http://www.atn.aero/ ICAO COUNCIL PRESIDENT HIGHLIGHTS CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS TO AIR INDUSTRY SUMMIT The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) brought a strong environmental message to a prominent air industry summit today, highlighting the importance of the upcoming UN COP21 event to the sector‟s near-term and long-term goals. The points were raised in a speech by ICAO‟s Council President, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, to the Air Transport Action Group‟s Global Sustainable Aviation Summit which took place in Geneva, Switzerland. “A positive outcome at the UNFCCC COP21 this December will be crucial to encouraging ICAO Member States to make further progress at ICAO‟s 39th Assembly on reducing emissions from international aviation, including the agreement on a realistic and effective global Market-based Measure (GMBM) for international aviation,” stressed President Aliu. The ICAO President also highlighted that action on ICAO‟s emissions reduction goals requires adequate financial resources within the sector itself. To date ICAO and the air transport industry have been strongly united in their position against any proposals to use international aviation as a potential source for the mobilization of general revenues to finance climate programmes in other sectors. “Reliable air services are too fundamental to local and regional development priorities, and States must consistently be made aware of the negative impacts which aviation taxes and fees can have on their longer-term, broad-based and sustainable economic prosperity,” President Aliu commented. “Your active cooperation in conveying this message will be paramount leading to COP21.” In 2010, world governments agreed to improve international civil aviation fuel efficiency by two per cent per year, while stabilizing the sector‟s CO2 emissions at 2020 levels through a variety of measures, including technological and operational improvements, alternative fuels and a global market-based measure(MBM). ICAO‟s State Action Plan initiative supports this work by identifying voluntary climate actions and fostering the partnerships and capacities needed to realize them. President Aliu also highlighted the importance of better communicating the substantial actions taken, and the progress being achieved by the sector in addressing aviation emissions.
http://www.atn.aero/ QATAR AIRWAYS ADDS SYDNEY TO RAPIDLY GROWING NETWORK FROM 1 MARCH 2016 DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has announced its highly anticipated daily direct services from Doha to Sydney starting from 1st March 2016, the third Australian city in the Qatar Airways network. Currently, the Doha-based carrier operates daily non-stop flights to Melbourne and Perth with a total of 14 services each week. Australia, with its stunning landscape of idyllic beaches and famous interior, along with its rich history and culture, draws millions of visitors each year. The most populous city of Sydney, with its ocean-side location, sandy beaches, and iconic attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge is one of Australia‟s and the world‟s top business and tourist destinations, and Sydney will undoubtedly be a popular addition to Qatar Airways‟ rapidly growing network. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “We are delighted to debut our daily Sydney flights next March. The expansion of our Australia services will undoubtedly boost and strengthen the trade and commercial links that exist between Qatar and Australia, setting the stage for even more robust partnership opportunities in the near future. We look forward to carrying more travellers to and from Australia across our extensive global network and providing them with another world-class experience both on board and on the ground at the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport in Doha.” The evening departure timings in both directions provide convenient travel times for passengers, and enhance connectivity to attractive business and leisure destinations across Qatar Airways' ever-expanding global network. "We're looking forward to welcoming Qatar Airways to Sydney Airport. As Skytrax's 2015 Airline of the Year, Qatar Airways will provide passengers with a quality product and greater connectivity to destinations around the world," said Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kerrie Mather. "The new daily service will significantly boost inbound tourism to New South Wales (NSW), as well as create an estimated 3,000 jobs, including 2,500 in NSW, and contribute over $240 million to the Australian economy. Qatar Airways' service will also provide greater air cargo access to the Middle East and the growing Qatar market, which is great for NSW exports." The Doha-Sydney daily flights will be operated by the Boeing 777-300 aircraft which offers Qatar Airways‟ award-winning in-flight hospitality and luxurious comfort across both cabins. The national airline of the State of Qatar was named the world‟s best carrier at the 2015 Skytrax Awards earlier in June, marking the third time the airline has won this coveted accolade. Most recently, the airline was also awarded the „Best for Business‟ award and named runner-up as the readers‟ choice for „Leisure Long-haul Travel‟ by one of the world‟s leading travel publications, Condé Nast Traveller. Passengers travelling with Qatar Airways to and from Sydney in Business Class on board the Boeing 777 can enjoy one of the most comfortable fully-flat beds in the sky with 78 inches of seat pitch. In addition, the ondemand à la carte menu service allows Business Class passengers to order anything from the menu at any time during the flight. The aircraft also features the state-of the-art Oryx One entertainment system, with more than 2,000 entertainment options on individual screens in all classes. When flying with Qatar Airways, passengers can look forward to a convenient and seamless one-stop transfer at the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport (HIA), home of Qatar Airways. The airport houses one of the world‟s largest and most luxurious Business Class lounges – the Al Mourjan Business Lounge, and also has over 40,000 square metres of retail space and restaurants that includes a selection of more than 70 retail and 30 food and beverage outlets. HIA also has a fully accessible spa for all passengers with a minimal entrance fee that includes access to the following facilities: a swimming pool, squash courts, sauna and steam rooms. One of the fastest growing airlines in the world, Qatar Airways has experienced rapid growth in just 18 years of operation. Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 166 aircraft flying to 152 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. Daily flights between Doha and Sydney from 1 March 2016 (all times local) Depart Doha QR908 at 20:10, arrive Sydney at 18:05 (next day) Depart Sydney QR909 at 22:20, arrive Doha at 05:05 (next day)
http://www.iata.org/ Teamwork, Innovation and Industry Unity for a Sustainable Future Geneva - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) co-signed an open letter calling on governments to act to help the industry reduce its carbon footprint. The letter was organized by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), which brings together all the major players in the aviation sector (airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers, and air navigation service providers) with the aim of responsibly dealing with industry issues such as managing aviation‟s climate change impact. In the letter, signed at the ATAG Global Sustainable Aviation Summit in Geneva, the aviation industry reaffirmed its commitment to its three environment goals: 1.5% fuel efficiency improvement per year to 2020 Stabilizing net carbon emissions through carbon-neutral growth from 2020 Halving net carbon emissions by 2050 compared to 2005. The industry is delivering on its commitments. Since the goals were set in 2009 a cumulative 600 million tonnes of CO2 have been avoided as a direct result of efforts associated with the industry‟s four-pillar strategy of improvements in technology, operations, infrastructure, and the implementation of a global market-based measure (MBM). And the airline industry is the first industrial sector to agree on a position asking governments to implement a market-based measure to help it manage its carbon footprint. Specifically, at the 2013 IATA Annual General Meeting airlines resolved to ask governments for a mandatory global carbon offset program. “A global offsetting scheme would be our preferred MBM. Offsetting is important because it is a legitimate means for the industry to achieve carbon neutral growth. It makes sense for aviation, while it continues to take every step it can for itself, to encourage reductions in other business sectors where the scope for emissions cuts is greater,” said Tony Tyler, IATA‟s Director General and CEO. Teamwork, Innovation and Unity Addressing the summit, Tyler focused on the importance of teamwork, innovation, and industry unity as the bedrock of the industry‟s environmental achievements and the driver of future gains. “Flying is a team effort. And that is equally true for reaching our sustainability goals. Innovation has been at the root of our technological and operational improvements. But above all it is the unity of the aviation industry, jointly setting our three climate-change targets, and the four-pillar strategy to reach them, which has enabled us to make significant progress,” said Tyler. The industry‟s united strategy to achieve its ambitious targets has given it a strong voice to call for governments to agree an MBM to capture carbon emissions, to enact long-overdue air traffic management reform, and put in place policies to accelerate the production of sustainable fuels. A global market-based measure to manage aviation carbon emissions can only be achieved by agreement among governments at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). "In that context, I welcome and support the remarks of Dr. Aliu, President of the ICAO Council, this morning. In particular, his call for avoidance of financial impositions on the aviation industry at COP21, if we are to create the conditions for a positive outcome at the ICAO Assembly. We have only 12 months to go before ICAO makes its decision on that MBM. In the hands of 190 states will be the power to make aviation‟s carbon-neutral growth goal a reality. It is no exaggeration to say that the eyes of the world will be on them. And the industry is committed to supporting their success,” said Tyler. Aviation as a driver of sustainability Tyler concluded with a personal vision on the importance of aviation to delivering a more sustainable world, urging delegates that “to save the earth, take to the air.” “Aviation creates the connectivity that helps make our world a more prosperous place: a source of 58 million jobs and $2.4 trillion in economic activity. That prosperity drives the innovation that is needed for societies to move forward sustainably. Rising living standards lead to greater technological advances, far more efficient use of resources, and political pressure for environmental safeguards. So aviation‟s greatest environmental service is to do what it keeps on doing – being a force for good, spreading peace and prosperity around the globe,” he said.
http://www.iata.org/
Air Freight Volumes Flat After Recent Declines Geneva - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that in August freight markets stabilized after two months of decline. Measured in Freight Tonne Kilometers, air cargo volumes rose 0.2% compared to the same month a year ago. This is a modest improvement on July performance when freight demand contracted by 0.6% year-over-year. The results varied widely by region. Carriers in the Middle East reported the most significant growth (10.4%) followed by African (2.3%) and European airlines (0.7%). The most significant negative impact on the global performance was by Asia-Pacific based airlines (-1.0%); and those in North America (-3.3%) and Latin America (-7.3%). All regions reported capacity expansions ahead of growth in demand. “After declines in June and July, signs of a stabilization in air cargo are welcome. But all is not well. Total volumes are down 2% compared to the end of 2014. And some of the key reasons for the earlier weakness – for example, downgraded growth expectations in emerging Asia, and the rebalancing of the Chinese economy toward domestic consumption – are still there. Even though world trade volumes have slightly picked up, the industry will have to work hard to match the strong finish to 2014,” said Tony Tyler, IATA‟s Director General and CEO.
http://atwonline.com/ Congress extends FAA‟s authorization for six months The US Congress has voted to extend FAA‟s authorization for six months, averting a disruption when the agency‟s current authority expires Sept. 30. Despite more than a year of talk about a“transformational” FAA reauthorization bill, legislation torenew the agency‟s authorization on a long-term basis was never introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. With the authorization deadline bearing down, first the Senate and then the House easily passed legislation to extend the current authorization until March 31, 2016. The bill is expected to be quickly signed by President Barack Obama. Speaking Sept. 28 at the Airlines for America (A4A) Commercial Aviation Industry Summit in Washington DC, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), the ranking member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said he and Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania), the committee‟s chairman, “are committed to this being the only extension.” DeFazio added, “We‟re not going to have a repeat of last time.” The agency‟s last reauthorization, passed in February 2012, came after more than four years of wrangling in Congress that included 23 temporary extensions and a two-week partial shutdown of FAA in the 2011 summer. “I do not want multiple extensions, particularly not in a presidential election year,” DeFazio said. Congress appears poised to extend funding for the entire federal government until Dec. 11. The US federal fiscal year ends Sept. 30 and Congress has failed to pass appropriations bills for the new year starting Oct. 1. DeFazio predicted the Dec. 11 deadline will lead to a “very chaotic” period in December as Congress attempts to reach consensus on a plan to fund the government for remainder of the fiscal year. By early 2016, “people will have calmed down” from the funding fight and there will be a window to tackle FAA reauthorization before the US presidential campaign heats up in earnest, DeFazio said. Asked at the A4A event why Congress had failed to pass a long-term FAA reauthorization on time, FAA assistant administrator-policy, international affairs and environment Rich Swayze said, “The Congressional calendar has been very packed. [FAA is] not at the top of that list.” He added, “I‟m optimistic that another bill will pass in March. Whether it‟s a full reauthorization or another extension, I won‟t speculate.”
http://www.thecairopost.com/ „Large cat‟ bites 4 Cairo Airport workers
CAIRO: A cat bit four workers from Egypt Air while they were trying to open a storehouse in Passenger Terminal 3 to clean it; they were transferred in an ambulance to Egypt Air Hospital Wednesday. The workers were mainly bitten on their hands when they opened the storehouse in a runway. They were shocked to find a “large cat” attacking them. A doctor performed the first aid on them then dispatched them to the hospital to be vaccinated. There have been no reports on whether the cat has been seized. This is not the first time that Cairo Airport has had animalrelated incidents; an investigation was opened in April after a video showed a donkey wandering in the parking lot outside the international terminal and chased by a janitor. The rogue animal was eventually caught and taken outside the facility. Read more: A cat was rescued from behind a Metro station wall after five years of entrapment.
http://www.daijiworld.com/
Regulations, technology crucial for aviation safety: Raju
New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS): Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Tuesday said both technology and regulations play an important role for making the skies safer for aviation and called for greater cooperation among south Asian countries for growth of aviation. Speaking after inaugurating the steering committee meeting of Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness (COSCAP) - South Asia, he called on COSCAP and SAARC member states to cooperate on various issues concerning the aviation sector to propel its growth, an official statement said. Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Nayan Choubey highlighted that very fast paced growth in technology, passenger traffic and quality manpower challenges as the three major issues staring at safety regulators. Stressing that adequate infrastructure should be put in place for growth to follow and not vice versa, he invited member countries of the SAARC region and COSCAP to avail the services offered by India's GPS and geoaugmented navigation system (GAGAN) project. COSCAP South Asia, under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), is a programme of the seven of the eight SAARC countries bar Afghanistan, aiming to assist member states to develop standards and regulations for improving their independent oversight capabilities in aviation safety.
http://www.eturbonews.com/ Land of the Pharoahs: Get there for free Egypt will be celebrating new opportunities at WTM London and offering travel trade members the chance to go on a fam trip to experience the wonders of the country for themselves. The Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA)‟s online training course helps tour operators and agents improve their knowledge about the land of the Pharoahs. Individuals who complete the course will be entered into a prize draw, and two winners will be selected on a quarterly basis to enjoy a sevenday fam trip to Egypt, including flights, accommodation and transfers. A spokesman for the ETA says: “The diversity of Egypt‟s tourism product is one of its kind, from unmatched historical sites, beautiful beaches along the Red Sea Riviera and the Mediterranean coast in addition to state-of-the-art resorts providing top quality services in magnificent locations. All this is reached in less than five hours‟ flying time from the UK.” Egypt will also be at WTM London promoting the completion of the new Suez Canal extension, a multi-billion project that will boost the country‟s trade and economy, which was officially opened in August. The massive project adds 35kms of new channels and 37 waterways in order to allow the passage of larger ships. Egyptian Minister of Tourism Khaled Ramy believes the opening of the new Suez Canal will coincide with the development and re-innovation of the area in order to attract new visitors and boost the country‟s glory and grandeur. Meanwhile, in the skies, Egyptair Express has launched new domestic routes between Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, operating three weekly flights on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as flights from Cairo to Marsa Matrouh with two weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays. Egyptair Express already operates 77 weekly flights from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh and 62 weekly flights from Cairo to Hurghada.
http://www.traveldailymedia.com/
Emirates Foundation, Etihad Airways join forces
Emirates Foundation and Etihad Airways recently announced an agreement to support UAE youth development. A three-year agreement was signed by Clare Woodcraft-Scott, CEO of Emirates Foundation and Hareb Al Muhairi, senior vice president of corporate and international affairs at Etihad Airways. The agreement will support the Foundation‟s programmes and will aim to address youth development. As part of the agreement, the airline will also pledge AED1.5 million in support of the Foundation‟s youth-focused programmes. Joint teams will work together to identify areas of cooperation and best means for the airline to engage in all of the Foundation‟s different programmes. With Emiratisation being a strategic initiative in Etihad Airways , this partnership will support directly in creating opportunities for capable young UAE nationals. The airline currently employs more than 2,300 UAE nationals across its global business.
ادارة العالقات العامة -الشركة القابضة لمصر للطيران