The Maritime city of Portsmouth in southern England is fast becoming a cruise ship passenger and general visitors attraction. The 170 metre tall Spinnaker Tower is the icon of the city these days and only recently visitors overlooking the historical Portsmouth harbour and Solent, caught an unexpected glimpse of the world's largest cruise ship "Oasis of the Seas" passing by.
In the next few days the city is celebrating a Victorian Festival of Christmas, which was a highlight of feature at the WTM event in London recently.
The celebration will occur on November 27th until November 29th with a Dickensian theme of snowy white streets, a festive fairground and seasonal carols.
In a Christmas and outdoor continental market, guests can expect a variety of activities throughout the dockyard including a parlour athletic competition, Punch and Judy shows, a bawdy music hall, a nativity farm and a classical "green" Santa.
Also featured are characters such as Queen Victoria, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Scrooge, Sherlock Holmes, Sweeney Todd and Fagin was on the Christmas streets.
Thursday 26 November 2009
Tuesday 24 November 2009
The great German airfare price hike!
In these challenging financial times, The German Aviation Authorities rang alarm bells in the European Aviation world last week by ordering the UAE carrier Emirates to raise their fares for the German market, whilst threatening fines starting at Euros 25,000 for non-compliance.
This seemingly badly timed move has occurred at a crucial moment, as frequent German travellers discover the potential to save in some cases thousands of Euros, by taking advantage of long-haul flights with indirect (plane change required) as opposed to direct (direct to destination) or non-stop carriers. Such savings are more even appealing when flying business class.
At Perpetual Traveller we find it incredible that the German Aviation policy appears to actually force a reputable international carrier to increase fares if it is seen to be less expensive than Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners. We understand that a letter sent by the president of The Federal Office for Goods Transport, indicates to senior management at Emirates “While price leadership [on a route] is allowed for EU airlines this situation does not apply to airlines of non-EU countries.”
Apart from a few isolated or special exceptions, aviation on long distance routes is not de-regulated as it is within the EU, hence some governments retain the draconian right to enforce such rules if they feel a particular airline or airlines originating from another country have what is deemed to be an unfair advantage over their national carrier. Of course this protectionist attitude is simply wrong in the 21st Century and a dark step backwards.
Clearly Emirates feels that it is being unfairly targeted as no other warnings to other non-EU airlines to our knowledge have been issued. Emirates president Tim Clark spoke recently at London’s Aviation Club and referred to the matter in the following way “Let me state categorically that we price our tickets commercially, competitively and fairly in all markets we serve.” he went on… “This means as a consequence of the current German policy, Lufthansa’s fares ex-Frankfurt are being maintained at artificially high levels.” he also said… “They are often the highest in the market by a large margin, something which is clearly to the detriment of German travellers and the German economy,”
In reality the situation is somewhat confusing and yet to be solved. We will keep a close on developments at Perpetual Traveller, as such action could have negative ramifications across the world for Long haul flights.
Meanwhile, if you are planning business class trip to Asia or other Long Haul routes from Germany
Iran Stages Nuclear Facility War Games
Iran on Sunday launched five days of war games aimed at displaying the country's ability to retaliate against and defend its nuclear facilities from aerial attacks.
Read more
By Planet Data
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By Planet Data
Russia Launches New Military Satellite
A spokesperson from Russia's Space Forces told RIA Novosti that a Soyuz-U carrier rocket with a Cosmos-series military satellite was successfully launched into orbit on Friday (11/20).
The Cosmos 2455 satellite could be part of Russia's early warning system or a reconnaissance satellite.
Read more
By Planet Data
The Cosmos 2455 satellite could be part of Russia's early warning system or a reconnaissance satellite.
Read more
By Planet Data
Jet Overshoots Runway in Eastern Congo, 20 Injured
On Thursday, a passenger plane carrying 117 people overran a runway while landing in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Boeing MD-82 aircraft operated by Congolese carrier Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation (CAA) struck a patch of hardened lava at the end of the runway. At least 20 people suffered injuries.
Read more
By Planet Data
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By Planet Data
Guatemala Seizes Large Shipment of Meth Ingredient
Guatemalan anti-drug agents confiscated their third major illegal shipment of pseudoephedrine this month at the La Aurora International Airport, when on Wednesday, 400,000 tablets of the drug were discovered in warehouses belonging to airfreight company Combex-IM Express Aereo. Police say the crystal meth ingredient was transported from Bangladesh.
Read more
By Planet Data
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By Planet Data
TSA Names New FSD for Three Tennessee Airports
"The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) named Stephen N. Wood federal security director for McGhee Tyson (TYS), Chattanooga Metropolitan (CHA), and Tri-Cities Regional (TRI) airports in Tennessee."
Read more
By Planet Data
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By Planet Data
Feds Want Limits on Companies Hiring Ex-FAA Inspectors
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants to strengthen the rule governing what types of positions former FAA employees can hold at airlines and other operators after leaving the FAA.
According to an FAA statement, "the proposed rule would prohibit air carriers, flight schools, repair stations and other certificated organizations from employing or contracting with former FAA inspectors and managers to represent them in agency matters if the former employee had any direct oversight of the certificate holder in the preceding two years. This rule also would apply to anyone who owns or manages a fractional ownership program aircraft."
The FAA is asking for public comments until February 19, 2010. The text of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is available on the Federal Register website here (100 KB PDF).
Read more
By Planet Data
According to an FAA statement, "the proposed rule would prohibit air carriers, flight schools, repair stations and other certificated organizations from employing or contracting with former FAA inspectors and managers to represent them in agency matters if the former employee had any direct oversight of the certificate holder in the preceding two years. This rule also would apply to anyone who owns or manages a fractional ownership program aircraft."
The FAA is asking for public comments until February 19, 2010. The text of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is available on the Federal Register website here (100 KB PDF).
Read more
By Planet Data
Friday 13 November 2009
Daring to fly with Ryanair
Inappropriately dressed in a suit coming straight from a management training session on the Costa Concordia, I threw caution to the wind and embarked on a courageous Ryanair flight from a miserably equipped Palermo Airport (especially in the non Schengen area), which is far from the busy town centre and takes over an hour's drive during peak time.
It would be true to say that the route and time of my flight was convenient and as such my Corporate travel team rightly presented it as the best option.
It soon dawned on me however that in essence Ryanair is an acronym...
R - Rushed
Y - Yellow
A - Annoying
N - No Sanitation
A - Animal-like
I - Irritating
R - Rip Off
Let's take a look at the detail...
RUSHED
The moment that there was the slightest stirring of the inadequate embarking counter a rush or more like stampede occurred of people jostling for position in a human fragmented line. From my perspective the flight did not appear to be full, so it was difficult to understand the hysteria and stress of the rush.
Upon embarking it became apparent that the rush was wholly unnecessary, yet the flight crew started to execute several announcements to generate a sense of urgency for passengers to sit down. This caused more pushing, impatience and peripheral stress into the mix as people focussed their entire mental intellects into the concept of "I must find a seat".
Once everyone sat down and the realisation dawned on all passengers that there was indeed plenty of room a few precious moments of quiet bliss graced the plane.
YELLOW
As the safety announcements loudly commenced, I looked up to see for the first time a clear sea of Loud Yellow from the tops of seats to the overhead lockers. Notes from the Coldplay song echoed in my ears with indefatigable tones all within the moment of an instant. Ah the world is yellow I concluded; trouble is not a very nice or warming yellow. If it were ever possible to select a shade of yellow that appeared somewhat cheap and at home on a Ryanair flight, this was undisputedly the one! How did the Ryanair powers that be manage that?
ANNOYING
There are all manner of minor annoying little things that serve to remind you that perhaps it was a bad idea to take the cheap flight option. Each minor annoyance plays on ones mind and strips the soul of travel dignity.
Let's start with the fact there are no seat pockets beneath the tray tables. Nowhere to place a book, magazine, Newspaper, Mobile or anything for that matter which may prove to be useful of help to pass the time. One is forced to place such items in the overhead locker (most inconvenient) or to squeeze them to one side of the seat in secret, which is annoying and contravening safety somewhat, especially on the emergency exit.
With no seat pocket there are NO sick bags, to help cope with the yellow effect or even travel sickness. Note there were no sick bags for sale either!
Another annoying factor is not realised until later on in the flight, which is the fact there is no reclining seat function. Most annoying when one wants to take 50 winks.
NO SANITATION
Upon arrival to the plane it is apparent that the turn around was fast to say the least. Subsequently the plane had not been cleaned or prepared properly for the flight. In particular the floor had the remnants of the previous flight or night for all to see.
One greater area for concern occurred when a flight attendant with a particularly acute acne problem served my wee bottle of wine. He put his fingers deep inside my water and wine glass, which seemed to happen in slow motion and he clearly had NO idea of the consequences of what he was doing. So much for Ryanair training!
Overall the seats were dirty in places with marks and grimed in dirt. I may project the image of being awfully fussy, but its not the case, as the above is an objective reflection.
ANIMAL-LIKE
There is definitely the sensation of herding as one boards and rubs shoulders with fellow travellers that collectively hold the objective of securing that elusive seat.
Such behaviour is masterly exaggerated by the fact no-one has a confirmed seat number! This reality in the Budget Boarding equation provokes the worst in people with an array of creative solutions surfacing, as decent law abiding couples resort to occupying a window and Isle seat to block the middle one!
The whole Budget system tends to stimulate uncivilised practices, which although travellers should rise above, they invariably get caught up in them.
IRRITATING
The most irritating issue on Ryanair is the constant stream of announcements that result in sheep-like conditioning. Not happy with a few timely Mic tasters, Flight Attendants do their utmost to overkill. This assures that no passenger in the evening at no juncture is able to relax or sleep. Just to make sure there are no recliners, bright in-flight lights prevail and the colour yellow is everywhere!
RIP-OFF
We all know about the nauseating tricks that Ryanair and to be fair other low cost airlines adopt at the point of online reservation. In addition to the fact one needs to uncheck the insurance box (not always easy to see), pay for checking-in luggage and pay to board in a civilised quick manner, now there is a charge to check-in online. This completely floors the silent public concept, whereby if one does something online directly which avoids a manual labour task there is no charge for the activity. As such, banks, travel agencies and like encourage online self driven tasks as a way for the consumer to avoid cost. In the whole ethos or business model of the Budget Airlines is to avoid Agency and ticket costs by consumers booking flights online directly.
Then there is the food debate, whereby passengers are charged for what they consume in flight. It would be fair to say that the Low Cost brigade won this argument. The average discerning flight passenger does see the logic of the concept and providing the food is good they are generally willing to pay. After all one can purchase a snack in the airport and enjoy it on the plane. In fact it would be perfectly reasonable to state that this Budget Airlines concept has helped to generate expenditure within the airport too. Now back to my gripe: on board that fateful Ryanair flight of mine, I decided to go for the safest option and purchased the most expense snack at 5.85 euro for 2 small chicken wraps. Unfortunately they were dry as a bone and 2 euro more than the airport. The wine I ordered came in the smallest bottle I have ever seen served and cost nearly 6 euro. Ryanair, if you are going to charge over the top at least invest in quality.
So there you have it the Ryanair acronym which essentially means dissatisfied in service. Looking at the big picture though, it is clear that Ryanair has achieved great success with a sound business plan of excellent smartly crafted routes between smaller towns, clever usage of cheap efficient airports, and a debundled package. The reality of the matter is however that Ryanair is polarising people, often loathed by its own passengers and few consider it a good service by any description, but it is cheap in every way!
It would be true to say that the route and time of my flight was convenient and as such my Corporate travel team rightly presented it as the best option.
It soon dawned on me however that in essence Ryanair is an acronym...
R - Rushed
Y - Yellow
A - Annoying
N - No Sanitation
A - Animal-like
I - Irritating
R - Rip Off
Let's take a look at the detail...
RUSHED
The moment that there was the slightest stirring of the inadequate embarking counter a rush or more like stampede occurred of people jostling for position in a human fragmented line. From my perspective the flight did not appear to be full, so it was difficult to understand the hysteria and stress of the rush.
Upon embarking it became apparent that the rush was wholly unnecessary, yet the flight crew started to execute several announcements to generate a sense of urgency for passengers to sit down. This caused more pushing, impatience and peripheral stress into the mix as people focussed their entire mental intellects into the concept of "I must find a seat".
Once everyone sat down and the realisation dawned on all passengers that there was indeed plenty of room a few precious moments of quiet bliss graced the plane.
YELLOW
As the safety announcements loudly commenced, I looked up to see for the first time a clear sea of Loud Yellow from the tops of seats to the overhead lockers. Notes from the Coldplay song echoed in my ears with indefatigable tones all within the moment of an instant. Ah the world is yellow I concluded; trouble is not a very nice or warming yellow. If it were ever possible to select a shade of yellow that appeared somewhat cheap and at home on a Ryanair flight, this was undisputedly the one! How did the Ryanair powers that be manage that?
ANNOYING
There are all manner of minor annoying little things that serve to remind you that perhaps it was a bad idea to take the cheap flight option. Each minor annoyance plays on ones mind and strips the soul of travel dignity.
Let's start with the fact there are no seat pockets beneath the tray tables. Nowhere to place a book, magazine, Newspaper, Mobile or anything for that matter which may prove to be useful of help to pass the time. One is forced to place such items in the overhead locker (most inconvenient) or to squeeze them to one side of the seat in secret, which is annoying and contravening safety somewhat, especially on the emergency exit.
With no seat pocket there are NO sick bags, to help cope with the yellow effect or even travel sickness. Note there were no sick bags for sale either!
Another annoying factor is not realised until later on in the flight, which is the fact there is no reclining seat function. Most annoying when one wants to take 50 winks.
NO SANITATION
Upon arrival to the plane it is apparent that the turn around was fast to say the least. Subsequently the plane had not been cleaned or prepared properly for the flight. In particular the floor had the remnants of the previous flight or night for all to see.
One greater area for concern occurred when a flight attendant with a particularly acute acne problem served my wee bottle of wine. He put his fingers deep inside my water and wine glass, which seemed to happen in slow motion and he clearly had NO idea of the consequences of what he was doing. So much for Ryanair training!
Overall the seats were dirty in places with marks and grimed in dirt. I may project the image of being awfully fussy, but its not the case, as the above is an objective reflection.
ANIMAL-LIKE
There is definitely the sensation of herding as one boards and rubs shoulders with fellow travellers that collectively hold the objective of securing that elusive seat.
Such behaviour is masterly exaggerated by the fact no-one has a confirmed seat number! This reality in the Budget Boarding equation provokes the worst in people with an array of creative solutions surfacing, as decent law abiding couples resort to occupying a window and Isle seat to block the middle one!
The whole Budget system tends to stimulate uncivilised practices, which although travellers should rise above, they invariably get caught up in them.
IRRITATING
The most irritating issue on Ryanair is the constant stream of announcements that result in sheep-like conditioning. Not happy with a few timely Mic tasters, Flight Attendants do their utmost to overkill. This assures that no passenger in the evening at no juncture is able to relax or sleep. Just to make sure there are no recliners, bright in-flight lights prevail and the colour yellow is everywhere!
RIP-OFF
We all know about the nauseating tricks that Ryanair and to be fair other low cost airlines adopt at the point of online reservation. In addition to the fact one needs to uncheck the insurance box (not always easy to see), pay for checking-in luggage and pay to board in a civilised quick manner, now there is a charge to check-in online. This completely floors the silent public concept, whereby if one does something online directly which avoids a manual labour task there is no charge for the activity. As such, banks, travel agencies and like encourage online self driven tasks as a way for the consumer to avoid cost. In the whole ethos or business model of the Budget Airlines is to avoid Agency and ticket costs by consumers booking flights online directly.
Then there is the food debate, whereby passengers are charged for what they consume in flight. It would be fair to say that the Low Cost brigade won this argument. The average discerning flight passenger does see the logic of the concept and providing the food is good they are generally willing to pay. After all one can purchase a snack in the airport and enjoy it on the plane. In fact it would be perfectly reasonable to state that this Budget Airlines concept has helped to generate expenditure within the airport too. Now back to my gripe: on board that fateful Ryanair flight of mine, I decided to go for the safest option and purchased the most expense snack at 5.85 euro for 2 small chicken wraps. Unfortunately they were dry as a bone and 2 euro more than the airport. The wine I ordered came in the smallest bottle I have ever seen served and cost nearly 6 euro. Ryanair, if you are going to charge over the top at least invest in quality.
So there you have it the Ryanair acronym which essentially means dissatisfied in service. Looking at the big picture though, it is clear that Ryanair has achieved great success with a sound business plan of excellent smartly crafted routes between smaller towns, clever usage of cheap efficient airports, and a debundled package. The reality of the matter is however that Ryanair is polarising people, often loathed by its own passengers and few consider it a good service by any description, but it is cheap in every way!
Thursday 12 November 2009
Hotel - e
Pervolia - Larnaka
Special Offer
Special Offer
Valid from November 12th through December 20th 2009
SINGLE OR DOUBLE: €80 per night with Breakfast
(3rd person supplement €15)
ENJOY RELAXING AND LUXURIOUS LEISURE FACILITIES FOR FREE
THROUGHOUT YOUR STAY
THROUGHOUT YOUR STAY
. Outdoor Pool with Jacuzzi . State of the Art Gym . Hammam . Steam Room
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Progress Cyprus
Phone: 24 – 815416
Email: admin@progressinternational.info
NEW LARNACA AIRPORTS OPENS
THE NEW €656.3 million
Christofias was joined by his wife Elsi and Hermes Airport Ltd's founder and Chairman Nicolas Shacolas, as well as a number of officials, including French Minister of State for European Affairs Pierre Lellouche, Communications Minister Nicos Nicolaides and EU Commissioner Androller Vassiliou.
A musical performance by the Police Philharmonic Band was followed by a blessing from Archbishop Chrysostomos II and more musical events, before the speeches. The invitation-only event wrapped up with a dance theatre performance, followed by a cocktail reception courtesy of Cyprus Airways.
Arriving at the airport, both the President and Elsi expressed their "pride" over the new building. Asked whether he would be entering with his right foot, left-wing Christofias joked, "I'll be entering with my left foot, which is luckier".
As of Tuesday only flights by Cyprus Airways and easy Jet will go in and out of the new airport. All other airlines will transfer their arrivals and departures to the upgraded building by November 17.
"Today is a landmark, not just in the history of Cypriot tourism, but also our country's developmental substructure in its entirety," said Christoflas, adding that Cypriots should be feeling especially proud of their new airport.
The new airport, said the President, would play a significant role in establishing
The airport, said Christofias, will help
The new airport, he added, is expected to help revive and further boost tourism, increase transit trade and attract new investments. The new premises, which took just over three years to complete, were built by the French firm Bouyges and is the largest infrastructure project with French involvement to date in
Source: Cyprus Mail
United Airlines Pilot Arrested for Being "Drunk" at Heathrow
A 51-year-old United Airlines pilot who was to captain a flight from London's Heathrow Airport to Chicago was arrested Monday after allegedly failing a breathalyzer test for alcohol.
Plane Skids Off Mumbai Runway
A Kingfisher Airlines turboprop ATR-72 airplane skidded off the runway Tuesday evening while landing at Mumbai airport. The plane had flown on a domestic route from Bhavnagar.
FAA Announces Digital NOTAM Testing Plan
The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday (11/10) announced plans to test digital distribution of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to air traffic control facilities beginning in January 2010. According to the FAA, Southern California TRACON, Denver ATCT, Amarillo ATCT, Tallahassee ATCT, Las Vegas ATCT and Boise ATCT will serve as the test sites.
Read more
By Planet data
Read more
By Planet data
Delta Jet Grounded Due to Mouse Sighting
A Delta Air Lines flight at Kennedy International Airport bound for London Heathrow Airport was delayed and the passengers were switched to another plane Sunday night after someone reported...a mouse in the cabin.
Read more
By Planet data
Read more
By Planet data
Jet Engine Part Falls Into Long Island Yard
Last Thursday (11/05) night, the tail cone from a commercial jet engine fell into the front yard of a home in Long Island, New York.
Delta Flight 799 had just taken off from JFK International Airport in Queens en route to Tokyo when the part fell off in mid-air. The pilots had no idea anything was amiss until the plane landed in Tokyo.
Read more
By Planet data
Delta Flight 799 had just taken off from JFK International Airport in Queens en route to Tokyo when the part fell off in mid-air. The pilots had no idea anything was amiss until the plane landed in Tokyo.
Read more
By Planet data
Tuesday 10 November 2009
Delta Jet Grounded Due to Mouse Sighting
A Delta Air Lines flight at Kennedy International Airport bound for London Heathrow Airport was delayed and the passengers were switched to another plane Sunday night after someone reported...a mouse in the cabin."
Read more
By Planet data
Read more
By Planet data
Jet Engine Part Falls Into Long Island Yard
Last Thursday (11/05) night, the tail cone from a commercial jet engine fell into the front yard of a home in Long Island, New York.
Delta Flight 799 had just taken off from JFK International Airport in Queens en route to Tokyo when the part fell off in mid-air. The pilots had no idea anything was amiss until the plane landed in Tokyo.
Delta Flight 799 had just taken off from JFK International Airport in Queens en route to Tokyo when the part fell off in mid-air. The pilots had no idea anything was amiss until the plane landed in Tokyo.
Israelis to Get Rocket Attack Warnings Delivered to Cell Phones
he Jerusalem Post has learned that within the next two years, the Israel Defense Force's Home Front Command "will install a rocket alert system...that will be able to calculate the precise location of an impact zone, and alert residents in an affected neighborhood via their cell phones.
Read more
By Planet data
Read more
By Planet data
British Airways Cutting 4,900 Jobs
The Times reports British Airways said on Friday that it plans to cut 4,900 jobs or nearly 12% of its workforce by next March.
Read More
By Planet Data
Read More
By Planet Data
CBP Opens New Aviation Facility in Southern California
This past week U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Air Marine officially dedicated its new aviation facility that opened on October 29th in Pine Valley, California.
CBP says the new installation, "includes landing space for CBP helicopters, administrative space, and provides a new launching point further to the east in California for aircraft in CBP's San Diego Air and Marine branch."
Read More
By Planet Data
CBP says the new installation, "includes landing space for CBP helicopters, administrative space, and provides a new launching point further to the east in California for aircraft in CBP's San Diego Air and Marine branch."
Read More
By Planet Data
NTSB, FAA Probe High-Altitude Bird Strikes Over Arizona
US Federal teams are investigating two high-altitude in-flight bird strikes earlier this week in central Arizona.
Read More
By Planet data
Read More
By Planet data
Friday 6 November 2009
2 wrongs do not make a right for Italian Aviation
Now that Alitalia and Air One effectively have the same owner "CAI" clear signs of a merging of operations are beginning to materialise. In the first instance a consolidation of flight routes took place, which in reality for the business and frequent traveller meant considerably less options and frequency.
The void in terms of lack of air routes is being gracefully filled by Ireland's Ryanair and Britain's easyjet who collectively dominate Italian Skies in regional airports and both are enjoying a steady rise in passenger numbers. Blu-Express, Air Italy and other relatively new airlines on the block are also taking advantage of the Air One Alitalia fiasco.
Having travelled to Naples, Genoa and Rome recently there are also indications of a streamlining of operations, however the situation is somewhat confusing. For example some flights are operated by Air One, however they possess and Alitalia air Crew and the exact reverse is occasional occurring also. In some regional airports like Genoa one can check-in for an Air One flight to Rome FCO for example from an Alitalia desk. However, conversely for the Air One Naples flight the check-in is conducted from the generic airport counter and with airport staff. Only in Italy can one discover such confusing scenarios.
It also appears that Air One is no longer part of Lufthansa's Miles and More Airmiles program. Instead they have opted to join the Skyteam frequent flyer club, thus joining sister Company Alitalia. It is therefore now possible to gain MillliMiglia airmiles when flying with Air One or Italia.
Regardless of all these developments its clear that 2 badly run airlines do not make one good one.
The void in terms of lack of air routes is being gracefully filled by Ireland's Ryanair and Britain's easyjet who collectively dominate Italian Skies in regional airports and both are enjoying a steady rise in passenger numbers. Blu-Express, Air Italy and other relatively new airlines on the block are also taking advantage of the Air One Alitalia fiasco.
Having travelled to Naples, Genoa and Rome recently there are also indications of a streamlining of operations, however the situation is somewhat confusing. For example some flights are operated by Air One, however they possess and Alitalia air Crew and the exact reverse is occasional occurring also. In some regional airports like Genoa one can check-in for an Air One flight to Rome FCO for example from an Alitalia desk. However, conversely for the Air One Naples flight the check-in is conducted from the generic airport counter and with airport staff. Only in Italy can one discover such confusing scenarios.
It also appears that Air One is no longer part of Lufthansa's Miles and More Airmiles program. Instead they have opted to join the Skyteam frequent flyer club, thus joining sister Company Alitalia. It is therefore now possible to gain MillliMiglia airmiles when flying with Air One or Italia.
Regardless of all these developments its clear that 2 badly run airlines do not make one good one.
GATWICK AIRPORT SOLD FOR A LOSS
Maybe its a sign of the Times or simply a bad moment for the Spanish giant Grupo Ferrovial, who have been under official pressure to reduce their dominance in UK airports. Running out of credible options Grupo Ferrovial agreed to sell London Gatwick (LGW) airport for a lower than expected £1.51 billion GBP to a consortium featuring General Electric and Credit Suisse.
Officials at Ferrovial stated that they expected to endure a capital loss on the deal of around 125,000 million against its consolidated earnings following the sale.
This news comes a mere 3 years since Ferrovial paid 10.1 billion for BAA overall, which at the time operated 7 British airports in addition to international operations.
London Gatwick has been on sale for a year now following indications from the UK authorities that the Company should reduce their UK airports portfolio. Nevertheless BAA is still appealing a UK Competition Commission ruling ordering it to sell minimum 3 airports.
London Gatwick is the second most busiest airport serving the capital of England, hence this sale will be closely watched by governments, businessmen and travellers alike.
The core focus of BAA now appears to be to improve London Heathrow's 5 Terminals and the other 5 airports that remain.
Meanwhile, the Competition Commission of the UK ordered BAA to sell Stansted also, as well as either the airports of Edinburgh or Glasgow.
It is understood that Ferrovial originally secured a debt-funded takeover of BAA - which included London's Heathrow, London Gatwick, Southampton, Stansted and 3 Scottish airports. This was executed at the peak of the market in 2006, however since the overall operation has since struggled with falling passenger numbers and competition concerns. BAA is highly leveraged and reported a net debt of 29.7 billion in June 2008. It is also therefore widely believed that BAA would use the sale's proceeds to pay back some of the debt.
At Perpetual Traveller we feel the BAA strategy to sell London Gatwick was executed in the hope to avoid offloading more of its major airports on the market at the same time. This may give them a bargaining tool in subsequent negotiations with authorities. Moreover it could serve to ease the pressure of negative feeling in public opinion that opposes such dominance of UK's airports. Whatever happens its a challenging time for BAA and Ferrovial.
Officials at Ferrovial stated that they expected to endure a capital loss on the deal of around 125,000 million against its consolidated earnings following the sale.
This news comes a mere 3 years since Ferrovial paid 10.1 billion for BAA overall, which at the time operated 7 British airports in addition to international operations.
London Gatwick has been on sale for a year now following indications from the UK authorities that the Company should reduce their UK airports portfolio. Nevertheless BAA is still appealing a UK Competition Commission ruling ordering it to sell minimum 3 airports.
London Gatwick is the second most busiest airport serving the capital of England, hence this sale will be closely watched by governments, businessmen and travellers alike.
The core focus of BAA now appears to be to improve London Heathrow's 5 Terminals and the other 5 airports that remain.
Meanwhile, the Competition Commission of the UK ordered BAA to sell Stansted also, as well as either the airports of Edinburgh or Glasgow.
It is understood that Ferrovial originally secured a debt-funded takeover of BAA - which included London's Heathrow, London Gatwick, Southampton, Stansted and 3 Scottish airports. This was executed at the peak of the market in 2006, however since the overall operation has since struggled with falling passenger numbers and competition concerns. BAA is highly leveraged and reported a net debt of 29.7 billion in June 2008. It is also therefore widely believed that BAA would use the sale's proceeds to pay back some of the debt.
At Perpetual Traveller we feel the BAA strategy to sell London Gatwick was executed in the hope to avoid offloading more of its major airports on the market at the same time. This may give them a bargaining tool in subsequent negotiations with authorities. Moreover it could serve to ease the pressure of negative feeling in public opinion that opposes such dominance of UK's airports. Whatever happens its a challenging time for BAA and Ferrovial.
Tuesday 3 November 2009
New Larnaka Airport to Open on November 10th 2009
Hermes Airports Ltd assumed management and control of Larnaka International Airport on 12 May 2006,
under a 25 year BOT (Build-Operate- Transfer) concession agreement with the Republic of Cyprus. Phase 1 of it’s development plan for Larnaka International Airport, sees it completion with the opening scheduled for November 10th.
Read more
By Oroklini News
Monday 2 November 2009
Amazon Indians Find Survivors from Missing Plane
On Friday, the Matis, a tribe of indigenous people, found 9 survivors of a Brazilian air force plane that made an emergency landing in the Amazon rain forest. The plane, which was carrying 4 crew and 7 health workers on a mission to vaccinate Indians, lost contact with air traffic controllers early Thursday. Of the two other people aboard the aircraft, one is presumed dead and the other is still missing.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
What the FAA Wants Pilots to Know About Winter Flying
On its website, the Federal Aviation Administration has a post directing pilots to its November/December 2009 issue of FAA Aviation News which is focused on "winter flying safety, including icing avoidance strategies, safe operations on icy runways, snow/frost contamination, and more."
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
Colombia Signs Deal to Allow U.S. Access to Military Bases
The United States and Colombia officially signed an accord Friday that will give the U.S. access to seven Colombian military bases for anti-terrorism and counter-narcotics operations. While the Colombian Congress does not have to approve the deal, on the American side Congress must ratify it.
The deal with Colombia is especially important for U.S. counter-narcotics operations since Ecuador refused to allow the U.S. renew its lease on the Manta Air Base.
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By Planet Data
The deal with Colombia is especially important for U.S. counter-narcotics operations since Ecuador refused to allow the U.S. renew its lease on the Manta Air Base.
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By Planet Data
Maoists Threaten Kathmandu Airport Protests
Maoist rebels have said that they will institute a blockade of the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu if their demands are not met by Sunday, November 1.
The rebels have also called on all international air carriers to cancel all flights to and from Kathmandu on November 10, in a "token sacrifice for democracy."
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By Planet Data
The rebels have also called on all international air carriers to cancel all flights to and from Kathmandu on November 10, in a "token sacrifice for democracy."
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By Planet Data
New Cape Town Terminal to Open Nov. 7
Cape Town International Airport's new Terminal 2010 is set to open next Saturday (11/7), and in preparation for the big day, it seems that every aspect of the building's infrastructure is going to be tested and retested so that there are no glitches when the doors open. For more on the "dry runs" and "mass simulations" check out this article from the Cape Argus.
One element of particular concern is the baggage sorting and handling system. It is the same one that failed miserably last year when London Heathrow's Terminal 5 opened.
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By Planet Data
One element of particular concern is the baggage sorting and handling system. It is the same one that failed miserably last year when London Heathrow's Terminal 5 opened.
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By Planet Data
Coast Guard Plane and Marine Helicopter Collide in Midair
Thursday (10/29) evening a U.S. Coast Guard C-130 Hercules airplane collided with an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter, from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing off the coast east of San Clemente Island, California.
The Coast Guard and Navy are now searching for the 9 people who were in the two aircraft.
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By Planet Data
The Coast Guard and Navy are now searching for the 9 people who were in the two aircraft.
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By Planet Data
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