Showing posts with label Aviation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aviation. Show all posts

Monday, December 5, 2011

Tourism Indochina: Air Boeing, First Boeing 747:8

Tourism Indochina: Air Boeing, First Boeing 747:8

The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001. Boeing is made up of multiple business units, which are Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA); Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS); Engineering, Operations & Technology; Boeing Capital; and Boeing Shared Services Group.
Boeing is among the largest global aircraft manufacturers by revenue, orders and deliveries, and the third largest aerospace and defense contractor in the world based on defense-related revenue. Boeing is the largest exporter by value in the United States. Its stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Tourism Indochina: Air Boeing, First Boeing 747:

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2011-09-12):

The first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental emerged from the paint hangar at Boeing’s Everett factory near Seattle on Sunday resplendent in the Lufthansa livery. The fuselage is painted in the classic Lufthansa White, while the tailfin and the Lufthansa logo on the fuselage are painted in Night Blue. The Lufthansa emblem on the tailfin – an encircled crane in flight – is offset in Night Blue against a Melon Yellow background.

After completing extensive ground tests, the aircraft will undergo initial test flights in November, and is scheduled to go into service next spring with the registration D-ABYA. Lufthansa is the launch customer for the passenger version of the Boeing 747-8 and has therefore been involved from the outset in the design of the aircraft. The Boeing 747-8 has been stretched by six metres compared with the Boeing 747-400. The new Jumbo measures 76.3 metres in length, making it the world’s longest passenger airliner.

The Boeing 747-8 is also setting new standards in terms of sustainability. For example, the redesigned wings with their state-of-the-art profile and ranked wingtips give the aircraft an aerodynamic advantage. In addition, the newly developed GEnx-2B67 engines offer greater fuel efficiency as well as reduced emissions and noise levels. The Boeing 747-8 consumes 13 per cent less fuel than the Boeing 747-400.

Lufthansa has ordered 20 Boeing 747-8s, which are due for delivery from the beginning of 2012 through to mid-2015, and also has options on a further 20 aircraft. Source ETB


Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Tourism Indochina:AirAsia Abolishes Fuel Surcharges across its Entire Network

Tourism Indochina:AirAsia Abolishes Fuel Surcharges across its Entire Network

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-11-18):

Asia’s leading low cost carrier, AirAsia has announced that it will be the first in the world to waive fuel surcharges across its entire network including AirAsia X destinations.

Beginning on Tuesday, November 11 both international and domestic passengers flying with AirAsia and AirAsia X will only have to pay the airlines low fares, airport taxes and administration fees.

AirAsia will commemorate this special “No more Fuel Surcharge” initiative with the launch of a regional campaign, which will give away 500,000 free seats.

AirAsia passengers can book their free seats* to all of the airlines destinations with no fuel surcharge from 12– 16 November 2008 for travel between 22 June – 24 October 2009.

Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, AirAsia Berhad said: “We make every effort to ensure that we measure up to our guests’ expectations and give them the best value for their travel plans. With our brand new modern fleet fitted with leather seats and spacious cabin, an array of hot meals to choose from, high quality service, fun and friendly cabin crew, our On Time Guarantee services and now, topped with AirAsia’s “No Fuel Surcharge” initiative, AirAsia is indeed the airline to travel with.

“AirAsia’s No Fuel Surcharge is aimed to live up to AirAsia’s commitment in offering truly low fares. We believe in giving a fair and positive experience. This initiative recognizes the current economic situation and the need to provide more affordable and transparent air fares for business and leisure travellers. To top it all, we are offering 500,000 free seats to all AirAsia domestic, regional and international destinations and will shoulder the fuel surcharges from now on as a token of gratitude to our loyal guests.”

Mr Fernandes continued: “With the current economic uncertainties, we understand how important low cost travel is to the people and the economy of ASEAN countries. By abolishing our fuel surcharges, our low fares will stimulate new demand and boost tourism, thus bringing new revenue through visitor spending, stimulating employment, export earnings, and foreign investment. In addition, our increased flight frequencies and low fares can also help to bridge strong social and family ties especially for expatriates by providing accessible opportunities to return home.

“When other airlines began levying higher fuel surcharges after international fuel prices skyrocketed, AirAsia maintained the same low fuel surcharge. Instead, we expanded our route network strategically tapping new underserved markets and we use innovation and technology to remain at the forefront. Being the


1 people’s airline, it is our commitment to offer the lowest fares and provide an amazing 5-star value to our guests.”

With the launch of AirAsia’s “No More Fuel Surcharge” initiative today, AirAsia’s published fares will exclude airport taxes and administration charges.


Source ETB

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Tourism Indochina: Aviation industry still committed to reaching emissions targets

Tourism Indochina: Aviation industry still committed to reaching emissions targets

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-01-20):

The international aviation body has reiterated that it is still committed to cutting its carbon footprint despite a weakening global economic sentiment set to cut into their profit margins.



Using what it calls a “four pillar strategy”, which features investing in technology, flying planes more effectively, building efficient infrastructure and using positive economic measures, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) says the aviation industry is still eyeing a carbon-neutral future.



“Our commitment to environmental responsibility is firm and strong.” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA Director General and CEO.



“Even as we face the worst revenue situation in 50 years - with US$2.5 billion in losses this year, following a US$5 billion loss in 2008 - we are determined to continue to deliver effective solutions that reduce aviation’s emissions.



“No other industry is as united in its approach. The IATA vision is to achieve carbon-neutral growth on the way to a carbon-free future.”



Using its four pillar strategy, IATA forecasts that the aviation industry will reduce its emission by 4.5% in 2009, and while it notes that 2.5% of this reduction will be due to a reduction in traffic, the rest will be achieved by efficiencies.



IATA points out that saving fuel-burn, which then leads to lower emissions is a good practice for the airlines as well, as they then save more on fuel efficiencies.



By 2020 IATA is targeting a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency when compared to 2005.



In 2008 alone airlines saved 15 million tonnes of CO2 with more streamlined procedures, which amounted to US$5 billion worth in savings

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Friday, September 16, 2011

Tourism Indochina: US Airways Ranked Number One On Time Airline for 2008

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2009-02-12):

US Airways officially became the nation’s number one on-time airline among the “Big Six” hub-and-spoke airlines for 2008 according to results released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) monthly Air Travel Consumer Report. For the year, 80.1 percent of US Airways’ flights arrived within 15 minutes of their published arrival time—the metric by which airlines’ on-time performance is measured by the DOT.

“The first place ranking amongst the Big Six for the year is a direct reflection of the hard work and determination of our 34,000 employees,” said US Airways Chairman and CEO, Doug Parker. “While 2008 was a very challenging year for the airline industry, our employees pulled together to deliver an amazing operational turnaround.”

Year over year, US Airways jumped from sixth to first in on-time performance among the six largest hub-and-spoke carriers (American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and United Air Lines), achieving a 16.5 percent improvement over 2007.

“We know that time is very important to our customers and today’s report validates the importance we place on running a reliable airline. Our customers can count on us to get them where they want to go on-time,” Parker said.

And for the month of December, despite severe winter storm conditions, US Airways ranked first in on-time performance among the ten largest carriers. In 2008, the airline ranked among the top three in on-time performance nine times and finished among the top three in bag handling once, resulting in $500 in bonuses for every employee for 2008’s performance.


Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Tourism Indochina: Guests commend Airasia's self check in service

Tourism Indochina: Guests commend Airasia's self check in service

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2009-02-22)

AirAsia guests have commended the airlines’ latest addition to its self check-in facility – the web check-in that was made available from Tuesday, 17 February 2009.

With the new innovation, air travelers can now save time on pre-departure procedures by using the free- of-charge web check-in facility implemented across AirAsia and AirAsia X’s entire network.

“This is a wonderful innovation. With AirAsia’s web check-in, I can perform check-in myself in the office. I do not have to worry about long queues at the counters anymore. It allows me to plan my trip better and saves me a lot of time, and it minimizes chances of missing my flight,” said Janice Kuek, an AirAsia guest from Kuala Lumpur when met at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal today.

The web check-in facility allows AirAsia and AirAsia X guests to skip long check-in queues at the airport if they web check in at www.airasia.com from 48 to 4 hours before their scheduled flight departure.? Web check in is available for all AirAsia and AirAsia X flights.

During web check-in, guests may also opt for AirAsia’s Baggage Supersize and “Pick A Seat,” new services that allow for carriage of more baggage weight and the option to choose seats, respectively. “Pick A Seat” has been smoothly implemented on all AirAsia flights beginning 17 February 2009.

Another guest, Nazatul Ismail Kamaruddin from Sungai Buloh who was en route to Bandung for a holiday with his family, said: “The web check-in is really convenient for me and my family. All we need to do upon reaching the airport is present our printed boarding passes and drop our luggage at the special counter. Also, with Pick A Seat, we no longer have to worry about rushing to board the aircraft. With a nominal fee we can choose where we want to sit, and that is important for a family with small kids like us.”

Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia, said, “At AirAsia, long check-in queues will be history.? We have invested in technology that now offers web check-in services to guests flying across our network of over 114 routes to over 64 destinations.? With our increasing use of technology to enhance services, we stay in step with the needs of our guests, who call for convenience in their travels.”

AirAsia’s web check-in is complemented by the self check-in kiosks that allow self-check in from 6 to 1 hour before departure. Airports that allow kiosk check-in include those in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang), Thailand (Chiang Mai, Hatyai, and Phuket) and Indonesia (Jakarta and Bali).

With the latest addition of web check-in facility, AirAsia now boasts of three check-in options for its guests:? via web at www.airasia.com, self check-in kiosk at selected airports, and through conventional check-in counters at airports.

“We expect our host of check-in options to increase demand for AirAsia seats, especially among professionals and young adults who gravitate towards fast and efficient do-it-yourself electronic services.? This increase in demand can only strengthen AirAsia’s lead among low-cost airlines in Asia.? Our string of innovations brings ease of travel to guests from Southeast Asia, China, Bangladesh, India, Australia and UK.? These electronic services are incredibly user-friendly; guests from all walks can easily use them,” Kathleen said.

Check In Options

1. To check in via the web, guests must log on to www.airasia.com between 48 to 4 hours before flight departure, key in details pertinent to their travel, then print their web check-in boarding passes.

2. To check in via self check-in kiosk, guests need to key in details pertinent to their travel into self check-in machines at selected airports.

3. At the airport, domestic travelers with check-in baggage go to the baggage drop/document check counter before proceeding to the departure gate.?

4. All international travelers go to the document check counter for baggage check-in, if needed, and travel document verification before proceeding to immigration and departure gates.

5. Domestic travelers with check-in baggage and all international travelers need to receive verification stamps on their web check-in boarding pass before proceeding to the departure gate.

Web and kiosk check-in are available to guests except those who are expectant mothers, traveling with infants, 16 years old and below and traveling alone, traveling in a group of more than 9 under the same reservation number, and those who have reduced mobility and special needs and who book flights using credit cards within 24 hours of flight departure.? Kiosk check-in is not available to guests who fly within 12 hours after booking their seats? Other terms and conditions apply.


Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Tourism Indochina: Gulf Air signs on for four new Boeings

(Tourism Indochina: Date : 2009-02-25 ): Intent on continuing re-fleeting and product-enhancement plans, Gulf Air signed an agreement with Jet Airways late last week to lease four new Boeing 777 ER aircraft.

The national carrier of Bahrain will receive three aircraft during March of this year and the fourth plane will arrive in May.

Trade Arabia reported that the new Boeings will slowly replace the Airbus 340s, serving routes between London, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and intra Gulf routes.

“The introduction of these four aircraft is another important step in our strategic direction towards re-fleeting, enhancing our product and strengthening our presence as the carrier of choice in the Middle East and beyond” said CEO.

As the largest long-range twin-engine commercial airplane in the world, the wide-body Boeing 777-300ER will feature a three class configuration with a total of 312 seats.

“It will further strengthen our successful hub-and-spoke network and our operational efficiency while offering enhanced passenger comfort and flying experience”

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Cargo growth boosts hope for aviation

Rising cargo volume is sparking signs of recovery for the North American aviation industry, Air Canada's chief executive said last week.

"We've seen some encouraging news from the cargo environment," Air Canada Chief Executive Calin Rovinescu told reporters on Friday.

"We are seeing a marked improvement over last year and generally cargo tends to be the bellwether indicator that the recovery is starting."

But Rovinescu is still not ready to declare a recovery, saying the airline industry still faces a weak market and must wait for business travel to rebound.

"Businesses tend to need to recover first before ... airlines that cater to businesses start seeing the recovery."

When Rovinescu took over as Air Canada's chief executive last April, the carrier was struggling financially and dealing with rumours that it might need to file for bankruptcy protection.

However, he has since strengthened the carrier's liquidity position, lined up equity funding and cut both capacity and costs according to Reuters.

Source ETB

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Vietnam Airlines aims to rank second in South East Asian aviation by 2015

Vietnam Airlines has set out to achieve its 2015 goal to become the second largest airline in the South East Asian region, just after Singapore.

As planned, Vietnam Airlines will improve the quality of its services in addition to expanding its aircraft fleet to 104 in 2015 and 150 in 2020.

Vietnam Airlines currently ranks fourth in the region with 50 aircraft operating on 29 domestic and 36 international air routes.

Vietnam Airlines believes this goal will become attainable through a direct focus on upgrading air routes, developing infrastructure, training pilots and improving maintenance work.

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Jet Airways joins forces with entertainment hospitality and banking firms

India’s largest frequent flyer programme, Jet Airways’ JetPrivilege has joined forces with companies in the entertainment, hospitality and banking spheres to offer their members a wider range of experiences.

The airline’s new partnership with movie rental service company, Seventymm, allows frequent flyers to earn up to 750 JPMiles as well as enjoying exclusive discounts on new subscription/rental plans offered by the firm, the carrier said in a statement.

In addition, the first such 10,000 new subscribers will also receive three complimentary Hollywood DVD’s worth INR 1500.

Jet has also entered into a partnership with Carlson Hotels Worldwide under which airline passengers may get concessions from the carrier for their stay at more than one thousand participating hotel locations in seventy-four countries.

Through this partnership JetPrivilege members will be given the opportunity to earn JPmiles across five leading hotel brands in the Carlson Hotel portfolio: Regent® Hotels and Resorts, Radisson® Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites CarlsonSM, and Park Inn®, which cover luxury, mid-range and affordable hotel properties.

The airline has also entered into a partnership with Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, India’s leading hotel Management Company.

With this partnership, JetPrivilege members may earn up to 250 JPMiles during their stay at various participating Sarovar hotels.

Additionally, Jet Airways’ frequent flyers will also enjoy special benefits at participating Sarovar properties, including a 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages and late check out till 15:00 hours.

JetPrivilege Platinum members will also be entitled to an upgrade to the next room category/suite.

JetPrivilege members will also enjoy additional benefits with the airlines new partnership with Axis Bank, a leading Indian private bank with over 729 branches across the country.

JetPrivilege members who are Axis Bank Platinum and Gold Credit Cardholders may convert their PlusPoints into JPMiles.

Platinum cardholders may convert their Pluspoints at the rate of 1000 PlusPoints = 1000 JPMiles; while Gold cardholders may convert their Pluspoints at the rate of 500 PlusPoints = 250 JPMiles.


Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Gulf Air signs on for four new Boeings

Intent on continuing re-fleeting and product-enhancement plans, Gulf Air signed an agreement with Jet Airways late last week to lease four new Boeing 777 ER aircraft.

The national carrier of Bahrain will receive three aircraft during March of this year and the fourth plane will arrive in May.

Trade Arabia reported that the new Boeings will slowly replace the Airbus 340s, serving routes between London, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and intra Gulf routes.

“The introduction of these four aircraft is another important step in our strategic direction towards re-fleeting, enhancing our product and strengthening our presence as the carrier of choice in the Middle East and beyond” said CEO.

As the largest long-range twin-engine commercial airplane in the world, the wide-body Boeing 777-300ER will feature a three class configuration with a total of 312 seats.

“It will further strengthen our successful hub-and-spoke network and our operational efficiency while offering enhanced passenger comfort and flying experience”

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Guests commend Airasia's self check in service

AirAsia guests have commended the airlines’ latest addition to its self check-in facility – the web check-in that was made available from Tuesday, 17 February 2009.

With the new innovation, air travelers can now save time on pre-departure procedures by using the free- of-charge web check-in facility implemented across AirAsia and AirAsia X’s entire network.

“This is a wonderful innovation. With AirAsia’s web check-in, I can perform check-in myself in the office. I do not have to worry about long queues at the counters anymore. It allows me to plan my trip better and saves me a lot of time, and it minimizes chances of missing my flight,” said Janice Kuek, an AirAsia guest from Kuala Lumpur when met at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal today.

The web check-in facility allows AirAsia and AirAsia X guests to skip long check-in queues at the airport if they web check in at www.airasia.com from 48 to 4 hours before their scheduled flight departure.? Web check in is available for all AirAsia and AirAsia X flights.

During web check-in, guests may also opt for AirAsia’s Baggage Supersize and “Pick A Seat,” new services that allow for carriage of more baggage weight and the option to choose seats, respectively. “Pick A Seat” has been smoothly implemented on all AirAsia flights beginning 17 February 2009.

Another guest, Nazatul Ismail Kamaruddin from Sungai Buloh who was en route to Bandung for a holiday with his family, said: “The web check-in is really convenient for me and my family. All we need to do upon reaching the airport is present our printed boarding passes and drop our luggage at the special counter. Also, with Pick A Seat, we no longer have to worry about rushing to board the aircraft. With a nominal fee we can choose where we want to sit, and that is important for a family with small kids like us.”

Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia, said, “At AirAsia, long check-in queues will be history.? We have invested in technology that now offers web check-in services to guests flying across our network of over 114 routes to over 64 destinations.? With our increasing use of technology to enhance services, we stay in step with the needs of our guests, who call for convenience in their travels.”

AirAsia’s web check-in is complemented by the self check-in kiosks that allow self-check in from 6 to 1 hour before departure. Airports that allow kiosk check-in include those in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang), Thailand (Chiang Mai, Hatyai, and Phuket) and Indonesia (Jakarta and Bali).

With the latest addition of web check-in facility, AirAsia now boasts of three check-in options for its guests:? via web at www.airasia.com, self check-in kiosk at selected airports, and through conventional check-in counters at airports.

“We expect our host of check-in options to increase demand for AirAsia seats, especially among professionals and young adults who gravitate towards fast and efficient do-it-yourself electronic services.? This increase in demand can only strengthen AirAsia’s lead among low-cost airlines in Asia.? Our string of innovations brings ease of travel to guests from Southeast Asia, China, Bangladesh, India, Australia and UK.? These electronic services are incredibly user-friendly; guests from all walks can easily use them,” Kathleen said.

Check In Options

1. To check in via the web, guests must log on to www.airasia.com between 48 to 4 hours before flight departure, key in details pertinent to their travel, then print their web check-in boarding passes.

2. To check in via self check-in kiosk, guests need to key in details pertinent to their travel into self check-in machines at selected airports.

3. At the airport, domestic travelers with check-in baggage go to the baggage drop/document check counter before proceeding to the departure gate.?

4. All international travelers go to the document check counter for baggage check-in, if needed, and travel document verification before proceeding to immigration and departure gates.

5. Domestic travelers with check-in baggage and all international travelers need to receive verification stamps on their web check-in boarding pass before proceeding to the departure gate.

Web and kiosk check-in are available to guests except those who are expectant mothers, traveling with infants, 16 years old and below and traveling alone, traveling in a group of more than 9 under the same reservation number, and those who have reduced mobility and special needs and who book flights using credit cards within 24 hours of flight departure.? Kiosk check-in is not available to guests who fly within 12 hours after booking their seats? Other terms and conditions apply.


Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Monday, July 18, 2011

Aviation accident rate worsens in 2008, fatality numbers improve

In announcing the aviation safety performance for 2008, the International Air Transport Association has found the number of fatalities to fall compared to 2007, although the global accident rate worsened.

Aviation accidents led to 502 fatalities in 2008, whereas there were 692 in 2007, which represented a 56% improvement from 0.23 fatalities per million passengers, to 0.13 per million.

The global accident rate, which is measured in hull losses per million flights of Western-built aircraft, stood at 0.81, which indicates an accident for every 1.2 million flights.

The 2007 safety record was slightly more impressive, with an accident rate of 0.75 which represented an accident for every 1.3 million flights.

Last year saw 109 accidents occur, compared to 100 in 2007, and the fatal accidents also increased, from 20 in 2007 to 23 last year.

The member airlines of the IATA had a far lower accident rate than the average in 2008, with 33 accidents reflecting a rate of 0.52 in 2008.

“Safety is the industry’s number one priority,” said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA. “Today’s statistics confirm that travelling by air is one the safest things that a person can do.”

The IATA Operational Safety Audit provides a global industry standard for airline safety, and is now a pre-requisite for IATA membership, as of 2009.

Airlines that have not passed the IOSA quality control process by 31 March, 2009, will have their IATA memberships terminated.

“IATA is a quality association. And the mark of that quality is safety,” said Bisignani.

“While we will be strict in upholding the IOSA standards, which are recognised by governments around the world, our goal is to raise the bar on safety with a transparent global standard and bring all of our members on board.”

The regional differences in accidents are evidence, with areas such as North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific performing consistently above the global average. North Asia as a region had a perfect record in 2008, reporting no hull losses.

The accident rate in Africa was 2.12, which was 2.6 times worse than the average. However, considering that the African rate was 9.21 in 2005, this is evidence of significant improvement.

The worst accident rate in the world was found in the Commonwealth of Independent States, a number of ex-Soviet nations, which was 7.9 times worse than the global average at 6.43.

However, these numbers are skewed by the reduced numbers of Western-built aircraft in the region.

The Latin America and Caribbean region had a hull loss rate of 2.55, which was 3.1 times worse than the global average, and the Middle East and North Africa saw their accident rate worsen to 1.89.

Some of the prominent safety issues which emerged in 2008 were runway excursions, which accounted for 25% of all accidents, ground damage, which accounted for 17% of all accidents and deficient safety management at the airline level, which contributed to 30% of all accidents.

In response to these concerns, the IATA has developed a Runway Safety Toolkit, the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations, and incorporated a Safety Management Systems requirement into IOSA.

“Our record on safety is impressive,” Bisignani maintained. “But the accident in Buffalo last week and all the 502 fatalities in air accidents in 2008 are human tragedies reminding airlines, regulators and industry partners everywhere that safety is a constant challenge and we must always strive to do better.”

“Our target is zero accidents, and zero fatalities. Nothing less is an acceptable result.”

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/
More about Cambodia Rice Exporter, please visit: http://www.cambodiaorganic.com/

Read more...

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Cargo growth boosts hope for aviation

Rising cargo volume is sparking signs of recovery for the North American aviation industry, Air Canada's chief executive said last week.

"We've seen some encouraging news from the cargo environment," Air Canada Chief Executive Calin Rovinescu told reporters on Friday.

"We are seeing a marked improvement over last year and generally cargo tends to be the bellwether indicator that the recovery is starting."

But Rovinescu is still not ready to declare a recovery, saying the airline industry still faces a weak market and must wait for business travel to rebound.

"Businesses tend to need to recover first before ... airlines that cater to businesses start seeing the recovery."

When Rovinescu took over as Air Canada's chief executive last April, the carrier was struggling financially and dealing with rumours that it might need to file for bankruptcy protection.

However, he has since strengthened the carrier's liquidity position, lined up equity funding and cut both capacity and costs according to Reuters.

Source ETB

Cambodia tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia/tours/
Vietnam tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/vietnam/tours/
Laos tours=> http://www.tourismindochina.com/laos/tours/

Read more...
Copyright © 1999-2009 TourismIndochina.blogspot.com, Managed by Bayon Heritage Travel & Tours All rights reserved.