an Open Skies Agreement with the US.” He added, “We will grow in the United States, every opportunity we get to grow”.
On the subject of a Premium Economy cabin on Qatar Airways, Mr. Al Baker was very adamant that this will not happen, stating “I don’t think there is any room for Premium Economy in our region”, adding “We give you a premium economy seat at an economy price, so passengers are very satisfied”. With regards to the future of the Boeing 777 fleet as far as interiors are concerned, Mr. Al Baker stated they are working on a new business class product that “will be a huge game changer in the industry.” He also added that the new product, “will be patented so that our competition will not be able to take the ideas and copy the product.” This new product will also be used on other aircraft in the fleet, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The new interior product will be introduced at the Farnborough Air Show in 2016.
Of interest is the continuous monitoring of all Qatar Airways flights by their Operation Control Center in Doha, where all aircraft send data every 5 seconds back to the center and every 15 seconds, the data is mapped. Any diversion or deviation of flight plan must be explained to the Operations Control Center. Ray Connor added the Boeing also continuously monitors all Boeing 787 data, and they also have a staff member that sits in the Qatar Operation Control Center to provide assistance.
Wednesday, 27 January 2016
BARNADOS: Holidays, Flights And Travel Information
For Barbados holidays, flights and travel information let Totally Barbados be your guide. You can choose from many flights to Barbados or visit us by cruise ship.
When travelling to Barbados by air, there are a large selection of airlines that fly into Barbados.
The inter-island services include Air Jamaica, British West Indies Airlines (BWIA), LIAT, Caribbean Star, Caribbean Sun and American Eagle.
Caribbean Airlines, Caribbean Star, American Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, LIAT and Air Jamaica all fly to and from Barbados on a regular basis from all over the Caribbean and the World.
When travelling to Barbados, remember that there will be a departure tax of BDS $50 that must be paid at the airport in cash upon departure. Baggage tipping is a suggested $1 U.S. per bag. A valid passport is mandatory for all persons entering the island.
Visas are required for citizens from Eastern European countries, the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Pakistan, the non-Commonwealth countries of Africa, and all South American countries except Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Barbados is a major tourist location and with all the technical advances of recent years, it is now easier than ever to get here.
Book your entire Barbados vacation, flights and travel plans by using Expedia, the world's most popular online travel agent service listed below, for cheap flights to Barbados, cruises, hotels, care hire or entire packages with special discounts from TotallyBarbados.com.
Or call your travel agent to book your trip to Barbados. Come and see what paradise really looks like.
Because Barbados is an island, a mass of land fully surrounded by water, there are only two ways to get here: by air or sea.
Barbados is a favourite stop for cruise ships, so that's a rather popular way of getting here. For ideas of what to do while travelling to Barbados for one day on a cruise ship, see our shore excursions page in the Barbados Vacation category below.
Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean island chain. St. Lucia is the closest country to us. We are southeast of the United States of America, west of Africa, southwest of the United Kingdom and northeast of Venezuela.
If a cruise ship isn't really your thing, you can still enjoy travelling to Barbados by sail or motor boat from any of our neighbouring islands.
During the winter months, our bays are often full of people who are sailing around the world and who have come for a little stop-off in paradise.
When travelling to Barbados by air, there are a large selection of airlines that fly into Barbados.
The inter-island services include Air Jamaica, British West Indies Airlines (BWIA), LIAT, Caribbean Star, Caribbean Sun and American Eagle.
Caribbean Airlines, Caribbean Star, American Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, LIAT and Air Jamaica all fly to and from Barbados on a regular basis from all over the Caribbean and the World.
When travelling to Barbados, remember that there will be a departure tax of BDS $50 that must be paid at the airport in cash upon departure. Baggage tipping is a suggested $1 U.S. per bag. A valid passport is mandatory for all persons entering the island.
Visas are required for citizens from Eastern European countries, the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Pakistan, the non-Commonwealth countries of Africa, and all South American countries except Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Barbados is a major tourist location and with all the technical advances of recent years, it is now easier than ever to get here.
Book your entire Barbados vacation, flights and travel plans by using Expedia, the world's most popular online travel agent service listed below, for cheap flights to Barbados, cruises, hotels, care hire or entire packages with special discounts from TotallyBarbados.com.
Or call your travel agent to book your trip to Barbados. Come and see what paradise really looks like.
Because Barbados is an island, a mass of land fully surrounded by water, there are only two ways to get here: by air or sea.
Barbados is a favourite stop for cruise ships, so that's a rather popular way of getting here. For ideas of what to do while travelling to Barbados for one day on a cruise ship, see our shore excursions page in the Barbados Vacation category below.
Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean island chain. St. Lucia is the closest country to us. We are southeast of the United States of America, west of Africa, southwest of the United Kingdom and northeast of Venezuela.
If a cruise ship isn't really your thing, you can still enjoy travelling to Barbados by sail or motor boat from any of our neighbouring islands.
During the winter months, our bays are often full of people who are sailing around the world and who have come for a little stop-off in paradise.
Monday, 25 January 2016
ZIMBABWE: $30,000 Raised to Fight Poaching In Victoria Falls
THE war on poaching has been given a record $30,000 boost by a fundraising golf tournament, coordinated and sponsored by Africa Albida Tourism, which is more than double the amount raised at last year’s event.
A total of 132 players, making up 33 teams, teed off for charity at the 15th annual fundraising Golf Day for the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit (VFAPU) at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club, before a prize-giving function and auction.
The fundraising tournament, which took place on October 2, was won by Blair Taberer and Munya Mudyanadzo, with teams including the Zimbabwe Special Olympics golfers sponsored by Delta Airlines, and ‘The Cats’, who took the best dressed team prize in matching fluorescent-coloured cat masks and ties.
A silver cuff by renowned Zimbabwean jeweller Patrick Mavros, specially designed for the event went for $1,100 at the auction. In addition five cricket souvenirs signed by top international players, donated by SAVE: African Rhino Foundation, each fetched between $2,000 and $3,250 under the hammer.
Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) group chairman Dave Glynn said: “The Zimbabwean community never ceases to amaze me. The generosity and the level of support was outstanding on the day.
VFAPU has arrested nearly 700 hardened poachers since it was established in 1999 by Mr Brightman, a local safari operator and conservationist, and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, AAT’s flagship property.
The unit, which works closely with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, has also removed more than 22 000 wire snares from its operational area.
In addition, 179 mammals, including buffalo, kudu, eland and impala, injured by snares have been treated and released back into the wild.
The unit is also supported by other tourism operators and members of the Victoria Falls community.
VFAPU, which was established in an effort to fight the alarming levels of poaching, operates in a 50kmsq area around Victoria Falls, and has 17 scouts patrolling seven days/nights a week. The unit tackles all forms of poaching, including wood, bush meat and ivory.
A total of 132 players, making up 33 teams, teed off for charity at the 15th annual fundraising Golf Day for the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit (VFAPU) at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club, before a prize-giving function and auction.
The fundraising tournament, which took place on October 2, was won by Blair Taberer and Munya Mudyanadzo, with teams including the Zimbabwe Special Olympics golfers sponsored by Delta Airlines, and ‘The Cats’, who took the best dressed team prize in matching fluorescent-coloured cat masks and ties.
A silver cuff by renowned Zimbabwean jeweller Patrick Mavros, specially designed for the event went for $1,100 at the auction. In addition five cricket souvenirs signed by top international players, donated by SAVE: African Rhino Foundation, each fetched between $2,000 and $3,250 under the hammer.
Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) group chairman Dave Glynn said: “The Zimbabwean community never ceases to amaze me. The generosity and the level of support was outstanding on the day.
VFAPU has arrested nearly 700 hardened poachers since it was established in 1999 by Mr Brightman, a local safari operator and conservationist, and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, AAT’s flagship property.
The unit, which works closely with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, has also removed more than 22 000 wire snares from its operational area.
In addition, 179 mammals, including buffalo, kudu, eland and impala, injured by snares have been treated and released back into the wild.
The unit is also supported by other tourism operators and members of the Victoria Falls community.
VFAPU, which was established in an effort to fight the alarming levels of poaching, operates in a 50kmsq area around Victoria Falls, and has 17 scouts patrolling seven days/nights a week. The unit tackles all forms of poaching, including wood, bush meat and ivory.
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