Air India, Boeing S.C.'s 1st customer, faces pilot strike

 
As Boeing South Carolina prepares its first Dreamliner for delivery to Air India next month, the South Asian airline has more pressing concerns -- striking pilots.

More than 100 of the flag carrier's pilots stayed away from work Tuesday, prompting the cancellation of at least four international flights.

According to several published reports, the pilots called in sick to protest their wages, working conditions and a plan to train their colleagues from the former Indian Airlines in how to fly the long-anticipated Dreamliners.


The rancor between the pilots, their unions and the state-owned airline has been simmering for months, but seemed to escalate over the weekend.

In response, Air India has fired 10 of the striking pilots; derecognized their union, the Indian Pilots Guild, and sealed their offices and sent doctors to the pilots' homes, according to the reports.

The government blasted the work stoppage, and all sides hinted at further action in the days to come.

Representatives for Boeing South Carolina and Air India did not return calls and emails seeking comment Tuesday. The flap, which may have involved as many as 200 of Air India's roughly 1,500 pilots, is just the latest turbulence for the national airline.

Air India ordered dozens of Dreamliners and other Boeing planes in 2005 before merging with Indian Airlines in 2007. The combined carrier has been losing money and making gloomy headlines ever since.

Last month the Indian government approved an eight-year, $5.8 billion bailout package for the airline, which also has sought financing through the U.S. Export-Import Bank and other lenders to pay for its Boeing planes.

In February, Air India was said to be seeking $1 billion in compensation payments from Boeing for the more than three-year delay in getting its Dreamliners. In March, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh denied reports that Boeing had agreed to pay half that demand.

Meanwhile, the pilot unions have been battling in court over who gets training to fly the much-hyped jets, which feature the newest technologies in commercial aviation.

Last week Air India announced that it would fly its first Dreamliners on domestic and short-haul international routes instead of the long-haul international routes the plane was designed to fly. The rationale was to give crews more training opportunities.

Also last week, the airline was the first to be fined by the U.S. Department of Transportation for "failing to post customer service and tarmac delay contingency plans on its website as well as failing to adequately inform passengers about its optional fees." The civil penalty was $80,000.

Boeing officials have previously expressed confidence in the airline, which will take the first four S.C.-assembled 787s this year. The first was rolled out to great fanfare on April 27.

Air India was not there for that milestone but is expected in North Charleston in June to test, then fly away the first plane put together at the non-union facility.


All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

Fatal aircrash 'could have been avoided'

The manufacturer of the type of aircraft that crashed at Fox Glacier said an accident report released today supported its belief that the tragedy could have been avoided if its concerns over modifications to the aircraft had been acted on.

An investigation into the plane crash that killed nine people at Fox Glacier 20 months ago has found modifications to the aircraft were poorly managed.

The crash claimed the lives of Mapua man Christopher McDonald, 62, Skydive New Zealand director Rod Miller, 55, of Greymouth, pilot Chaminda Senadhira, 33, of Queenstown, dive masters Adam Bennett, 47, from Australia who was living in Motueka, and Michael Suter, 32, from New Plymouth.

The four tourists, who had been touring the West Coast on a Kiwi Experience bus trip, were Patrick Byrne, 26, of Ireland, Glenn Bourke, 18, of Australia, Annita Kirsten, 23, of Germany, and Brad Coker, 24, of England.

A Transport Accident Investigations Commission (TAIC) report released today found the Fletcher FU24 aircraft had been modified from an agriculture plane into a parachute-drop plane three months before the accident.

Its owner had not completed any weight and balance calculations before it entered service in its new role.

As a result, it was being flown outside its loading limits every time it carried a full load of eight parachutists.

No two aircraft of the same model are exactly the same, even if they look that way, so pilots must do weight and balance calculations for every individual aircraft, the report said.

TAIC said the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which approved the aircraft's change of category, failed to detect discrepancies in documentation.

In February last year the manufacturer of the aircraft went public with fears that the widespread practice of putting more powerful engines in the planes could have been a factor in that and other fatal crashes.

Hamilton-based Pacific Aerospace Limited (PAL) suggested that the September 2010 crash, New Zealand's worst aviation disaster in 17 years, could have been avoided if its concerns had been acted on by aviation authorities.

PAL spoke publicly after an approach by the Nelson Mail, but the claims were disputed in aviation circles.

The CAA said last year it had extensively assessed the Fletcher FU-24 aircraft and believed it had responded appropriately to the concerns.

PAL chief executive Damian Camp said today the findings of the report backed the company's concerns. Fragmentation of responsibility for modifications to the aircraft had in the end left no-one responsible, Mr Camp said.


He said PAL was still the type certificate holder for the unmodified aircraft.

"What we have here is an aircraft made 30 years ago for a role in agriculture and 18 years later it's significantly modified and re-powered without our involvement.

"Then it's significantly modified again in 2010 to a skydive plane. Our concern is that without the involvement of the original type certificate holder there are divisions in responsibility," Mr Camp said.

The company had been particularly concerned at the practice of operators putting more powerful engines in the planes.

He said CAA still had oversight, but when multiple parties were introduced gaps opened up in the chain of responsibility, which Mr Camp believed was what had happened with the Fox Glacier accident.

"Without one person being responsible, no-one was responsible. That's what's happened here," Mr Camp said.

CAA director of Civil Aviation Graeme Harris said the report provided lessons for all pilots, and for the CAA.

The commission has found that the pilot had wrongly used weight and balance calculations for another Fletcher aircraft, he said.

The Skydive New Zealand plane crashed soon after takeoff from Fox Glacier airstrip. TAIC said the aircraft was off balance, becoming airborne at too low a speed to be controllable.

The cause of the accident was blamed on the plane being out of balance, with the centre of gravity 12cm rear of the maximum permissible limit, making the nose "pitch up".

The pilot got the plane airborne too early and at too low an airspeed.

Key recommendations focused on weight and balance (the plane had been too heavy and out of balance), plane modification (the plane had been modified for skydiving), introduction into service, regulator oversight and alcohol and drug testing.

The pilot was unable to regain control and the plane continued to pitch up, then rolled left before striking the ground nearly vertically.

TAIC made six recommendations to the CAA director – three relating to the operation of parachute-drop aircraft, two relating to the process for converting aircraft for another purpose and one relating to seat restraints.

Witnesses said the plane became airborne in a normal way but began "pitching" upwards before plummeting down.

The report found the pilot had not been drinking but the need for a deterrence and testing regime was highlighted, and safety restraints were needed to prevent parachutists from going too far to the plane's rear.

Modifying aircraft was a safety-critical process that must be done in strict accordance with rules and guidelines and with appropriate regulatory oversight, the report said.

Two of the dive masters had THC – an active ingredient in cannabis – in their blood, the report said. THC has mild to moderate analgesic effects.

The CAA now has much better tools with which to regulate the commercial skydiving sector.

A new adventure aviation rule was introduced in November 2011, which sets higher standards and allows the CAA to maintain significantly closer oversight of these activities.


All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

Miles from Blighty - BA announced next phase of bmi intergration

These BA flights will continue to operate to and from the  same airports and terminals, and will depart and arrive at the  same times.

Customers who are booked to travel on a bmi service will be communicated with when their flights move over to British Airways.

It could take until Thursday 17 May to completely process all affected bookings.
Fast Track

Passengers travelling in business class will be able to take advantage of Fast Track through security at Terminal 1.
Will my flight be operated by bmi or British Airways?

From 23 May 2012, these BA flights will be operated by bmi (British Midland) aircraft and crew.

However, in the coming months the exterior and interior design of bmi’s aircraft, as well as the onboard experience will gradually transform into British Airways’ style.

You can check which airline will be operating your flight up to 14 days prior to departure. Please check ba.com Flight Status for the most up to date information.
Business Class Handbaggage reduced

If you bought a ticket for a bmi (BD) flight on one of the nine routes  before 10 May 2012, certain BA policies now apply, including – If you are travelling in business class on a British Airways flight you are entitled to carry  one piece of hand baggage plus a laptop or hand bag. There are size and weight limits that apply.


All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

Cathay Pacific, Singapore Air Slump as Fuel Hits Earnings

Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (293) fell the most in more than seven months and Singapore Airlines Ltd. (SIA) tumbled after the carriers said that higher fuel prices and waning demand had hit earnings.

Cathay plunged as much as 5.4 percent as of 10:25 a.m. in Hong Kong, the biggest intraday decline since Sept. 26, after cutting growth plans and predicting “disappointing” first-half earnings. Singapore Air dropped as much as 2.6 percent, the most in two months, after reporting a surprise quarterly loss.


Cathay said that yields, a measure of average fares, were “softening” in premium cabins as economic concerns damps travel demand. The slowdown has also hit freight shipments and prevented the carriers from passing all of their higher fuel costs onto passengers.

“Passenger demand remains weak, fuel prices keep rising and there is no sign of a pick-up in cargo,” said Jim Wong, an analyst at Nomura Holdings Inc.

Singapore Air slumped to a loss of S$38.2 million ($31 million) in the quarter ended March 31. It had been expected to make a profit of S$119 million, based on the average of six analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

Cathay pared its forecast of passenger-capacity growth to 3.2 percent this year from 7 percent. It also said it will stop hiring ground staff, offer cabin crew unpaid leave and pare cargo expansion to lower costs.

The airline has no plans to defer any on-order aircraft or to cut any routes, it said. Cathay is due to receive 15 new planes this year, including six already in service.

“It is a situation facing the aviation industry as a whole,” Cathay Chief Executive Officer John Slosar said in Hong Kong yesterday. “Fuel prices have increased and remained consistently high, cargo business remains generally weak, and passenger yields are soft.”
Slower Growth

Singapore Air’s main unit plans to increase capacity about 3 percent in the year that started April 1, down from a 5 percent expansion in the previous fiscal year. The carrier also said fuel prices may remain at high levels, which will affect its operating performance.

“Promotional activities necessitated by intense competition amongst airlines are expected to place downward pressure on passenger yields,” Singapore Air said in its statement. “Especially in Europe and the United States where demand continues to be impacted by the anemic economic outlook.”

At Singapore Air’s mainline unit, yields fell 3.3 percent in the quarter ended March. The unit filled 77.6 percent of seats, a 2.1 percentage point increase from a year earlier. The carrier also made a loss from retiring the last of its Boeing Co. (BA) 747-400 planes.
Air China

The airline industry’s profit will drop 62 percent this year as fuel costs rise, The International Air Transport Association forecast on March 20. Air China Ltd. (601111), the world’s largest carrier by market value, and China Southern Airlines Co. both posted lower profits for the three months ended March.

“We expect revenue pressure to dominate airlines’ woes in 2012,” Rigan Wong, a Hong Kong-based analyst at Citigroup Inc., wrote in a note to clients yesterday.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG this month announced plans to scrap 3,500 administrative positions as part of a 1.5 billion-euro ($1.9 billion) cost-reduction program after it posted a wider first-quarter operating loss.

Air France-KLM Group, which also reported a wider first- quarter loss, is in talks with unions as it seeks to push through a 2 billion-euro cost-cutting plan. In the U.S., American Airlines is trying to cut labor costs by $1.25 billion a year as it restructures in bankruptcy.

Jet fuel averaged 9 percent higher in Singapore trading than a year earlier in the three months ended March, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Fuel accounted for 41 percent of Singapore Air’s costs in the year ended in March, compared with an average of 27 percent since 2004.


All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

Historic landing a success Last flight of Boeing 720 lands at CFB Trenton

CFB TRENTON - It might not have been the best known aircraft in Canada, but the last operational Boeing 720 in the world made history here Wednesday.

The red and white aircraft C-FETB — the 154th and last 720 built by Pratt & Whitney Canada — marked the end of the fleet's legacy by travelling from Saint-Hubert, QC to Canada's largest air base.

Around 3 p.m. dozens of people like Bancroft resident Barney Moorhouse and Trenton resident Celeste Odono standing along RCAF Road in Trenton watched closely as the now-retired C-FETB piloted by Capt. Stephen Krochenski flew over the base twice.

"I didn't know anything about the aircraft before I read something in the newspaper that said that it would be landing here (Trenton) for a last time," said Odono.

"My husband is military and we live just up the road, so I though I should go out and get some photos of this historic moment."

Eager to preserve this historically significant test bed aircraft, Pratt & Whitney (the most important manufacturer of turboprop and small turbofan engines in the world) and the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa came to an agreement that will see the 720 go on loan to the National Air Force Museum of Canada (NAFMC) in Trenton “for an indefinite period of time,” said Barb Neri, public relations manager at the NAFMC.

The aircraft was officially passed over to the museum and its executive director Chris Colton and will be displayed in the museum's airpark, beginning in July. It will be the 26th aircraft on display at NAFMC — the 21st in the outdoor airpark.

"By being displayed in our airpark (at NAFMC), the aircraft will keep telling its rich story for generations to come," said Colton.

Introduced by Boeing in 1959, the 720 is a smaller capacity, lighter and medium-range version of the 707 — one of the most successful airliners of the 20th century. The aircraft — built in 1988 — was the 720 flying test bed operated by the Quebec-based manufacturer until 2010 and had never flown or landed in Trenton before (154 aircraft were produced from 1958 to 1967).

Krochenski, a pilot with the Quebec-based manufacturer for six years (five years on the 720), described the historic one-hour flight as "bumpy,” but fun.

"I was a bit sad for us (the crew) to think that this was our last flight with the aircraft," said the pilot, while taking a good last look at "his" 720.

"It's a bit sad to see it retiring, but we are happy that this two-year project in the making to donate the aircraft to the the museum (NAFMC) came through."


CFB TRENTON - It might not have been the best known aircraft in Canada, but the last operational Boeing 720 in the world made history here Wednesday.

The red and white aircraft C-FETB — the 154th and last 720 built by Pratt & Whitney Canada — marked the end of the fleet's legacy by travelling from Saint-Hubert, QC to Canada's largest air base.

Around 3 p.m. dozens of people like Bancroft resident Barney Moorhouse and Trenton resident Celeste Odono standing along RCAF Road in Trenton watched closely as the now-retired C-FETB piloted by Capt. Stephen Krochenski flew over the base twice.

"I didn't know anything about the aircraft before I read something in the newspaper that said that it would be landing here (Trenton) for a last time," said Odono.

"My husband is military and we live just up the road, so I though I should go out and get some photos of this historic moment."

Eager to preserve this historically significant test bed aircraft, Pratt & Whitney (the most important manufacturer of turboprop and small turbofan engines in the world) and the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa came to an agreement that will see the 720 go on loan to the National Air Force Museum of Canada (NAFMC) in Trenton “for an indefinite period of time,” said Barb Neri, public relations manager at the NAFMC.

The aircraft was officially passed over to the museum and its executive director Chris Colton and will be displayed in the museum's airpark, beginning in July. It will be the 26th aircraft on display at NAFMC — the 21st in the outdoor airpark.

"By being displayed in our airpark (at NAFMC), the aircraft will keep telling its rich story for generations to come," said Colton.

Introduced by Boeing in 1959, the 720 is a smaller capacity, lighter and medium-range version of the 707 — one of the most successful airliners of the 20th century. The aircraft — built in 1988 — was the 720 flying test bed operated by the Quebec-based manufacturer until 2010 and had never flown or landed in Trenton before (154 aircraft were produced from 1958 to 1967).

Krochenski, a pilot with the Quebec-based manufacturer for six years (five years on the 720), described the historic one-hour flight as "bumpy,” but fun.

"I was a bit sad for us (the crew) to think that this was our last flight with the aircraft," said the pilot, while taking a good last look at "his" 720.

"It's a bit sad to see it retiring, but we are happy that this two-year project in the making to donate the aircraft to the the museum (NAFMC) came through."


All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

Tour Operators' Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development Supports Efforts Towards a Globally Agreed Framework for the Reduction of GHG Emissions From Aviation

Tourism industry supports 255 million jobs worldwide and is a major, reliable pillar of world economy

The Tour Operators' Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development (TOI), whose members represent more than 50 million leisure travellers a year, is supportive of efforts in favor of a global, multilaterally-agreed framework for the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from aviation that would mirror the global nature of travel and tourism, with all jurisdictions working hand-in-hand.

"The travel industry at large, as well as the aviation industry, have already taken actions to reduce GHG emissions and we would welcome globally-accepted market-based measures, provided the approach dovetails with other strategies, including research and development, technological and operational innovation, and use of sustainable biofuels, as well as initiatives or projects that actually benefit the environment," said TOI Chairman Michel Lemay. "Planet Earth has only one atmosphere, molecules can't be held in check at the border, making this the quintessential multi-lateral file."

Mr. Lemay added: "Travel and tourism is one of the biggest economic engines on the planet, representing 255 million jobs in virtually all countries on all continents. Travel and tourism together, in which air transport plays a crucial role, may not only be sustainable but actually a primary driver of green growth. It is also often a primary driver behind environmental, landscape and heritage protection, and it helps foster dialogue and exchanges between cultures. Surely there is a way to combine the benefits of travel and reductions in GHG emissions."

Founded in 2000, the TOI is a non-profit organization of tour operators and travel companies of all sizes based in all parts of the world. Together they represent more than 50 million international travellers. With the support of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), hosting the TOI Secretariat, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), TOI member companies work together to promote best practices in sustainability and corporate responsibility.


All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

6 questions about Russian aviation safety

 Rescue specialists work at the site of a plane crash near the Russian city of Yaroslavl where a plane crashed Sept. 7, 2011, killing 43 people. Aging aircraft operated by small cost-cutting carriers are being blamed for many of Russia's aviation safety problems.


Much has been made of Russia's dismal aviation safety record in the wake of the crash of a charter plane that killed 43 people, including 36 players and staff from a Kontinental Hockey League team. But crash data from several agencies shows the problem is not necessarily plaguing the entire Russian aviation industry but is more nuanced.

 What is Russia's safety record?
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) measures accidents according to something it calls the rate of "hull losses" per million "sectors," with a hull loss defined as a crash that renders the plane irreparable and a sector meaning a flight that includes a takeoff and a landing. According to the latest IATA figures, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries had an accident rate of 7.15 hull losses per million sectors in 2010, which is almost three times the world rate. In 2009, however, the rate was lower than the world average: Russia and CIS had a hull loss rate of 1.76 versus 2.54 for the rest of the world.

The Aviation Safety Network (ASN), which compiles statistics on crashes and other incidents involving passenger, military, transport and corporate aircraft based on official accident reports, safety authorities and industry sources, has documented 13 what it calls "occurrences" so far this year in Russia, eight of them fatal, with a total 119 people killed.

In 2010, ASN recorded 15 occurrences, four of them fatal, and a death toll of 122. The worst crash that year killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski and 87 other people and involved a Tupolev 154M passenger jet operated by the Polish air force.

By comparison, in 2011, Canada had six occurrences, four of them fatal, with a death toll of 15, and the U.S. had nine, three of them fatal, with a death toll of seven. In 2010, Canada had four occurrences, with only one fatal crash and two deaths; the U.S. had 24 occurrences, six of which were fatal, and a total 20 deaths.

The ASN data of aircraft occurrences includes accidents as well as other incidents that affect the operation of an aircraft, such as hijackings.

What is the international view of Russia's safety record?
In June 2011, then IATA director general and CEO Giovanni Bisignani praised Russia for the progress it has made in recent years to improve flight safety. The 13 largest Russian carriers have all passed IATA's operational safety audit, and none of them has "recorded an accident with loss of life over the last three years," Bisignani said at the time.

But he also warned that "safety concerns remain with the continued operation of some Russian-built equipment that does not comply with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards."



The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. does not keep data on accidents or individual carriers in other countries per se, but it does occasionally do international aviation safety assessments. In the most recent assessment it did for Russia, last updated in April 2011, the country received a Category 1 rating, meaning FAA inspectors found that the country's civil aviation authority licenses and oversees air carriers "in accordance with ICAO aviation safety standards."

'We don't look at individual airlines," said FAA spokesperson Les Dorr. "What we look at is the ability of the Russian civil aviation authority to, basically, do its job, to administer its aviation infrastructure in accordance with international regulations. At that time … they fully satisfied all international regulations.

"I certainly couldn't speculate on whether we would do a reassessment any time in the near future."

Canada's Transportation Safety Board said it only investigates incidents in Canada or involving Canadian carriers and has not done any assessments of Russia's aviation safety record.


How many airlines does Russia have?

In Soviet times, the state-owned Aeroflot operated all flights and was at one point the largest airline in the world. But following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, hundreds of smaller carriers sprang up. Today, about 130 carriers operate in Russia, according to Russian Transport Minister Igor Levitin, although only 10 of them handle about 85 per cent of air passengers.

Following the Sept. 7, 2011, crash, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev blamed this proliferation of small airlines for some of the safety problems the country's aviation industry has faced.

"The number of air companies should be radically reduced, and it's necessary to do this within the shortest time," he said at a news conference.

But while the number of carriers has grown, the number of passengers travelling by air has dropped since the breakup of the Soviet Union. According to a statement made in June 2011 by then IATA director general and CEO Bisignani: "Russian aviation handles about 57 million passengers. That's 10 per cent more than in 2008 but still less than half the 120 million people who flew annually on Aeroflot in Soviet times."

IATA said that is likely the result of a combination of the economic changes that have occurred since the fall of the Communist regime, meaning fewer people can afford to fly, and the fact that the now independent republics of the former Soviet Union are not included in the passenger figures.

What is the root of the problem?

Experts agree that the safety problem in Russia and the CIS countries is not with the large carriers like Aeroflot and Transaero that transport the majority of passengers but with the dozens of smaller regional and charter carriers that operate throughout the vast country, which has a surface area of 17 million square kilometres, many of them not reasonably accessible other than by air.

The smaller carriers use predominantly older Soviet-era aircraft or secondhand Western models, many of which do not meet current international safety standards. When non-Western built aircraft are taken out of the equation of the IATA accident statistics, for example, the rate of hull losses per million flights for both 2010 and 2009 falls to zero.

Critic also say many of the small Russian and CIS carriers are owned by newly minted post-Soviet entrepreneurs who have little knowledge of the industry and little interest in anything but profit. That, some experts say, means they neglect safety, flight training for their pilots and crew and maintenance of their aircraft — all in a bid to save costs. Some even fine their pilots for using too much fuel, failing to land on the first try or choosing to abort a flight.

Slack enforcement of safety regulations and failure to punish airlines that violate them; low pilot pay; and too few flight training hours at flight schools have also been cited as reasons for the small carriers' shoddy safety record.


When was the last major plane crash?

The last big crash in Russia occurred on June 20, 2011, when a Tupolev 134A-3 operated by RusAir crash-landed while approaching a runway at Petrozavodsk Airport, killing 47 of 52 occupants, according to the Aviation Safety Network.


What's Russia doing to improve safety?

In April 2011, the Russian government announced plans to improve air safety standards. According to the state news agency RIA Novosti, these plans include the "technical overhaul of about 300 air traffic control facilities," the creation of at least five new centres for analysis of air crashes, new monitoring equipment on runways and new flight safety management technology to help air traffic officials with decision-making.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has also vowed to begin taking aging Soviet-built aircraft out of service in 2012 and in the wake of the Sept. 7, 2011, crash said he would expedite the industry overhaul and work quickly to reduce the number of small carriers operating in the country.


All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

New priorities the best tonic for Air Canada's uncertain financial picture

Air Canada component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), is calling on Air Canada to reconsider its priorities and enhance its future prospects by improving its labour relations with AC employees.

"Air Canada needs to re-order its priorities: paying out millions/billions to executives and ACE shareholders while forcing its employees to accept a decade of wage and benefit concessions is wrong," said Taylor, who represents more than 6,800 flight attendants at the airline. "Air Canada can improve prospects for its future by improving its labour relations approach. Its long-term competitiveness is dependent upon treating employees as partners."

Industry analysts have repeatedly highlighted better labour relations as a key factor to the airline's future success. Yet negotiations between the airline and the Air Canada component of CUPE last fall were marred by demands for excessive concessions from flight attendants on pensions and working conditions.

Although Air Canada has been considering the introduction of a low cost carrier (LCC) for some time, the company has yet to contact the union regarding its LCC plans. Taylor pointed out, "The union is willing to discuss any LCC plans Air Canada may have but the company should keep in mind that Air Canada flight attendants and all AC's unionized employees have given many significant concessions to AC on wages and pensions over the last decade. The company does not need further concessions in order to be competitive."

Regarding pensions, Taylor noted: "Last year's Collective Agreement negotiations resulted in changes which significantly reduced pension costs for AC, particularly in regards to future solvency deficiency payments." Additionally, in 2009, AC unionized employees agreed to a multi-year cap on the company's pension solvency deficiency payments until 2014.


All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

Air Canada Reports April Load Factor

MONTREAL: For the month of April, Air Canada reported a system load factor of 83.0 per cent, versus 81.9 per cent in April 2011, an increase of 1.1 percentage points.  System traffic increased 1.0 per cent on a system-wide capacity decrease of 0.3 per cent. Air Canada reports traffic results on a system-wide basis, including regional airlines from which Air Canada purchases capacity.


"For the month of April, Air Canada reported a system load factor of 83.0 per cent, an increase of 1.1 percentage points from the previous year," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "Overall, traffic grew system wide by 1 per cent, led by traffic growth in our domestic Canada and Pacific markets of 3.3 and 5.1 per cent, respectively.  These gains were achieved despite a reduction in capacity of 0.3 per cent as a result of disruption to operations caused by job action by a number of unionized employees and the rescheduling of maintenance activities following the sudden closure by Aveos of its facilities. We are focused on maintaining the loyalty and confidence of our customers, and I would like to thank those employees who worked doubly hard during the month to get our customers to their destination safely."



Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 180 destinations on five continents.  Canada's flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and in 2011 served more than 33 million customers.  Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 57 destinations in the United States and 63 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America.  Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,290 destinations in 189 countries. In 2011, Air Canada was ranked Best International Airline in North America in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers conducted by independent research firm Skytrax.


 All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

Pilot injured after homebuilt plane crashes on takeoff

A pilot was flown to hospital Sun-day morning after his single-engine, homebuilt airplane crashed at Pitt Meadows Airport just after taking off on a planned trip to Montreal.

Firefighters, called to the scene shortly after 7: 40 a.m., found the plane in a ditch, engulfed in flames.

The pilot had failed in a first attempt to take off in the Mustang 2, fashioned after a Second World War-era plane, said Transportation Safety Board regional manager Bill Yearwood.

On its second attempt, the aircraft reached an altitude of about 60 metres when it lost power and crashed in a ditch near the runway, said Brad Per-rie, assistant chief of the Pitt Meadows Fire and Rescue Service.

The pilot, whose name wasn't made available Sunday, was flown to Royal Columbian Hospital with minor burns and undetermined injuries to his neck and back. He had planned to fly the plane to Montreal in several stages.

Under Canadian aviation guidelines, any aircraft built by an amateur must obtain a special certificate of airworthiness from Transport Canada.

Before construction begins, the design must be approved and it must also be inspected during construction, and then again before the first flight is taken.



All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

10 Credit Cards For Travelers Who Refuse To Pay Full Price

1. Starwood American Express: This is one of the best points-earning cards out there, especially because Starpoints can be so valuable thanks to great redemption options including Cash & Points at the over 1,000 Starwood properties all over the world.

Members can also transfer your points into miles on over 30 different airlines at 1:1 ratio, including Aeroplan, American, Alaska, ANA, American, Asia Miles, British Airways, Delta, Flying Blue, Emirates, Hawaiian, Singapore, US Airways and Virgin Atlantic, along with a 25% bonus for very 20,000 points you transfer, essentially a 25% bonus if you plan your transfers correctly.

Just having this card gets you 2 stays’/5 nights’ credit towards elite status, and you earn at least 2 points per dollar on spend at Starwood. The $65 annual fee is waived the first year, though there are foreign transaction fees. Current sign-up bonus is 25,000 points.

2. British Airways Visa: In addition to the current bonus of 100,000 Avios (50,000 with first purchase, 25,000 after you spend $10,000 within a year of account opening and 25,000 more when you spend an additional $10,000 within a year of account opening), this card has several other features that make it a great one for travelers including: no foreign transaction fees, SmartChip technology making it easier to make purchases abroad, super valuable companion tickets with $30,000 in spend and the fact that you earn 1.25 Avios per dollar spent rather than just 1 (and 2.5 on British Airways purchases).

Major downside? Big fees on most award tickets to Europe and Australia, though huge value can be had through other redemptions.

3. Chase Sapphire Preferred: The current sign-up bonus is down to 40,000 Ultimate Rewards points, this still has to be one of my all-time favorite credit cards for a few reasons: the $95 annual fee is waived for the first year, there are no foreign transaction fees, you earn 2x points on dining and travel (which includes all kinds of various expenses), a 7% annual dividend on all the points you earn including the sign-up bonus, and a growing roster of transfer partners including United (Star Alliance), British Airways (Oneworld), Korean Air (SkyTeam), Southwest, Hyatt, Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Priority Club (Intercontinental, Holiday Inn) and Amtrak.

4. American Express Premier Rewards Gold: In my opinion this is the best Amex card. It gives 3 points per dollar on airfare (4x if booked through Amex travel), 2 on gas and groceries and 1 on everything else. There are foreign transaction fees, so I never use it abroad or for purchases from foreign companies. You also get 15,000 bonus points for spending $30,000 per calendar year. I like my Amex points because Amex runs transfer bonuses, like the current 50% to British Airways.

5. Capital One Venture: While the 100,000-point sign-up bonus is gone for now and it’s down to a paltry 10,000 points, this is still a very solid card for consumers who don’t care about redeeming for premium rewards, but prefer the flexibility to book any flight, hotel or cruise anytime (and still earn elite status on those bookings), or to use the 2 points per dollar spent to take a small chunk out of their statement payments (it’s essentially 2% back when you redeem for travel). The card’s $59 annual fee is waived for the first year, and there are no foreign transaction fees.

6. United MileagePlus Explorer: Though the public offer for this card is just 40,000 MileagePlus miles, people have reporting up to 65,000 point sign-up bonuses when you log-in to your united.com account. In addition to the bonus miles, which I value highly, this card comes with perks for United flyers who might not have elite status, such as a free checked bag for the cardholder and one companion, priority check-in, screening and boarding, 2 passes to the United VIP Club every year of cardmembership, and 2 miles per $1 spent on United.

7. Chase Hyatt Visa: This one gives new cardmembers 2 free nights in any Hyatt property in the world, including those luxury Park Hyatts I love, just for signing up and making a purchase, no minimum spend required. In addition, Platinum members of Gold Passport  who get this card get 2 suite upgrade certificates which can be used on paid stays and Diamond members get their two free nights in a suite. Every year thereafter, cardmembers get a free night in a Category 1-4 hotel, which makes up for the $75 annual fee. It also doesn’t carry foreign transaction fees and has SmartChip technology, making it a good choice for spending money abroad.

8. American Express Mercedes-Benz Platinum: 50,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first three months. 50,000 Membership Rewards points alone are worth over $1,000 to me, which makes the $475 annual fee palatable, and this card comes with the same perks as the Platinum Amex, such as $200 a year in airline rebates (including gift cards), free Global Entry/Nexus, Starwood Gold status, car rental benefits and elite status and a bunch of other benefits. Plus, you get access to American, Delta, US Airways and Priority Pass Select lounges. It also has Mercedes benefits such as a $1,000 credit toward the future purchase or lease of a Mercedes-Benz, up to 2,000 excess miles waived at the end of a lease, $100 toward MB merchandise, and 5x points on Mercedes-Benz purchases.

9. Citi ThankYou Premier: 50,000 point bonus after spending $2,500 within 3 months–no annual fee for the first year. While these points cannot be transferred to hotels or airlines, they can be used to book airfare at 1.33 cents a point, so getting this card will mean you can get $665 in airfare. The great thing about tickets booked with ThankYou points is that they accrue miles and elite status. $665 for a single credit inquiry? Not too shabby!

10. Bank of America Alaska Visa: Though the sign-up bonus is just 25,000 Mileage Plan miles, you can actually churn (get the bonus multiple times) this card fairly easily, racking up those miles again and again to use on Alaska’s vast slate of partners including both American and Delta. Members earn 3 miles per dollar spent on Alaska, and an annual Companion ticket and the potential for some very lucrative miles bonuses on purchased fares. It does carry a $75 annual fee.





All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

No emissions trading without U.S., China: Canada's Transport Minister

Canada will not bend to Europe’s aviation emissions trading system, Transport Minister Denis Lebel said Wednesday, but not because of pressure from the airline lobby.

“When China and the U.S., which together emit about 40 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gases, are not party to a protocol, I can’t say this protocol is one of my objectives,” Lebel said on the sidelines of the fifth annual International Transport Forum organized by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Lebel said he would meet European Union Transport Minister Siim Kallas at the forum this week to discuss the issue, suggesting Canada may seek EU approval for its airline emissions system.

“When Mr. Kallas tells me ‘If you improve your Canadian performance, we’re ready to recognize you here in Europe,’ it’s in that spirit that we must continue bilateral discussions.

“But we believe it would be better to speak through an international organization,” Montreal’s International Civil Aviation Organization.

The EU’s cap-and-trade system for aircraft, known as ETS, came into effect on Jan. 1 over the vehement objections of airlines and many countries.

The scheme stipulates that all aircraft landing at European airports are subject to cap-and-trade regulations.

Airlines and countries in opposition say that ICAO is the only legitimate forum with the mandate to enact such changes.

But European transport officials reply that they were forced to move on their own to curb aviation emissions.

They blame ICAO’s foot-dragging on behalf of the airline lobby for 15 years since the Kyoto accord, which left out aviation in deference to its complexity and extraterritorial reach on the understanding the Montreal UN body would enact a plan. It still hasn’t, and the next meeting at which some action could be taken is not until late 2013 in Montreal.

Recent reports indicate Europe’s unilateral move has had minimal impact on the world’s airlines.

ICAO officials say that getting 190 members with vastly different economic and financial situations to agree on anything is complicated and takes time.

Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez, president of the council of ICAO, told The Gazette in a recent interview that the choice of systems to be presented to members has been narrowed down to a handful.

Lebel said that “some things take years to change. You can’t revolutionize something from one day to the next.”

Canada also can’t emulate Europe in mass transportation practices because of geography and demographics, he added. The old continent has one of the world’s highest population densities while Canada’s “immense territory” has a fraction of Europe’s population.

But urbanization has reached such a point in Canada that mass transit has become a key national economic issue, getting people to their jobs and back home.

That’s why, Lebel said, his government has passed into law a $2 billion annual transfer from gas taxes to the provinces for transportation infrastructure projects.

As for seamless connectivity in and between transportation modes, the theme of this year’s forum, Lebel pointed to the agreement between Canada and the U.S. to end double customs clearing. A Canadian flying to New York to catch a connection to Europe or Latin America, for example, will soon no longer have to clear customs again in New York.

“I hope it will be this year.”



All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

Boeing delivers 'stretch' 747-8 Intercontinental to Lufthansa

The largest commercial airliner ever built by Boeing is finally in the hands of an airline customer.

Lufthansa took possession of its first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Tuesday at a delivery ceremony at Boeing's assembly line in Everett, Wash. The event came more than a year after Boeing first unveiled its biggest commercial aircraft to the public at the same spot.



"We are excited and thrilled to welcome the 747-8 Intercontinental to our fleet," Lufthansa German Airlines chief Carsten Spohr says in a release touting the delivery. "And our passengers will love the new interior, which includes our all-new full-flat business-class cabin."


Following the ceremony, Lufthansa flew the 747-8i to its Frankfurt base where it will be prepared for its inaugural passenger flight. That comes June 1 when the carrier will deploy the jet on its Frankfurt-Washington Dulles route.



Lufthansa currently has 20 Boeing 747-8s on order and expects to take delivery of five more in 2012.

The airline says it also will put the 747-8I on its routes from Germany to Los Angeles, Chicago O'Hare, New Delhi and Bangalore later this year.

As for Boeing, the significance of the 747-8I goes beyond simply giving the jetmaker its biggest-ever plane built for airline service. Australian Aviation writes "Boeing hopes (the updated 747) will spark demand for the newest generation of its iconic jumbo jet."

The Seattle Times adds "though the original 747 first flew more than 43 years ago, Nico Buchholz, Lufthansa's executive vice president in charge of fleet management, emphasized the plane's newness: A new wing and new engines make it more fuel efficient and quieter; a new 787-style interior provides a sense of space and light for passengers.

"It's even beyond up-to-date," Buchholz is quoted by the Times as saying at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "It's highly sophisticated."

Not everything is perfect, however.

Reuters writes "the head of Lufthansa fleet management said he is not happy with the weight of Boeing new 747-8 jumbo, but that will not restrict the use of the airline's newest aircraft."

"On all our in-service fleet, even those in our fleet 10 years, we are never happy with the weight situation, so we are always trying to reduce weight in order to save even more fuel," Buchholz is quoted as saying by Reuters.

Still, he indicated the airline is satisfied overall with the 747-8I.

"Certain things are better than Boeing promised," he added, according to Reuters. "When I look at all the elements combined as an aircraft, that's when I say the aircraft does what we want it do and does it the way we want it to do."


All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

American Airlines unions ask board to consider merger now

American Airlines' three largest unions are asking its board of directors to seriously consider a merger with US Airways now instead of waiting for the airline to emerge from bankruptcy.

The request was made in an "open letter" advertisement published in today's Star-Telegram (Page 11A) and other newspapers. It is addressed to the board of directors of Fort Worth-based AMR Corp., American's parent.

"The 'standalone' business plan that AMR management has presented as part of our airline's Chapter 11 restructuring has been greeted with almost universal skepticism by industry analysts. For this reason, we urge you to consider an alternative path -- one that those same analysts and nearly 55,000 American Airlines employees have enthusiastically endorsed," the ad says."... We truly believe that the merger plan put forth by US Airways represents a better path for our airline's future and respectfully request that you engage with US Airways management now."

Two weeks ago, the three unions announced that they were publicly supporting US Airways' possible takeover bid and had agreed on contract terms with the airline.

"We expect management to try to pry us apart, but I believe this letter tells the board that we intend to see this effort through together," said Laura Glading, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. "Consolidation with US Airways is American's best avenue out of bankruptcy and back to prosperity."

Last week, American executives appeared in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to press the court to terminate its existing union contracts so it can move forward with its restructuring plans. On Feb. 1, it laid out a proposal that would trim 13,000 union jobs, but it has since revised its offer to the Transport Workers Union to save more than 3,000 of them.

"Nothing changes as a result of these latest statements from our unions," American spokesman Bruce Hicks said. "It should be easy for anyone to understand the agendas of other interested parties and their sense of urgency to advance them, and their actions continue to demonstrate that. We don't need to address them again."

It is up to the board and the executive team, Hicks said, to work with the creditors committee to determine what is best for the company, including whether American should merge with another airline.

US Airways has promised to save 6,200 American jobs that would be eliminated under American's original restructuring plan, the unions said.

"We think the AMR board of directors should do the same. US Airways has offered a very attractive proposal and the board of directors should consider it now," said Jim Little, president of the Transport Workers Union of America.

Dave Bates, president of the Allied Pilots Association, said thousands of pilots have signed an online petition voicing "no confidence" in American's management and its ability to restructure. "Our pilots have spoken with one voice -- it's time for a real change in the direction of our airline," Bates added.

Service agents lawsuit

Separately, American filed a lawsuit Wednesday in an attempt to stop a union representation vote of its customer service agents.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Texas, argues that the Communications Workers of America did not satisfy the 50 percent requirement and obtain enough authorization cards from more than 10,000 passenger and customer service agents. The lawsuit asks the court to stop the National Mediation Board from holding the election, which would begin May 17.

"We believe the law prohibits an election in which only a minority of agents and representatives formally expressed support for a union election. Therefore, we are asking the federal court to decide whether the appropriate law was applied in this case," said Denise Lynn, American's new senior vice president of people, in a letter to employees Thursday.

At issue is a change in the mediation board's statutes as part of the Federal Aviation Administration bill approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in February.

Previously, unions had to obtain authorization cards only from 35 percent of a work group before the mediation board would grant a union representation election. The FAA bill raised that standard to 50 percent.

The communications workers union says it submitted the signatures and application for the election before the new law took effect.

American has 9,700 passenger service agents who are not in a union.



All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

What British Airways buying BMI means for Qantas passengers

Qantas' main European partner British Airways finalised the deal to buy its own biggest local rival, British Midland International (BMI), at the end of April.

But what does it mean for Australians -- especially Qantas passengers -- heading to Europe?

Reading between the lines of the public announcements by BA, the plan for BMI is to fold it into British Airways' operations as soon as feasible. That could be some time, though, what with union negotations, government decisions over takeoff/landing slots at Heathrow, and everything else that goes with a merger.

So what's changing in the meantime for passengers, for frequent flyers and for business travellers? The overall message from both the Qantas and British Airways spokespeople Australian Business Traveller spoke to is: not much, at least for the short term.

We've broken down the information based on whether you've got a BMI flight booked and are wondering whether it will run, if you're a Qantas Frequent Flyer flying BMI, or if you're a BMI Diamond Club frequent flyer.
If you have a BMI flight booked and are wondering if it will run

Bottom line: don't worry.

A British Airways spokesperson told us: "It’s business as usual at bmi. British Airways plans to operate bmi’s summer schedule into and out of London Heathrow, so customers can continue to book and fly with confidence."

If your flight is after the European summer season ends towards September or so, you might want to contact the airline periodically to see what the situation is with your flights.

As a footnote, there are parts of BMI that aren't being folded into British Airways. That's mainly the BMI Regional subsidiary, which are business-heavy flights on small jets. This airline is being spun off separately, and your bookings are likely (though by no means guaranteed) to be honoured.

However, if you're booked on bmibaby, the low-cost sibling of BMI that flies some regional routes, that airline is being wound up quickly and some routes are being cut as early as June. Check out the list of cut routes for the full details.
If you're a Qantas Frequent Flyer flying BMI

Bottom line: you're probably out of luck: no QFF benefits or points when on BMI.

BMI isn't officially a Qantas partner, nor is it a oneworld airline, so you're unlikely to earn points. You're also unlikely to see your Qantas status matched on BMI.

The exception might come if you book a flight that has a BA flight code. "Nine British Midland International routes have carried the British Airways code since early April," BA's spokesperson told us, which means that you may be able to gain Qantas points on those.

When Australian Business Traveller asked Qantas for clarification on what Qantas Frequent Flyers can expect, a spokesperson told us: "We do not have any information available for this at present."

But booker beware: "all BMI flights in and out of London Heathrow will become available to book on ba.com," British Airways' spokesperson told us.

The unwary traveller booking on BA's website might not realise that you're unlikely to get points or status for flying with bmi, even if you book it through BA. So if you're keen to get Qantas Frequent Flyer points, make sure that your booking doesn't say "operated by BMI" in the small print.
If you're a BMI Diamond Club frequent flyer

Bottom line: it's still running for the moment, but look for another program.

In Australia, advanced-level frequent flyer milehounds are likely to have been BMI Diamond Club frequent flyers, since it was one of the better programs within the Star Alliance.

But no more: "BMI's last day as a Star Alliance member was 20 April," BA's spokesperson confirmed , so no Star Alliance flights after that date could be credited to Diamond Club.



All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

Saker Aviation Services Announces Growth Strategy Focused on Merger/Acquisition Activity

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. and SCRANTON, Pa., May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Saker Aviation Services, Inc. (SKAS.OB), an aviation services company specializing in ground-based services to the general aviation marketplace, announced today that the company intends to generate growth through merger/acquisition activity and has selected Corporate Finance Associates to drive that effort.

"We believe that the timing may be right in our industry and in the financial markets to resume our merger/acquisition activity," said Ronald J. Ricciardi, CEO at Saker Aviation. "Our intent will be to acquire companies that leverage our current infrastructure, both functionally and geographically, while remaining open to opportunities that may expand our capabilities."

"The leadership team at Saker Aviation understands that properly executed acquisitions can be a valuable component of an overall growth strategy," stated Joseph Contaldo, Managing Director, Corporate Finance Associates. "Matching Saker's experience with our expertise and exposure to the aviation industry can yield positive results. We are pleased to work with Mr. Ricciardi and his management team in identifying and engaging prospective targets of acquisition."

About Saker Aviation Services, Inc.

Saker Aviation Services provides Fixed Base Operations (FBO) flight support services through a growing chain of U.S. based facilities. Products include, but are not limited to, aircraft fueling, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), hangar/tie-down, facility management, pilot support services, ground handling, operational consulting and other related services.

About Corporate Finance Associates

Corporate Finance Associates (CFA) is one of North America's oldest investment banking firms serving middle-market companies. With over 20 offices in North America, three in Canada, three in India and 16 affiliate offices in Europe, Asia and Latin America, CFA provides companies with a wide range of financial advisory services and access to capital resources. From project inception to completion, a Principal guides clients through every challenge, advocates on their behalf, and leverages CFA's experience and extensive resources.


All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com

People in Aviation: May 2012

Dennis Keith, president and owner of Jet Solutions, has been selected as chairman of the Air Charter Safety Foundation. He succeeds Jim Christiansen, whose term expires at the end of June.

Jill Adams, most recently president of FinancAir, was tapped by JSSI as v-p for California and the Western U.S. The Chicago-based maintenance programs provider also added Asia to the responsibilities of Robert Wilke, its v-p for business development for the Middle East, and named William Khouri, most recently completion/maintenance sales and key account manager with Jet Aviation, its Dubai-based technical advisor for the Middle East.


Hong Kong-based private aviation provider Sino Jet has named former flight captain Joseph Mack as CEO.

Gulfstream has named Thomas Huff, the recently retired commander of the U.S. Naval Test Wing, Atlantic, to the newly created position of aviation safety officer. The Savannah airframer also promoted Sharon Pflieger from organizational development manager to director of organizational effectiveness, and named Lisa Troxell, most recently a parts sales manager, to regional sales manager for component repair, modification and overhaul in the product support sales division.

Canadian training provider FlightPath International has appointed Rudy Toering, previously CAE’s director of global training delivery standards and data management, as v-p of business development.

Crane Aerospace & Electronics has named Robert Tavares, previously president of technology solutions provider e2V, president of the company’s electronics group. He succeeds David Bender, who will also remain in his role as president of the company’s aerospace group. The Lynnwood, Wash.-based company also promoted Chris Cook from director of cabin systems programs to v-p of cabin systems solutions.

Rodger Renaud, most recently v-p of green completions with Jet Aviation, has joined West Star Aviation as general manager at its East Alton, Ill. facility. The MRO specialist also announced that Mike Sapanara, previously a regional sales manager with Rockwell Collins, has joined the company as avionics technical sales lead.

Industry insurance provider Global Aerospace has named Sharon Holahan, daughter of AIN cofounder Jim Holahan, to its board of directors and promoted her from co-director of claims to executive v-p and director of claims. She succeeds Kevin Hillard, who has retired. The firm also promoted Anthony Moschetta from senior v-p to general counsel. He replaces Leonidas Demas, who moved to a part-time role in the company’s legal department.

Andy Richards has been promoted from OEM program manager to v-p of completions and modifications at Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek, Mich. facility.

Jet Aviation has appointed Judith Moreton v-p and general manager of the company’s FBO and maintenance facility at London Biggin Hill Airport.

Jean-Pascal Méo, previously head of corporate matters within Eurocopter’s legal division, has been named the OEM’s general counsel. He replaces Georges Richelme, who has been elected president of the Commercial Court of Marseilles.

FlightSafety International has made several personnel changes. John Brasfield, most recently assistant manager of the company’s Wichita Cessna Learning Center, has been promoted to manager. He is succeeded by Randy Annett, formerly assistant director of training at the Hawker Beechcraft Learning Center in Wichita. The company also promoted Nancy Ritter from assistant manager responsible for all Part 141, 142 and 61 flight training at the FlightSafety Academy in Vero Beach, to manager of the facility. She replaces Daniel Greenhill, who left the company. Winston Leong has been promoted to marketing manager for commercial simulation for the Asia-Pacific region. Most recently he served as the training provider’s remote assets manager.

Brian Lindquist, formerly MRO sales manager for Western Aircraft, has joined Dallas Airmotive as regional engine manager for the Northwestern U.S. The BBA Aviation subsidiary also announced that Gerardo Gomez, formerly maintenance manager at Mexico’s Aeromundo Ejecutivo, has joined the company’s engine repair and overhaul group as territory sales manager for Mexico.

Aircraft services provider Elliott Aviation has promoted Greg Stutzman from interior shop supervisor to paint and interior sales representative. The Moline, Ill.-based company also hired Veta Traxler as paint and interior lead designer.

Chicago-based NationAir Aviation Insurance has added insurance consultant Bob Cox to its team as a sales executive for the southeast region.

John Sheehan, secretary general of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations for the past 15 years, announced his retirement. AOPA v-p for operations and international affairs Craig Spence will succeed him as acting secretary general.

Fractional ownership provider Executive AirShare has promoted Jeff Long from managed aircraft manager to director of safety.

Aviation industry safety and compliance information provider ATP has named Ted Haugner director of sales. Most recently he served as area v-p with Ikon Office Solutions.

Denver-based Newmont Mining has appointed Keith Fritz, most recently aviation safety auditor withGeneral Electric’s corporate flight department, as manager of global aviation.

Awards and Honors

The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (Arsa) recognized House aviation subcommittee chairman Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.) with its Legislative Leadership award for his role in passing a new long-term FAA reauthorization bill. Arsa also presented former FAA aircraft maintenance division manager Carol Giles with the association’s Leo Weston Award for helping to promulgate realistic regulation and ensure standard enforcement.

At the National Air Transportation Association’s March 28 Industry Excellence Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C., Kenn Ricci, chairman of Flight Options, was presented with the William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award for extraordinary achievement and extended meritorious service to the general aviation industry. He began his career in 1980 with the founding of Corporate Wings and served as CEO of Mercury Air Centers until its sale to Macquarie Infrastructure Trust in 2007. He founded Flight Options in 1998 and his leadership took it from inception to annual sales of more than $600 million in a period of four years.

Mary Miller, v-p of industry and government affairs for both Signature Flight Support and parent company BBA Aviation, received NATA’s Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding service and ongoing contributions to the industry. She was an integral part of the process to reopen Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to business aviation traffic in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and her efforts have brought much needed positive attention to the integral role of business and general aviation in the global economy.

Final Flights

Sanford “Sandy” McDonnell, 89, the former chairman and CEO of McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, died on March 19 at his home. The nephew of McDonnell Aircraft founder James McDonnell, he served in the U.S. Army during WWII, a part of the top-secret project team that created the atomic bomb. He joined his uncle’s company in 1948 and worked his way up the corporate ladder, playing a key role in the development of the F-4 Phantom. After the company’s merger with Douglas Aircraft he was named president of the corporation that produced the Saturn V rocket, among other vehicles. He then served as CEO and eventually chairman in 1980 after his uncle’s death. He retired in 1988 and devoted his later years to furthering education in St. Louis-area schools.

Dean Welch, 57, technical director for J. Mesinger Corporate Jet Sales, died on March 16 in Savannah, from injuries sustained after an accidental fall from a stairway. A company employee since 1999, he was an ATP with ratings in six different corporate jet types and had logged more than 14,000 hours of flight time. He had accumulated more than 30 years in flight department management and operational experience.



All Aviation NEWS
By

Maani Sharma [ MBA Aviation ]
Manager Aviation NEWS Project
 
www.All-Aviation-NEWS.in
www.AeroSoftCorp.com
www.AeroSoft.in
www.AeroSoft.co.in
www.AeroSoftseo.com

On-Line Assistance:

Gtok:                       maani.aerosoft@gmail.com
Y!Messenger:          maani.aerosoft@yahoo.com
Rediff:                     maani.aerosoft@rediffmail.com
MSN:                     maani.aerosoft@hotmail.com