ROTANA SIGNS A NEW AGREEMENT WITH RSG INTERNATIONAL
Rotana today signed an agreement with RSG International, a UAE-based global conglomerate, with interests in the property development, automotive and industrial equipment sectors across the Middle East, North America and South Asia, for a new five-star hotel and serviced apartment project in Dubai, located in Sufouh Gardens on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Named ‘Sabah Rotana’, the 54-storey, 534-room property will be managed by Rotana on behalf of RSG International and is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2020.
The agreement was signed by Raj Sahni (Abu Sabah), Owner and Chairman of RSG International, and Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of Rotana.
Also present at the signing ceremony were Sabah Sahni, Vice Chairman of RSG International, Sumeet Sahni, Deputy Vice Chairman of RSG International and Jasjit Singh Jaaj, Group CEO of RSG International, Selim El Zyr Vice Chairman of Rotana and Omer Kaddouri President & CEO of Rotana.
“We are very pleased to partner with RSG International, that brings over 25 years of experience in real estate and property development, on this new venture,” said Nasser Al Nowais.
“Sabah Rotana has been designed keeping in mind the comfort and flexibility that today’s modern traveller demands, and will offer guests an enriching experience. The project continues Rotana’s strategy of centrally locating its properties in prime city areas in order for guests to enjoy greater convenience and easy accessibility.”
Raj Sahni (Abu Sabah) said, “We are proud to award management of one of our distinguished projects to the region’s premier hotel management company.
Set in a prominent location in one of Dubai’s most vibrant and dynamic communities, on Sheikh Zayed Road, we hope to create an iconic hospitality landmark in Dubai.
RSG International has long been a trusted name in the region’s property development market, and our collaboration with Rotana on this prestigious new project will allow us to consolidate our presence in the fast-growing hospitality segment.”
Rising up to 54 storeys, Sabah Rotana is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, towering over the Al Sufouh landscape and will offer majestic views of the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah and neighbouring communities such as Emirates Living.
It is in the vicinity of Jumeirah Central district, Dubai’s new urban lifestyle capital, and is only minutes away from iconic city landmarks and major shopping destinations and business centres.
Guests can look forward to a quiet and comfortable accommodation at the exquisitely designed hotel which features 210 spacious, well-appointed rooms in addition to 10 executive suites and 2 ultra-luxurious presidential suites.
The hotel apartments meanwhile will include 260 one-bedroom and 52 two-bedroom apartments that will provide guests with all the comforts for a pleasant and memorable long stay.
Complementing the elegant rooms and suites will be an impressive array of food and beverage offerings with seven unique venues including restaurants, bars and three nightclubs including one on the rooftop, serving a variety of delectable cuisines, styles and atmosphere.
Another key attraction will be the business and recreational facilities including three fully-equipped meeting rooms, an executive lounge, and an ultra-modern gym, swimming pool and wellness lounge.
Further distinguishing the property will be its massive parking facility, which is spread across the basement and podium levels and will accommodate up to 800 vehicles.
Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Conservation: News,Stories And Experiences From Allover The World
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
QATAR: Time Hotels And Resorts To Open TIME Rako Hotel****
TIME Hotels and Resorts will open its first hotel in Qatar, TIME Rako, a four-star, 102 key property located in the Al Wakra district of Doha.
Due to open its doors in Q2 2017, TIME Rako – which means relaxation or enjoyment in Japanese – features over 102 rooms and suites, in a first-of-its-kind four-star product for Qatar’s mid-range market.
The opening is part of a huge expansion programme, with the company set to extend its footprint to Ajman and Fujairah in the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia, before the end of Q4 2018.
According to a report from Colliers International, the supply of internationally branded midscale and economy rooms in Doha is expected to reach 1,600 by 2020
Time Rako Hotel is located 20 minutes from central Doha and only 15 minutes from Doha International Airport. Positioned to meet the requirements of business, leisure, MICE and family travellers, the property offers rooms and suites of various configurations, with three equipped for guests with special needs.
The hotel offers guests a 24-hour fitness and leisure centre with a variety of spa treatments, and a 24-hour all-day dining restaurant with a capacity of 90 covers, where guests can select from deli, buffet and à la carte options.
There is also a specialty seafood restaurant with outdoor terrace and open-style kitchen, a signature wood burning oven and a fresh fish display, with capacity for 84 covers and both indoor and outdoor seating options.
On the rooftop is a lounge bar with a large outdoor terrace, seating over 106 guests.
Doha has predominantly been a business destination, with the corporate and MICE segments accounting for more than 75% of hotel demand, a trend expected to continue in the short term.
Tapping into this high demand segment, the hotel will also offer three multipurpose rooms suitable for a range of event types. The banqueting facility can cater for up to 500 guests.
Due to open its doors in Q2 2017, TIME Rako – which means relaxation or enjoyment in Japanese – features over 102 rooms and suites, in a first-of-its-kind four-star product for Qatar’s mid-range market.
The opening is part of a huge expansion programme, with the company set to extend its footprint to Ajman and Fujairah in the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia, before the end of Q4 2018.
According to a report from Colliers International, the supply of internationally branded midscale and economy rooms in Doha is expected to reach 1,600 by 2020
Time Rako Hotel is located 20 minutes from central Doha and only 15 minutes from Doha International Airport. Positioned to meet the requirements of business, leisure, MICE and family travellers, the property offers rooms and suites of various configurations, with three equipped for guests with special needs.
The hotel offers guests a 24-hour fitness and leisure centre with a variety of spa treatments, and a 24-hour all-day dining restaurant with a capacity of 90 covers, where guests can select from deli, buffet and à la carte options.
There is also a specialty seafood restaurant with outdoor terrace and open-style kitchen, a signature wood burning oven and a fresh fish display, with capacity for 84 covers and both indoor and outdoor seating options.
On the rooftop is a lounge bar with a large outdoor terrace, seating over 106 guests.
Doha has predominantly been a business destination, with the corporate and MICE segments accounting for more than 75% of hotel demand, a trend expected to continue in the short term.
Tapping into this high demand segment, the hotel will also offer three multipurpose rooms suitable for a range of event types. The banqueting facility can cater for up to 500 guests.
QATAR: Mondarin Doha To Open Soon
sbe, the leading privately-held lifestyle hospitality company, revealed further details of the extraordinary design of Mondrian Doha at a press conference in Milan, Italy, hosted by the group’s chief brand officer, Michele Caniato, in collaboration with Marcel Wanders and South West Architecture (SWA).
The preview of Mondrian Doha and its highly-anticipated design aptly took place during the world’s biggest design fair, Salone del Mobile, happening in Milan this week from 4 – 9 April, 2017.
Caniato spoke with renowned Dutch interior designer, Marcel Wanders, and Mr Wadah Azrak, president of Qatar’s most prominent architectural firm, SWA, to delve deeper into the creative process and intricate details that make up what will be a landmark property in Doha.
The lavish 270-room Mondrian Doha hotel is set to be an exceptional lifestyle offering for the destination when it opens at the end of quarter two, 2017 and becomes sbe’s first hotel in the Middle East as well as Marcel Wanders’ first hotel for the region.
Yesterday, further information on the hotel’s entertainment offering was announced for the first time, including details of the hotel’s eight restaurants and bars, dedicated nightclub zone, expansive ballroom and rooftop pool and bar, complete with stained glass dome.
Michele Caniato, chief brand officer, sbe said: “What better place for us to reveal the exciting details of our forthcoming Mondrian Doha hotel than at the most prestigious design show known across the globe. It is an honour to be here today, introducing you to our magical hotel and celebrating our close partnership with Marcel Wanders and Mr Azrak of SWA.”
Mr Wadah Azrak, president, South West Architecture, commented: “This has been a significant project for SWA, and we are delighted to showcase our first hotel in Qatar.
The building was conceived as a falcon, an important national symbol for Qatar, that sits atop its nest. We hope to see you soon in Doha and show you this incredible property.”
Marcel Wanders commented: “For the design of Mondrian Doha and everything we do, locale is super important. To create the hotel, we studied the city, we studied the people.
We don’t create interiors, we create destinations and Mondrian Doha is a destination in itself that needs to be discovered. We invite people to join us on the journey through to the hotel, it is a journey that has no end.
Stepping into Mondrian Doha begins the first chapter of a wonderful story that unfolds and presents surprises around every turn.”
As the conference revealed, found on the 26th and 27th floor of Mondrian Doha is a truly remarkable space.
The rooftop pool and bar, Rise, is a city of its own, created with black and white bricks and offering an abundance of natural light which shines through the stained glass dome to create rays of coloured light.
Modern technology has allowed the pattern of a peony tiffany lamp to be printed on the skylight glass, making it the largest tiffany lamp in the world.
Under the colourful sky of the glass dome is the black and white city below; the pool area, which houses luxury wooden and crystal lamps, white leather seating and wooden sunbeds.
The magnificent ballroom was also revealed at the conference. The largest in the region, the ballroom is an elegant, transformable space that can be adapted to suit every occasion, from lavish weddings and award ceremonies to larger functions and presentations.
Brides can enjoy the most glamourous of entrances with the use of an incredible 24 carat gold sculpted caged elevator which links the secret bridal suite directly to the ballroom.
A fantasy-like environment, true to the Marcel Wanders design and the Mondrian ethos, is waiting to be explored by guests.
Each day at Mondrian Doha will offer a new discovery and create a new memory – with enlightening scenes from the iconic lobby arrival through to the mesmerising stained glass dome skylight on the 27th floor.
SAUDI ARABIA: Hilton Exands In Saudi Arabia With Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel
Hilton has opened the doors of Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel. With majestic views overlooking the Sacred Mosque, Al Masjid al Haram, and the city’s largest ballroom and convention centre, Hilton proudly welcomes Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel to its growing Middle Eastern portfolio.
“The opening of Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel marks Hilton’s 12th hotel in Saudi Arabia,” said Andreas Lackner, regional head, brand management, Hilton. “With more than 30 hotels under development, Saudi Arabia features our largest development pipeline in the Middle East and we look forward to extending our renowned hospitality across the country.”
Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel caters to meetings and events of all sizes, with the largest pillar-less ballroom in Makkah, and the ability to accommodate up to 1,600 people.
The hotel boasts the first and largest convention centre in the city, and is joined by an additional eight multi-purpose meeting and boardrooms.
Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel boasts three restaurants and a cafe where guests can indulge in various eclectic cuisines. The elegant ambience of the all-day Al Mustafa restaurant offers guests an international buffet. Alternatively, Azure serves Indian and Malaysian cuisine, and Sahtein serves Lebanese food.
In addition, guests can enjoy a casual setting at Al Multaqa Café, offering light snacks.
“We are delighted to be welcoming guests looking to stay in the heart of Makkah,” said Mark Allaf, general manager, Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel. “Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel offers contemporary accommodations in one of the world’s most monumental cities. With its spacious ballroom and convention centre, the hotel is ideal for meetings and events of all sizes.”
The hotel offers 764 contemporary guest rooms with large modern walk-in showers, including 90 executive rooms, 25 executive suites and 16 suites with views of Haram. Guests will also have access to the 24-hour fitness centre featuring the latest state-of-the-art equipment.
Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 distinct hotel brands.
Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi.
Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in and choose their room.
“The opening of Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel marks Hilton’s 12th hotel in Saudi Arabia,” said Andreas Lackner, regional head, brand management, Hilton. “With more than 30 hotels under development, Saudi Arabia features our largest development pipeline in the Middle East and we look forward to extending our renowned hospitality across the country.”
Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel caters to meetings and events of all sizes, with the largest pillar-less ballroom in Makkah, and the ability to accommodate up to 1,600 people.
The hotel boasts the first and largest convention centre in the city, and is joined by an additional eight multi-purpose meeting and boardrooms.
Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel boasts three restaurants and a cafe where guests can indulge in various eclectic cuisines. The elegant ambience of the all-day Al Mustafa restaurant offers guests an international buffet. Alternatively, Azure serves Indian and Malaysian cuisine, and Sahtein serves Lebanese food.
In addition, guests can enjoy a casual setting at Al Multaqa Café, offering light snacks.
“We are delighted to be welcoming guests looking to stay in the heart of Makkah,” said Mark Allaf, general manager, Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel. “Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel offers contemporary accommodations in one of the world’s most monumental cities. With its spacious ballroom and convention centre, the hotel is ideal for meetings and events of all sizes.”
The hotel offers 764 contemporary guest rooms with large modern walk-in showers, including 90 executive rooms, 25 executive suites and 16 suites with views of Haram. Guests will also have access to the 24-hour fitness centre featuring the latest state-of-the-art equipment.
Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 distinct hotel brands.
Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi.
Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in and choose their room.
USA: GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)
GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) is an Irish-American commercial aircraft financing and leasing company.
It is the largest commercial airline leasing/financing company in the world.
It is part of GE Capital, a company of the large conglomerate General Electric.
GECAS buys aircraft from manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing and then leases them to airlines, typically on eight year leases, usually on dry lease contracts.
It also buys aircraft from airlines and leases them back.
The company has three global headquarters, located in Singapore; Shannon, County Clare and Norwalk, Connecticut.
The primary competition for GECAS is AerCap, although other companies such as Air Lease Corporation, Aviation Capital Group, BBAM and SMBC Aviation Capital also compete with it.
GECAS has a fleet of over 1800 aircraft, used by 245 airlines.
Nearly all aircraft owned by GECAS are powered by engines from either GE Aviation, another subsidiary of General Electric, or CFM International, a GE Aviation/Snecma joint venture.
GECAS was formed in 1993 to manage the assets bought from the Irish-based Guinness Peat Aviation.
The company GE Capital Aviation Services Limited was based in Ireland and originally staffed by former GPA employees.
GE Capital also incorporated the California-based Polaris Aircraft Leasing into the group.
GECAS also owns a minority stake in Oxford Aviation Academy retained when they sold 80%,before dilution, of GECAT to STAR Capital Partners in 2007.
In 2015, GECAS took over the Irish-based Milestone Aviation to add helicopters to its leasing portfolio.
GECAS maintains a portfolio of narrow body and wide body passenger aircraft, cargo aircraft, and regional and turboprop aircraft from manufacturers Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Bombardier and ATR.
Through its Milestone Aviation Group, GECAS also owns and leases AgustaWestland, Sikorsky and Airbus Eurocopter helicopters.
Customers finance these aircraft through the following GECAS offerings:
• Operating leases
• Purchase leaseback agreements
• Secured loans
• Aircraft servicing
Additionally, GECAS buys, leases and finances aircraft engines from GE and CFM, as well as from manufacturers Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, IAE and Engine Alliance.
GECAS provides the following for its engine pool:
• Operating leases
• Short-term leases
• Purchase leaseback agreements
• Secured loans
• Engine exchange
• Engine servicing
GECAS distributes recertified engine and aircraft parts through its Asset Management Services group.
The company maintains an inventory of parts from Airbus, Boeing, Douglas and Bombardier aircraft that have been overhauled, repaired or modified and distributes these parts from warehouses in North America, Europe and Asia.
GECAS also operates AviaSolutions, which provides aircraft consultancy services to airports, investors and financial institutions, governments and airlines.
AviaSolutions advises clients on business development, route development, infrastructure planning, airline management, regulations, and various other projects.
It is the largest commercial airline leasing/financing company in the world.
It is part of GE Capital, a company of the large conglomerate General Electric.
GECAS buys aircraft from manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing and then leases them to airlines, typically on eight year leases, usually on dry lease contracts.
It also buys aircraft from airlines and leases them back.
The company has three global headquarters, located in Singapore; Shannon, County Clare and Norwalk, Connecticut.
The primary competition for GECAS is AerCap, although other companies such as Air Lease Corporation, Aviation Capital Group, BBAM and SMBC Aviation Capital also compete with it.
GECAS has a fleet of over 1800 aircraft, used by 245 airlines.
Nearly all aircraft owned by GECAS are powered by engines from either GE Aviation, another subsidiary of General Electric, or CFM International, a GE Aviation/Snecma joint venture.
GECAS was formed in 1993 to manage the assets bought from the Irish-based Guinness Peat Aviation.
The company GE Capital Aviation Services Limited was based in Ireland and originally staffed by former GPA employees.
GE Capital also incorporated the California-based Polaris Aircraft Leasing into the group.
GECAS also owns a minority stake in Oxford Aviation Academy retained when they sold 80%,before dilution, of GECAT to STAR Capital Partners in 2007.
In 2015, GECAS took over the Irish-based Milestone Aviation to add helicopters to its leasing portfolio.
GECAS maintains a portfolio of narrow body and wide body passenger aircraft, cargo aircraft, and regional and turboprop aircraft from manufacturers Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Bombardier and ATR.
Through its Milestone Aviation Group, GECAS also owns and leases AgustaWestland, Sikorsky and Airbus Eurocopter helicopters.
Customers finance these aircraft through the following GECAS offerings:
• Operating leases
• Purchase leaseback agreements
• Secured loans
• Aircraft servicing
Additionally, GECAS buys, leases and finances aircraft engines from GE and CFM, as well as from manufacturers Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, IAE and Engine Alliance.
GECAS provides the following for its engine pool:
• Operating leases
• Short-term leases
• Purchase leaseback agreements
• Secured loans
• Engine exchange
• Engine servicing
GECAS distributes recertified engine and aircraft parts through its Asset Management Services group.
The company maintains an inventory of parts from Airbus, Boeing, Douglas and Bombardier aircraft that have been overhauled, repaired or modified and distributes these parts from warehouses in North America, Europe and Asia.
GECAS also operates AviaSolutions, which provides aircraft consultancy services to airports, investors and financial institutions, governments and airlines.
AviaSolutions advises clients on business development, route development, infrastructure planning, airline management, regulations, and various other projects.
RWANDA: RwandAir Gets new CEO, Planning To Delete Nigeria From Its destinations
RwandAir Limited is the flag carrier airline of Rwanda. It operates domestic and international services to East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa and the Middle East from its main base at Kigali International Airport in Kigali.
A Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Wednesday removed John Mirenge as the chief executive officer of national carrier RwandAir, replacing him with Col Chance Ndagano in an acting capacity.
Mr Mirenge has been at the helm of RwandAir since 2010 and is credited with steering an ambitious expansion plan. His exit came in the week RwandAir made its maiden flight to Mumbai, India, and announced a route to Harare, Zimbabwe.
Col Ndagano is also the board vice chairperson of the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA).
Another military officer, Lt Col. Sylvere Munyaneza was also appointed the airline’s deputy CEO in charge of operations.
Mr Munyaneza replaces Jean Paul Nyirubutama, who was appointed to the airline’s board.
Yvonne Makolo Manzi, who has been the chief marketing officer of MTN Rwanda, was appointed the position of deputy CEO in charge of corporate affairs at RwandAir.
There were no immediate reasons for the removal of the airline's top executives, but reliable sources indicate that mismanagement of resources and failure to contain financial leaks could be behind the sacking.
Mr Mirenge has been credited for expanding the airline from five aircrafts since his appointment to 11 aircraft currently, including two triple class wide-bodied Airbus A330 planes deployed on intercontinental routes. The airline also has three Boeing B737-700 and -800 aircrafts.
The changes come at a time when RwandAir was planning to launch a direct flight to London, Gatwick in May. RwandAir’s maiden flight to Harare arrived on Wednesday, increasing the airline’s routes to Southern Africa to three.
While RwandAir has not started making profits yet, there have been reports of financial losses, with a reliable source indicating that an internal probe unearthed missing funds up to the tune of $2 million.
On December 8, 2016, Nigerian media reported that RwandAir had incurred heavy losses resulting from fines linked to fake entry visas carried by Nigerians travelling to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The report claimed that the Rwandan national carrier had made heavy losses in fines in just six months.
Under the international aviation rules guiding the Global Distribution System, the fines are paid by the airline which carried the individual.
“For every passenger that arrives in Dubai without a valid visa or is in possession of forged papers and ultimately turned back at the port of entry, the airline pays a penalty of $30,000,” the report is quoted, adding that RwandAir was planning to scrap Nigeria from its destinations.
After the 1994 genocide the government took several attempts to revive the former national carrier Air Rwanda that ceased operations during the genocide.
Various private companies showed interest in partnering with the government and Uganda based SA alliance air ran the company from 1997 to 2000.
After the company ceased operations to ensure continued operations of the airline the government took over and re branded the airline.
RwandAir began operations on 1 December 2002 as the new national carrier for Rwanda under the name Rwandair Express .
In 2016, RwandAir received International Air Transport Association’s Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).
The airline began to expand regionally and by 2009 the network to included Dar-es-Salaam, Nairobi, and domestic destinations such as Gisenyi.
In March 2009, the airline registered a new trademark "RwandAir Ltd" which is its current operating name. In June 2009, the airline officially re-branded from Rwandair Express to RwandAir, because the new name implies a large, serious airline, while the "Express" in the former name implies a small regional operation.
In May 2010, Rene Janata became the CEO, introducing a frequent flyer program and developing the airline to become a network carrier. In October 2010, John Mirenge became the new CEO of RwandAir
In July 2010 the first of RwandAir's new Boeing 737-500's arrived; the second one arrived on 20 October 2010.
Both are leased from General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and each has a two class configuration with 12 business class seats.
In August 2011 the airline took delivery of their first aircraft purchased directly from an airline manufacturer. All prior aircraft operated by RwandAir have been either leased or bought as a second hand.
The aircraft purchased a Boeing 737-800 with Sky Interior, also known as Boeing 737 Next Generation, and is the only one operating among African air carriers.
The flight departed from Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, United States at 5:30 PM PST. It made its first stop in Keflavík International Airport in Iceland, then it headed for a second stop to Istanbul, Turkey. It finally arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, after a 20 hours flight.
In October 2011 RwandAir took delivery of their second Boeing Next-Generation 737-800.
During January 2012, the airline disposed of the two CRJ200 aircraft it owned, in anticipation of acquiring two CRJ-900NGs.
In February 2013, John Mirenge announced that the airline would fly to Accra, Cape Town, Harare, Juba and Zanzibar, in 2013.
In May 2015, Rwandair officially became an IATA member.
The airline has its head office on the top floor of the main building of Kigali International Airport. The airline previously had its head office in Centenary House in Kigali, before moving its operations to the airport in May 2010.
Rwandair is 99% owned by the Government of Rwanda.
Rwanda government hoped to privatize the airline after 2013, once it became profitable; the process had been abandoned in 2008, after it emerged that nobody at the time was willing to offer the amount expected from the sale.
RwandAir has been loss-making for a number of years. Detailed accounts do not appear to have been published, with only a few public announcements from senior management or the government giving details of the scale of the operation.
RwandAir serves the following destinations including codeshare destinations:
Brussels In Belgium - Brussels Airport
Cotonou In Benin - Cadjehoun Airport
Bujumbura In Burundi - Bujumbura International Airport
Douala In Cameroon - Douala International Airport
Brazzaville In Republic of the Congo - Maya-Maya Airport
Libreville In Gabon - Libreville International Airport
Accra In Ghana - Kotoka International Airport
Mumbai In India - Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport
Abidjan In Ivory Coast - Port Bouet Airport
Mombasa In Kenya - Moi International Airport
Nairobi In Kenya - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Lagos In Nigeria - Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Cyangugu In Rwanda - Kamembe Airport
Kigali In Rwanda - Kigali International Airport
Johannesburg In South Africa - OR Tambo International Airport
Juba In South Sudan - Juba International Airport
Dar es Salaam In Tanzania - Julius Nyerere International Airport
Kilimanjaro in Tanzania - Kilimanjaro International Airport
Entebbe In Uganda - Entebbe International Airport
Dubai In United Arab Emirates - Dubai International Airport
London In United Kingdom - Gatwick International Airport – To Commence 26 May 2017
Lusaka In Zambia - Kenneth Kaunda International Airport
Harare In Zimbabwe - Harare International Airport
RwandAir codeshares with the following airlines:
• Brussels Airlines
• Ethiopian Airlines
• South African Airways
• Turkish Airlines
The RwandAir fleet comprises the following aircraft as of December 2016
• Airbus A330-200 1
• Airbus A330-300 1
• Boeing 737-700 2
• Boeing 737-800 3
• Boeing 787-8 1
• Bombardier CRJ900ER 2
• Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 2
• Total 12
A Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Wednesday removed John Mirenge as the chief executive officer of national carrier RwandAir, replacing him with Col Chance Ndagano in an acting capacity.
Mr Mirenge has been at the helm of RwandAir since 2010 and is credited with steering an ambitious expansion plan. His exit came in the week RwandAir made its maiden flight to Mumbai, India, and announced a route to Harare, Zimbabwe.
Col Ndagano is also the board vice chairperson of the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA).
Another military officer, Lt Col. Sylvere Munyaneza was also appointed the airline’s deputy CEO in charge of operations.
Mr Munyaneza replaces Jean Paul Nyirubutama, who was appointed to the airline’s board.
Yvonne Makolo Manzi, who has been the chief marketing officer of MTN Rwanda, was appointed the position of deputy CEO in charge of corporate affairs at RwandAir.
There were no immediate reasons for the removal of the airline's top executives, but reliable sources indicate that mismanagement of resources and failure to contain financial leaks could be behind the sacking.
Mr Mirenge has been credited for expanding the airline from five aircrafts since his appointment to 11 aircraft currently, including two triple class wide-bodied Airbus A330 planes deployed on intercontinental routes. The airline also has three Boeing B737-700 and -800 aircrafts.
The changes come at a time when RwandAir was planning to launch a direct flight to London, Gatwick in May. RwandAir’s maiden flight to Harare arrived on Wednesday, increasing the airline’s routes to Southern Africa to three.
While RwandAir has not started making profits yet, there have been reports of financial losses, with a reliable source indicating that an internal probe unearthed missing funds up to the tune of $2 million.
On December 8, 2016, Nigerian media reported that RwandAir had incurred heavy losses resulting from fines linked to fake entry visas carried by Nigerians travelling to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The report claimed that the Rwandan national carrier had made heavy losses in fines in just six months.
Under the international aviation rules guiding the Global Distribution System, the fines are paid by the airline which carried the individual.
“For every passenger that arrives in Dubai without a valid visa or is in possession of forged papers and ultimately turned back at the port of entry, the airline pays a penalty of $30,000,” the report is quoted, adding that RwandAir was planning to scrap Nigeria from its destinations.
After the 1994 genocide the government took several attempts to revive the former national carrier Air Rwanda that ceased operations during the genocide.
Various private companies showed interest in partnering with the government and Uganda based SA alliance air ran the company from 1997 to 2000.
After the company ceased operations to ensure continued operations of the airline the government took over and re branded the airline.
RwandAir began operations on 1 December 2002 as the new national carrier for Rwanda under the name Rwandair Express .
In 2016, RwandAir received International Air Transport Association’s Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).
The airline began to expand regionally and by 2009 the network to included Dar-es-Salaam, Nairobi, and domestic destinations such as Gisenyi.
In March 2009, the airline registered a new trademark "RwandAir Ltd" which is its current operating name. In June 2009, the airline officially re-branded from Rwandair Express to RwandAir, because the new name implies a large, serious airline, while the "Express" in the former name implies a small regional operation.
In May 2010, Rene Janata became the CEO, introducing a frequent flyer program and developing the airline to become a network carrier. In October 2010, John Mirenge became the new CEO of RwandAir
In July 2010 the first of RwandAir's new Boeing 737-500's arrived; the second one arrived on 20 October 2010.
Both are leased from General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and each has a two class configuration with 12 business class seats.
In August 2011 the airline took delivery of their first aircraft purchased directly from an airline manufacturer. All prior aircraft operated by RwandAir have been either leased or bought as a second hand.
The aircraft purchased a Boeing 737-800 with Sky Interior, also known as Boeing 737 Next Generation, and is the only one operating among African air carriers.
The flight departed from Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, United States at 5:30 PM PST. It made its first stop in Keflavík International Airport in Iceland, then it headed for a second stop to Istanbul, Turkey. It finally arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, after a 20 hours flight.
In October 2011 RwandAir took delivery of their second Boeing Next-Generation 737-800.
During January 2012, the airline disposed of the two CRJ200 aircraft it owned, in anticipation of acquiring two CRJ-900NGs.
In February 2013, John Mirenge announced that the airline would fly to Accra, Cape Town, Harare, Juba and Zanzibar, in 2013.
In May 2015, Rwandair officially became an IATA member.
The airline has its head office on the top floor of the main building of Kigali International Airport. The airline previously had its head office in Centenary House in Kigali, before moving its operations to the airport in May 2010.
Rwandair is 99% owned by the Government of Rwanda.
Rwanda government hoped to privatize the airline after 2013, once it became profitable; the process had been abandoned in 2008, after it emerged that nobody at the time was willing to offer the amount expected from the sale.
RwandAir has been loss-making for a number of years. Detailed accounts do not appear to have been published, with only a few public announcements from senior management or the government giving details of the scale of the operation.
RwandAir serves the following destinations including codeshare destinations:
Brussels In Belgium - Brussels Airport
Cotonou In Benin - Cadjehoun Airport
Bujumbura In Burundi - Bujumbura International Airport
Douala In Cameroon - Douala International Airport
Brazzaville In Republic of the Congo - Maya-Maya Airport
Libreville In Gabon - Libreville International Airport
Accra In Ghana - Kotoka International Airport
Mumbai In India - Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport
Abidjan In Ivory Coast - Port Bouet Airport
Mombasa In Kenya - Moi International Airport
Nairobi In Kenya - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Lagos In Nigeria - Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Cyangugu In Rwanda - Kamembe Airport
Kigali In Rwanda - Kigali International Airport
Johannesburg In South Africa - OR Tambo International Airport
Juba In South Sudan - Juba International Airport
Dar es Salaam In Tanzania - Julius Nyerere International Airport
Kilimanjaro in Tanzania - Kilimanjaro International Airport
Entebbe In Uganda - Entebbe International Airport
Dubai In United Arab Emirates - Dubai International Airport
London In United Kingdom - Gatwick International Airport – To Commence 26 May 2017
Lusaka In Zambia - Kenneth Kaunda International Airport
Harare In Zimbabwe - Harare International Airport
RwandAir codeshares with the following airlines:
• Brussels Airlines
• Ethiopian Airlines
• South African Airways
• Turkish Airlines
The RwandAir fleet comprises the following aircraft as of December 2016
• Airbus A330-200 1
• Airbus A330-300 1
• Boeing 737-700 2
• Boeing 737-800 3
• Boeing 787-8 1
• Bombardier CRJ900ER 2
• Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 2
• Total 12
SAMOA: Tourism Grows In Samoa
The government is serious about its commitment to attract more tourists.
Part of that commitment is hosting the annual Samoa Tourism Exchange which ended last night.
The exhibition provided a platform for hoteliers, airline companies, car rentals, inbound tour operators and others to show the variety of what they offer with the hope to boost the number of travelers to Samoa.
The General Manager of Stevensons at Manase, Megan Bradney, enjoyed every bit of the exhibition.
“It gives the travel agents an idea of how things are in Samoa in the tourism sector, so that people can formulate and decide where they want to spend their holidays, not only in Upolu but also in Savai’i,” said Megan.
“This is a great way of showcasing Samoa to the rest of the world. This is a great opportunity for hoteliers both from Upolu and Savaii to show and get the word and name out there for people to know.
“It helps us to get the name out and also one-on-one appointments with the providers and buyers so we can tell them a bit about each hotelier has to offer and also an update of where things are.
“For us at Stevensons, this is an opportunity for us to tell our providers where we are now and update them with work that we do. We’ve built new villas and we are almost finished with our infinity pool.”
Fa’aso’otauloa Paulina Theresa Schwalger from the Sesilia’s Bayview Bungalows shared the same views.
Sesilia’s Bayview Bungalow is located on the Lava field at Saleaula Savaii.
“For us, we always look forward to the Samoa tourism Exchange as it gives us the opportunity to showcase and tell other buyers about our place, location and what we can offer.
“It provides a platform for us to show and promote our work with the hope to getting more tourists and visitors in the future.
This is also a good opportunity for hoteliers and local business owners in this sector to learn from one another on how to improve our work especially with our service to the people.”
Laura Wadsworth, Global Sales and Marketing Manager for Samoa Scenic believes the exhibition was a great way of growing tourism in Samoa.
“I think it’s very important because it showcases Samoa to the world; there are a lot of people coming here to Samoa from a long way, like France, Germany, Korea, Japan and others.
“There are markets that are here in Samoa for the first time and what we are getting from them is that they are happy to be here.
“They said their customers are now looking at somewhere different to visit in the Pacific; most of them have been to Fiji, obviously they go to Australia and New Zealand and they are looking at somewhere different and that’s why it is important that we are having this Tourism Exchange.”
She went on to say that the travel agents from overseas have been giving nothing but positive feedback about tourism in Samoa.
“They all love Samoa, the scenery and most importantly they love the people.
“They love the hospitality and what they’ve said to us is that they are glad to see that tourism hasn’t changed the way Samoan people live.
“They say Samoan people are still holding on to their culture and traditions.
“So for us here at Samoa Scenic, we are going to be dealing with these people directly to be a one stop shop for them booking their accommodations, and other things.
“We are very happy that we have this tourism exchange as it is a great way of growing tourism in Samoa.”
USA: United Airlines Shame On You, After Dragging Chinese Passenger Off A Flight From Chicago To Kentucky
A United Airlines passenger was forcibly removed from a flight after he refused to voluntarily give up his seat Sunday night, as shown in jarring videos posted online by fellow passengers.
United had overbooked the flight and was looking for four volunteers to leave the plane in order to send four United crew members from Chicago to Louisville.
Passengers were allowed to board and the airline offered $800 to anyone who would give up their seat, but when there were no volunteers United said a computer would randomly select four passengers.
One of those selected claimed to be a doctor who had patients to see in the morning, and he refused to leave. Airport security then dragged him off the plane.
The United Contract of Carriage lays out specific policies for passengers who are not allowed to board overbooked flights but doesn’t cite policy for removing passengers who are already seated on such flights.
Late last month, two teenage girls dressed in leggings were denied boarding on a United flight from Denver to Minneapolis because of their form-fitting pants.
Because the girls were using free passes for employees or family members, they were subject to a dress code.
After our team looked for volunteers, one customer refused to leave the aircraft voluntarily and law enforcement was asked to come to the gate, said United Airlines spokesman.
Images of a bloodied passenger being forcibly removed from a United Airlines flight in Chicago drew widespread condemnation in China following a witnesses' report that the man said he was targeted because he was Chinese.
Video of the violent incident posted on China's popular Twitter-like Weibo had been viewed more than 210 million times by late Tuesday.
Many responded with outrage over perceived ethnic bias against the passenger and some called for a boycott of the U.S.-based airline.
"Rubbish!" writer Su Danqing posted on Weibo. "When they were treating this Asian man, they never thought of human rights, otherwise they wouldn't have done it that way."
"Damn it! This airline must be boycotted!" said a posting from Liu Bing, a telecommunications company worker.
State-run media fueled the anger with reports that noted the unidentified victim was an "Asian passenger."
United does considerable business with Chinese passengers and a consumer boycott could cause serious pain. United says it operates more non-stop U.S.-China flights to more cities in China than any other airline.
Rowdiness has long been associated with air travel in China, including passengers getting into fights with crew members and a vicious assault last year in which an enraged customer smashed an airline check-in clerk in the head with a brass plaque.
The United incident appeared to feed into such customer frustrations only this time the tables were turned and the passenger was cast as victim.
United executives struggled to control the public relations damage.
Airline CEO Oscar Munoz said the unidentified man removed from the Chicago to Kentucky flight had become "disruptive and belligerent" after he was asked to leave the plane to make room for several employees of a partner airline who wanted on the flight.
When the man refused, officers from the Chicago Aviation Department came in and first tried to reason with him before pulling him from his seat by force and dragging him away, according to another passenger, Tyler Bridges, whose wife later posted a video of the altercation on Facebook.
China’s social media was burning with outrage Tuesday over United Airlines’ forced removal of a passenger identified in news reports as ethnically Chinese.
The incident Sunday night, which was captured by mobile phone cameras, was the No. 1 trending topic on China’s Twitter-like Weibo. The topic drew more than 160 million views and about 100,000 comments by early Tuesday evening.
The flurry of online activity comes amid a growing awareness of consumer rights by Chinese citizens, who have taken to social media to complain about everything from bad customer service to poor-quality products.
Samsung Electronics Co. was in the crosshairs of Chinese social-media users last year after its Galaxy Note 7s was recalled due to exploding phones, while Apple Inc. was chastised by netizens several years earlier after a Chinese state-media broadcast accused Apple of being biased against Chinese consumers in its warranty and customer-service policies.
Many of the comments on Chinese social media focused on alleged discrimination by United, in response to reports by fellow passengers that the man was a doctor who claimed he was selected for removal because of his race.
“This is inherent arrogance,” said Song Hongbing, a popular Chinese author, on his verified Weibo account. “I don’t think a 69-year-old white doctor would be treated like this.”
Others talked about boycotting the airline or canceling their United Airlines credit cards.
“Overselling is the responsibility of the airlines,” said Wang Guanxiong, a venture-capital investor, on his verified account. “Why was it an Asian who got beaten? This is purely racial discrimination…boycott United Airlines.”
United Airlines Chief Executive Oscar Munoz apologized in an online statement, saying the airline would “conduct a detailed review” of the incident and reach out to the passenger directly.
In a memo sent to employees Monday evening, however, Mr. Munoz said the passenger defied aviation security officers after being asked to leave the plane. “Our employees followed established procedures for dealing with situations like this,” he said.
A United representative couldn’t immediately be reached for comment on the reaction in China.
United has operated in China for more than 30 years and has more nonstop routes to and from the mainland than American Airlines or Delta.
Unlike those two carriers, which fly nonstop to the U.S. from Shanghai and Beijing only, United also offers direct flights from second-tier cities such as Chengdu and Xi’an.
Last year, United added Hangzhou as a fifth Chinese destination for nonstop flights.
One reason why the episode has struck a chord in China is due to the rise of China’s middle class, said Linda Du, general manager at consultancy APCO Worldwide.
The number of nonresident visitors from China to the U.S. reached 2.1 million in the first three quarters of 2016, up 14.5% when compared with the same period a year earlier, according the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office.
“International travel is now really common for people, either for business or personal pleasure. Chinese passengers want equal treatment, a good experience and to be respected,” Ms. Du said. “They have a sense of protecting self interest.”
Ms. Du noted that social media is one of the few outlets Chinese people have to express themselves. “In China, most of the traditional media is regulated by the Chinese government, so social media which is the grass roots voice is the only resource they have.”
Many comments on Chinese social media made reference to a popular Chinese TV soap opera, “In the Name of People,” which recently portrayed a corrupt official fleeing China aboard a United flight bound for Los Angeles.
Mixing fact and fiction, some social-media users joked that the official should have been thrown off the flight as well.
United had overbooked the flight and was looking for four volunteers to leave the plane in order to send four United crew members from Chicago to Louisville.
Passengers were allowed to board and the airline offered $800 to anyone who would give up their seat, but when there were no volunteers United said a computer would randomly select four passengers.
One of those selected claimed to be a doctor who had patients to see in the morning, and he refused to leave. Airport security then dragged him off the plane.
The United Contract of Carriage lays out specific policies for passengers who are not allowed to board overbooked flights but doesn’t cite policy for removing passengers who are already seated on such flights.
Late last month, two teenage girls dressed in leggings were denied boarding on a United flight from Denver to Minneapolis because of their form-fitting pants.
Because the girls were using free passes for employees or family members, they were subject to a dress code.
After our team looked for volunteers, one customer refused to leave the aircraft voluntarily and law enforcement was asked to come to the gate, said United Airlines spokesman.
Images of a bloodied passenger being forcibly removed from a United Airlines flight in Chicago drew widespread condemnation in China following a witnesses' report that the man said he was targeted because he was Chinese.
Video of the violent incident posted on China's popular Twitter-like Weibo had been viewed more than 210 million times by late Tuesday.
Many responded with outrage over perceived ethnic bias against the passenger and some called for a boycott of the U.S.-based airline.
"Rubbish!" writer Su Danqing posted on Weibo. "When they were treating this Asian man, they never thought of human rights, otherwise they wouldn't have done it that way."
"Damn it! This airline must be boycotted!" said a posting from Liu Bing, a telecommunications company worker.
State-run media fueled the anger with reports that noted the unidentified victim was an "Asian passenger."
United does considerable business with Chinese passengers and a consumer boycott could cause serious pain. United says it operates more non-stop U.S.-China flights to more cities in China than any other airline.
Rowdiness has long been associated with air travel in China, including passengers getting into fights with crew members and a vicious assault last year in which an enraged customer smashed an airline check-in clerk in the head with a brass plaque.
The United incident appeared to feed into such customer frustrations only this time the tables were turned and the passenger was cast as victim.
United executives struggled to control the public relations damage.
Airline CEO Oscar Munoz said the unidentified man removed from the Chicago to Kentucky flight had become "disruptive and belligerent" after he was asked to leave the plane to make room for several employees of a partner airline who wanted on the flight.
When the man refused, officers from the Chicago Aviation Department came in and first tried to reason with him before pulling him from his seat by force and dragging him away, according to another passenger, Tyler Bridges, whose wife later posted a video of the altercation on Facebook.
China’s social media was burning with outrage Tuesday over United Airlines’ forced removal of a passenger identified in news reports as ethnically Chinese.
The incident Sunday night, which was captured by mobile phone cameras, was the No. 1 trending topic on China’s Twitter-like Weibo. The topic drew more than 160 million views and about 100,000 comments by early Tuesday evening.
The flurry of online activity comes amid a growing awareness of consumer rights by Chinese citizens, who have taken to social media to complain about everything from bad customer service to poor-quality products.
Samsung Electronics Co. was in the crosshairs of Chinese social-media users last year after its Galaxy Note 7s was recalled due to exploding phones, while Apple Inc. was chastised by netizens several years earlier after a Chinese state-media broadcast accused Apple of being biased against Chinese consumers in its warranty and customer-service policies.
Many of the comments on Chinese social media focused on alleged discrimination by United, in response to reports by fellow passengers that the man was a doctor who claimed he was selected for removal because of his race.
“This is inherent arrogance,” said Song Hongbing, a popular Chinese author, on his verified Weibo account. “I don’t think a 69-year-old white doctor would be treated like this.”
Others talked about boycotting the airline or canceling their United Airlines credit cards.
“Overselling is the responsibility of the airlines,” said Wang Guanxiong, a venture-capital investor, on his verified account. “Why was it an Asian who got beaten? This is purely racial discrimination…boycott United Airlines.”
United Airlines Chief Executive Oscar Munoz apologized in an online statement, saying the airline would “conduct a detailed review” of the incident and reach out to the passenger directly.
In a memo sent to employees Monday evening, however, Mr. Munoz said the passenger defied aviation security officers after being asked to leave the plane. “Our employees followed established procedures for dealing with situations like this,” he said.
A United representative couldn’t immediately be reached for comment on the reaction in China.
United has operated in China for more than 30 years and has more nonstop routes to and from the mainland than American Airlines or Delta.
Unlike those two carriers, which fly nonstop to the U.S. from Shanghai and Beijing only, United also offers direct flights from second-tier cities such as Chengdu and Xi’an.
Last year, United added Hangzhou as a fifth Chinese destination for nonstop flights.
One reason why the episode has struck a chord in China is due to the rise of China’s middle class, said Linda Du, general manager at consultancy APCO Worldwide.
The number of nonresident visitors from China to the U.S. reached 2.1 million in the first three quarters of 2016, up 14.5% when compared with the same period a year earlier, according the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office.
“International travel is now really common for people, either for business or personal pleasure. Chinese passengers want equal treatment, a good experience and to be respected,” Ms. Du said. “They have a sense of protecting self interest.”
Ms. Du noted that social media is one of the few outlets Chinese people have to express themselves. “In China, most of the traditional media is regulated by the Chinese government, so social media which is the grass roots voice is the only resource they have.”
Many comments on Chinese social media made reference to a popular Chinese TV soap opera, “In the Name of People,” which recently portrayed a corrupt official fleeing China aboard a United flight bound for Los Angeles.
Mixing fact and fiction, some social-media users joked that the official should have been thrown off the flight as well.
UGANDA: German Tourists Attacked And Robbed At Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Tourists robbed in Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Police in Kasese are investigating a case in which two German tourists were attacked and robbed of their property in Mountain Rwenzori National Park on Sunday.
The Rwenzori East police public relations officer, Mr Suwed Manshur said on Tuesday said that the incident happened at 2 am on Sunday at Samaria Camp.
Mr Manshur said the tourists are Mr Franz Spanner and his wife Renate who had come to trek the Rwenzoris with the help of Rwenzori Trekkers Tour Company.
“It is true these tourists were attacked by people who were armed with machetes. Two tour guides were cut by the attackers as they tried to defend the tourists and are now nursing wounds at Kilembe Hospital but the tourists were left unhurt” Mr Manshur said.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is covered by snow on the highest Margarita Peak which is a world heritage and Ramsar site.
Mr Manshur said five people have been arrested including a Kilembe sub-county Police Crime Preventer.
According to Mr Manshur, the couple lost two cameras, two bags that contained clothes, a torch and an unspecified amount of money.
“The attackers were demanding money from the tourists who claimed had not travelled with cash. After the demand for money failed, they had to carry whatever they could find before vanishing,” Mr Manshur said.
He revealed that one camera and one bag have been recovered as an operation to arrest all the suspects continues.
Mr Simplicious Gessa, Uganda Wildlife Authority public relations officer said the incident happened 3,000 meters above sea level on Kilembe Trail.
“We regret the incident but thank God who protected our tourists. We combined efforts with police, army and Uganda Wildlife rangers to track the suspects by the use of a sniffer dog and so far, four suspects have been arrested and are being held at Kasese Regional Central Police Station,” Mr Gessa said.
He said: “Rwenzori is a unique area to the extent that where the [tourists] were attacked is deep in the forest, too cold and nobody can go there without prior notice,” he said.
Mr Gessa said Rwenzori Mountains National Park is very secure apart from a few isolated incidents which must be dealt with.
Police in Kasese are investigating a case in which two German tourists were attacked and robbed of their property in Mountain Rwenzori National Park on Sunday.
The Rwenzori East police public relations officer, Mr Suwed Manshur said on Tuesday said that the incident happened at 2 am on Sunday at Samaria Camp.
Mr Manshur said the tourists are Mr Franz Spanner and his wife Renate who had come to trek the Rwenzoris with the help of Rwenzori Trekkers Tour Company.
“It is true these tourists were attacked by people who were armed with machetes. Two tour guides were cut by the attackers as they tried to defend the tourists and are now nursing wounds at Kilembe Hospital but the tourists were left unhurt” Mr Manshur said.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is covered by snow on the highest Margarita Peak which is a world heritage and Ramsar site.
Mr Manshur said five people have been arrested including a Kilembe sub-county Police Crime Preventer.
According to Mr Manshur, the couple lost two cameras, two bags that contained clothes, a torch and an unspecified amount of money.
“The attackers were demanding money from the tourists who claimed had not travelled with cash. After the demand for money failed, they had to carry whatever they could find before vanishing,” Mr Manshur said.
He revealed that one camera and one bag have been recovered as an operation to arrest all the suspects continues.
Mr Simplicious Gessa, Uganda Wildlife Authority public relations officer said the incident happened 3,000 meters above sea level on Kilembe Trail.
“We regret the incident but thank God who protected our tourists. We combined efforts with police, army and Uganda Wildlife rangers to track the suspects by the use of a sniffer dog and so far, four suspects have been arrested and are being held at Kasese Regional Central Police Station,” Mr Gessa said.
He said: “Rwenzori is a unique area to the extent that where the [tourists] were attacked is deep in the forest, too cold and nobody can go there without prior notice,” he said.
Mr Gessa said Rwenzori Mountains National Park is very secure apart from a few isolated incidents which must be dealt with.
TURKEY: Rezidor Opens Radisson Blu Hotel Diyarbakir
The Rezidor Hotel Group has opened a new property in Turkey. The latest addition is the group’s iconic Radisson Blu hotel brand. The latest Turkish addition to the Radisson Blu family is the Radisson Blu Hotel Diyarbakir, in southeastern Turkey.
The hotel has a first-class location, with easy access by rail or road, and is the closest hotel to the airport. All 167 guest rooms and suites have a warm, contemporary design and include free, high-speed WiFi.
There’s also a choice of rooms to suit every traveler, from Standard, Family and Superior Rooms, or for more spacious accommodation, a range of suites with stunning panoramic views are available.
The signature 155-square-meter Presidential Suite adds a more decadent touch and provides the opportunity to relax in style while at Radisson Blu Hotel Diyarbakir.
Situated on the banks of the Tigris River, the city of Diyarbakir has recently enjoyed significant expansion, thanks to quickly growing industry and business opportunities.
Diyarbakir acts as a regional headquarters for several national companies and is the second most important industrial city in this region of Turkey.
Mustafa Eryilmaz, General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Diyarbakir, says, “The Radisson Blu Hotel, Diyarbakir is delighted to open its doors and we look forward to delivering the greatest of international upper upscale hospitality experience to our guests.
The hotel is a welcome addition to the city of Diyarbakir. Its accessibility to Istanbul, Ankara, Kayseri, Sivas and Malatya means we are truly gearing towards building one of the largest footprints in upper upscale hospitality across Turkey.”
The hotel has a first-class location, with easy access by rail or road, and is the closest hotel to the airport. All 167 guest rooms and suites have a warm, contemporary design and include free, high-speed WiFi.
There’s also a choice of rooms to suit every traveler, from Standard, Family and Superior Rooms, or for more spacious accommodation, a range of suites with stunning panoramic views are available.
The signature 155-square-meter Presidential Suite adds a more decadent touch and provides the opportunity to relax in style while at Radisson Blu Hotel Diyarbakir.
Situated on the banks of the Tigris River, the city of Diyarbakir has recently enjoyed significant expansion, thanks to quickly growing industry and business opportunities.
Diyarbakir acts as a regional headquarters for several national companies and is the second most important industrial city in this region of Turkey.
Mustafa Eryilmaz, General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Diyarbakir, says, “The Radisson Blu Hotel, Diyarbakir is delighted to open its doors and we look forward to delivering the greatest of international upper upscale hospitality experience to our guests.
The hotel is a welcome addition to the city of Diyarbakir. Its accessibility to Istanbul, Ankara, Kayseri, Sivas and Malatya means we are truly gearing towards building one of the largest footprints in upper upscale hospitality across Turkey.”
Sunday, 9 April 2017
OMAN: Oman Air Providing Roja Perfumes On Board
Oman Air, the national airline for the Sultanate of Oman, will be adding to its exclusive portfolio of on-board products with a brand new collaboration with Roja Perfumes exclusively available to First and Business Class guests.
These exquisite perfumes will join an impressive arrange of hand-picked cosmetics, perfumes and accessories available on Oman Air.
On a special event under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Hamad Bin Thuwaini Al Said, the new perfume, ‘Amber Aoud’ from Roja, was inaugurated on March 22nd and attended by distinguished guests as well as media representatives, together with senior officials from Oman Air and Muscat Duty Free.
Abdulaziz Al Raisi Executive Vice President, Product and Brand Development said: “Oman Air is delighted to be able to offer our guests the opportunity to buy the exclusive Amber Aoud perfume from Roja.
The brand is an excellent fit with our own quality product, having carved out a niche for itself as being one of the finest perfumes available. Here at Oman Air we work very hard to ensure that we are providing our guests with the absolute best and that which encompasses every detail of their on-board experience including the products that we sell on our aircraft.”
Oman Air Sinbad Gold, Silver and Blue members who purchase Roja Parfums onboard will receive an exclusive discount of 10%, 7% and 5% respectively.
Roja Perfumes, created by English born Roja Dove in 2001 are famous for using only the best quality materials and have established themselves as the finest perfumes in the world. The perfumer Dove is renowned for having one of the world’s most famous noses.
Each Roja Parfums flacon is hand finished with bottles manufactured in France and made from only the purest and clearest glass. The gold detail on the glass is screen-printed by hand in England through a process that takes three days to complete.
Each perfume cap, the symbol of Roja Parfums, is set by hand using fourteen Swarovski crystals in a process that takes five days to finish. The scents are only available in some of the world’s finest department stores, including London’s famous Harrods.
Oman Air’s Product and Brand Development team is highly trained in selecting each individual product available on board the airline. A great deal of care and in-depth research is undertaken to ensure that they reflect the award-winning standards of the airline and Oman Air’s unique personality and on-board service are enforced.
These exquisite perfumes will join an impressive arrange of hand-picked cosmetics, perfumes and accessories available on Oman Air.
On a special event under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Hamad Bin Thuwaini Al Said, the new perfume, ‘Amber Aoud’ from Roja, was inaugurated on March 22nd and attended by distinguished guests as well as media representatives, together with senior officials from Oman Air and Muscat Duty Free.
Abdulaziz Al Raisi Executive Vice President, Product and Brand Development said: “Oman Air is delighted to be able to offer our guests the opportunity to buy the exclusive Amber Aoud perfume from Roja.
The brand is an excellent fit with our own quality product, having carved out a niche for itself as being one of the finest perfumes available. Here at Oman Air we work very hard to ensure that we are providing our guests with the absolute best and that which encompasses every detail of their on-board experience including the products that we sell on our aircraft.”
Oman Air Sinbad Gold, Silver and Blue members who purchase Roja Parfums onboard will receive an exclusive discount of 10%, 7% and 5% respectively.
Roja Perfumes, created by English born Roja Dove in 2001 are famous for using only the best quality materials and have established themselves as the finest perfumes in the world. The perfumer Dove is renowned for having one of the world’s most famous noses.
Each Roja Parfums flacon is hand finished with bottles manufactured in France and made from only the purest and clearest glass. The gold detail on the glass is screen-printed by hand in England through a process that takes three days to complete.
Each perfume cap, the symbol of Roja Parfums, is set by hand using fourteen Swarovski crystals in a process that takes five days to finish. The scents are only available in some of the world’s finest department stores, including London’s famous Harrods.
Oman Air’s Product and Brand Development team is highly trained in selecting each individual product available on board the airline. A great deal of care and in-depth research is undertaken to ensure that they reflect the award-winning standards of the airline and Oman Air’s unique personality and on-board service are enforced.
SUDAN: Saudia Airlines Now Flying To Port Sudan
Saudia Airlines on April 6 launched regular direct flights from Jeddah to Port Sudan in Sudan. Port Sudan marks the carrier’s second new route for 2017. The first flight between two cities is carried on an A320 aircraft with a capacity of 132 seats.
The plane landed Port Sudan International Airport at 16.20 local time and welcomed with a water cannon salute followed by a reception at the airport.
The first flight between Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Sudan was started with the first flight of Saudi Airlines from Jeddah to Port Sudan in 1947 with 27 passengers and one weekly flight.
Today, Saudi Airlines flies 16 weekly flights from Khartoum to Jeddah and 10 weekly flights from Khartoum to Riyadh, and according to the operational results, more than 562 thousand guests traveled between the Kingdom and Khartoum during the year 2016 and the carrier is expected to carry 712 thousand passengers in 2017.
Meanwhile, Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Citi Bahrain announced the launch of a promotional campaign that will allow Citi Credit Cardholders to purchase Gulf Air tickets/services with 0% interest installment plans.
Under the agreement, Gulf Air will offer all Citi Credit Cardholders the opportunity to pay for any ticket transaction in installments that can be paid over either a 3 or 6 month plan without accruing any interest. The ‘Fly Now, Pay Later’ campaign will end 31st August 2015.
Commenting on the campaign Gulf Air Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Ahmed Janahi said: “We are pleased to give Citi Credit Cardholders the opportunity to enjoy the Gulf Air experience in a manner that is convenient to the end user.
This is in line with our commitment, as Bahrain’s national carrier, to delivering excellence to our passengers by enhancing a broad spectrum of deliverables from our convenient flight schedules, multiple daily regional flights and variety of products and services both on the ground and onboard.”
Navneet Kampani – Director, Country Business Manager for Citi Bahrain commented: “Partnering with Gulf Air for this campaign is further facilitating travel and making it a more attractive proposition to Citi Credit Cardholders. We are delighted to tailor this campaign to our customers’ needs with the support of Bahrain’s national carrier.”
The plane landed Port Sudan International Airport at 16.20 local time and welcomed with a water cannon salute followed by a reception at the airport.
The first flight between Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Sudan was started with the first flight of Saudi Airlines from Jeddah to Port Sudan in 1947 with 27 passengers and one weekly flight.
Today, Saudi Airlines flies 16 weekly flights from Khartoum to Jeddah and 10 weekly flights from Khartoum to Riyadh, and according to the operational results, more than 562 thousand guests traveled between the Kingdom and Khartoum during the year 2016 and the carrier is expected to carry 712 thousand passengers in 2017.
Meanwhile, Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Citi Bahrain announced the launch of a promotional campaign that will allow Citi Credit Cardholders to purchase Gulf Air tickets/services with 0% interest installment plans.
Under the agreement, Gulf Air will offer all Citi Credit Cardholders the opportunity to pay for any ticket transaction in installments that can be paid over either a 3 or 6 month plan without accruing any interest. The ‘Fly Now, Pay Later’ campaign will end 31st August 2015.
Commenting on the campaign Gulf Air Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Ahmed Janahi said: “We are pleased to give Citi Credit Cardholders the opportunity to enjoy the Gulf Air experience in a manner that is convenient to the end user.
This is in line with our commitment, as Bahrain’s national carrier, to delivering excellence to our passengers by enhancing a broad spectrum of deliverables from our convenient flight schedules, multiple daily regional flights and variety of products and services both on the ground and onboard.”
Navneet Kampani – Director, Country Business Manager for Citi Bahrain commented: “Partnering with Gulf Air for this campaign is further facilitating travel and making it a more attractive proposition to Citi Credit Cardholders. We are delighted to tailor this campaign to our customers’ needs with the support of Bahrain’s national carrier.”
ZIMBABWE: Gas Stoves Donated
A Harare business, Naklon Trading, has generously donated 17 two-plate gas stoves and cylinders, one for each of Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit’s scouts, as a gesture of appreciation for the important work they do in the day to day battle against poaching.
The donation, pledged last September at the annual VFAPU Golf Day, which is hosted by Africa Albida Tourism, and raised $26,300 for the unit, is expected to be delivered to the scouts in Victoria Falls early next month.
Naklon Trading director Craig Waugh said: “The work VFAPU is doing is phenomenal. We need to support them if our kids are going to see wildlife.”
The stoves would be used in the scouts’ homes, making their lives more comfortable, especially during power cuts, and they could also be used when they are on patrol in the bush, if necessary, Mr Waugh said.
Africa Albida Tourism chief executive Ross Kennedy said: “People often give money to VFAPU but in this particular case this is a donation to the 17 scouts, who are out in the field day and night 24/7. We wanted to support them and acknowledge the risks they take every day, with this gesture.”
The donation, pledged last September at the annual VFAPU Golf Day, which is hosted by Africa Albida Tourism, and raised $26,300 for the unit, is expected to be delivered to the scouts in Victoria Falls early next month.
Naklon Trading director Craig Waugh said: “The work VFAPU is doing is phenomenal. We need to support them if our kids are going to see wildlife.”
The stoves would be used in the scouts’ homes, making their lives more comfortable, especially during power cuts, and they could also be used when they are on patrol in the bush, if necessary, Mr Waugh said.
Africa Albida Tourism chief executive Ross Kennedy said: “People often give money to VFAPU but in this particular case this is a donation to the 17 scouts, who are out in the field day and night 24/7. We wanted to support them and acknowledge the risks they take every day, with this gesture.”
ZIMBABWE: Air Zimbabwe May Have A New Name Soon
Reports are emerging from Harare that the Zimbabwean government appears keen to inject a new lease of life into Air Zimbabwe, the national airline of the country.
The source from Harare made a case that the government, while attempting to find ways and means - given the budgetary constraints the country is faced with - to procure additional aircraft for the airline but was at the same time also open to taking in a strategic investor with the proven capacity to turn ailing national carriers around.
The subsequent speculation was fueled to a large part by comments attributed to a very senior Ethiopian Airlines executive who reportedly said: 'It all depends on the political will of the government of Zimbabwe, and on how they want to put it, whether it is going to be a joint venture or management consultancy. Ethiopian Airlines is ready for all that'.
In the past has Ethiopian turned around the national airline of Malawi, after Air Malawi was liquidates and a joint venture carrier, Malawian Airlines, launched two years ago.
Given other ventures Ethiopian has entered into, such as West Africa's most successful airline ASKY, are Zimbabweans now looking forward to hearing substantive announcements being made by both parties soon, in regard of new aircraft as well as in regard of a closer cooperation with Ethiopian Airlines.
Notably has a recent visit by Ethiopia's Prime Minister to Tanzania also prompted speculation that Africa's most successful airline may offer support to Air Tanzania, which is undergoing a government prompted revival with the acquisition of new aircraft including two Bombardier CS300 and one Boeing B787 Dreamliner.
The source from Harare made a case that the government, while attempting to find ways and means - given the budgetary constraints the country is faced with - to procure additional aircraft for the airline but was at the same time also open to taking in a strategic investor with the proven capacity to turn ailing national carriers around.
The subsequent speculation was fueled to a large part by comments attributed to a very senior Ethiopian Airlines executive who reportedly said: 'It all depends on the political will of the government of Zimbabwe, and on how they want to put it, whether it is going to be a joint venture or management consultancy. Ethiopian Airlines is ready for all that'.
In the past has Ethiopian turned around the national airline of Malawi, after Air Malawi was liquidates and a joint venture carrier, Malawian Airlines, launched two years ago.
Given other ventures Ethiopian has entered into, such as West Africa's most successful airline ASKY, are Zimbabweans now looking forward to hearing substantive announcements being made by both parties soon, in regard of new aircraft as well as in regard of a closer cooperation with Ethiopian Airlines.
Notably has a recent visit by Ethiopia's Prime Minister to Tanzania also prompted speculation that Africa's most successful airline may offer support to Air Tanzania, which is undergoing a government prompted revival with the acquisition of new aircraft including two Bombardier CS300 and one Boeing B787 Dreamliner.
EGYPT: Church Bombings On Palm Sunday Kill 36
Bombings at two Egyptian churches killed more than 35 people as they gathered to mark Palm Sunday, officials said, in one of the deadliest recent attacks on the country's Coptic Christians.
The attacks on the Mar Girgis church in the city of Tanta north of Cairo and Saint Mark's Church in the coastal city of Alexandria came just weeks ahead of a visit by Pope Francis to show support for Egypt's large Christian minority.
Egyptian officials denounced the attack as an attempt to sow divisions in the country, while Francis sent his "deep condolences" to Coptic Christian Pope Tawadros II.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks but Egyptian Christians have repeatedly been targeted by jihadists including the Islamic State group.
The first blast killed at least 25 people and wounded more than 70 when it hit the church in Nile Delta City of Tanta, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Cairo, according to a health ministry toll.
Images broadcast by private television stations showed bloodstains smearing the whitewashed walls of the church next to shredded wooden benches.
"The explosion took place in the front rows, near the altar, during the mass," General Tarek Atiya, the deputy to Egypt's interior minister in charge of relations with the media, said.
The worshippers had been celebrating Palm Sunday, one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar, marking the triumphant entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem.
The second blast killed at least 11 people and wounded 35 at the church in Alexandria, Egypt's second largest city, according to the health ministry.
Tawadros had been attending a mass at the church but a Coptic Church official said he had left before the blast.
Francis, who is due to visit Cairo on April 28-29, offered prayers for the victims.
"Let us pray for the victims of the attack unfortunately carried out today," he said in an Angelus prayer. "May the Lord convert the heart of those who sow terror, violence and death and also the heart of those who make weapons and trade in them."
Copts, who make up about one tenth of Egypt's population of more than 92 million and who celebrate Easter next weekend, have been targeted by several attacks in recent months.
Jihadists and Islamists accuse Copts of supporting the military overthrow of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, which ushered in a deadly crackdown on his supporters.
In December, a suicide bombing claimed by IS killed 29 worshippers during Sunday mass in Cairo. The bombing of the church within a compound that also holds the seat of the Coptic papacy was the deadliest attack against the minority in recent memory.
A spate of jihadist-linked attacks in Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula, including the murder of a Copt in the city of El Arish whose house was also burned, have led some Coptic families to flee their homes.
About 250 Christians took refuge in the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya after IS released a video in February calling for attacks on the religious minority.
Reacting before the second bombing in Alexandria, Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid called the attack in Tanta "a failed attempt against our unity".
"Terrorism hits Egypt again, this time on Palm Sunday," he tweeted.
Prime Minister Sherif Ismail also condemned the attack, stressing Egypt's determination to "eliminate terrorism". The Cairo-based Al-Azhar, an influential Sunni Muslim authority, said it aimed to "destabilise security and the unity of Egyptians".
Egypt's Copts have endured successive attacks since Morsi's ouster in July 2013. More than 40 churches were attacked nationwide in the two weeks after the deadly dispersal by security forces of two pro-Morsi protest camps in Cairo on August 14, 2013, Human Rights Watch said.
Amnesty International later said more than 200 Christian-owned properties were attacked and 43 churches seriously damaged, adding that at least four people were killed.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who as then army chief helped remove Morsi, has defended his security forces and accused jihadists of attacking Copts in order to divide the country.
In October 2011, almost 30 people mostly Coptic Christians were killed after the army charged at a protest outside the state television building in Cairo to denounce the torching of a church in southern Egypt.
In May that year, clashes between Muslims and Copts left 15 dead in the working-class Cairo neighbourhood of Imbaba where two churches were attacked.
A few months earlier, the unclaimed bombing of a Coptic church killed more than 20 people in Egypt's second city of Alexandria on New Year's Day.
The attacks on the Mar Girgis church in the city of Tanta north of Cairo and Saint Mark's Church in the coastal city of Alexandria came just weeks ahead of a visit by Pope Francis to show support for Egypt's large Christian minority.
Egyptian officials denounced the attack as an attempt to sow divisions in the country, while Francis sent his "deep condolences" to Coptic Christian Pope Tawadros II.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks but Egyptian Christians have repeatedly been targeted by jihadists including the Islamic State group.
The first blast killed at least 25 people and wounded more than 70 when it hit the church in Nile Delta City of Tanta, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Cairo, according to a health ministry toll.
Images broadcast by private television stations showed bloodstains smearing the whitewashed walls of the church next to shredded wooden benches.
"The explosion took place in the front rows, near the altar, during the mass," General Tarek Atiya, the deputy to Egypt's interior minister in charge of relations with the media, said.
The worshippers had been celebrating Palm Sunday, one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar, marking the triumphant entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem.
The second blast killed at least 11 people and wounded 35 at the church in Alexandria, Egypt's second largest city, according to the health ministry.
Tawadros had been attending a mass at the church but a Coptic Church official said he had left before the blast.
Francis, who is due to visit Cairo on April 28-29, offered prayers for the victims.
"Let us pray for the victims of the attack unfortunately carried out today," he said in an Angelus prayer. "May the Lord convert the heart of those who sow terror, violence and death and also the heart of those who make weapons and trade in them."
Copts, who make up about one tenth of Egypt's population of more than 92 million and who celebrate Easter next weekend, have been targeted by several attacks in recent months.
Jihadists and Islamists accuse Copts of supporting the military overthrow of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, which ushered in a deadly crackdown on his supporters.
In December, a suicide bombing claimed by IS killed 29 worshippers during Sunday mass in Cairo. The bombing of the church within a compound that also holds the seat of the Coptic papacy was the deadliest attack against the minority in recent memory.
A spate of jihadist-linked attacks in Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula, including the murder of a Copt in the city of El Arish whose house was also burned, have led some Coptic families to flee their homes.
About 250 Christians took refuge in the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya after IS released a video in February calling for attacks on the religious minority.
Reacting before the second bombing in Alexandria, Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid called the attack in Tanta "a failed attempt against our unity".
"Terrorism hits Egypt again, this time on Palm Sunday," he tweeted.
Prime Minister Sherif Ismail also condemned the attack, stressing Egypt's determination to "eliminate terrorism". The Cairo-based Al-Azhar, an influential Sunni Muslim authority, said it aimed to "destabilise security and the unity of Egyptians".
Egypt's Copts have endured successive attacks since Morsi's ouster in July 2013. More than 40 churches were attacked nationwide in the two weeks after the deadly dispersal by security forces of two pro-Morsi protest camps in Cairo on August 14, 2013, Human Rights Watch said.
Amnesty International later said more than 200 Christian-owned properties were attacked and 43 churches seriously damaged, adding that at least four people were killed.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who as then army chief helped remove Morsi, has defended his security forces and accused jihadists of attacking Copts in order to divide the country.
In October 2011, almost 30 people mostly Coptic Christians were killed after the army charged at a protest outside the state television building in Cairo to denounce the torching of a church in southern Egypt.
In May that year, clashes between Muslims and Copts left 15 dead in the working-class Cairo neighbourhood of Imbaba where two churches were attacked.
A few months earlier, the unclaimed bombing of a Coptic church killed more than 20 people in Egypt's second city of Alexandria on New Year's Day.
VIETNAM: More Attractive Tourism Products
Vietnam's capital city Hanoi has attracted many investors to launch large-scale tourism projects. However, to refresh available products like the old quarter or cultural heritage sites, the tourism sector needs to improve their quality by investing in infrastructure and human resources.
Ha Noi’s tourism industry has made many significant achievements in recent years, but its development has not lived up to its potential or its expectations, tourism managers and enterprise workers agreed at a conference in the capital city.
Held within the framework of Viet Nam International Travel Mart at the International Exhibition Centre, the conference aimed to enhance tourism cooperation among nations, organisations, cities and provinces of high tourism potential.
The event also created opportunity for state tourism organisations to receive constructive feedback and support to overcome difficulties.
Viet Nam’s tourism in general — and Ha Noi’s in particular — have achieved obvious development. In 2016, the total number of tourists to visit
the capital reached 21.8 million, increasing by 11 per cent over 2015.
Meanwhile, the figure of international tourists to Ha Noi was 4 million, increasing by 23 per cent in comparison with the previous year.
The development has transformed economic structures and created job opportunities. It also has improved living standards, global integration and the national image.
According to Nguyen Van Tuan, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism’s general director, Ha Noi possesses many tourism resources that make it a high quality destination. There are two options for Ha Noi’s tourism development: creating new products and renovating the old ones.
In creating new products, the city has attracted many investors to launch large-scale tourism projects. However, to refresh available products like the old quarter, Sword Lake or cultural heritage sites, the tourism sector needs to improve their quality by investing in infrastructure and human resources.
Nguyen Tien Dat, the vice director of TransViet Company, argued that the pedestrian zone around Sword Lake, a temporary tourism product in the city, has not met its expectations. He suggested the introduction of more diversified cultural activities to enhance its attractiveness, like ao
dai zone to display Viet Nam’s traditional dress or photo exhibition capturing each period of Ha Noi.
According to Nguyen Quang Lan, the chairman of Viet Nam Tourism Association, Ha Noi needs to construct more international-standard leisure centres. Moreover, it is important to organise the tourism zones within the city to clearly identify its major tourism areas.
The conference also witnessed the signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement between Ha Noi and other provinces including Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Son La, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh and Hoa Binh.
Ha Noi’s tourism industry has made many significant achievements in recent years, but its development has not lived up to its potential or its expectations, tourism managers and enterprise workers agreed at a conference in the capital city.
Held within the framework of Viet Nam International Travel Mart at the International Exhibition Centre, the conference aimed to enhance tourism cooperation among nations, organisations, cities and provinces of high tourism potential.
The event also created opportunity for state tourism organisations to receive constructive feedback and support to overcome difficulties.
Viet Nam’s tourism in general — and Ha Noi’s in particular — have achieved obvious development. In 2016, the total number of tourists to visit
the capital reached 21.8 million, increasing by 11 per cent over 2015.
Meanwhile, the figure of international tourists to Ha Noi was 4 million, increasing by 23 per cent in comparison with the previous year.
The development has transformed economic structures and created job opportunities. It also has improved living standards, global integration and the national image.
According to Nguyen Van Tuan, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism’s general director, Ha Noi possesses many tourism resources that make it a high quality destination. There are two options for Ha Noi’s tourism development: creating new products and renovating the old ones.
In creating new products, the city has attracted many investors to launch large-scale tourism projects. However, to refresh available products like the old quarter, Sword Lake or cultural heritage sites, the tourism sector needs to improve their quality by investing in infrastructure and human resources.
Nguyen Tien Dat, the vice director of TransViet Company, argued that the pedestrian zone around Sword Lake, a temporary tourism product in the city, has not met its expectations. He suggested the introduction of more diversified cultural activities to enhance its attractiveness, like ao
dai zone to display Viet Nam’s traditional dress or photo exhibition capturing each period of Ha Noi.
According to Nguyen Quang Lan, the chairman of Viet Nam Tourism Association, Ha Noi needs to construct more international-standard leisure centres. Moreover, it is important to organise the tourism zones within the city to clearly identify its major tourism areas.
The conference also witnessed the signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement between Ha Noi and other provinces including Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Son La, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh and Hoa Binh.
MALAYSIA: Malaysia Ahead Of Thailand In Travel And Tourism Competitiveness
Malaysia dropped one spot from 2015 to be placed 26th among 136 countries, although it improved on its overall performance from various indicators by rising from 4.41 points in 2015 to 4.50 in 2017.
Malaysia is ranked higher than Thailand in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2017 by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
According to the report released on April 5, Singapore topped the table among the nine nations in South-East Asia with Malaysia second, followed by Thailand and Indonesia.
Globally, Malaysia dropped one spot from 2015 to be placed 26th among 136 countries, although it improved on its overall performance from various indicators by rising from 4.41 points in 2015 to 4.50 in 2017.
The report which is released every two years, said Malaysia's strong performance was attributed to its price competitiveness, strong air connectivity, and beautiful natural resources.
The WEF report engages leaders in the travel and tourism industry to carry out an in-depth analysis of its industries' competitiveness of 136 economies that account for over 98 per cent of the world's GDP.
The index measures a set of "factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector", which includes international openness, prioritisation of travel and tourism, human resources and labour market, health and hygiene, and safety and security.
The report also said that Malaysia could become more competitive by further prioritising the travel and tourism industry via investing in the development of its cultural resources and business travel.
It added that Malaysia should address environmental sustainability and preserve its beautiful natural environment.
There were more than 25 million tourist arrivals into the country last year, contributing almost RM80bill in inbound receipts, according to the report.
Spain which had a score of 5.43 tops the rankings for the second time due to its unique offering of both cultural and natural resources.
It is followed by France, Germany, Japan and United Kingdom.
The WEF is a Swiss non-profit foundation that engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
Malaysia is ranked higher than Thailand in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2017 by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
According to the report released on April 5, Singapore topped the table among the nine nations in South-East Asia with Malaysia second, followed by Thailand and Indonesia.
Globally, Malaysia dropped one spot from 2015 to be placed 26th among 136 countries, although it improved on its overall performance from various indicators by rising from 4.41 points in 2015 to 4.50 in 2017.
The report which is released every two years, said Malaysia's strong performance was attributed to its price competitiveness, strong air connectivity, and beautiful natural resources.
The WEF report engages leaders in the travel and tourism industry to carry out an in-depth analysis of its industries' competitiveness of 136 economies that account for over 98 per cent of the world's GDP.
The index measures a set of "factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector", which includes international openness, prioritisation of travel and tourism, human resources and labour market, health and hygiene, and safety and security.
The report also said that Malaysia could become more competitive by further prioritising the travel and tourism industry via investing in the development of its cultural resources and business travel.
It added that Malaysia should address environmental sustainability and preserve its beautiful natural environment.
There were more than 25 million tourist arrivals into the country last year, contributing almost RM80bill in inbound receipts, according to the report.
Spain which had a score of 5.43 tops the rankings for the second time due to its unique offering of both cultural and natural resources.
It is followed by France, Germany, Japan and United Kingdom.
The WEF is a Swiss non-profit foundation that engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
Saturday, 8 April 2017
Kempinski, Hoteliers Since 1897
120 years sound like a methusalem, a dinosaur almost, ancient, antique perhaps but certainly not conventional as company names these days change through mergers and acquisitions and for other reasons including the fashionable rebranding.
Kempinski Hotels however would have none of that and has retained its name through the 12 decades the company has existed since it was formed in 1897.
While the main office is in Geneva was the first hotel based in Berlin, owned by the 'Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft', losely translated as the Hotel Management Company. Berthold Kempinski after whom the group is named, himself also formed the M.
Kempinski & Co which however in the 1950's was merged with the Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft. It was largely due to the industrious nature of Kempinski's son in law Richard Unger whom Berthold brough into the company and later handed him the entire business on condition that the name of Kempinski must be kept in perpetuity.
This was further enshrined when in 1977 the Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft changed its name to Kempinski Aktiengesellschaft. Under their portfolio are such global names like the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Munich, the Bristol in Berlin, the hotel Atlantic in Hamburg and more recently the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, often mentioned as the world's best hotel.
Ever since its early days has this company in its logo proclaimed: 'Hoteliers since 1897' and has found fame and fans around the world with now nearly 100 top ranked hotels and resorts.
It is today the oldest hotel management company with only one hotel owned, three on long term lease but all other properties just ably managed by the group.
In Eastern Africa does the Kempinski manage the Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi, regularly cited by TripAdvisor as the number 1 hotel in the Kenyan capital but also the Olare Mara Kempinski Safari Camp, one of the finest there is and again I can vouch for that as a result of direct experience.
Said the Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in a press statement just received:
Start quote:
Villa Rosa Kempinski will on Saturday, April 8th, host a grand ceremony to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Kempinski Hotels.
Starting at 6.00pm, the hotel will join 73 other five-star hotels and residences strategically-located in 30 countries across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia to commemorate 120 years since Kempinski was started in Germany in 1897.
The celebrations kick off at the hotel lobby with welcome remarks by the hotel General Manager, Mr. Kees Heuveling. This will be followed at 6.30pm by “Ignite the Night,” the official switching on of lights to illuminate a special 120-year commemorative artwork titled Cycle of Light, by artist David Thuku.
The lighting of the artwork will become a daily ritual till December. The renowned Upper Hill School’s Redfourth Band will keep over 100 guests entertained with several songs, while a famous pianist will belt out his best tunes to crown the moment .
Guests will also get a chance to better understand Kempinski’s unique European heritage, rich history and legacy by watching a short video enumerating key milestones in the company’s journey; from its founder, restaurateur Berthold Kempinski in 1897, to the opening of the first hotel, Kempinski Hotel Bristol Berlin in 1952 by his grandson, Dr. Friedrich Unger.
And with the culinary arts as an integral part of Kempinski’s heritage, Villa Rosa Kempinski chefs have created commemorative 120th anniversary cakes which will be given to our guests as giveaways in special boxes. Guests will also enjoy other treats around the 120-year anniversary theme, such as a turndown service with a ‘Make a Wish’ cards that enables them to choose from three special gifts.
'We are excited to be part of this illustrious history, to be part of a global brand with this outstanding and chequered history is remarkable. We look forward to celebrating 120 years of unique European hospitality with our valued guests and supporters' said Kees Heuveling, the Villa Rosa Kempinski General Manager.
About Villa Rosa Kempinski
Strategically-located on Chiromo Road, Nairobi’s commercial centre, Villa Rosa Kempinski is the luxury leader in hospitality industry. The hotel has 200 rooms and suites distributed throughout 10 floors, including a Presidential Suite on the top floor.
The hotel has seven specialty restaurants Cafe Villa Rosa - an all day dining restaurant, K-Lounge LUCCA - Italian restaurant and deli, Tambourin - Levant style lounge and 88 - Pan Asian restaurant will be opening soon. The hotel has state-of-the-art banqueting and conference facilities, the pillar-less grand ballroom able to accommodate 550 delegates. The 3-year-old hotel also has a State-of-the-art Kempinski The Spa which has nine treatment rooms and a fully equipped fitness centre.
Olare Mara Kempinski
Olare Mara Kempinski is in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy in Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserve, Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Camp’s location brings travelers closer to their dream of a life time in the countryside yet offering a world of modern African comfort.
Olare Mara Kempinski consists 12 tented luxury canvas tents with comfortable beds made from local wood. The deluxe tents cover approximately 80 sq m and are furnished in the classic style of the grand African Safaris; with large four poster beds, offset by modern amenities. The honeymoon suite has its very own plunge pool.
The camp prides itself as an eco – friendly resort. It has the largest organic garden in the conservancy and meals are prepared using home grown ingredients, energy saving measures are also in place. The resort sources 70 % of its energy needs from huge solar power panels in the compound.
Kempinski will tomorrow, 08th of April, worldwide celebrate their 120th anniversary and to the group, the many hotels I have visited in the past, their General Managers and teams, especially here in Kenya, the best wishes and a bright future ahead as the 125th, the 150th and more anniversaries will come along.
In closing, personally I love the statement 'Hoteliers since 1897' as it sets apart the boys in this industry from the men, in particular in our parts where, simply by having the money to build a hotel the owners then proclaim themselves as hoteliers without any formal training, something they would not dare if the property were a hospital as everyone would laugh at them if they tried to suddenly become a 'Doctor' just because the own a clinic.
Aviation, Travel and Conservation News - DAILY from Eastern Africa an
Kempinski Hotels however would have none of that and has retained its name through the 12 decades the company has existed since it was formed in 1897.
While the main office is in Geneva was the first hotel based in Berlin, owned by the 'Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft', losely translated as the Hotel Management Company. Berthold Kempinski after whom the group is named, himself also formed the M.
Kempinski & Co which however in the 1950's was merged with the Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft. It was largely due to the industrious nature of Kempinski's son in law Richard Unger whom Berthold brough into the company and later handed him the entire business on condition that the name of Kempinski must be kept in perpetuity.
This was further enshrined when in 1977 the Hotelbetriebs-Aktiengesellschaft changed its name to Kempinski Aktiengesellschaft. Under their portfolio are such global names like the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Munich, the Bristol in Berlin, the hotel Atlantic in Hamburg and more recently the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, often mentioned as the world's best hotel.
Ever since its early days has this company in its logo proclaimed: 'Hoteliers since 1897' and has found fame and fans around the world with now nearly 100 top ranked hotels and resorts.
It is today the oldest hotel management company with only one hotel owned, three on long term lease but all other properties just ably managed by the group.
In Eastern Africa does the Kempinski manage the Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi, regularly cited by TripAdvisor as the number 1 hotel in the Kenyan capital but also the Olare Mara Kempinski Safari Camp, one of the finest there is and again I can vouch for that as a result of direct experience.
Said the Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in a press statement just received:
Start quote:
Villa Rosa Kempinski will on Saturday, April 8th, host a grand ceremony to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Kempinski Hotels.
Starting at 6.00pm, the hotel will join 73 other five-star hotels and residences strategically-located in 30 countries across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia to commemorate 120 years since Kempinski was started in Germany in 1897.
The celebrations kick off at the hotel lobby with welcome remarks by the hotel General Manager, Mr. Kees Heuveling. This will be followed at 6.30pm by “Ignite the Night,” the official switching on of lights to illuminate a special 120-year commemorative artwork titled Cycle of Light, by artist David Thuku.
The lighting of the artwork will become a daily ritual till December. The renowned Upper Hill School’s Redfourth Band will keep over 100 guests entertained with several songs, while a famous pianist will belt out his best tunes to crown the moment .
Guests will also get a chance to better understand Kempinski’s unique European heritage, rich history and legacy by watching a short video enumerating key milestones in the company’s journey; from its founder, restaurateur Berthold Kempinski in 1897, to the opening of the first hotel, Kempinski Hotel Bristol Berlin in 1952 by his grandson, Dr. Friedrich Unger.
And with the culinary arts as an integral part of Kempinski’s heritage, Villa Rosa Kempinski chefs have created commemorative 120th anniversary cakes which will be given to our guests as giveaways in special boxes. Guests will also enjoy other treats around the 120-year anniversary theme, such as a turndown service with a ‘Make a Wish’ cards that enables them to choose from three special gifts.
'We are excited to be part of this illustrious history, to be part of a global brand with this outstanding and chequered history is remarkable. We look forward to celebrating 120 years of unique European hospitality with our valued guests and supporters' said Kees Heuveling, the Villa Rosa Kempinski General Manager.
About Villa Rosa Kempinski
Strategically-located on Chiromo Road, Nairobi’s commercial centre, Villa Rosa Kempinski is the luxury leader in hospitality industry. The hotel has 200 rooms and suites distributed throughout 10 floors, including a Presidential Suite on the top floor.
The hotel has seven specialty restaurants Cafe Villa Rosa - an all day dining restaurant, K-Lounge LUCCA - Italian restaurant and deli, Tambourin - Levant style lounge and 88 - Pan Asian restaurant will be opening soon. The hotel has state-of-the-art banqueting and conference facilities, the pillar-less grand ballroom able to accommodate 550 delegates. The 3-year-old hotel also has a State-of-the-art Kempinski The Spa which has nine treatment rooms and a fully equipped fitness centre.
Olare Mara Kempinski
Olare Mara Kempinski is in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy in Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserve, Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Camp’s location brings travelers closer to their dream of a life time in the countryside yet offering a world of modern African comfort.
Olare Mara Kempinski consists 12 tented luxury canvas tents with comfortable beds made from local wood. The deluxe tents cover approximately 80 sq m and are furnished in the classic style of the grand African Safaris; with large four poster beds, offset by modern amenities. The honeymoon suite has its very own plunge pool.
The camp prides itself as an eco – friendly resort. It has the largest organic garden in the conservancy and meals are prepared using home grown ingredients, energy saving measures are also in place. The resort sources 70 % of its energy needs from huge solar power panels in the compound.
Kempinski will tomorrow, 08th of April, worldwide celebrate their 120th anniversary and to the group, the many hotels I have visited in the past, their General Managers and teams, especially here in Kenya, the best wishes and a bright future ahead as the 125th, the 150th and more anniversaries will come along.
In closing, personally I love the statement 'Hoteliers since 1897' as it sets apart the boys in this industry from the men, in particular in our parts where, simply by having the money to build a hotel the owners then proclaim themselves as hoteliers without any formal training, something they would not dare if the property were a hospital as everyone would laugh at them if they tried to suddenly become a 'Doctor' just because the own a clinic.
Aviation, Travel and Conservation News - DAILY from Eastern Africa an
KENYA: Seychelles Tourism Board Signs MOU With Kenya Airways
The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Tourism and National Carrier, Kenya Airways yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) to promote tourism and boost intra-Africa trade and travel between two of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
This was confirmed at a handover ceremony held at The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure attended by Cabinet Secretaries: Dr. James Macharia, Transport and Communications and Najib Balala, Tourism and Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine – Mr. Maurice Loustau-Lalanne.
The agreement encapsulates a framework for collaboration between the airline and the Seychelles Tourism Board and is underpinned by the strategic value of tourism to both organizations, and to the airline’s purpose to promote sustainable development in Africa. The MoU covers promoting intra-Africa tourism through joint marketing efforts, participation in events across Africa, and stakeholder education.
'Statistics indicate an increase in arrivals from both destinations to each other’s countries. There is - therefore, a solid ground to further grow and sustain tourism in both destinations' said Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala.
Kenya Airways has operated into Seychelles since 1972 and today flies four times a week to the island – located a thousand plus kilometres off the coast of Eastern Africa.
'We will work together to come up with tourism-boosting strategies including incentive travels and holiday packages. We are excited by the possibilities offered by Kenya Airways and the support accorded to us by The Government of Kenya' responded Mr. Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine.
Through its SkyTeam partnership, Kenya Airways offers access to 1,000 destinations across the world and is looking to add the U.S in its repertoire as Kenya is now qualified for Category 1 – which allows the airline to fly to and from the U.S.
'Through this opportunity, Kenya Airways will seek to not only boost the frequency of flights into Seychelles, but will avail regular cargo freight flights on the request of the Seychelles government based on demand for products from Kenya' added Kenya Airways CEO, Mbuvi Ngunze.
This was confirmed at a handover ceremony held at The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure attended by Cabinet Secretaries: Dr. James Macharia, Transport and Communications and Najib Balala, Tourism and Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine – Mr. Maurice Loustau-Lalanne.
The agreement encapsulates a framework for collaboration between the airline and the Seychelles Tourism Board and is underpinned by the strategic value of tourism to both organizations, and to the airline’s purpose to promote sustainable development in Africa. The MoU covers promoting intra-Africa tourism through joint marketing efforts, participation in events across Africa, and stakeholder education.
'Statistics indicate an increase in arrivals from both destinations to each other’s countries. There is - therefore, a solid ground to further grow and sustain tourism in both destinations' said Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala.
Kenya Airways has operated into Seychelles since 1972 and today flies four times a week to the island – located a thousand plus kilometres off the coast of Eastern Africa.
'We will work together to come up with tourism-boosting strategies including incentive travels and holiday packages. We are excited by the possibilities offered by Kenya Airways and the support accorded to us by The Government of Kenya' responded Mr. Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine.
Through its SkyTeam partnership, Kenya Airways offers access to 1,000 destinations across the world and is looking to add the U.S in its repertoire as Kenya is now qualified for Category 1 – which allows the airline to fly to and from the U.S.
'Through this opportunity, Kenya Airways will seek to not only boost the frequency of flights into Seychelles, but will avail regular cargo freight flights on the request of the Seychelles government based on demand for products from Kenya' added Kenya Airways CEO, Mbuvi Ngunze.
UAE: Chinese Visitors To Sharjah Increase To 63% In 2016
Sharjah hotels and hotel apartments registered a 63 percent increase in visitors from China during 2016 according to new figures from Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).
More than 86,000 Chinese visitors stayed in Sharjah hotels last year, compared with 53,000 during 2015, making China the emirate’s sixth largest inbound tourism market.
The UAE’s recent move to introduce visa-on-arrival for visitors from China is expected to further boost tourism numbers during 2017.
China is the world’s largest outbound tourism market worth an estimated US$ 168 billion, with 120 million Chinese travelling abroad during 2016.
The country is a priority target market for Sharjah and the tourism authority is planning to welcome 200,000 Chinese visitors per annum by the year 2021, as part of its tourism development strategy.
China is already the emirate’s fastest growing inbound tourism market, with hotels registering a 78 percent increase in hotel guests from China during 2015 (compared to 2014 levels).
The SCDTA has been driving an active marketing campaign to attract more visitors from China, opening up a representative office, recruiting Chinese staff and adding a Chinese language website to Sharjah’s tourism portal.
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has recently taken tourism roadshows to Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
This month, the authority hosted 15 major outbound Chinese travel companies from China’s east coast on a familiarisation visit (‘fam trip’) to Sharjah. Visiting travel agencies were introduced to Sharjah’s tourism destinations, heritage and cultural attractions and the emirate’s areas of outstanding natural beauty.
The travel trade visitors also attended workshops together with key local tourism stakeholders.
The UAE is China’s second largest trading partner and largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa, with estimates for 2016 bilateral trade reaching as high as US$60 billion. There are about 4,200 Chinese companies operating in the UAE, including China Construction, China Harbour and China National Petroleum.
According to the tourism authority, Russia visitors also registered double-digit growth during 2016, the first significant growth measured from that country market since the fall of the Russian currency in 2014.
More than 86,000 Chinese visitors stayed in Sharjah hotels last year, compared with 53,000 during 2015, making China the emirate’s sixth largest inbound tourism market.
The UAE’s recent move to introduce visa-on-arrival for visitors from China is expected to further boost tourism numbers during 2017.
China is the world’s largest outbound tourism market worth an estimated US$ 168 billion, with 120 million Chinese travelling abroad during 2016.
The country is a priority target market for Sharjah and the tourism authority is planning to welcome 200,000 Chinese visitors per annum by the year 2021, as part of its tourism development strategy.
China is already the emirate’s fastest growing inbound tourism market, with hotels registering a 78 percent increase in hotel guests from China during 2015 (compared to 2014 levels).
The SCDTA has been driving an active marketing campaign to attract more visitors from China, opening up a representative office, recruiting Chinese staff and adding a Chinese language website to Sharjah’s tourism portal.
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has recently taken tourism roadshows to Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
This month, the authority hosted 15 major outbound Chinese travel companies from China’s east coast on a familiarisation visit (‘fam trip’) to Sharjah. Visiting travel agencies were introduced to Sharjah’s tourism destinations, heritage and cultural attractions and the emirate’s areas of outstanding natural beauty.
The travel trade visitors also attended workshops together with key local tourism stakeholders.
The UAE is China’s second largest trading partner and largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa, with estimates for 2016 bilateral trade reaching as high as US$60 billion. There are about 4,200 Chinese companies operating in the UAE, including China Construction, China Harbour and China National Petroleum.
According to the tourism authority, Russia visitors also registered double-digit growth during 2016, the first significant growth measured from that country market since the fall of the Russian currency in 2014.
UAE: Kalba Eco-Tourism Project
Far from the bright lights and skyscrapers of the United Arab Emirates’ west coast, Kalba has long been reputed for its peace, tranquility and areas of natural beauty. Now the Kalba Eco-Tourism Project, the largest eco-tourism project in the United Arab Emirates, aims to create a sustainable platform for tourism development. However, the government has been careful to ensure that conservation comes first.
The Government of Sharjah’s strategic plan to develop Kalba’s tourism infrastructure, being led by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), in coordination with local authorities and Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), aims to both make the most of the region’s natural attractions and manage the impact of tourism on the environment.
In 2012, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah established Alqurm wa Lehhfaiiah Protected Area via Emiri Decree No. 27. The decree created a protected conservation area of about 5 square kilometres to include Khor Kalba (Kalba saltwater creek), Kalba Lagoon and the surrounding wetlands, salt marshes and mangrove forest.
Recognised by The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) in 2013, the protected area supports a vital ecosystem for a number of endangered species, including the Arabian Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris kalbaensis).
The focus of commercial and leisure infrastructure development is in the area surrounding the man-made Kalba Lagoon, constructing a lake-side corniche with gardens, retail spaces and public facilities for residents and visitors. The 11,204 square metre Kalba Waterfront Mall on the edge of the lagoon is being developed by Omran Properties, opening in the third quarter of 2019.
Other projects include more parks and landscaped areas, plus a central fountain for the lagoon and man-made islands. The construction of a new Kalba ‘ring-road’ will be completed later this year, in an effort to reduce traffic congestion in the town area.
Within Kalba’s fenced-off wetlands and mangrove forest, development plans are limited to providing ways for visitors to observe and appreciate the area’s natural biodiversity, whilst protecting the ecosystem and wildlife. The most notable of these is the new Kingfisher Lodge, which was promoted by Shurooq at this year’s ITB Berlin and is due to be completed in summer 2017.
Named after the area’s native Collared Kingfisher, with views of the Gulf of Oman and Kalba’s mangroves, the new tourist lodge will house 20 luxury tents with private swimming pools and five-star facilities.
A variety of hotel and tourism projects are planned for outside the protected area including a five-star hotel, luxury tented resorts, tourist camping sites another leisure areas. One of the first projects, Al Hafiya Picnic Park was opened to visitors in 2015.
Meanwhile, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre and protected area, close to the Sharjah-Kalba road, has been developed by the EPAA to protect endangered animal species native to the region’s fragile mountain ecosystems and create a world-class tourist attraction.
The 12 square kilometre wildlife conservation centre borders the the Hajjar mountains and focuses on habitat preservation and restoration, education, rehabilitation, captive breeding and research. Sharjah is a long-time sponsor of wildlife breeding programmes, establishing the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) about twenty years ago.
The mountain conservation centre has tourist facilities and employs full-time trained guides to show visitors the reserve and answer questions about Arabian wildlife.
The reserve is home to the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) and other endangered species including the Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs) and the Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari), which are both classified by the IUCN as ‘Threatened’; and the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), which is classified as ‘Near-Threatened’. Recently, the centre has enjoyed particular success in breeding endangered Damani gazelles from breeding stock introduced in 2012.
Kalba Bird of Prey Centre was opened in 2014, on the outskirts of Kalba town, which accommodates a variety of resident and migratory raptors.
Visitors to the centre can see birds of prey such as the Barn Owl, Short Toed Snake Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, and Lappet Faced Vulture. Live demonstrations and bird of prey displays are held daily for visitors during the winter months.
Environmental experts are cautiously optimistic about the results of efforts to protect Kalba’s wetlands and mangroves. During the past two years, EPAA researchers have identified 120-150 sea turtles on the Kalba coast and in the mangrove marshes (green turtles, loggerhead turtles and hawksbill turtles), including species that haven’t been seen in the area for 30 years.
A state-of-the-art turtle rehabilitation centre is planned for the future to offer emergency care, research, monitoring, and long-term treatment, plus managed access for visitors to see the turtles.
The Government of Sharjah’s strategic plan to develop Kalba’s tourism infrastructure, being led by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), in coordination with local authorities and Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), aims to both make the most of the region’s natural attractions and manage the impact of tourism on the environment.
In 2012, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah established Alqurm wa Lehhfaiiah Protected Area via Emiri Decree No. 27. The decree created a protected conservation area of about 5 square kilometres to include Khor Kalba (Kalba saltwater creek), Kalba Lagoon and the surrounding wetlands, salt marshes and mangrove forest.
Recognised by The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) in 2013, the protected area supports a vital ecosystem for a number of endangered species, including the Arabian Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris kalbaensis).
The focus of commercial and leisure infrastructure development is in the area surrounding the man-made Kalba Lagoon, constructing a lake-side corniche with gardens, retail spaces and public facilities for residents and visitors. The 11,204 square metre Kalba Waterfront Mall on the edge of the lagoon is being developed by Omran Properties, opening in the third quarter of 2019.
Other projects include more parks and landscaped areas, plus a central fountain for the lagoon and man-made islands. The construction of a new Kalba ‘ring-road’ will be completed later this year, in an effort to reduce traffic congestion in the town area.
Within Kalba’s fenced-off wetlands and mangrove forest, development plans are limited to providing ways for visitors to observe and appreciate the area’s natural biodiversity, whilst protecting the ecosystem and wildlife. The most notable of these is the new Kingfisher Lodge, which was promoted by Shurooq at this year’s ITB Berlin and is due to be completed in summer 2017.
Named after the area’s native Collared Kingfisher, with views of the Gulf of Oman and Kalba’s mangroves, the new tourist lodge will house 20 luxury tents with private swimming pools and five-star facilities.
A variety of hotel and tourism projects are planned for outside the protected area including a five-star hotel, luxury tented resorts, tourist camping sites another leisure areas. One of the first projects, Al Hafiya Picnic Park was opened to visitors in 2015.
Meanwhile, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre and protected area, close to the Sharjah-Kalba road, has been developed by the EPAA to protect endangered animal species native to the region’s fragile mountain ecosystems and create a world-class tourist attraction.
The 12 square kilometre wildlife conservation centre borders the the Hajjar mountains and focuses on habitat preservation and restoration, education, rehabilitation, captive breeding and research. Sharjah is a long-time sponsor of wildlife breeding programmes, establishing the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) about twenty years ago.
The mountain conservation centre has tourist facilities and employs full-time trained guides to show visitors the reserve and answer questions about Arabian wildlife.
The reserve is home to the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) and other endangered species including the Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs) and the Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari), which are both classified by the IUCN as ‘Threatened’; and the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), which is classified as ‘Near-Threatened’. Recently, the centre has enjoyed particular success in breeding endangered Damani gazelles from breeding stock introduced in 2012.
Kalba Bird of Prey Centre was opened in 2014, on the outskirts of Kalba town, which accommodates a variety of resident and migratory raptors.
Visitors to the centre can see birds of prey such as the Barn Owl, Short Toed Snake Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, and Lappet Faced Vulture. Live demonstrations and bird of prey displays are held daily for visitors during the winter months.
Environmental experts are cautiously optimistic about the results of efforts to protect Kalba’s wetlands and mangroves. During the past two years, EPAA researchers have identified 120-150 sea turtles on the Kalba coast and in the mangrove marshes (green turtles, loggerhead turtles and hawksbill turtles), including species that haven’t been seen in the area for 30 years.
A state-of-the-art turtle rehabilitation centre is planned for the future to offer emergency care, research, monitoring, and long-term treatment, plus managed access for visitors to see the turtles.
UAE: Hilton Takes DoubleTree To Sharjah
Hilton has signed a management agreement with Sharjah’s Al Marwan Group to open the emirate’s debut DoubleTree by Hilton property opposite Al Majaz Waterfront in the centre of the city.
The US$43 million (AED 158m) development will be called the DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Suites and will offer 254 suites and serviced apartments.
The new hotel, which is expected to open in 2020, will be Hilton’s second property in the emirate after the Hilton Sharjah on the nearby Corniche Road.
Sharjah offers visitors more than 100 hotels and hotel apartment properties and occupancy rates recently beat regional averages, growing by 5.5 percent during January compared to the same month in 2016 (according to global analyst STR).
Some of the leading hotel groups in the world operate properties in Sharjah, including Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, GHM, Louvre Hotels Group, Premier Inn Hotels, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, and Wyndham Worldwide
Sharjah currently has a variety of of new hotel and resort developments under development, including the construction of a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort; a 4-star, 200 room Novotel located adjacent to Sharjah Expo; a 4-star Sheraton Four Points hotel; and an Aloft boutique hotel.
In addition, Al Bait Hotel, a new 5-star hotel being built by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in the Heart of Sharjah, is expected to open later in 2017.
The new DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Suites will be built in a prime location opposite one of the city’s most popular tourism and leisure destinations, Al Majaz Waterfront. The area is one of the Sharjah city’s busiest tourism locations and boasts a wide range of activities, from a splash park and mini golf course for families to quality dining, retail outlets and fountain displays.
Sharjah has become increasingly popular with overseas visitors with Sharjah International Airport handling 11 million passengers during 2016.
A number of large scale leisure and tourism developments are also underway including the restoration of Heart of Sharjah heritage area, a mixed-use development on Maryam Island and the upcoming five-star Al Khan Village Resort.
The US$43 million (AED 158m) development will be called the DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Suites and will offer 254 suites and serviced apartments.
The new hotel, which is expected to open in 2020, will be Hilton’s second property in the emirate after the Hilton Sharjah on the nearby Corniche Road.
Sharjah offers visitors more than 100 hotels and hotel apartment properties and occupancy rates recently beat regional averages, growing by 5.5 percent during January compared to the same month in 2016 (according to global analyst STR).
Some of the leading hotel groups in the world operate properties in Sharjah, including Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, GHM, Louvre Hotels Group, Premier Inn Hotels, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, and Wyndham Worldwide
Sharjah currently has a variety of of new hotel and resort developments under development, including the construction of a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort; a 4-star, 200 room Novotel located adjacent to Sharjah Expo; a 4-star Sheraton Four Points hotel; and an Aloft boutique hotel.
In addition, Al Bait Hotel, a new 5-star hotel being built by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in the Heart of Sharjah, is expected to open later in 2017.
The new DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Suites will be built in a prime location opposite one of the city’s most popular tourism and leisure destinations, Al Majaz Waterfront. The area is one of the Sharjah city’s busiest tourism locations and boasts a wide range of activities, from a splash park and mini golf course for families to quality dining, retail outlets and fountain displays.
Sharjah has become increasingly popular with overseas visitors with Sharjah International Airport handling 11 million passengers during 2016.
A number of large scale leisure and tourism developments are also underway including the restoration of Heart of Sharjah heritage area, a mixed-use development on Maryam Island and the upcoming five-star Al Khan Village Resort.
IRAN: Iran Aseman Airlines
Iran Aseman Airlines is an Iranian airlines based in Tehran, Iran, that operates scheduled domestic and international flights.
The airline was established and started operations in 1980.The airline's historic links go back to 1958 to the airline Air Taxi Co., which was rebranded as Pars Air in the 1970s and later Iran Aseman Airlines.
In March 2007, it was owned by Iranian Civil Pension Fund Investment Company and had 298 employees. It has since been privatized.
In July 2016, the CEO of the airline was issued an arrest warrant because of an alleged sum of approximately $37 million in public debts to Iran Airports & Air Navigation Company.
Iran Aseman Airlines operates the following fleet:
Airbus A320-200 - 4
Airbus A340-300 - 1
ATR 72-200 - 2
ATR 72-212A - 2
Boeing 727-200 - 3
Boeing 737-400 - 2
Fokker 100 - 7
Total - 21
In February 2017, it emerged that Aseman Airlines was in talks with an Irish firm to lease 7 Airbus A320neos.
On April 4, 2017, the airline signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with options for another 30 aircraft. If the order is firmed, deliveries will begin in 2022.
Accidents And Incidents
On 4 October 1990, an Iran Aseman Fokker F27 Friendship (registration EP-ANA) overran the runway upon landing at Ramsar Airport, Iran and came to rest at a concrete wall 100 metres behind the runway. There were no fatalities amongst the 46 passengers and 4 crew members on board, and the aircraft was fully repaired.
On 12 October 1994, Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 746, a Fokker F28 Fellowship (registration EP-PAV) en route from Isfahan to Tehran suffered a sudden loss of power in both engines at 23:05 local time, 35 minutes after take-off from Isfahan International Airport. The aircraft spiralled into an uncontrolled descent and crashed near Natanz, killing all 59 passengers and 7 crew members on board.
On 18 July 2000, Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 775, a Fokker F28 Fellowship (registration EP-PAU) en route from Tehran to Ahwaz, was damaged beyond repair when the pilot missed the runway upon a low-visibility landing attempt at Ahwaz Airport and instead touched down next to it. A successful go-around was executed, and there were no injuries amongst the 84 passengers and 4 crew members on board.
On 26 August 2010, a Fokker 100 (registration EP-ASL) operating Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 773 from Tehran to Tabriz overran the runway upon landing at Tabriz International Airport and was substantially damaged when it plunged into a canal. Two out of the 103 passengers on board were injured, while none of the 7 crew members were hurt.
On 10 May 2014, a Fokker 100 (registration EP-ASZ), was damaged in a landing accident at Zahedan Airport (ZAH), Iran. The airplane operated flight 853 from Mashhad Airport (MHD). According to local media the left hand main undercarriage failed to extend or lock prior to landing. A forced landing was carried out on runway 35. The airplane swerved to the left and came to rest 1450 meters (4760 feet) past the runway 35 threshold and 23 meters (75 feet) to the left of the centreline.
The airline was established and started operations in 1980.The airline's historic links go back to 1958 to the airline Air Taxi Co., which was rebranded as Pars Air in the 1970s and later Iran Aseman Airlines.
In March 2007, it was owned by Iranian Civil Pension Fund Investment Company and had 298 employees. It has since been privatized.
In July 2016, the CEO of the airline was issued an arrest warrant because of an alleged sum of approximately $37 million in public debts to Iran Airports & Air Navigation Company.
Iran Aseman Airlines operates the following fleet:
Airbus A320-200 - 4
Airbus A340-300 - 1
ATR 72-200 - 2
ATR 72-212A - 2
Boeing 727-200 - 3
Boeing 737-400 - 2
Fokker 100 - 7
Total - 21
In February 2017, it emerged that Aseman Airlines was in talks with an Irish firm to lease 7 Airbus A320neos.
On April 4, 2017, the airline signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with options for another 30 aircraft. If the order is firmed, deliveries will begin in 2022.
Accidents And Incidents
On 4 October 1990, an Iran Aseman Fokker F27 Friendship (registration EP-ANA) overran the runway upon landing at Ramsar Airport, Iran and came to rest at a concrete wall 100 metres behind the runway. There were no fatalities amongst the 46 passengers and 4 crew members on board, and the aircraft was fully repaired.
On 12 October 1994, Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 746, a Fokker F28 Fellowship (registration EP-PAV) en route from Isfahan to Tehran suffered a sudden loss of power in both engines at 23:05 local time, 35 minutes after take-off from Isfahan International Airport. The aircraft spiralled into an uncontrolled descent and crashed near Natanz, killing all 59 passengers and 7 crew members on board.
On 18 July 2000, Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 775, a Fokker F28 Fellowship (registration EP-PAU) en route from Tehran to Ahwaz, was damaged beyond repair when the pilot missed the runway upon a low-visibility landing attempt at Ahwaz Airport and instead touched down next to it. A successful go-around was executed, and there were no injuries amongst the 84 passengers and 4 crew members on board.
On 26 August 2010, a Fokker 100 (registration EP-ASL) operating Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 773 from Tehran to Tabriz overran the runway upon landing at Tabriz International Airport and was substantially damaged when it plunged into a canal. Two out of the 103 passengers on board were injured, while none of the 7 crew members were hurt.
On 10 May 2014, a Fokker 100 (registration EP-ASZ), was damaged in a landing accident at Zahedan Airport (ZAH), Iran. The airplane operated flight 853 from Mashhad Airport (MHD). According to local media the left hand main undercarriage failed to extend or lock prior to landing. A forced landing was carried out on runway 35. The airplane swerved to the left and came to rest 1450 meters (4760 feet) past the runway 35 threshold and 23 meters (75 feet) to the left of the centreline.
CHINA: Joint Venture Between Russian And Chinese Widebody Passenger Airliner Launched
A joint venture between Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (Comac) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to develop a long-haul widebody aircraft (provisionally designated Comac C929) has been registered in China, as follows from UAC’s annual report.
The establishment of the venture marks the official start of the project.
Known as China-Russia Commercial Aircraft International Corporation, the joint venture’s scope includes the development, production, marketing, and aftersales support of a long-range widebody aircraft.
The UAC and Comac have equal shares in the project.
The project, which originally called for launching the JV at the end of 2016, has been leaning more toward the Chinese side, as both its headquarters and the projected final assembly line will be established in China.
Additionally, the JV will be headed by Guo Bozhi, general manager of Comac’s widebody arm.
The primary Russian representative on the project, UAC’s Sergey Fominykh, will serve as a member of the board of directors.
The aircraft to be developed is expected to find the greater share of customers on the Chinese market. Later this year, General Electric and Rolls-Royce are expected to contest the right to provide the aircraft’s powerplant. The overall market is projected at between 800 and 1,000 aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2027.
The establishment of the venture marks the official start of the project.
Known as China-Russia Commercial Aircraft International Corporation, the joint venture’s scope includes the development, production, marketing, and aftersales support of a long-range widebody aircraft.
The UAC and Comac have equal shares in the project.
The project, which originally called for launching the JV at the end of 2016, has been leaning more toward the Chinese side, as both its headquarters and the projected final assembly line will be established in China.
Additionally, the JV will be headed by Guo Bozhi, general manager of Comac’s widebody arm.
The primary Russian representative on the project, UAC’s Sergey Fominykh, will serve as a member of the board of directors.
The aircraft to be developed is expected to find the greater share of customers on the Chinese market. Later this year, General Electric and Rolls-Royce are expected to contest the right to provide the aircraft’s powerplant. The overall market is projected at between 800 and 1,000 aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2027.
USA: Delta Closes $620m Acquisition In Aeromexico
Delta Air Lines announced the successful completion of its cash tender offer that commenced on Feb. 13, 2017 through the Mexican Stock Exchange to acquire up to an additional 32 percent of the outstanding capital stock of Grupo Aeroméxico S.A.B. de C.V. for MXN $53.00 per share, which expired at 1:00 p.m. Mexico City time on March 10, 2017.
The offer was oversubscribed, with Delta acquiring 228 million shares representing 32 percent of the outstanding shares of Grupo Aeroméxico and 39.8 percent of the shares tendered in the tender offer, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately USD $620 million/MXN $12.1 billion. All conditions to completing the tender offer, including receipt of required regulatory approvals in Mexico, have been satisfied.
With the completion of the tender offer, Delta owns 36.2 percent of the outstanding shares of Grupo Aeroméxico and holds options to acquire an additional 12.8 percent for a total of 49 percent of the outstanding shares of Grupo Aeroméxico.
“We are pleased to successfully complete the tender offer,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s Chief Executive Officer. “This is yet another milestone that strengthens the Delta- Aeroméxico relationship as we move toward implementing our joint cooperation agreement in the second quarter.”
Delta and Aeroméxico launched their first codeshare in 1994. In 2011, Delta entered into an enhanced commercial agreement with Aeroméxico, and in 2012, Delta invested USD $65 million in shares of Grupo Aeroméxico, the parent company of Aeroméxico.
In March 2015, Delta and Aeroméxico entered into a joint cooperation agreement relating to flights between the United States and Mexico.
That joint cooperation agreement has been reviewed by regulatory authorities in the U.S and Mexico and will be implemented in the second quarter.
The offer was oversubscribed, with Delta acquiring 228 million shares representing 32 percent of the outstanding shares of Grupo Aeroméxico and 39.8 percent of the shares tendered in the tender offer, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately USD $620 million/MXN $12.1 billion. All conditions to completing the tender offer, including receipt of required regulatory approvals in Mexico, have been satisfied.
With the completion of the tender offer, Delta owns 36.2 percent of the outstanding shares of Grupo Aeroméxico and holds options to acquire an additional 12.8 percent for a total of 49 percent of the outstanding shares of Grupo Aeroméxico.
“We are pleased to successfully complete the tender offer,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s Chief Executive Officer. “This is yet another milestone that strengthens the Delta- Aeroméxico relationship as we move toward implementing our joint cooperation agreement in the second quarter.”
Delta and Aeroméxico launched their first codeshare in 1994. In 2011, Delta entered into an enhanced commercial agreement with Aeroméxico, and in 2012, Delta invested USD $65 million in shares of Grupo Aeroméxico, the parent company of Aeroméxico.
In March 2015, Delta and Aeroméxico entered into a joint cooperation agreement relating to flights between the United States and Mexico.
That joint cooperation agreement has been reviewed by regulatory authorities in the U.S and Mexico and will be implemented in the second quarter.
PERU: Peruvian Airlines Slides Of The Runway,Bursts Into Flames After Landing
A Peruvian Airlines Boeing 737-300 performing flight from Lima to Jauja Peru with 141 people on board, landed on Jauja’s runway 31, but veered off the runway, suffered the collapse of all gear and burst into flames coming to a stop after skidding on fire for some distance.
The aircraft was evacuated. There were no injuries, the aircraft received substantial damage beyond repair.
Passengers reported there were two strong impacts upon arrival.
Local media report 39 occupants were taken to hospitals with injuries.
Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communication reported the aircraft OB-2036-P had had a hard landing at Jauja Airport.
All passengers and crew were evacuated and are well. A fire has been extinguished in the meantime. The Accident Investigation Commission is going to investigate the accident.
The local public prosecutor reported there were no injuries and no casualties.
Jauja Airport’s Elevation is 11,034 feet/3363 meters MSL, the airport offers runway 13/31 of 2810 meters/9220 feet length.
The aircraft was evacuated. There were no injuries, the aircraft received substantial damage beyond repair.
Passengers reported there were two strong impacts upon arrival.
Local media report 39 occupants were taken to hospitals with injuries.
Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communication reported the aircraft OB-2036-P had had a hard landing at Jauja Airport.
All passengers and crew were evacuated and are well. A fire has been extinguished in the meantime. The Accident Investigation Commission is going to investigate the accident.
The local public prosecutor reported there were no injuries and no casualties.
Jauja Airport’s Elevation is 11,034 feet/3363 meters MSL, the airport offers runway 13/31 of 2810 meters/9220 feet length.
BRAZIL: Air Transport Creates 1.1 Million Jobs
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced new data showing that aviation and aviation-induced tourism support 1.1 million jobs and contribute $32.9 billion to Brazil’s GDP, an amount equivalent to 1.4% of the country’s GDP.
These findings are among the highlights of ‘The Importance of Air Transport in Brazil’ study conducted by Oxford Economics on behalf of IATA.
“We are proud of aviation’s positive contribution to Brazil and the wealth it generates for the country. Air transport facilitates exports, foreign direct investment and tourism.
However, by adopting policies that ensure a more stable and competitive operating environment for the airlines, Brazil could reap much larger dividends from aviation,” said Peter Cerda, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas, who is in Brazil for the release of the study.
Infrastructure, Ease of Travel and Cost Competitiveness Are Vital:
According to the study, Brazil’s Infrastructure Quality Score is 4 out of 7, a handicap for the efficient operation of the region’s air industry and one that detracts from the passenger experience.
Entry visa requirements also weigh on Brazil’s ability to attract visitors, the country’s Visa Openness Score is just 2 out of 10.
Brazil’s unorthodox fuel policies that artificially increase industry operating costs by $560 million annually while restrictive rules covering baggage and airline tickets also weigh on the industry’s cost competitiveness.
“With aircraft taking off or landing some two million times a year in Brazil, the air transport industry’s value speaks for itself. But removing the artificial barriers that are holding back the industry in Brazil is paramount.
Air transport contributes 3% of GDP in Chile, 3% in Ecuador and 2.1% in Colombia; at just 1.4% of GDP in Brazil there is considerable room for improvement,” said Cerda.
These findings are among the highlights of ‘The Importance of Air Transport in Brazil’ study conducted by Oxford Economics on behalf of IATA.
“We are proud of aviation’s positive contribution to Brazil and the wealth it generates for the country. Air transport facilitates exports, foreign direct investment and tourism.
However, by adopting policies that ensure a more stable and competitive operating environment for the airlines, Brazil could reap much larger dividends from aviation,” said Peter Cerda, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas, who is in Brazil for the release of the study.
Infrastructure, Ease of Travel and Cost Competitiveness Are Vital:
According to the study, Brazil’s Infrastructure Quality Score is 4 out of 7, a handicap for the efficient operation of the region’s air industry and one that detracts from the passenger experience.
Entry visa requirements also weigh on Brazil’s ability to attract visitors, the country’s Visa Openness Score is just 2 out of 10.
Brazil’s unorthodox fuel policies that artificially increase industry operating costs by $560 million annually while restrictive rules covering baggage and airline tickets also weigh on the industry’s cost competitiveness.
“With aircraft taking off or landing some two million times a year in Brazil, the air transport industry’s value speaks for itself. But removing the artificial barriers that are holding back the industry in Brazil is paramount.
Air transport contributes 3% of GDP in Chile, 3% in Ecuador and 2.1% in Colombia; at just 1.4% of GDP in Brazil there is considerable room for improvement,” said Cerda.
Latin America Fleet To Double During The Next 20 Years
From 2016-2035, Latin America will require 2,570 new passenger and freighter aircraft, including 2,030 single-aisle and 540 widebody, worth an estimated US$350 billion.
According to the most recent Airbus Global Market Forecast presented by Rafael Alonso, President of Airbus Latin America and Caribbean, at the International Brazil Air Show, Latin America’s passenger and freighter fleet will surpass 3,000 in the next 20 years, more than double the fleet in-service today.
Fueling this aircraft demand is Latin America’s passenger traffic growth, which is forecast to grow on par with the world average by 4.5 percent annually until 2035. This growth rate takes into account the 3.8 percent increase traffic between Latin America and other continents as well as the 4.9 percent increase in Latin America’s domestic and intra-regional traffic in the next 20 years.
Latin America’s middle classes will also play a role in prompting growth, reaching half a billion people by 2035, more than double the number in 2006.
Rafael Alonso said: “There’s no doubt that solid long-term growth is in store for Latin America, and we see single-aisle aircraft leading the demand.
We believe the A320neo Family, already flying with Latin America’s top carriers, remains perfectly suited to deliver on future growth and efficiency demands in the region, given its superior performance and comfort.”
Alonso added: “In the next 20 years Latin America will also be impacted by the rise of low-cost carriers in key markets such as Colombia, Chile, and Peru.
This business model will impact market dynamics in the years to come, especially in domestic and intra-regional travel. Looking ahead, we also see a good opportunity for the region’s carriers to be more bullish on developing intra-regional routes, a space in which Latin America is less developed than other regions.”
In Brazil, where the aviation industry contributes over US$32 billion to the country’s GDP, fleets serving the country will require over 1,400 aircraft by 2035 to meet market demand.
This will be driven by an increase in Brazilians’ propensity to travel, predicted to double the amount of trips per capita, and the acceleration of traffic growth which is forecasted to increase by 4.8 percent annually in the next 20 years, above the region’s and world’s rates.
According to the most recent Airbus Global Market Forecast presented by Rafael Alonso, President of Airbus Latin America and Caribbean, at the International Brazil Air Show, Latin America’s passenger and freighter fleet will surpass 3,000 in the next 20 years, more than double the fleet in-service today.
Fueling this aircraft demand is Latin America’s passenger traffic growth, which is forecast to grow on par with the world average by 4.5 percent annually until 2035. This growth rate takes into account the 3.8 percent increase traffic between Latin America and other continents as well as the 4.9 percent increase in Latin America’s domestic and intra-regional traffic in the next 20 years.
Latin America’s middle classes will also play a role in prompting growth, reaching half a billion people by 2035, more than double the number in 2006.
Rafael Alonso said: “There’s no doubt that solid long-term growth is in store for Latin America, and we see single-aisle aircraft leading the demand.
We believe the A320neo Family, already flying with Latin America’s top carriers, remains perfectly suited to deliver on future growth and efficiency demands in the region, given its superior performance and comfort.”
Alonso added: “In the next 20 years Latin America will also be impacted by the rise of low-cost carriers in key markets such as Colombia, Chile, and Peru.
This business model will impact market dynamics in the years to come, especially in domestic and intra-regional travel. Looking ahead, we also see a good opportunity for the region’s carriers to be more bullish on developing intra-regional routes, a space in which Latin America is less developed than other regions.”
In Brazil, where the aviation industry contributes over US$32 billion to the country’s GDP, fleets serving the country will require over 1,400 aircraft by 2035 to meet market demand.
This will be driven by an increase in Brazilians’ propensity to travel, predicted to double the amount of trips per capita, and the acceleration of traffic growth which is forecasted to increase by 4.8 percent annually in the next 20 years, above the region’s and world’s rates.
SOUTH SUDAN: Eagle Air In Accident
An Eagle Air Let L-410, registration 5X-EIV performing flight H7-360 from Yei (South Sudan) to Arua (Uganda) with 17 passengers and 3 crew, was accelerating for takeoff at about 10:30L when the crew rejected takeoff at high speed, the aircraft went off the runway and came to a stop with the nose gear collapsed.
There were a number of minor injuries, the aircraft received substantial damage.
The pilot told local media that one of engine nozzles failed at high speed, when the he tried to reject takeoff and applied brakes the nose gear failed and they ended up in the bushes off the runway.
Yei Airport, located at position N4.127386 E30.737818, offers a dirt runway of about 1300 meters/4200 feet length in approximate direction 10/28.
No weather data are available for Yei Airport.
There were a number of minor injuries, the aircraft received substantial damage.
The pilot told local media that one of engine nozzles failed at high speed, when the he tried to reject takeoff and applied brakes the nose gear failed and they ended up in the bushes off the runway.
Yei Airport, located at position N4.127386 E30.737818, offers a dirt runway of about 1300 meters/4200 feet length in approximate direction 10/28.
No weather data are available for Yei Airport.
LIBYA: Six Die In Fighter Crash
Six people were killed when a Libyan Air Force (LAF) MiG-21 fighter jet crashed into a house in the Watar district to the south of the city of Tobruk.
According to the Libya Herald newspaper, the dead include the pilot and LNA Air Brigadier Saleh Joudah, the commander of the Gamel Abdul-Nasser airbase in Tobruk.
The LAF is the air-wing of the Libyan National Army (LNA), which is loyal to the House of Representatives (HOR) government in Tobruk and militarily opposed to the rival UN-sponsored Presidency Council government, which commands a different army of militias from the capital Tripoli.
Four civilians were also killed on the ground when the aircraft struck the house and blew up. The aircraft was reportedly returning from a bombing mission on Islamic State (IS) positions in support of a coalition of military forces which are pursuing a counter-terrorism operation known as ‘Operation Dignity’.
The cause of the crash has not been revealed. Since 2013, the LNA has lost some helicopters and at least five fighter jets – mostly old Soviet-era MiG-21s and MiG-23 – to technical failure leading to crashes, botched take-off and landing.
Some have been downed by anti-aircraft fire from the many opposing militia forces. Among the recent losses, a MiG 23ML was shot down over Benghazi on January 21, 2016.
The last operational Libyan Air Force MiG-23UB was shot down by anti-aircraft fire over the city of Benghazi on 12 February 2016, four days after the downing of another MiG-23MLD on February 8, 2016.
After losing all the MiG-23s, the LAF was left with one Sukhoi Su-22 and up to 15 MiG-21 fighter jets. However, most of the aircraft have been cannibalised for spare parts to keep a few air-borne.
According to the Libya Herald newspaper, the dead include the pilot and LNA Air Brigadier Saleh Joudah, the commander of the Gamel Abdul-Nasser airbase in Tobruk.
The LAF is the air-wing of the Libyan National Army (LNA), which is loyal to the House of Representatives (HOR) government in Tobruk and militarily opposed to the rival UN-sponsored Presidency Council government, which commands a different army of militias from the capital Tripoli.
Four civilians were also killed on the ground when the aircraft struck the house and blew up. The aircraft was reportedly returning from a bombing mission on Islamic State (IS) positions in support of a coalition of military forces which are pursuing a counter-terrorism operation known as ‘Operation Dignity’.
The cause of the crash has not been revealed. Since 2013, the LNA has lost some helicopters and at least five fighter jets – mostly old Soviet-era MiG-21s and MiG-23 – to technical failure leading to crashes, botched take-off and landing.
Some have been downed by anti-aircraft fire from the many opposing militia forces. Among the recent losses, a MiG 23ML was shot down over Benghazi on January 21, 2016.
The last operational Libyan Air Force MiG-23UB was shot down by anti-aircraft fire over the city of Benghazi on 12 February 2016, four days after the downing of another MiG-23MLD on February 8, 2016.
After losing all the MiG-23s, the LAF was left with one Sukhoi Su-22 and up to 15 MiG-21 fighter jets. However, most of the aircraft have been cannibalised for spare parts to keep a few air-borne.
INDIA: Dreamliner Lands Safely After Smoke In Cockpit
An Air India aircraft flying from Kolkata to Delhi on Sunday witnessed a serious scare when the pilots reported fumes and smoke in the cockpit of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
They immediately switched off some non-essential electrical equipment in the cockpit and then managed to make a safe precautionary landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
“The pilots first saw some smoke in the cockpit and then there was a strong burning smell. They checked with the crew if the same was being reported by passengers.
However, the problem seemed limited to the cockpit,” said a source.
The crew then declared an emergency and proceeded to Delhi. En route, they followed the check list and switched off some non-essential electrical items.
“Following this, the smoke and smell did not increase. The plane made a safe landing in Delhi. Passengers alighted at the terminal and then the plane was towed to a remote bay,” said the source.
AI engineering then inspected the plane and immediately got in touch with Boeing. Preliminary check, said sources, suggested that the cabin air compressor (CAC), which pumps air inside the aircraft, of the cockpit may have failed.
“We informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation who asked AI to carry out the repairs on Monday as they want to oversee what will be done,” said a source.
AI has in recent days witnessed a number of CAC failures in its Dreamliners. However, Sunday’s was the first instance of smoke and smell being caused due to that.
“We are expecting to hear from Boeing on this issue and see how this can be resolved,” said a source.
In fact, AI’s troubles with the Dreamliners have erupted after two to three years of relative quiet. The airline saw about five instances of windshield cracks of the B-787 in past few months.
The airline has sought compensation from the US aircraft major for the windshield problem.
AI started getting the Dreamliners four years ago and has now got 22 of the 27 B-787s it ordered.
“The first batch of this plane AI got had some technical issues. Then Boeing upgraded all our first few deliveries and the subsequent ones were delivered after making the required changes. Last two years were okay but now we are again witnessing a rise in issues regarding B-787.
While the aircraft is perfectly safe, snags grounding the aircraft time and again means a huge loss to AI,” said a senior official.
They immediately switched off some non-essential electrical equipment in the cockpit and then managed to make a safe precautionary landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
“The pilots first saw some smoke in the cockpit and then there was a strong burning smell. They checked with the crew if the same was being reported by passengers.
However, the problem seemed limited to the cockpit,” said a source.
The crew then declared an emergency and proceeded to Delhi. En route, they followed the check list and switched off some non-essential electrical items.
“Following this, the smoke and smell did not increase. The plane made a safe landing in Delhi. Passengers alighted at the terminal and then the plane was towed to a remote bay,” said the source.
AI engineering then inspected the plane and immediately got in touch with Boeing. Preliminary check, said sources, suggested that the cabin air compressor (CAC), which pumps air inside the aircraft, of the cockpit may have failed.
“We informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation who asked AI to carry out the repairs on Monday as they want to oversee what will be done,” said a source.
AI has in recent days witnessed a number of CAC failures in its Dreamliners. However, Sunday’s was the first instance of smoke and smell being caused due to that.
“We are expecting to hear from Boeing on this issue and see how this can be resolved,” said a source.
In fact, AI’s troubles with the Dreamliners have erupted after two to three years of relative quiet. The airline saw about five instances of windshield cracks of the B-787 in past few months.
The airline has sought compensation from the US aircraft major for the windshield problem.
AI started getting the Dreamliners four years ago and has now got 22 of the 27 B-787s it ordered.
“The first batch of this plane AI got had some technical issues. Then Boeing upgraded all our first few deliveries and the subsequent ones were delivered after making the required changes. Last two years were okay but now we are again witnessing a rise in issues regarding B-787.
While the aircraft is perfectly safe, snags grounding the aircraft time and again means a huge loss to AI,” said a senior official.
IRAN: Iran Aseman Airlines Signs Memorundum Of Understanding With Boeing
Boeing confirms the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Iran Aseman Airlines, expressing the airline’s intent to purchase 30 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes with a list price value of $3 billion.
The agreement also provides the airline with purchase rights for 30 additional 737 MAXs.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, an aerospace sale of this magnitude creates or sustains approximately 18,000 jobs in the United States. Deliveries would be scheduled to start in 2022.
Boeing negotiated the MOA under authorizations from the U.S. government following a determination that Iran had met its obligations under the nuclear accord signed in 2015. Boeing will look to the Office of Foreign Assets Control for approval to perform under this transaction.
Boeing continues to follow the lead of the U.S. government with regards to working with Iran’s airlines, and any and all contracts with Iran’s airlines are contingent upon U.S. government approval.
The agreement also provides the airline with purchase rights for 30 additional 737 MAXs.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, an aerospace sale of this magnitude creates or sustains approximately 18,000 jobs in the United States. Deliveries would be scheduled to start in 2022.
Boeing negotiated the MOA under authorizations from the U.S. government following a determination that Iran had met its obligations under the nuclear accord signed in 2015. Boeing will look to the Office of Foreign Assets Control for approval to perform under this transaction.
Boeing continues to follow the lead of the U.S. government with regards to working with Iran’s airlines, and any and all contracts with Iran’s airlines are contingent upon U.S. government approval.
ITALY: Alitalia Forced To Cancel 60% Of Flights
Alitalia was forced to cancel 60 percent of its flights on Wednesday due to a strike over plans for the troubled airline to slash over 2,000 jobs.
The strike, called by several trade unions, had been expected and the company managed to offer alternative flights to most passengers, many of whom were able to hop on one on the same day.
Alitalia, which has been hit hard by competition from low-cost companies and has been accumulating losses for years, announced a new restructuring package in mid-March.
The plan, described as “painful but necessary” by management includes scrapping 2,037 ground staff positions and a 20 to 30 percent reduction in salaries for pilots, flight attendants and stewards.
Unions have slammed the measures, saying staff have already paid the price for previous rescue plans.
While “the crisis in Alitalia is real… a further reduction in activity and personnel is not the solution,” said Nino Cortorillo of the Filt Cgil union.
“Alitalia and its shareholders must be realistic,” he said in a statement.
Shareholders have said they will only inject new funds if the unions agree to the new collective labour agreement and cuts.
Cortorillo has slammed their attitude as “blackmail”.
Negotiations have been under way for two weeks but a deal has proved elusive, despite the government playing the role of mediator.
The pressure to find a solution is increasing, with Alitalia’s liquidity expected to last only until mid-April without emergency funding.
The strike, called by several trade unions, had been expected and the company managed to offer alternative flights to most passengers, many of whom were able to hop on one on the same day.
Alitalia, which has been hit hard by competition from low-cost companies and has been accumulating losses for years, announced a new restructuring package in mid-March.
The plan, described as “painful but necessary” by management includes scrapping 2,037 ground staff positions and a 20 to 30 percent reduction in salaries for pilots, flight attendants and stewards.
Unions have slammed the measures, saying staff have already paid the price for previous rescue plans.
While “the crisis in Alitalia is real… a further reduction in activity and personnel is not the solution,” said Nino Cortorillo of the Filt Cgil union.
“Alitalia and its shareholders must be realistic,” he said in a statement.
Shareholders have said they will only inject new funds if the unions agree to the new collective labour agreement and cuts.
Cortorillo has slammed their attitude as “blackmail”.
Negotiations have been under way for two weeks but a deal has proved elusive, despite the government playing the role of mediator.
The pressure to find a solution is increasing, with Alitalia’s liquidity expected to last only until mid-April without emergency funding.
KENYA: Emirates May Start Third Flight To Nairobi, No More Subject to Government Approval'
Emirates seems now set in earnest for their third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi as the airline has now removed the precautionary notice 'Subject to Government Approval' from its flight schedule website.
Despite the current Bilateral Air Services Agreement clearly showing an open skies agreement had Kenya's former Transport Principal Secretary Mr. Irungu Nyakera vehemently opposed the third flight, speaking of the need to protect Kenyan airlines from competition, something which did not go down well in the United Arab Emirates.
He added more confusion at the time when he said that some 30 other airlines' applications for more frequencies or the use of larger aircraft had also been deferred, causing those affected to star on with a degree of perplexity, given the need to Kenya to bring in more tourists, conference participants and visitors in general.
Regular sources close to the Kenyan administration subsequently confirmed that the UAE and Dubai were digging in their heels insisting on Kenya respecting signed and ratified agreements with a big fat 'or else' hanging like an angry cloud over the bilateral relations.
President Uhuru Kenyatta in a reshuffle last week of Principal Secretaries then moved the cantankerous Nyakera into a less profiled PS position at the Ministry of Devolution and Planning, following which Emirates promptly deleted the precautionary warning.
As of the 01st of June will Dubai's award winning airline therefore fly three times a day from DXB to NBO using a Boeing B777 aircraft in a three class configuration of First, Business and Economy on all three services.
Kenya's tourism industry according to feedback received overnight, while in Nairobi, in fact expressed their delight of the added numbers of visitors the country will now receive as a result of upping the frequencies which makes Nairobi reachable from around the globe with just one convenient stop and short transit times in Dubai.
Elsewhere in the region does Emirates serve Entebbe and Dar es Salaam with one flight a day, also using Boeing B777 aircraft.
Despite the current Bilateral Air Services Agreement clearly showing an open skies agreement had Kenya's former Transport Principal Secretary Mr. Irungu Nyakera vehemently opposed the third flight, speaking of the need to protect Kenyan airlines from competition, something which did not go down well in the United Arab Emirates.
He added more confusion at the time when he said that some 30 other airlines' applications for more frequencies or the use of larger aircraft had also been deferred, causing those affected to star on with a degree of perplexity, given the need to Kenya to bring in more tourists, conference participants and visitors in general.
Regular sources close to the Kenyan administration subsequently confirmed that the UAE and Dubai were digging in their heels insisting on Kenya respecting signed and ratified agreements with a big fat 'or else' hanging like an angry cloud over the bilateral relations.
President Uhuru Kenyatta in a reshuffle last week of Principal Secretaries then moved the cantankerous Nyakera into a less profiled PS position at the Ministry of Devolution and Planning, following which Emirates promptly deleted the precautionary warning.
As of the 01st of June will Dubai's award winning airline therefore fly three times a day from DXB to NBO using a Boeing B777 aircraft in a three class configuration of First, Business and Economy on all three services.
Kenya's tourism industry according to feedback received overnight, while in Nairobi, in fact expressed their delight of the added numbers of visitors the country will now receive as a result of upping the frequencies which makes Nairobi reachable from around the globe with just one convenient stop and short transit times in Dubai.
Elsewhere in the region does Emirates serve Entebbe and Dar es Salaam with one flight a day, also using Boeing B777 aircraft.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)