Colombian officials have accused Venezuela of violating Colombia's airspace after a Venezuelan military helicopter on Wednesday allegedly spent 20 minutes over the Colombian border city of Arauca where there is a large military base.
Friday 29 January 2010
Malaysia Arrests 10 Linked to Airline Bombing Attempt
The Malaysian government-linked New Straits Times reported Thursday that Malaysian authorities arrested 10 suspected terrorists last week who are allegedly linked to the man who tried to blow-up a U.S-bound airliner on Christmas Day.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said that his country worked with "international anti-terrorism agencies" to nab the suspects.
The UK's Telegraph reports the men are from Malaysia, Syria, Nigeria, Jordan and Yemen.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said that his country worked with "international anti-terrorism agencies" to nab the suspects.
The UK's Telegraph reports the men are from Malaysia, Syria, Nigeria, Jordan and Yemen.
Doomed Ethiopian Jet's Data Recorders Located
Search teams say they believe they have located the flight data recorders from the Ethiopian Airlines jet that crashed in the Mediterranean Sea on Monday. The "black boxes" are said to be about 6 miles off the coast of Lebanon, at a depth of about 4,300 feet.
It is still not clear why the plane turned from the coarse the Lebanese air traffic controllers suggested just after take-off. But in doing so the aircraft entered a severe thunderstorm, quickly disappeared from radar and went down.
It is still not clear why the plane turned from the coarse the Lebanese air traffic controllers suggested just after take-off. But in doing so the aircraft entered a severe thunderstorm, quickly disappeared from radar and went down.
NASA Sets February 7 Launch Date for Shuttle Endeavour
NASA has given the green light for the February 7 launch of the space shuttle Endeavour, which is scheduled to make a 13-day flight to the International Space Station (ISS).
Endeavour's nighttime launch marks the beginning of the end for space shuttle operations. There are five missions planned for 2010 and the fleet goes into mothballs.
Endeavour's nighttime launch marks the beginning of the end for space shuttle operations. There are five missions planned for 2010 and the fleet goes into mothballs.
Russian Space Tech Company Plans Nuclear Projects
According to an article (link below) from the state-run Russian news service, RIA Novosti, Vitaly Lopota, the director of the Russian space company Energia, described on Wednesday some of the more "exotic" plans the company is considering for using nuclear power in space. Energia's possible nuclear projects include military satellites, "space tugs", and a moon-based power plant.
India to Launch Manned Space Mission in 2016
The chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told reporters Wednesday that India plans to launch its first manned space mission in 2016, with two astronauts spending 7 days in orbit.
Thursday 28 January 2010
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES 737 CRASHES AFTER TAKE-OFF
An Ethiopian Airlines aircraft carrying 89 people from Beirut to Addis Ababa crashed on Monday, January 25, into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after take-off. Ethiopian Airlines Flight 409 was just minutes into its journey to Addis Ababa when the Boeing 737-800
plunged into the sea in what witnesses described as a "ball of fire".A statement on the airline’s website said passengers were predominantly Lebanese or Ethiopian, but two Britons were also onboard along with citizens of Turkey, France, Russia, Canada, Syria and Iraq.
Saad Hariri, Lebanon's prime minister, declared Monday a national day of mourning. After arriving at the airport to offer comfort to the relatives of those on board the flight, he said: "We are working with all the power we have to try and find missing people from this tragedy.
"We are working to find the black box that will tell us what really happened on the plane."
Lebanese army patrol boats were seen scouring the waters around the crash site. Helicopters from nearby Cyprus were also heading towards the scene, while British soldiers stationed on the island were ordered to remain on standby to assist if required. The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNAFIL, also sent helicopters to the crash site.
On Tuesday Lebanons traansport minister stated that "The pilot flew in the opposite direction from the path recommended by the control tower after taking off from Beirut in a storm. All 90 people on board were killed when the plane went down in flames minutes after takeoff at around 2:30am yesterday, during a night of lightning and thunderstorms." The minister, Ghazi Aridi, said that the pilot initially followed the tower's guidance, but then abruptly changed course and went in the opposite direction. "They asked him to correct his path but he did a very fast and strange turn before disappearing completely from the radar," Aridi said.
It was not immediately clear why the pilot veered off the recommended path. Like most other airliners, the Boeing 737 is equipped with its own weather radar, which the pilot may have used rather than following the flight tower's recommendation.
"Nobody is saying the pilot is to blame for not heeding orders," Aridi said, adding: "There could have been many reasons for what happened … Only the black box can tell."
In Addis Ababa, Girma Wake, the CEO of Ethiopia's national airline, which operates one of Africa's largest commercial passenger fleets, said the aircraft had last been serviced on Christmas Day and had passed its inspection.
In a continent with a reputation for lax aviation standards, Ethiopian Airlines is widely respected for its professionalism and attention to safety.
Operating a fleet dominated by Boeing and with ambitious plans to expand into the Asian market, the company's aircraft are on average newer than most of its US and European competitors.
Maria Andreou
Co Publisher
Further Information: www.guardian.co.uk
Tuesday 26 January 2010
Suspected U.S. Drone Crash in Pakistan
A Pakistani intelligence official confirmed to CNN that what is believed to be a U.S. done has crashed in Pakistan. The aircraft is said to have gone done Sunday night near the village of Hamzoni in North Waziristan, about 3 miles from Miran Shah. It is not clear whether it was shot down or malfunctioned.
Ethiopian Airlines Jet Crashes in Mediterranean
An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737-800 crashed into the Mediterranean off the coast of Lebanon early Monday (1/25) morning. The plane was carrying 90 passengers and crew when it went down shortly after taking off from Beirut.
Plane Catches Fire Landing at Iranian Airport
"At least 42 passengers were injured Sunday when an Iranian plane caught fire while landing in the northeastern city of Mashhad, the semiofficial Fars news agency said."
Passenger Tried to Open Door in Mid-Flight
Saturday afternoon a United Airlines flight from Washington DC to Las Vegas had to divert to Denver after an unruly passenger, who may have been drunk, tried to open a door in midair. The plane landed safely and the man was taken into custody.
Who's Searching Your Laptop at the Airport?
In a TSA blog post Friday, Blogger Bob explains the different roles of the TSA, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when it comes to examining travelers' laptop computers.
Blogger Bob wants the public to understand that it is not TSA screeners who are searching the contents of a laptop, it is CBP agents. TSA will only examine the outside of a computer and perform an explosives trace detection test.
Blogger Bob wants the public to understand that it is not TSA screeners who are searching the contents of a laptop, it is CBP agents. TSA will only examine the outside of a computer and perform an explosives trace detection test.
Bird Strike Forces Jet Back to Dulles
Friday afternoon a United Airlines flight en route from Washington to San Francisco was forced to return to Dulles International Airport after a large bird was sucked into one of the jet's engines. The plane landed without incident.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
Sunday 24 January 2010
Top Worldwide Events February 2010
Groundhog Day
- Gobbler's Knob, Punxsutawney, USA 2nd FebruaryGroundhog Day is one of the United States' best-known and for outsiders, most bizarre traditions. This remakable Day is a weather predicting ceremony and guess who is making the predictions? The Groundhog of course! Punxsutawney Phil (the groundhog) has been making predictions for over 120 years! How is that possible? By drinking the "elixir of life", a secret recipe that gives Phil 7 more years of life everytime he drinks it! So each year on February the second, Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler's Knob in front of thousands of followers from all over the world to predict the weather for the rest of winter. After he emerges from his burrow, he speaks to the Groundhog Club president (by the way there is a Groundhog Club) in "Groundhogese" (a language only understood by the current president of the Inner Circle). His proclamation is then translated for the world. The town also puts on a huge range of activities and celebrations in the days before and after Groundhog Day itself. These include guided tours, meals, craft fairs and more besides. One can even have a "Groundhog Day Marriage Ceremony, officially performed by the Mayor and witnessed by a member of the Groundhog Club."
Further Information: www.groundhog.org
The Comedy Club - Barbican Theatre, Plymouth, England 3rd February
These are very stressful years we live in! Sometimes we just want a break from all the work and family dramas and have a good laugh. On the first Wednesday of every month, Plymouth's Barbican Theatre B Bar hosts The Comedy Club. Growing in international popularity, this stand-up night features up-and-coming and renowned comedians from the UK and overseas. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8.30pm.
Further Information: www.barbicantheatre.co.uk
Navam Perahera (full moon Poya day) - Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka 4th February
The streets of Colombo transform under the weight of 100 colorful elephants during February's full moon. The Navam Perahera, which started in 1979, attracts more than a million spectators every year to the Gangaramaya Temple, at Hunupitiya on the banks of the picturesque Beira Lake. The event usually has as many as 1000 performers. The fearsome kas karayas inaugurate the processions by cracking their whips in the air, while schoolchildren scurry behind, carrying colorful flags. Plenty of noise is contributed by percussion bands, conch shell blowers, stilt-walkers, flautists and drummers, but the real guests of honor are the elephants, visiting from all over the island.
Further Information: www.srilankatourism.org
Strictly Come Dancing
Live! - The O2
, London, England 4th February - 7th FebruaryFor the second successful year in a row, fans of BBC's much loved British television show Strictly Come Dancing will be able to catch this event live on stage in London! Watch your favorite celebrities, dance champions and those all-important judges at the arena extravaganza for Strictly Come Dancing Live! Celebrities performing in Strictly Come Dancing Live include:
Kelly Brook
Austin Healey
Natalie Cassidy
Chris Hollins
Ricky Groves
Ali Bastian
Zoe Lucker
Mark Ramprakash
Further Information: www.visitlondon.com
Art on Ice
- Lake St Moritz, St Moritz, Switzerland 12th FebruaryGrab a jacket and head to Switzerland! For one spellbinding night, Lake St Moritz hosts a display of open-air figure skating. Watch some of the world's best skaters salchow and lutz across the lake's frozen surface, backed by snowy mountains in the high alpine Engadine valley. Where similar events cram up to 10,000 spectators into stadiums, Art on Ice is an intimate affair, and the audience of 500 sit close enough to see the skaters' sequins glint in the moonlight. Ice-masters such as Stéphane Lambiel and Olympic gold-medallist Evgeny Plushenko twirl across the frosted stage to the strains of Chris de Burgh, Paul Young and other global artists. After the glittering outdoor show, one warms up with a hearty dinner in the marquee, with courses interspersed by a private concert from the guest musician.
Further Information: www.artonice.ch
Rio Carnival
- Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 13th February 16th FebruaryThe Rio Carnival is a world-famous event that takes place in Rio De Janeiro every year 40 days before Easter. The Carnivals highlight event is the Samba Parade, a show, a display and competition of the Rio samba schools. The 2 major days are Carnival Sunday and Monday. This truly spectacular is not to missed! If you really can't afford it and you are in the region try to go on another day, which is significantly cheaper albeit less grand. The second best option is the Champions´ Parade on Saturday, followed by the Access Group parading on Carnival Friday.
Further Information: www.rio-carnival.net
Daytona 500
- Daytona Beach, Florida, USA 14th FebruaryAlso known as "The Great American Race", The Daytona 500 is the biggest, richest and most prestigious motor sports event in America. A 200-lap, 500 miles (800 km) long NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.
Further Information: www.daytona500.com
Natural & Organic Products Exhibition - Cape Town
International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa 19th - 21st FebruaryIt’s time for us to start thinking about the environment or perhaps we wil destroy the one we live in! A great chance to get in touch with your eco-friendly side, at the Natural & Organic Products Exhibition, which showcases a broad spectrum of alternative products and services. Within the main show, visit the Green Home for energy and money saving tips. Other sections include the Lifestyle Stage and the Organic Wine Garden.
Tickets to the Natural & Organic Products Exhibition also give access to the Women's Show, which runs alongside. Daily 10am-6pm (until 5pm Sun)
Further Information: www.seshowsandevents.com
The Women's Show - Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa 19th - 21st February
The Women's Show provides a space for women to celebrate all things feminine. Ladies come to network, browse exhibits and participate in workshops and a host of other activites. There are 130 exhibits, 140 live events and 6 interactive feature areas ranging from health and beauty to money, sex and women's rights. The La Dolce Vita pavilion, for example, showcases new products by some of the best-known Italian brands like Maserati, Peroni and Lavazza, while the Wedding pavilion is packed with ideas for the perfect day. Business, comedy and dance are also covered. Daily 10am-6pm (until 5pm Sun).
Further Information: www.seshowsandevents.com
Lady Gaga
- Echo Arena Liverpool, Liverpool, England 24th FebruaryTime to go Gaga! Riding high on the success of her latest album, The Fame Monster, Lady Gaga brings her stylish brand of electronic shock-pop to Liverpool's Echo Arena. Expect a dazzlingly shocking show, all lights, glitter and her career hits to date.
Further Information: www.ladygaga.com
Judging by the list of events on offer, here’s wishing you a wild February!
Maria Andreou
Co Publisher
![The Fame Monster [Deluxe Edition]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vTYDCktTPvk01JSPTjGSQEDCCO4KcGLv_AYCzKLbKReOHlMbekXvGfXH007F2eGy23_W-SUjnqTVCJK-SsTPEji6310E_vODvkPlgHhfvdSBG3KBTQVrlex3hzA6Y0QehBlYvqKxfHKzk7C93Wpltg4tE0FOBN1cSzw4GSYfuRF9YYmvUglLA84V7bMT4PnukebkhZLgy3LjtYL9_iEvKF2Q_zCIUs6tDitB8TGKk=s0-d)
Thursday 21 January 2010
Tongue and Cheek Airline and Aviation Acronyms
the world over features its own brand of insider amusing coded language
and quirky communications. None of this is directly intended to cause offence, neither does it necessarily serve to be an accurate indication of service levels or the qualities of the organizations involved, moreover as you will notice, some no longer exist. Instead they were likely created at moments of creativity or by way of a travellers frustrated expression to have a laugh. Some of these acronyms
or more precisely 'backronyms' and can be potentially offensive, so if you are very easily offended, then this is not a recommended read. Here goes in alphabetical order…
After I Return I'll Never Do It Again.
Always Late In Take-off, Always Late In Arrival!
Airplane Lands In Turin And Luggage In Ancona!
AWA
BEA
Britian's Excuse for an Airline.
Boys Overseas After Crumpet
Better Off On A Camel
Better On Air Canada
Boeing Only Aircraft Considered.
But Will It Arrive?
Better Walk If Able!
Britain's Worst Investment Abroad!
DELTA
Divert Everyone's Luggage To Atlanta!
Don't Expect Luggage To Arrive!
Didn't Expect To Land There Anyway!
Delivering Everyone Late Through Atlanta!
Don't Expect to Leave the Terminal Alive!
Economy Airline Slows Your Journey Every Time.
Every Landing Always Late.
Keeps Losing Money.
LIAT
Luggage In Another Terminal.
Lot Of Troubles!
Let Us Find The Hostess As No Steward Available!
Let Us Feel The Hostesses And Not Say Anything.
OLYMPIC
Onassis Likes Your Money Paid In Cash!
PAL
Plane Always Late.
PIA
Prayers In the Air.
Quite A Nice Trip All Survived.
SAHSA
Stay At Home Stay Alive.
Such A Bad Experience, Never Again.
SAS
Same As Sabena.
Sex And Satisfaction.
Scandinavian Alcoholic System.
Sexy Women In Swissair Services Are Indeed Rare.
TACA
Take A Chance Airlines
Tres Accidentes Cada Ano (Spanish: Three Accidents Counted Annually).
TAP
Take Another Plane
Tamancos Aereos Portugueses (Portuguese: Portuguese Airborne Clogs).
TWA
Travel With Anxiety!
Thousands Wandering Aimlessly
Terrorists Welcome Aboard
UTA
Unlikely To Arrive.
WIA
Whenever It Arrives.
Any Perpetual Traveller readers that have names or acronyms of their own, we welcome your input for future editions.
HANF – have a nice flight!
Editor
Perpetual Traveller Overseas News
Monday 18 January 2010
German Computer Group Finds Airport Security Threat
A German broadcasting company and a group called Chaos Computer Club say they have worked out a way to remotely access data stored on airport employees' key cards. The group says they used a device to covertly read the identification cards of Hamburg airport employees, save the data and then they used it to access secure areas of the airport without detection. It is theorized that the ability to access such data in this manner could make it possible for terrorists to gain access to restricted areas of the airport thus raising security concerns with the German government, the police and airport officials. A review of security procedures has been called for.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
Sunday 17 January 2010
AirTran Gets New Director of Corporate Security
AirTran Airways announced on January 14 that Alan Dreher has joined the company as director of corporate security, a newly created position. Dreher will oversee corporate security and compliance with all federal security regulations for AirTran Airways and will be based in Atlanta.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
Security Breach Shuts Down JFK
Dozens of inbound and outbound flights were halted and a terminal evacuated after a Brooklyn man walked through two secure doors at JFK Airport. After he walked through the second secure door, an alarm sounded alerting officials to the breach. The security violations were also captured on video and the man was identified as Jules Paul Bouloute.
He was later arrested at his home and charged with criminal trespass.
Read more
By Planet Data
He was later arrested at his home and charged with criminal trespass.
Read more
By Planet Data
Friday 15 January 2010
Passenger Making Bomb Threats Forces Emergency Landing
A flight from Amsterdam to Aruba was diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland on Wednesday after an "unstable" passenger allegedly told the crew there was a bomb on board. The plane made an emergency landing without incident and a 44-year-old Dutch man was arrested.
Read More
By Planet Data
Read More
By Planet Data
Thursday 14 January 2010
Report of "Credible" al-Qaeda Threat
CNN reports that it has spoken to a number of senior U.S. officials who have said they are monitoring a "credible threat" from al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) against the U.S. homeland. And the threat may have something to do with aviation.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
TB-Infected Man on Don't Fly List Allowed on Philly to San Fran Flight
Anonymous officials have confirmed that a person infected with active Tuberculosis and on the CDC's "Do Not Board" list was allowed to fly from Philadelphia to San Francisco last Saturday (1/9). The male passenger has not been identified, but the flight was US Airways Flight 401. The man was stopped and quarantined in San Francisco when he tried to board another flight out of the country.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
Mini Asteroid Makes Unannounced Visit Near Earth
What NASA scientists believe is a small asteroid, dubbed 2010 AL30, is to pass relatively close to earth on Wednesday.
Originally thought to be a piece of a derelict man-made object, 2010 AL30, is expected to be as near as one-third the distance between the Earth and Moon. The approximately 36-foot wide object was only discovered this past Sunday (1/10).
Read more
By Planet Data
Originally thought to be a piece of a derelict man-made object, 2010 AL30, is expected to be as near as one-third the distance between the Earth and Moon. The approximately 36-foot wide object was only discovered this past Sunday (1/10).
Read more
By Planet Data
DHS Secretary Going to Europe to Discuss Aviation Security
DHS announced Tuesday (1/12) that Secretary Napolitano will travel to Europe next week to meet with her EU counterparts and members of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in order to discuss ways of improving international aviation security measures and standards.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
Transport Canada Raises Aviation Sector Alert
Transport Canada confirmed to Canwest News Service on Tuesday that it has sent a memo to the country's airports and airlines urging them to "exercise increased vigilance" due to an undisclosed threat.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
China Tests Missile Intercept System
China announced Tuesday (1/12) the successful test of a ground-based system designed to shoot down incoming missiles.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu is quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying, "The test is defensive in nature and is not targeted at any country."
China's announcement follows the U.S. decision to sell new weaponry, including Patriot PAC-3 missiles, to Taiwan.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu is quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying, "The test is defensive in nature and is not targeted at any country."
China's announcement follows the U.S. decision to sell new weaponry, including Patriot PAC-3 missiles, to Taiwan.
Tuesday 12 January 2010
Singapore Airlines on top of the world!
If you are travelling to the east anytime soon and wish to do so in maximum comfort, luxury and style, Singapore Airlines
has to be the best option all things considered. Despite the fact that Etihad Airways won the Travel Awards for 2009 reported previously in Perpetual Traveller, it was Singapore Airlines that received a host of other industry awards in the same year as they have been performing consistently well for decades. Singapore Airlines was founded in 1947 and has progressively developed into a world-renowned carrier with a reputation for excellent service on all its flights.In a worldwide survey conducted by the OAG (Official Airline Guide
), the international carrier that performed best amongst the frequent business travellers was Singapore Airlines
. Moreover, the airline also received the accolade of OAG airline of the year for the 7th time at the organisation's industry awards in 2009.Other honors include being named the best global airline for the 21st consecutive year in a poll of Conde Nast Traveller
readers in addition to being rated as the best Asian airline in the Business Traveller
UK Reader's Poll Awards.Officials at Singapore Airlines
made a poignant comment: "In the midst of these challenging times, the airline has upheld its commitment to invest in product and service development." They went on to add that the awards are a reflection of the dedication among its staff.What a refreshing change to what airline passengers have to endure in Europe and America!
Monday 11 January 2010
NORAD Fighters Escort Commercial Jet to Colorado Springs
On Friday NORAD scrambled F-16 fighter jets to intercept Air Tran Flight 39 from Atlanta bound for San Francisco after it received reports of an unruly passengers on board. The flight was diverted to Colorado Springs where a male passenger was arrested.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
Power Out at Cleveland Airport
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport lost power early this morning due to a local transformer catching on fire. According to numerous reports the airport is effectively shutdown until power can be restored, and officials hope this will happen by this afternoon.
It is safe to say if you're flying into or out of Hopkins you should call your airline to check your flight status.
Read more
By Planet Data
It is safe to say if you're flying into or out of Hopkins you should call your airline to check your flight status.
Read more
By Planet Data
Boston Airport Briefly Closed for Aborted Takeoff
All air traffic at Boston's Logan International Airport was halted for about 25 minutes this morning while a Delta Connection flight aborted its takeoff and evacuated its passengers due to the smell of smoke in the cockpit. The source of the smell is under investigation.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
Georgian Airways Renews Direct Flights to Russia
At the end of December we had a post about Russia granting Georgia permission to renew chartered air service from T'bilisi to Moscow and Saint Petersburg. There were some delays at the time that prevented the flights from resuming, but now they have. On Friday, Georgian Airways made the first direct flight between the two countries since the August 2008 war over South Ossetia.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
European Travel Disrupted by Frigid Weather
"Eurostar cancelled 50 percent of London to Paris trains Friday as a cold snap continued to disrupt transport across Europe. Conditions caused long delays at airports and are raising concerns among fuel suppliers in the UK."
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
White House Report on Failed Airline Bomb Plot
Late Thursday afternoon, the White House released its "Summary Regarding 12/25/2009 Attempted Terrorist Attack". The full text is available here on the White House website.
The following is what the Obama administration says are the "most significant" findings of the preliminary review:
The U.S. Government had sufficient information prior to the attempted December 25 attack to have potentially disrupted the AQAP plot-i.e., by identifying Mr. Abdulmutallab as a likely operative of AQAP and potentially preventing him from boarding flight 253.
The Intelligence Community leadership did not increase analytic resources working on the full AQAP threat.
The watchlisting system is not broken but needs to be strengthened and improved, as evidenced by the failure to add Mr. Abdulmutallab to the No Fly watchlist.
A reorganization of the intelligence or broader counterterrorism community is not required to address problems that surfaced in the review, a fact made clear by countless other successful efforts to thwart ongoing plots.
Read more
By Planet Data
The following is what the Obama administration says are the "most significant" findings of the preliminary review:
The U.S. Government had sufficient information prior to the attempted December 25 attack to have potentially disrupted the AQAP plot-i.e., by identifying Mr. Abdulmutallab as a likely operative of AQAP and potentially preventing him from boarding flight 253.
The Intelligence Community leadership did not increase analytic resources working on the full AQAP threat.
The watchlisting system is not broken but needs to be strengthened and improved, as evidenced by the failure to add Mr. Abdulmutallab to the No Fly watchlist.
A reorganization of the intelligence or broader counterterrorism community is not required to address problems that surfaced in the review, a fact made clear by countless other successful efforts to thwart ongoing plots.
Read more
By Planet Data
Friday 8 January 2010
Securty-Test Explosives Make it on Flight
A Slovakian police officer testing luggage-screening tactics at Poprad International Airport in Bratislava failed to remove the test explosives from a travelers bag last Saturday. The piece of luggage made it onto a flight to Dublin and into the apartment of the bag's owner. The revelation only came to light on Tuesday when the Slovakian police notified their Irish counterparts. Law enforcement in both nations has launched investigations.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
Bakersfield Airport Security Incident Caused by Honey
Yesterday a security scare caused authorities to shutdown and evacuate Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, California. There was a lot of confusion and conflicting reports about the incident during the day, but here's what really happened.
A checked piece of luggage set off an alarm while going through an explosives detection machine. Two TSA workers opened the bag and discovered five Gatorade bottles containing what appeared to be something other than the sports drink. When two screeners tested the substance in one of the bottles their test chemicals reacted with the substance and caused fumes that made them nauseas. Turns out the goo in the bottles was honey.
Read more
By Planet Data
A checked piece of luggage set off an alarm while going through an explosives detection machine. Two TSA workers opened the bag and discovered five Gatorade bottles containing what appeared to be something other than the sports drink. When two screeners tested the substance in one of the bottles their test chemicals reacted with the substance and caused fumes that made them nauseas. Turns out the goo in the bottles was honey.
Read more
By Planet Data
Hawaii-Bound Jet Turns Around Due to Disruptive Passenger
On Wednesday Hawaiian Airlines Flight 39 bound for Honolulu, turned around and returned to Portland about 90-minutes into the flight because the pilot and crew were concerned about a disruptive passenger who made threatening remarks and refused to stow his carry-on luggage. It is not clear what the threats were, but after the plane landed, the suspect was questioned by the FBI and then released. No charges have been filed.
Read more
By Planet Data
Read more
By Planet Data
Newark Airport Security Cameras Not Recording During Breach
CNN reports that TSA-funded and NY/NJ Port Authority-installed and -operated security cameras inside Newark Liberty International Airport were not recording when a man breached a security checkpoint at Terminal 3 last Sunday.
The incident in which a man was seen walking through a security checkpoint exit and into a secured area led officials to have to rescreen thousands of travelers.
Read more
By Planet Data
The incident in which a man was seen walking through a security checkpoint exit and into a secured area led officials to have to rescreen thousands of travelers.
Read more
By Planet Data
Thursday 7 January 2010
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority sets water and waste savings targets to action by end of 2010
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) is spearheading a major campaign to deliver substantial, sector-wide energy, water and waste reduction by the end of 2010.
Under its industry-leading Environmental, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS) for the emirate?s entire tourism sector, ADTA is targeting 10% energy, 20% water and 20% waste-to-landfill savings over the coming year.
?These ambitious targets are aimed at improving the environmental performance of hotels so that they are in line, if not better than, the world?s greenest hotels,? explained Nasser Al Reyami, ADTA?s Director Tourism Standards.
The initiatives have been rolled out in a series of EHSMS seminars and workshops to help stakeholders, hotels in particularly, kick-start programmes aimed at meeting the 12 month deliverables. The seminars have given delegates an introduction to Abu Dhabi?s tourism sector EHSMS, outlined how organisations can develop an individual entity EHSMS and how to audit it.
?We have received a tremendous response to the initiative with more than 130 representatives from the emirate?s 113 hotels and hotel apartments responding,? explained Al Reyami. ?Participants have been extremely positive about the initiative viewing it as a significant investment in the hotel sector.?
ADTA?s EHSMS is the first in the world developed to encompass an entire tourism sector. ?Traditionally EHSMS has been applied only at entity level,? explained Al Reyami. ?The system covers all environmental, health and safety aspects of hotels, hotel apartments and tourism operators within the emirate and requires each of the entities to develop their own systems.
?The initiative helps fulfil ADTA?s regulatory obligations under the Executive Council?s EHS decree of June 2009 and is essential in helping to achieve the authority?s vision of promoting a globally recognised, outstanding and sustainable tourism destination. In taking this initiative we recognise the authority?s responsibility to the Government and community to ensure the sustainability of the industry we serve.?
ADTA has pledged to support its hospitality sector throughout the entire EHSMS project implementation. ?We will provide subsidised training workshops to help them develop their own systems allowing representatives to attend at nominal rates well below market prices,? said Al Reyami.
?The requirements have a solid business outcome for the entire tourism sector. They will boost standards, lift Abu Dhabi?s appeal as a pleasant and safe place to visit and deliver substantial ROI for accommodation providers as it increases their business,? added Al Reyami.
The EHSMS roll-out has been given an enthusiastic welcome by stakeholders. ?This is a fantastic move that ADTA has started,? said Eva Lowela Moraca of Vision Hotel Apartments.? ?Everyone is now starting to realise the importance of EHSMS. This is a big step for all hotels and tourism sector partners and it is an essential going forward.?
And some participants say EHSMS issues are now coming to the fore through guest enquiries.? ?This training is a big help. In fact there are a number of our guests who express concern for the environment and often they put forward suggestions ? this shows it is an issue and that working together for a better environment can benefit the hotel business,? said Nicole Donato of Platinum Hotel Apartments.
More information on ADTA?s environmental initiatives contact ehs@adta.ae
About ADTA: Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) was established in September 2004.It has wide ranging responsibilities for building and developing the emirate's tourism industry. These include; destination marketing; infrastructure and product development and regulation and classification. A key role is to create synergy in the international promotion of Abu Dhabi through close co-ordination with the emirate's hotels, destination management companies, airlines and other public and private sector travel-related organisations.
Under its industry-leading Environmental, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS) for the emirate?s entire tourism sector, ADTA is targeting 10% energy, 20% water and 20% waste-to-landfill savings over the coming year.
?These ambitious targets are aimed at improving the environmental performance of hotels so that they are in line, if not better than, the world?s greenest hotels,? explained Nasser Al Reyami, ADTA?s Director Tourism Standards.
The initiatives have been rolled out in a series of EHSMS seminars and workshops to help stakeholders, hotels in particularly, kick-start programmes aimed at meeting the 12 month deliverables. The seminars have given delegates an introduction to Abu Dhabi?s tourism sector EHSMS, outlined how organisations can develop an individual entity EHSMS and how to audit it.
?We have received a tremendous response to the initiative with more than 130 representatives from the emirate?s 113 hotels and hotel apartments responding,? explained Al Reyami. ?Participants have been extremely positive about the initiative viewing it as a significant investment in the hotel sector.?
ADTA?s EHSMS is the first in the world developed to encompass an entire tourism sector. ?Traditionally EHSMS has been applied only at entity level,? explained Al Reyami. ?The system covers all environmental, health and safety aspects of hotels, hotel apartments and tourism operators within the emirate and requires each of the entities to develop their own systems.
?The initiative helps fulfil ADTA?s regulatory obligations under the Executive Council?s EHS decree of June 2009 and is essential in helping to achieve the authority?s vision of promoting a globally recognised, outstanding and sustainable tourism destination. In taking this initiative we recognise the authority?s responsibility to the Government and community to ensure the sustainability of the industry we serve.?
ADTA has pledged to support its hospitality sector throughout the entire EHSMS project implementation. ?We will provide subsidised training workshops to help them develop their own systems allowing representatives to attend at nominal rates well below market prices,? said Al Reyami.
?The requirements have a solid business outcome for the entire tourism sector. They will boost standards, lift Abu Dhabi?s appeal as a pleasant and safe place to visit and deliver substantial ROI for accommodation providers as it increases their business,? added Al Reyami.
The EHSMS roll-out has been given an enthusiastic welcome by stakeholders. ?This is a fantastic move that ADTA has started,? said Eva Lowela Moraca of Vision Hotel Apartments.? ?Everyone is now starting to realise the importance of EHSMS. This is a big step for all hotels and tourism sector partners and it is an essential going forward.?
And some participants say EHSMS issues are now coming to the fore through guest enquiries.? ?This training is a big help. In fact there are a number of our guests who express concern for the environment and often they put forward suggestions ? this shows it is an issue and that working together for a better environment can benefit the hotel business,? said Nicole Donato of Platinum Hotel Apartments.
More information on ADTA?s environmental initiatives contact ehs@adta.ae
About ADTA: Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) was established in September 2004.It has wide ranging responsibilities for building and developing the emirate's tourism industry. These include; destination marketing; infrastructure and product development and regulation and classification. A key role is to create synergy in the international promotion of Abu Dhabi through close co-ordination with the emirate's hotels, destination management companies, airlines and other public and private sector travel-related organisations.
Monday 4 January 2010
Russia Plans to Save Earth from Asteroid
Russia's federal space agency Roscosmos is considering a special project to prevent a large asteroid called Apophis from colliding with the earth in 2036. Anatoly Perminov the head of the Russian agency said a scientist told him "the asteroid will surely collide with the earth," but other sources like NASA put the odds of a collision at "four-in-a-million". If they go ahead with the project, Russia says it could invite experts from Europe, the U.S. and China to participate.
Smoky Smells Cause Two Flight to Return to Logan
Not one, but two Delta flights had to return to Boston's Logan Airport on Saturday after the pilots reported smoky smells in their cockpits. Delta's Flight 1379 headed to New York and Delta's Flight 6001 headed to Columbus, Ohio were those involved and both landed safely back in Boston. The causes of the incidents are under investigation.
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By Planet Data
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By Planet Data
President Ties Christmas Terror Suspect to al-Qaeda
During his weekly radio and Internet address today (1/2), President Obama publicly linked the suspect who tried to blow-up a U.S. passenger plane on Christmas Day with a Yemeni affiliate of al-Qaeda. Mr. Obama also said this group has been responsible for other attacks on American targets such as the U.S Embassy in Yemen in 2008. The U.S is working to strengthen ties with Yemen to fight al-Qaeda according to Mr. Obama.
DHS Officials Going Overseas to Review Airport Security Measures
"Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano [has] announced that she is dispatching Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute, Assistant Secretary for Policy David Heyman and other senior Department officials on a broad international outreach effort to meet with leaders from major international airports in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America to review security procedures and technology being used to screen passengers on flights bound for the United States.
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