Manila Bulletin
April 13, 2012
BANGKOK (dpa) – Flights to and from Phuket Airport were back to normal Thursday after being shut down during a tsunami scare sparked by a 8.6-magnitude earthquake off Indonesia.
''Actually the airport already reopened Wednesday night after the tsunami warning was lifted,'' said Bang-orurat Shinaprayon, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Thailand's National Disaster Warning Center on Wednesday afternoon issued a tsunami warning to the six provinces along the Andaman Sea; Krabi, Phuket, Phangnga, Ranong, Satun and Trang. It lifted it about 8:00 p.m. (1300 GMT) when was clear the earthquake off Aceh in Indonesia had failed to generate a tsunami.
Tsunami sirens were activated and hundreds of tourists evacuated in Patong and other popular beaches on Phuket Island, 700 kilometers south of Bangkok.
''The warnings systems worked well,'' Bang-orarut said. ''All sectors, the hoteliers, government offices and the warning center coordinated very well and controlled the situation,'' she added.
Phuket International Airport was closed for several hours during the scare, with more than 15 flights delayed.
It was unclear whether the tsunami scare would lead to a rash of hotel cancellations on Phuket, which drew 5.4 million tourists last year, Bang-orurat said.
A 9.1-magnitude quake off Aceh on December 26, 2004, caused a tsunami that killed more than 5,400 people in Thailand, half of them foreign tourists in the popular beach resorts on the Andaman Sea coast.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Indonesia's Garuda Buys Airbus Jets
Manila Bulletin
April 13, 2012
JAKARTA (Reuters) – Indonesia's flag carrier Garuda signed a deal for 11 Airbus passenger jets on Wednesday, during a visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron aimed at boosting trade and investment.
The purchase of the A330 jets, worth about $2.5 billion and powered by UK supplied Rolls-Royce engines, reflects the growing consumer demand that is attracting political leaders and financiers to court Southeast Asia's largest economy.
''This deal between Airbus and Garuda Indonesia Airlines is great news for the UK aerospace industry,'' Cameron told reporters after arriving in Jakarta on a 24-hour visit.
Cameron's coalition government is trying to boost British manufacturing to reduce reliance on financial services and to limit exposure to the crisis-hit euro zone by doing more business with fast-growing emerging markets.
Cameron, accompanied by about 35 executives on an Asian tour, has said he sees enormous potential in Indonesia, and the British delegation is expected to focus on possible deals in energy, construction, retail, pharmaceutical, defense and financial services sectors.
The new Airbus jets will increase by two-thirds the number of long-haul A330s already delivered to Garuda or on order from the airline. Its main domestic rival Lion Air in February signed a record $22 billion deal for planes from Boeing Co.
That deal was first announced during a visit to Jakarta by US President Barack Obama. Leaders from China and France also visited last year together with large delegations of executives sniffing for investment opportunities, especially to overhaul Indonesia's dilapidated infrastructure.
Indonesia is seeing a rapidly expanding aviation sector as a growing middle class, and business executives, opt to travel by air across an archipelago of 17,000 islands. Many islands lack good roads or railways, while ship connections are sporadic and slow, and deadly transport accidents are common.
Many airlines use ageing propeller planes to navigate remote and mountainous eastern provinces such as Papua, where a Garuda plane skidded off the runway on Wednesday. Garuda was removed from a European Union blacklist on Indonesian carriers in 2009.
Garuda's CEO Emirsyah Satar said he planned to use the new Airbus planes to expand in Asia-Pacific, including to China, South Korea and Australia.
Southeast Asian carriers have ordered $47 billion worth of aircraft for the coming decade.
April 13, 2012
JAKARTA (Reuters) – Indonesia's flag carrier Garuda signed a deal for 11 Airbus passenger jets on Wednesday, during a visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron aimed at boosting trade and investment.
The purchase of the A330 jets, worth about $2.5 billion and powered by UK supplied Rolls-Royce engines, reflects the growing consumer demand that is attracting political leaders and financiers to court Southeast Asia's largest economy.
''This deal between Airbus and Garuda Indonesia Airlines is great news for the UK aerospace industry,'' Cameron told reporters after arriving in Jakarta on a 24-hour visit.
Cameron's coalition government is trying to boost British manufacturing to reduce reliance on financial services and to limit exposure to the crisis-hit euro zone by doing more business with fast-growing emerging markets.
Cameron, accompanied by about 35 executives on an Asian tour, has said he sees enormous potential in Indonesia, and the British delegation is expected to focus on possible deals in energy, construction, retail, pharmaceutical, defense and financial services sectors.
The new Airbus jets will increase by two-thirds the number of long-haul A330s already delivered to Garuda or on order from the airline. Its main domestic rival Lion Air in February signed a record $22 billion deal for planes from Boeing Co.
That deal was first announced during a visit to Jakarta by US President Barack Obama. Leaders from China and France also visited last year together with large delegations of executives sniffing for investment opportunities, especially to overhaul Indonesia's dilapidated infrastructure.
Indonesia is seeing a rapidly expanding aviation sector as a growing middle class, and business executives, opt to travel by air across an archipelago of 17,000 islands. Many islands lack good roads or railways, while ship connections are sporadic and slow, and deadly transport accidents are common.
Many airlines use ageing propeller planes to navigate remote and mountainous eastern provinces such as Papua, where a Garuda plane skidded off the runway on Wednesday. Garuda was removed from a European Union blacklist on Indonesian carriers in 2009.
Garuda's CEO Emirsyah Satar said he planned to use the new Airbus planes to expand in Asia-Pacific, including to China, South Korea and Australia.
Southeast Asian carriers have ordered $47 billion worth of aircraft for the coming decade.
ANA Resuming Flights To Myanmar
Manila Bulletin
April 13, 2012
TOKYO (Reuters) - All Nippon Airways Co, Japan's biggest airline by passenger numbers, will resume regular flights to Myanmar fot the first time in 12 years, President Shinichiro Ito said
"We are making preparations to be able to start the flights as soon as possible," Ito told a regular news conference.
Ito said Myanmar could become an important market given its population of more than 60 million and abundance of Buddhist relics that could attract Japanese tourists.
April 13, 2012
TOKYO (Reuters) - All Nippon Airways Co, Japan's biggest airline by passenger numbers, will resume regular flights to Myanmar fot the first time in 12 years, President Shinichiro Ito said
"We are making preparations to be able to start the flights as soon as possible," Ito told a regular news conference.
Ito said Myanmar could become an important market given its population of more than 60 million and abundance of Buddhist relics that could attract Japanese tourists.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Caap may help in AirphilExpress appeal for flights to South Korea
Business Mirror
April 12, 2012
By Lenie Lectura
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will tap the expertise of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) in appealing AirphilExpress’ case before South Korean aviation officials.
Low-cost carrier AirphilExpress was barred from flying to the gateway of the Seoul capital when it filed its application to resume its Kalibo-Incheon flights. In denying its application, Seoul had cited a ban on the Philippines imposed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Last week, air industry representatives from the Philippines and South Korea met to amend both countries’ air services agreement. AirphilExpress was looking forward to have its case discussed by authorities but the countries decided not to.
“The parties agreed that since the issue is a technical matter then it will have to be taken up in a different consultation,” said CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla in a phone interview yesterday.
The air talks between the Philippines and South Korea were held on April 2 and April 3. “The issue on air talks was more of an economic discussion whereas Airphil’s case is a technical matter which needs the expertise of technical people such as those in the Caap,” said the CAB official.
The board, added Arcilla, may turn to Caap for assistance when the Philippine aviation officials meet up with South Korean officials. “We need technical people and not just the air panel because we have no competence to deal with that.”
The Caap is the agency tasked to address the findings of the US faa which has found 23 “critical elements” in Philippine airports. The Caap is working hard to address this so the country can regain its “Category 1” safety status.
The rating of the country has been downgraded to Category 2 five years ago because it has failed to comply with world safety standards.
April 12, 2012
By Lenie Lectura
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will tap the expertise of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) in appealing AirphilExpress’ case before South Korean aviation officials.
Low-cost carrier AirphilExpress was barred from flying to the gateway of the Seoul capital when it filed its application to resume its Kalibo-Incheon flights. In denying its application, Seoul had cited a ban on the Philippines imposed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Last week, air industry representatives from the Philippines and South Korea met to amend both countries’ air services agreement. AirphilExpress was looking forward to have its case discussed by authorities but the countries decided not to.
“The parties agreed that since the issue is a technical matter then it will have to be taken up in a different consultation,” said CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla in a phone interview yesterday.
The air talks between the Philippines and South Korea were held on April 2 and April 3. “The issue on air talks was more of an economic discussion whereas Airphil’s case is a technical matter which needs the expertise of technical people such as those in the Caap,” said the CAB official.
The board, added Arcilla, may turn to Caap for assistance when the Philippine aviation officials meet up with South Korean officials. “We need technical people and not just the air panel because we have no competence to deal with that.”
The Caap is the agency tasked to address the findings of the US faa which has found 23 “critical elements” in Philippine airports. The Caap is working hard to address this so the country can regain its “Category 1” safety status.
The rating of the country has been downgraded to Category 2 five years ago because it has failed to comply with world safety standards.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Etihad, China Eastern Forge Partnership
Manila Bulletin
April 10, 2012
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Eastern Airlines.
The landmark agreement was signed at a meeting in Shanghai between president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways James Hogan and China Eastern Airlines Chairman Liu Shaoyong.
The MOU will encompass joint route and schedule coordination, codesharing between the UAE and China and in time on each other’s networks, full frequent flyer reciprocity, reciprocal airport lounge access, joint product development, and technical and cargo cooperation – subject to regulatory approval.
Hogan said the MOU with China Eastern Airlines was an important development in Etihad Airways’ China strategy.
“The partnership with China Eastern Airlines will allow us to extend our reach into the dynamic Chinese travel market in a commercially viable and mutually beneficial way,” he said.
“It will allow both airlines to offer their customers greater choice in terms of destinations and schedules and practical benefits like reciprocal lounge access and the ability to earn and burn on each other flights - so a win-win for the business and for travellers across our combined global networks. We will explore further opportunities to expand the cooperation with China Eastern Airlines and would welcome them operating to and beyond our home base in Abu Dhabi,” Hogan added.
Liu Shaoyong, chairman of China Eastern Airlines, said: “China Eastern is very pleased to cooperate with Etihad Airways and cherishes this partnership. The signing of the MOU has great significance in terms of further strengthening the airlines’ codesharing, on-ground agent service and frequent flyer program benefits.”
April 10, 2012
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Eastern Airlines.
The landmark agreement was signed at a meeting in Shanghai between president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways James Hogan and China Eastern Airlines Chairman Liu Shaoyong.
The MOU will encompass joint route and schedule coordination, codesharing between the UAE and China and in time on each other’s networks, full frequent flyer reciprocity, reciprocal airport lounge access, joint product development, and technical and cargo cooperation – subject to regulatory approval.
Hogan said the MOU with China Eastern Airlines was an important development in Etihad Airways’ China strategy.
“The partnership with China Eastern Airlines will allow us to extend our reach into the dynamic Chinese travel market in a commercially viable and mutually beneficial way,” he said.
“It will allow both airlines to offer their customers greater choice in terms of destinations and schedules and practical benefits like reciprocal lounge access and the ability to earn and burn on each other flights - so a win-win for the business and for travellers across our combined global networks. We will explore further opportunities to expand the cooperation with China Eastern Airlines and would welcome them operating to and beyond our home base in Abu Dhabi,” Hogan added.
Liu Shaoyong, chairman of China Eastern Airlines, said: “China Eastern is very pleased to cooperate with Etihad Airways and cherishes this partnership. The signing of the MOU has great significance in terms of further strengthening the airlines’ codesharing, on-ground agent service and frequent flyer program benefits.”
Royal Jordanian Seeks Merger As Gulf Carriers Squeeze Profit
Manila Bulletin
April 10, 2012
By Tamara Walid (Bloomberg)
Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJAL), a member of the British Airways-led Oneworld alliance, said a merger with a larger carrier is inevitable as high fuel prices, competition from local rivals and a sluggish economy squeeze earnings.
While Amman-based Royal Jordanian, founded in 1963 and one of the Middle East’s oldest airlines, has no concrete plans for a transaction, it views consolidation as “a must,” Chief Executive Officer Hussein Dabbas said in an interview.
“We are looking and reviewing options and talking to airlines to see when the time is right for us to do something,” Dabbas said yesterday. “With the pressure we are seeing from mega-carriers around the world, whether European or regional, to continue as we are is going to be a difficult game to follow.”
Airline earnings will likely drop 62 percent to $3 billion this year, equal to a 0.5 percent margin, the International Air Transport Association said last month. Royal Jordanian had a loss of 57.9 million dinars ($82 million) in 2011, versus a 9.6 million dinar year-earlier profit, as traffic was hurt by political unrest in the region and competition from Gulf-based rivals including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways Ltd.
‘Right Synergies’
“It’s a very difficult business environment and if airlines can find the right synergies, they should look at merging their operations and consolidating,” Dabbas said by telephone. “This is the trend of many airlines around the world now.”
Royal Jordanian shares rose as much as 3.5 percent to 59 qirsh before trading at 57 qirsh on the Amman exchange.
The carrier joined Oneworld, which includes AMR Corp. (AMR1)’s American Airlines, in 2007, becoming the first Middle Eastern recruit to one of the three major global groupings.
April 10, 2012
By Tamara Walid (Bloomberg)
Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJAL), a member of the British Airways-led Oneworld alliance, said a merger with a larger carrier is inevitable as high fuel prices, competition from local rivals and a sluggish economy squeeze earnings.
While Amman-based Royal Jordanian, founded in 1963 and one of the Middle East’s oldest airlines, has no concrete plans for a transaction, it views consolidation as “a must,” Chief Executive Officer Hussein Dabbas said in an interview.
“We are looking and reviewing options and talking to airlines to see when the time is right for us to do something,” Dabbas said yesterday. “With the pressure we are seeing from mega-carriers around the world, whether European or regional, to continue as we are is going to be a difficult game to follow.”
Airline earnings will likely drop 62 percent to $3 billion this year, equal to a 0.5 percent margin, the International Air Transport Association said last month. Royal Jordanian had a loss of 57.9 million dinars ($82 million) in 2011, versus a 9.6 million dinar year-earlier profit, as traffic was hurt by political unrest in the region and competition from Gulf-based rivals including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways Ltd.
‘Right Synergies’
“It’s a very difficult business environment and if airlines can find the right synergies, they should look at merging their operations and consolidating,” Dabbas said by telephone. “This is the trend of many airlines around the world now.”
Royal Jordanian shares rose as much as 3.5 percent to 59 qirsh before trading at 57 qirsh on the Amman exchange.
The carrier joined Oneworld, which includes AMR Corp. (AMR1)’s American Airlines, in 2007, becoming the first Middle Eastern recruit to one of the three major global groupings.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Etihad Airways Sales Climb 28%
Manila Bulletin
April 5, 2012
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Gulf carrier Etihad Airways said Tuesday its sales revenues jumped 28 percent to $989 million in the first quarter of the year as it pushed ahead with its rapid expansion.
The increased revenue kept the Abu Dhabi-based carrier in the black after it reported its first annual profit last year, CEO James Hogan said. Although he declined to provide quarterly earnings figures, he said Etihad expects to beat last year's profit of $14 million despite a spike in fuel prices.
Etihad remains interested in pursuing further acquisitions even as it digests recent big stakes it took in money-losing Air Berlin and Air Seychelles, Hogan said. But he made clear that the carrier is not open to buying up interests in struggling competitors just because they need the cash.
"You don't want to step in someone else's minefield,'' he told reporters at the company's headquarters near the Abu Dhabi airport. "My job is to make sure Etihad works. That's my first priority.''
Hogan said there are no merger talks going on with Aer Lingus, the Irish carrier it has been linked to in the past, and he offered no commitments about other potential tie-ups.
A 26 percent increase in capacity helped fuel Etihad's sales growth, though airline figures show the car¬rier is also filling more seats on its flights.
April 5, 2012
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Gulf carrier Etihad Airways said Tuesday its sales revenues jumped 28 percent to $989 million in the first quarter of the year as it pushed ahead with its rapid expansion.
The increased revenue kept the Abu Dhabi-based carrier in the black after it reported its first annual profit last year, CEO James Hogan said. Although he declined to provide quarterly earnings figures, he said Etihad expects to beat last year's profit of $14 million despite a spike in fuel prices.
Etihad remains interested in pursuing further acquisitions even as it digests recent big stakes it took in money-losing Air Berlin and Air Seychelles, Hogan said. But he made clear that the carrier is not open to buying up interests in struggling competitors just because they need the cash.
"You don't want to step in someone else's minefield,'' he told reporters at the company's headquarters near the Abu Dhabi airport. "My job is to make sure Etihad works. That's my first priority.''
Hogan said there are no merger talks going on with Aer Lingus, the Irish carrier it has been linked to in the past, and he offered no commitments about other potential tie-ups.
A 26 percent increase in capacity helped fuel Etihad's sales growth, though airline figures show the car¬rier is also filling more seats on its flights.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)