Chile Ash Cloud Disrupts Australia Air Travel Again

 Australian airlines are once again canceling some flights and preparing to cancel others as the volcanic ash cloud from Chile begins to move into Australia's airspace.

From The Sydney Morning Herald:

"Virgin suspended all Adelaide and Mildura flights for tomorrow, while Tiger Airways announced it was cancelling eight flights, four between Sydney and Melbourne and four between Melbourne and Adelaide."

By: Progress On 22:11

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Moscow Airport Security Suffers Three Breaches

 In the last several days there have been three security-related incidents at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport.

According to Moscow transporation authorities, last Friday (6/17) a woman passed unnoticed through security and document controls and boarded a flight bound for Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan reports RIA Novosti. It isn't clear what has become of the woman. Presumably, she had a problem getting through customs in Tajikistan, and officials there notified their counterparts back in Russia.

The other two incidents involve two Domodedovo workers stealing passenger belongings. Both were caught and face theft charges that could land them in prison for up to 5 years.

By: Progress On 22:09

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Greece Selling Off Airports

Greece is preparing to sell off billions of dollars worth of state assets including airports, highways, state-owned companies as well as banks, real estate and gaming licenses to meet international lenders' demands that it raise funds.

By: Progress On 22:07

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Chef de Cuisune for international restaurant of a luxury 5* hotel in Doha, Qatar.

Currently accepting applications for the position of Chef de Cuisine for international restaurant of a luxury 5* hotel in Doha, Qatar. 

Required profile: 

- International Experience in high profile restaurant / hotel / resort 

- Extremely Creative 

- At least 2 years experience as Chef de Cuisine 

- Formal culinary education 

- Fluent English 

- Experience of managing teams of 25 approx. 

Salary range 8,000-10,000 QRS (Tax Free) + accommodation, meals, medical insurance, etc 

Start date: September 2011 

Further information available upon interview. Candidates MUST be able to provide previous checkable employment references + photos of own work 

Apply to recruitment@vhospitality.net

By: Progress On 01:03

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Executive Sous Chef required for luxury resort in Dubai

 

Luxurious resort comprises of 3 hotels, 18 F&B outlets overall with a kitchen brigade of 160 chefs approx. 

Minimum requirements: 

- At least 2 years experience as Sous Chef or above in 2/3 star Michelin establishments and/or 5* luxury chain hotels in Europe 

- Formal European culinary education & excellent technical culinary skills 

- Strong people leadership skills 

- Ability to meet all quality, hygiene & operating standards with understanding of HACCP 

- Excellent culinary training skills 

- Previous experience of working within culturally diverse team 

Salary & benefits: 4500 USD approx. (net & tax free) with single status expat package including accommodation, food, transport, medical insurance, yearly flight ticket, annual bonus, 1 month holiday / year. (Spouse welcome at own expense). 

Apply to recruitment@vhospitality.net 

Candidates must be able to provide controllable previous employment references.

By: Progress On 01:02

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Director of Catering & Conference Services

Seeking a qualified Director of Catering & Conference Services for a Luxury 5 Star Hotel (477 rooms) in Doha, Qatar. 

Candidates must have Middle East and recent luxury hotel experience, with a minimum of 12 to 18 months experience as a Director of Catering & Conference Services. 

English & Arab languages are a mandatory requirement for this position. 

Salary between 13000 & 15000 QRS according to experience. Benefits include free meals and accommodation, round trip ticket to candidate home country after 12 months completion, family visa and medical coverage up to 1 child. 

Starting date: asap 

Further information available upon interview 

Position open to GCC nationality candidates only.

Apply to recruitment@vhospitality.net

By: Progress On 00:58

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Italian Restaurant Manager

Currently accepting applications for the position of Italian Restaurant Manager for up-scale Italian restaurant of a luxury 5* hotel in Doha, Qatar. 

Required profile: 

Previous experience of running Italian restaurants in a luxury hotel or independent high-end Italian Restaurants 

At least 3 years experience as Restaurant Manager 

Hotel management or related education 

Fluent English and Italian 

Salary range 7,000-8,000 QRS (Tax Free) + accommodation, meals, medical insurance, etc 

Start date: September 2011 

Further information available upon interview 

Candidates MUST be able to provide previous checkable employment references. 

Apply to recruitment@vhospitality.net

By: Progress On 00:57

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Air Canada Workers Go on Strike

The federal government served notice Tuesday that it is willing to legislate an end to the Air Canada strike as early as Thursday if the airline and its customer service and sales staff can't reach an agreement on a new contract.

The workers walked off the job at 12:01 ET Tuesday after failing to reach a deal with the airline.

"We will put on notice tonight legislation to ensure continuing air service for passengers," Labour Minister Lisa Raitt said Tuesday in the House of Commons.

Under the notice, the government can table back-to-work legislation in as little as 48 hours, it can delay it longer, or it can opt to not table legislation at all.

"I really want them to do a deal on their own — I think the best deal you're ever going to get is the one that you do," Raitt said on CBC'sPower & Politics.

"But they've got a duty to Canadians to get a deal done, and when they can't get a deal done and it ends up having an impact either on Canadians in general or on the economy, then that's the role of the government and we've clearly stated our intention," she said.

Air travellers faced some delays Tuesday, but Air Canada reiterated that it is still operating its full flight schedule, with managers stepping in to replace striking workers.

'Clear interference'

The Canadian Auto Workers, the union representing the striking workers, said they were frustrated by the government's decision to announce the possible legislation less than 24 hours after workers walked off the job.

CAW president Ken Lewenza said he thinks it is possible to reach an agreement with Air Canada in the next 48 hours, but he expressed concern about the possibility of back-to-work legislation.

"This action by the government is a clear interference with the right to free collective bargaining," Lewenza said in a statement.

"The speed at which this legislation has been tabled points to a very real collusion by the Conservative federal government and Air Canada, to strip workers of their rights."

Raitt said the government acted quickly because there was no way to know when the situation might deteriorate.

"The reality is the Canadian public wants to make sure that they have the ability to fly, and we want to make sure that the economy is strong," she said.

She noted that federal government was in touch with both the company and the union, and was willing to help as the two sides try to reach an agreement.

The union said picket lines will continue at locations across the country.

'Full flight schedule' continues

Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said the airline is treating the work stoppage the same way it would a severe winter storm or some other irregular operation.

"We have a contingency plan that is quite robust," said Fitzpatrick. "We have 22,000 other Air Canada employees who will continue to show up and work.… We are planning to work a full schedule."

Management was filling in at customer service desks and gates, and pilots and other workers were still on the job Tuesday.

"It's been quite successful so far," Fitzpatrick said Tuesday.

A union representative was skeptical.

"That can't happen," said Corinne Aubin, vice-president of the western region for Local 2002, after workers walked out in Edmonton. "We have 3,800 workers that are out, that are experienced. Their average experience is 20 years … you don't replace that with somebody who took a two-week training course.

"I think the public will suffer. They'll see the long lineups, they'll see the delays ... I feel quite heartbroken for the passengers," said Aubin. "This isn't what we wanted."

There could potentially be many more Air Canada workers off the job. The Canadian Auto Workers, which represents the striking workers, has called on employees with other unions — including pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and baggage handlers — not to cross the picket lines.

Some Air Canada pilots and flight attendants at Montreal's Trudeau airport initially refused to cross the picket line, CBC's Lauren McCallum reported. They waited for managers to escort them into the building, and the employees crossed and went to work after about 30 minutes.

Lines had been moving smoothly earlier, but were getting longer.

In Calgary, several travellers told CBC News that they were not experiencing delays.

Most flights are departing Vancouver on time, but some flights were delayed for an hour or more.

Victoria's airport authority said it didn't anticipate any disruption, as there are no Air Canada employees working there. They say the employees at the Victoria International Airport are with Air Canada Express, a different company with a different union local.

Pensions a sticking point

Air Canada chief operating officer Duncan Dee said the pension sticking point concerns a defined contribution plan for future employees hired after January 2012.

"Private sector companies in this country are shifting to defined contribution plans generally …," he said on CBC Radio's Metro Morningin Toronto. "The only way we can ensure the long-term viability of Air Canada and thereby ensure the long-term employment of our employees is making changes to keep up with the times."

In defined contribution plans, money is paid into an independently managed investment plan similar to an RRSP, with employees assuming some of the risk. With older, "defined benefit" plans, money is paid into a pension fund, and the company is responsible for making predefined payments to retirees.

Dee apologized to customers for the inconvenience caused by the labour dispute. "Hopefully, it's not a dispute that will last too long. We're ready to the bargaining table at any time."

Discussions had seemed to progress positively through Monday, Lewenza said, but the airline's position on the employee pension plan proved intractable.

"For them to stick to their position after considerable debate is surprising and disappointing," he said. "I don't think Air Canada put the customers front and centre on this particular dispute."

Current employees would be able to retire with a full pension at age 55 after 25 years of work, but Fitzpatrick said it was standard industry practice for new hires to receive lesser benefits.

"We think it's unfortunate that the CAW has allowed ideology to overrule the best interests of their members."

Wages remain an outstanding issue as well, said Lewenza.

'We recognize the significant sacrifice our members have made in the past decade and are asking our members to be rewarded based on the fact that there's been 75 per cent productivity improvements in the workplace.

"If you improve productivity in the workplace, then workers are entitled to get some dividends as a result," said Lewenza.

Air Canada reported a net loss of $19 million in the first quarter of this year, and in May said it expected higher fuel prices to add $800 million to its costs in 2011.

By: Progress On 23:01

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Eritrean volcanic ash cloud heading toward Israel

According to current estimations, the ash cloud is moving high in the atmosphere, and probably won't cause any travel disruptions or changes in the quality of air.

A volcanic ash cloud created after a volcano erupted in the northern African country of Eritrea is heading toward Israel, the Israel Meteorological Service confirmed on Tuesday. 
It is not yet certain whether the cloud will disrupt flights in the area.

According to current estimations, the ash cloud is moving high in the atmosphere, and will probably remain too high to cause any travel disruptions or changes in the quality of air.

Officials from the meteorological service and the Civil Aviation Authority are meeting later in the day to discuss other possible scenarios.

One of the possibilities that Israel will prepare for is that the ash particles sink lower into the layers of the atmosphere closer to earth and thus affect visibility and air quality.

Last month, the Israel Meteorological Service issued a similar warning about the huge ash cloud from an Icelandic volcano which had caused travel chaos throughout Europe.

Transportation Minister Israel Katz ordered the head of the Civil Aviation Authority, Giora Rom, held talks with the Israel Airports Authority, the Meteorological Office and European aviation bodies, but eventually the cloud did not reach Israel.

By: Progress On 22:58

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Manchester First for RTT Luggage Screening System

Manchester Airport in the UK has become the first location anywhere in the world to order new security technology produced by Rapiscan Systems.

Rapiscan’s RTT technology is a high-speed luggage screening system and it’s been to Manchester Airport before: it was tested there in 2009. Now, Real Time Tomography will become a formal part of the airport’s security measures and it will be in place by around this time next year.

RTT is conceived as a system able to produce very high resolution luggage images within a very quick timeframe and with a very high degree of accuracy. As far as speed and reliability go, it’s the best of its kind in the world and it’s been described as a key tool in the fight against air terror or potential air terror.

RTT Luggage Screening System
RTT also provides passengers with a faster screening service and this, in turn, impacts on the efficiency of the airport as a whole. It’s got further benefits, too, including a forecast reduction in maintenance costs, compared to the current generation of luggage scanners.

“We appreciate that Manchester Airports Group has selected the RTT and look forward to supporting their continued initiatives to improve airport security and efficiency”, Ajay Mehra, President of Rapiscan Systems, was quoted as having said in a Manchester Airport press release published online.

“Our next generation CT system, the RTT, allows airports to meet current and upcoming screening standards with dramatically lower overall infrastructure costs.”

“Our order for the RTT technology is the latest innovative development in our approach to aviation security both in terms of improving customer service and managing potential threats”, Manchester Airport’s Managing Director, Andrew Harrison, added.

“We have worked closely with Rapiscan on the development of the RTT including its trial at Manchester Airport in 2009. With its revolutionary design and unprecedented performance, Rapiscan’s RTT will help us to maintain our reputation as one of Europe’s most passenger friendly airports.”

Manchester Airport, located in the North West of England, has been deploying a whole host of technologically-advanced new airport systems in recent months. At the start of 2011, it unveiled the world’s first holographic security technology while, in November 2010, it started a series of eye scan trials, too.

By: Progress On 00:37

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Hertz starts electric bike hire

Car rental company Hertz has claimed an industry first by offering electric bicycles for hire.

The scheme is initially only available in London, with a total of 12 bikes, but if successful it could be rolled out to other cycling friendly cities such as Amsterdam.

Ultra Motor electric bikes, which reach speeds of up to 15.5mph, can now be hired from Hertz’ Marble Arch branch for £20 per day.

The models chosen by Hertz are the Fast4ward Edge, a folding bike which offers the choice of using throttle and cruise power or to pedal, and the A2B Hybrid 24, which has a sensor that detects the amount of pedalling and applies power in tune with that pace.

Bikes come with a charger (that can be plugged into any mains socket), lock, helmet, and guide to popular cycle routes in London.

Michel Taride, president of Hertz International, said: “The Ultra Motor bikes are a fast, green and economical mode of transport.”

For more information visit hertz.co.uk

By: Progress On 00:35

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Emirates launches mobile boarding passes

Emirates now offers Dubai passengers the option of receiving a mobile boarding pass on their internet-enabled mobile device.

The service is available to all passengers who use Emirates’ online check-in facility out of Dubai up to 24 hours in advance.

Passengers can log on to emirates.com, and can choose to receive a web-link to their mobile boarding pass by email or SMS, that displays a barcoded boarding pass on their phone.

“The launch of Emirates’ mobile boarding pass not only supports paperless travel and the reduction of paper waste, but also meets the demands of a new era of travellers, who seek a more sophisticated and efficient means of managing their business and leisure travel,” said Mohammed H Mattar - Divisional Senior Vice President Airport Services, Emirates.

“The mobile boarding pass puts flexibility and control completely in the hands of our customers, while making a small step towards reducing our environmental impact.” he added.

The mobile boarding pass can be scanned and read directly at all check-in counters, airport security check points, Dubai immigration, Emirates First Class and Business Class lounges, and boarding gates.

The service allows passengers to keep all their travel information in one place, while promoting paperless travel.

Following the launch in Dubai, over 30 other mobile boarding pass-compliant airports have been identified for implementation across the Emirates network.

Passengers can also use their internet-enabled mobile devices for flight bookings, mobile check-in, searching flight schedules and status and checking in-flight amenities available on a specific flight.

Once they log on to the airline’s website, they will be automatically redirected to the mobile optimised version.

Emirates is offering a 15% discount to select destinations during June.
Valid to over 30 select destinations, for passengers travelling in business and economy, the offer is available for bookings made up to June 20 and travel on or before August 31.

For more information, visit emirates.com

By: Progress On 00:34

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Doha’s Terminal B opening this month

Doha International Airport is preparing to open Terminal B, dedicated to foreign airlines, before the end of June.

The check-in area of the existing Transfer and Departures terminal – to be renamed Terminal A – will be used exclusively for Qatar Airways.

Designed to enhance the departure experience for travellers leaving Qatar, the airport upgrade will facilitate increased passenger traffic through Doha International Airport until New Doha International Airport opens in 2012.

The 2,000sqm Terminal B, developed on the premises of the former arrivals terminal, will be dedicated to the 30-plus foreign airlines operating services from Doha.

It includes an enlarged check-in area with 35 counters, online check-in lounge, customer service desk for oversized luggage, currency exchange bureau, ATM machines, a new high-tech baggage handling system, and food and beverage outlets.

An enlarged 600sqm immigration hall with 10 counters and three e-gates aim to prevent long queues and ensure seamless passport clearance.

Following their respective immigration counter areas in both terminals, passengers walk into the common airside environment of the existing Transfer and Departures building and have access to the same shopping, airport lounges, prayer rooms, food court and other facilities.

The move of foreign airlines to the brand new Terminal B allows Qatar Airways to ramp up service for its passengers, who will benefit from a more spacious check-in area at the current Departures facility, renamed Terminal A.

Terminal A forms part of a multi-million dollar DIA re-development plan that will also see further boarding gates being introduced and the Oryx Lounge undergo a significant revamp.

The lounge, located airside on the upper level of DIA, caters to first and business class passengers of other airlines or can be accessed for $40 per person when travelling in economy class on any carrier.

It contains a business centre, shower facilities and a wide selection of snacks and refreshments and allows travellers to relax and unwind during longer transits.

As part of the DIA infrastructure development project, there will be new exterior roadway signage directing passengers to the two airport terminals.

Doha International Airport is managed and operated by Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the changes were aimed at enhancing passengers’ experiences ahead of the opening of the New Doha International Airport.

“After the opening of the new stand-alone Doha Arrivals Terminal last December, we are now pleased to inaugurate the new Departures Terminals as the latest step in the infrastructure improvements to handle the increased influx of passengers through the airport,” he said.

With its thriving economy fuelled by multi-billion dollar projects and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the State of Qatar is receiving a growing number of business travellers (click here to read our special report on Qatar in the May-June issue).

For more information, visit dohaairport.com.

By: Progress On 00:32

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New Terminal for China’s Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Int.

One of China’s major airports is set to gain a new passenger terminal that, once completed, will boost the site’s annual capacity to 20m passengers.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, in Fuijan, China, supports both commercial and cargo flights and it’s the home base for historic Xiamen Airlines - China’s first carrier in private ownership.

Among China’s airports, Xiamen Gaoqi was the 10th most popular site for cargo services and the 11th most popular for travellers, while 14 other airports were busier in terms of overall aircraft movements. Given that China has approximately 100 airports in total, Xiamen Gaoqi is one of its top performers and, now, it’s set to get even better.

New Chinese Airport Terminal
The additional of the new Chinese airport terminal will give the hub its fourth such structure and, potentially, allow annual passenger traffic to hit the 20 million mark.

Terminal 4 will join the existing three buildings in around 2013 when, according to current scheduling, it’s set to be put into operation. Work on it will get underway later on in 2011 and, once completed, it’s expected to be used solely by passengers travelling within China.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport was added to the Chinese airport network in 1983 and, initially, had just a single terminal. The addition of Terminal 2 occurred approximately two decades, while Terminal 3 started to be built in 1993 and was up and running three years later.

Terminal 3 effectively replaced the two earlier terminals and, and such, remain the airport’s sole operational terminal at the present moment.

Xiamen Gaoqi Terminal 4
The Xiamen Gaoqi Terminal 4 programme gained momentum earlier this year when the Urban Planning Bureau of Xiamen and Xiamen International Airport collaborated to come up with a proposed design for it.

It’s been reported by the media in China that the terminal will incorporate traditional Chinese stylings that make reference to the heritage of Fuijan Province.

By: Progress On 00:30

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Top June Events

St Petersburg, Russia: White Nights Festival  15^TH May - 5^th July  

The White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia is an annual international cultural event. The White Nights Festival consists of a series of classical ballet, opera and music events and includes performances by Russian dancers, singers, musicians and actors, as well as famous international guest stars. The Scarlet Sails celebration is the culmination of the White Nights season, the largest public event anywhere in Russia with the annual estimated attendance about one million people, most of whom are students from hundreds of schools and colleges, both local and international.

The White Nights Festival is officially organized under the egis of the Saint Petersburg City Administration. The festival officially begins in May with the "Stars of the White Nights" at Mariinsky Theatre and ends in July of each year. However, many performances in connection with the White Nights Festival may often take place before and after the actual White Nights timeframe.

Further information: www.thisisthelife.com

Reykjavik, Iceland: Independence Day 17^th June  

Celebrated throughout the country, 17 June commemorates the day in 1944 when Iceland gained full independence from Denmark. The day is honored with all manner of events taking place around the country and particularly in Reykjavik ranging from parades and parties to street theatre and live music performances. The day itself is actually the birthday of Jon Sigurdsson, the peaceful campaigner who is largely credited for being the architect behind Iceland's move towards independence. The day is a national holiday throughout Iceland.

Further information: www.icelandtouristboard.com

Krakow, Poland: Lajkonik Festival 18^th June

The Lajkonik is a parade through the streets of the city's old town celebrating historic events that have surrounded the city since its founding 1400 years ago.

One part of the parade is to remember the defeat of the Tartars, also known as the Mongols, in 1241. In the procession a man dressed in Mongol attire with a wooden horse around his waist is followed by musicians, young children and revelers.

Starting from the 12th Century Convent of St Norbet, the march lasts for hours until it finishes at the historic market square, which incidentally is the largest medieval square in the world.

This festival has taken place every June for the past 700 years, indicating the mark the invading forces left on the city. The historic city, in which Pope John Paul II was born.

Further information: www.krakow.pl
 

Athens, Greece: European Music Day 18^th June - 23rd June  

Each summer solstice, members of the European Music Day network (aka Fête Européenne de la Musique) organize free concerts all around the city. The European Music Day is gladly entering its 10th year of existence in Greece. Only in Athens, more than 800 music acts or 6.000 artists have shared the experience with 500.000 attendants… so far!

Further information: www.istc.org

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain: Grec Arts Festival from the 20^th June

The Grec 09 festival in Barcelona opens on 20 and 21 June, with the show 'El jardí dels estels' (Garden of Stars), by the great Italian masters, Marcello Chiarenza and Alessandro Serena

Festival de Barcelona Grec, originally simply known as Grec, is one of Europe’s top cultural festivals, offering a blend of national and international productions. It was born in 1976 when a group of theatre professionals began demanding more playhouses and a higher profile for their profession. Over the years, Grec expanded into dance and music, hosting top names.

The Grec Festival is a Barcelona's largest annual Dance, Theatre and Music Festival with a huge programme of wonderful events in many venues in the city. There is something for everyone!

Further information: www.barcelonafestival.com

London, England: Wimbledon Tennis Championships  22^nd June –  5^th July

Anyone for Tennis? The Championships, Wimbledon, commonly referred to as Wimbledon, is the oldest major championship in tennis .It is also regarded by many to be the most prestigious tennis championship in the world. Held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in

London .The Lawn championships at Wimbledon have developed from a garden party atmosphere to a highly professional event attracting over 500,000 spectators.

Further information:  www.wimbledon.org

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Vancouver International Jazz Festival  26^th June – 5^th July

This year’s Festival features over 1800 musicians from Canada and around the world. Many free performances including large outdoor concerts, eight major indoor concert series, and a host of nightclub shows. Over 510,000 people attended last year’s Festival.

Further information: www.coastaljazz.ca

Malta Moby Concert 28^th June  

World-renowned DJ and songwriter Moby will be performing in Malta at a concert at the Gianpula fields on June 28.

The American musician shot to fame with his classic Play album in 1999, and since then has sold over 20 million records worldwide, winning scores of awards in the process.

Moby has been making music since he was nine years old, playing classical guitar before releasing his first single Go in 1991. His music has been used in hundreds of different films, including Tomorrow Never Dies and The Beach.

Further information: http://www.timesofmalta.com

By: Progress On 07:08

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