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Most Interviews contained herein are Corporate "In House" production designed to get information out to the Public via Press Release. The majority of the quotes presented in Press Release articles in this ILIPS Group Publication are Corporate, In House. We are concentrating heavily on Press Releases as we expand outward into the World community to acquire the News ourselves.

We will usually identify when quotations or interviews are conducted and reported directly by ILIPS Group personnel. Otherwise, anticipate that the interview was provided courtesy of Public Relations or Media Personnel from Corporate or other sources outside of ILIPS Group International, including other Mainstream and Alternative News Services who have released the materials into Public Domain.

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2009 Aviation Edition

Short S.17 Kent Flying boat "Satyrus" on Sea of Galilee, ca. 1935.

Photo: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, [reproduction number, LC-DIG-matpc-13682

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( June 30, 2009 in Australia )

Aerospace Australia

2

Photo: Australia MoD

06/26/2009

SOLDIER KILLED IN TRAINING ACCIDENT

An Australian soldier was tragically killed in a training accident at Puckapunyal, Victoria, earlier today.

At approximately 11am, a single M113A1 Armoured Personnel Carrier holding four troops rolled while taking part in a training exercise.

Another soldier was injured in the accident, and was flown to hospital in Melbourne for treatment. His condition has now been downgraded from serious to stable

Our deepest condolences go out to families and friends of the soldiers involved in this tragic accident, and we are doing everything we can to assist and support them through this very difficult time.

For privacy reasons, personal details of the deceased soldier and his injured colleague are not being released at this time.

Army is assisting civilian authorities who are undertaking the investigation, and will not speculate on the cause of the incident until the investigation has been completed.

06262009

AUSTRALIANS JOIN HUMANITARIAN MISSION PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2009


Lending a helping hand to Australia’s neighbours is all part of the job for Australian Defence Force engineers and medical personnel joining the multinational PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2009 team in the South West Pacific from 30 June to 18 September 2009.

PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP is an annual U.S sponsored Humanitarian Civic Assistance mission aimed at strengthening international relationships and interoperability for disaster relief throughout Oceania and Southeast Asia.

The ADF is returning to PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP this year to help deliver much needed engineering, medical and dental aid in Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Kiribati and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

24 Australian Army engineers, one Navy Medical Officer, one Dental Hygienist, one Navy Civil Military Cooperation Officer and HMA Ships BETANO and WEWAK will work within the 100 plus multi-national and multi-skilled team to improve the lives of the people in the Pacific.

“The participating ADF personnel are honoured to be part of a mission dedicated to working with, and supporting their regional neighbours,” said Australian Army Combat Engineer Lieutenant Mick Collaros.

“It will be a great cultural experience – mission partners will exchange expert knowledge and learn from each other,” said Lieutenant Collaros.

The ADF will help renovate sites including schools and hospital and administer a wide variety of medical and dental programs.

US Navy ship USNS RICHARD E. BYRD is the enabling platform for PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2009, transporting equipment, supplies and the highly skilled and enthusiastic team of personnel.

PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP has been held annually by the US Pacific Fleet, evolving from the unprecedented international disaster response for countries devastated during the 2004 Asian tsunami. The ADF has contributed to PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP missions since 2006. Last year PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP was held in South East Asia.

06/19/2009


NEW NAME FOR SYDNEY COMMANDOS


Army’s 4th Battalion (Commando), The Royal Australian Regiment (4 RAR (Cdo)) was today renamed 2nd Commando Regiment (2 Cdo Regt) during a ceremony at Tobruk Lines, Holsworthy.
The ceremony, reviewed by Chief of Army Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, saw the march-off of the 4 RAR colours and the unfurling of the new 2 Cdo Regt flag.

“I am very pleased that 4 RAR (Cdo) is now nearing maturity as a special operations unit. The name change celebrated today recognises this achievement as well as the skills and qualifications of its members,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

“The name 2 Cdo Regt more accurately reflects the roles and capabilities of the commandos and their command structure, which are distinct from our conventional infantry battalions.”

“4 RAR will remain on Army’s Order of Battle with its history, colours and traditions preserved for future service as and when required by our nation. So too will we continue to celebrate the battalion’s service and the sacrifice of those who served under its colours.”

“2 Cdo Regt will not forget its origins and will continue to support the 4 RAR Association where it can, specifically through the provision of facilities for annual meetings, unit birthdays and Anzac Day,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

4 RAR began commando transition in 1996 when Government directed Army to establish a second commando regiment with the ability to conduct special recovery and strike operations.

The name 2nd Commando Regiment was chosen as it logically complements the existing 1st Commando Regiment, but more importantly it reflects the unit’s historical links to the Australian Independent Commando Companies that operated in the Southwest Pacific in the Second World War.

2 Cdo Regt joins the Special Air Service Regiment, Incident Response Regiment, 1st Commando Regiment, the Special Forces Training Centre and the Special Operations Logistics Squadron as part of Army’s Special Operations Command.

06/26/2009

RIVERINA PARADE RECOGNISES RESERVISTS


The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, yesterday joined the Riverina community in honouring Reservists for their commitment to the defence of Australia at the 2009 Reserve Forces Day march through the streets of Wagga Wagga.

Reserve Forces Day celebrates and commemorates the service and achievements of Australia’s Reservists, both past and present, and also provides the opportunity to formally thank employers and families for their support of Reserve personnel.

The 2009 celebrations remember the 70 years since the mobilisation of the Citizen’s Military Forces, Citizen’s Air Force and Royal Australian Naval Reserve.

“This years celebrations commemorate the significant contribution Reservists made to the raising of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force and the Empire Air Training Scheme, as well as those Australians who volunteered to serve during World War II,” said Dr Kelly.

“Reservists provide a vital contribution to Defence capability and work alongside Permanent Force members with dedication and integrity,”

“I wish to personally thank all employers of Reservists for their outstanding support. Without this support, it would not be possible for the skills and expertise of Reservists to be utilised by our Defence Force,” said Dr Kelly.

Aviation & Marine U.S.A.

Aerospace Australia

20090512ran8094997_194_DRN_2

HMAS Toowoomba's flight deck crew prepare the helo for takeoff.

Photo: Australia DoD

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

B

B

Government adopted Amendment to University Act and ÖBB reform


Austria’s government gave the go-ahead for a number of laws, amendments and reforms at the Council of Ministers on 16 June 2009. It adopted the Amendment to the 2002 University Act, the Austrian Rail (ÖBB) Restructuring Act as well as the government guarantees for company credits (see Economy). Parliament could approve the respective resolutions still before the summer break. A law preparing the inclusion of aviation into the EU’s new emissions trading system was also passed. The new Postal Market Act (for liberalising the postal market) was postponed until autumn. According to Minister of Science Jo-hannes Hahn, the financing for the universities has been secured by amending the University Act. As demanded by Minister of Education Claudia Schmied, a note for the minutes was added that the two coalition partners committed themselves to introducing “harmonised A levels” (with a standardised written exam section). The exam content is expected to be agreed on and ready for adoption by the federal government by 30 June 2009.

The Amendment to the University Act entails changes in the appointment of members delegated by the government to the university councils and the Science Council. The competence for appointing members continues to lie with the government and is not transferred to the Minister of Science, as requested by Hahn. The 2009 Amendment to the University Act introduces entrance phases in all study programmes (which are not subject to statutory admission requirements) as from 2011/ 2012. After concluding this phase successfully, students may continue their studies. Universities will be allowed to define “qualitative access criteria” for MA and PhD studies. Moreover, the minimum duration of BA programmes will be extended from three to four years. All studies will be available as bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes. Other key issues are a 40 percent women’s share in all university bodies, a greater say of the University Council in the election of rectors and the new composition of the Senates (no majority requirement for appointing professors, increase in academic staff without chair).

The new ÖBB Act for streamlining the Austrian railways has also been adopted by the Council of Ministers. ÖBB-Holding AG will hold only three (previously five) companies (passenger transport, goods transport/rail cargo, infrastructure).

Agreement on EIA Act

On 18 June 2009, Minister of the Environment Nikolaus Berlakovich and Minister for Economic Affairs Reinhold Mitterlehner reached an agreement on the Amendment to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act. The “public interest” in the security of supply criticised by environmentalists will be eliminated, but reference will be made to “laws governing special subjects“ (forestry law, water law). In addition, the EIA procedure will be simplified as expert opinions dealing with specific matters may be reused, e.g. no EIA procedures will be required for exchanging turbines. Chancellor Faymann high-lighted that a balance between ecology and econ-omy was needed. Necessary reductions in the duration of the procedure should not be to the detriment of the environment.

Federal Chancellor Faymann at EU summit in Brussels


The EU heads of state and government unanimously nominated Commission President José Manuel Barroso for a second term at the two-day summit in Brussels (18/19 June 2009). However, the Commission President must be endorsed by the European Parliament, which will vote on him only in autumn, while the EU leaders hope that Barroso will be re-appointed still before the summer break. Chancellor Werner Faymann wel-comed the unanimous decision to re-elect Barroso. He had put forward “convincing arguments” at the presentation of his programme. Faymann highlighted Barroso’s “clear com-mitment to social balance“, more financial market supervision and climate protection.

At the EU summit Ireland’s sovereignty was reinforced to make the Lisbon Treaty more attractive to the population who voted against it last year. Guarantees in matters of tax sovereignty, military neutrality and the abortion prohibition were granted. The second Irish referendum on the Treaty has been scheduled for October. The concessions for Ireland will be laid down in a special protocol to the Treaty, enshrining them in EU law. The Commission informed that the other EU Member States would not be forced to re-ratify the Lisbon Treaty.

The summit in Brussels also delivered results concerning the reorganisation of Europe’s financial market supervision. For example, a “European Systemic Risk Council” will be set up within the European Central Bank (ECB). It will act as an early warning system for highlighting possible turbulences in the financial market. Concrete legislative proposals for the new financial market supervisory architecture and common basic rules are to be presented by the EU Commission in early autumn 2009. Chancellor Faymann described the decision in favour of tightening financial market supervision as “substantial progress”. Austria had also achieved that national borders would be covered by the improved protection of the EU’s external borders by the EU agency Frontex.

30 additional competitive sports training places in the Federal Army


Young hopefuls are benefiting – and have indeed done so for many years – from optimal training conditions in the Army Sports Centres. Minister Norbert Darabos increased the quota for con-scripts in the Sport Centres of the Austrian Federal Army by 20 percent.

In the future 150 (before 120) young high-performance athletes will be able to train at professional level while doing basic military service.

“By increasing the quota for conscripts in the Army’s competitive sports training programme I would like to support a larger number of young talents in carving out an international career for themselves”, said Darabos. With this initiative, the Minister takes full advantage of the synergies between his two spheres of responsibility, i.e. defence and sport. “In economically difficult times less money is allocated to funding sport. I want to counteract this trend by all means. The support of the Federal Army is vital, especially now”. 10 athletes more than originally planned will benefit from this support already during the call-up in October 2009. In January and July 2010 another 20 athletes will be sent to the Federal Army’s Sports Centres.

Dining Service aboard a Niki Airbus A320 twinjet.

Photo: Niki

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

Austrian Airlines Vickers Viscount 745

Photo: Austrian Airlines

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

Azal Airbus Corporate Jetliner (A319) on climbout after takeoff

Photo: Airbus SAS

ARMENIANS BREAK CEASEFIRE IN KHOJAVEND


Baku, June 29 (AzerTAc). Subunits of the Armenian Armed Forces subjected to machine gunfire the opposite positions of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan at different hours on June 28, press service of Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan reported.

The ceasefire was violated in Khojavend region.

The Armenians were silenced with a retail fire. No casualties are reported.

ISRAELI PRESIDENT VISITS ALLEY OF MARTYRS


Baku, June 29 (AzerTAc). President of Israel Shimon Peres has today visited the Alley of Martyrs to commemorate heroes of Azerbaijan, who gave their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of the country.

A ceremonial guard of honor was lined up for the Israeli leader here.

Shimon Peres laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument.

A military orchestra played the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Israel.

Backgrounder ~ Conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia

ON THIS NIGHT THEY HAD NO RIGHT EVEN TO LIVE


They fled from their home on that most ominous night leaving behind all the gaining, taking only the children. On this night they had no right even to live.

Still in the evening on 25 February the military equipment of the former 366th soviet regiment held fihting position surrounding Khojaly on three sides. Then, they began storming the city following with 2-hours massed bombardment and heavy military machines. To 5 o`clock in the morning of the next day, the city practically has stopped the existence: fire devoured the abandoned houses and the population, more than 2500 people left the houses, trying to be rescued in Askaran direction, but near the Nakhichivanik village the Armenian militants opened fire on unarmed people. Later, the Armenian side will, surprisingly shrugging shoulders, and putting good face on things, declare, that the peaceful population was presented “free corridor”. This "corridor" determined by nobody in the given quality as it is necessary in such cases, appeared an ominous trap for the women, children and the old in the frost-bitten woods and mountain passes. The people, unfortunate, driven to despair with special cruelty, brutality, even savour, were slaughtered by the Armenian bands …

From materials of investigation on occupation of Khojaly, it is known, that in the attack on city, except the Armenian separatists and bands, participated also the 2nd battalion of the notorious 366th regiment under command of major Seyran Ohanyan, the 3rd battalion under command of Evgeny Nabokhin, the chief of staff of 1-st battalion Valery Chitchyan and over 50 Armenian officers and ensigns.

From the same materials it is known, that during attack to Khojaly, used were the forbidden bullets of 5, 45 calibres and chemical weapon. At the survived people they scoffed with special cruelty: scalped them, cut off heads and other parts of body, pricked out eyes of children, ripped up stomaches of pregnant women, burnt alive, having poured over gasoline. Are not these facts of violation by Armenia of protocols of the Geneva Convention, and isn`t it a genocide of the peaceful population?

The bloodiest tragedy of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict began practically from illegal requirements of ethnic Armenians of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous region of Azerbaijan SSR in 1988 about anexation to Armenia SSR, provoked by open support of ruling circles of Armenia SSR with tacit consent of the central authorities of Soviet Union.

It has to be noted that the destiny of Khojaly has been predetermined. The city, population of which totaled about 7 thousand people, situated in 10 kms south-east of Khankendi. It was on the road of Agdam-Khankendi and had the only airport in Karabakh where military planes could land. And ofcourse, one of priorities of the Armenian bands was liquidation of Khojaly, being bridge-head, opening of the corridor connecting Askaran and Stepanakert, and capture of the only airport which was under the control of Azerbaijanis.

Involuntarily the question arises – didn`t A. Mutallibov, the then head of republic, know about it?

If he didn`t know, it means, he had no right to hold such high post.

The president and the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan is the highest official of republic and he has not provided protection of constitutional order, territorial integrity of republic, the rights and freedoms of citizens. Moreover, even after tragedy he was afraid to inform people the truth and hid the data on real scales of punishment, having made one more curtsey aside Armenians.

Trying to diminish his role in inability to protect city, A. Mutallibov put the blame for massacre in Khojaly on leaders of the Popular Front. His justificatory interview was widely advertised in Armenia. Thus, he once again betraid his people, having thrown to the enemy in quality of gift his version, and, more likely, a dull conclusion testifying to his own feebleness and incompetence. And the then opposition simply took advantage of tragedy that on the wave of national anger to come to power.

There was one more reason why the Armenian barbarians with brutal cruelty have massacred the innocent population.

Serzh Sarkisyan sitting nowadays in the armchair of the prime minister of Armenia and pretending to the post of the president of Armenia has rather cynically and rigidly expressed it: “Up to Khojaly, the Azerbaijanis thought, that it is possible to play with us, they thought, that Armenians are not capable to lift a hand on civilians. We could break this stereotype”. So, it seems massacre was planned as a deliberate act of intimidation.
But they have not reached their goals, and will never.

The Russian journalist Y. Romanov, who has visited places of massacre, began his book about Karabakh “I shoot war …” with such words: “Oh, my God, is it a “national-liberation struggle” as such?”

We present only one episode from this book, and you will make conclusions: “… the 37 seconds I have shot burn my hands. I go out of circle of people and raise the camera. In the view-finder is a road on which the machine with wounded rushes. There, the wounded are unloaded on a stretcher, and they are directly from the platform through open windows of cars taken to the operational car. A girl of years of six with the tied up head. The bandage is made so, that completely closes her both eyes.

Not switching off the camera, I bend over her:


- What is with you, lovely?

- My eyes burn … Eyes my …are burning…

My eyes burn!!!

The doctor touches me on shoulder:

- Blind she is. Her eyes were burnt by cigarette stubs … When she was brought here, the stubs sticked out of her eyes …

Let the reader forgive me. But what my eyes saw and was heard by my ears, cannot be transmitted in poor words. Such memoirs never pass, and, having written this chapter in the evening, in the morning I find out on temples a new gray hair … ».

Gradually the news about bloody massacre in Khojaly became property of the public simply stunned by atrocities of the "victim of this conflict”, how the Armenians and their henchmen represented themselves. The truth about genocide committed in Khojaly above the Azerbaijan population, became a subject of discussions by parliaments of the various countries.

Representative of the state of Indiana in the Congress of the USA, member of the Committee for international relations, Congressman Den Barton, speaking on February 21, 2005 in the House of Representatives, called the Congress to recognize the Khojaly tragedy as genocide. Having started his speech with the words “the mankind should know and remember”, he stated that in Khojaly, committed was cruel ethnic cleanse in relation to innocent women, children and old men, and the Armenians mocked even at corpses. “We became witnesses of the fact that Armenians have intentionally destroyed each village seized by them in territory of Azerbaijan. It is nothing but barbarism”, the Congressman concluded.

The US pro-Armenian Russian-language newspaper “V Novom Svete” published the article “Armenian Genocide – fact” of 19-25 October, 2007 by Armenian lobbyist Edward Pariyants. In support of this “fact”, he provided a photo depicting dead bodies of children, allegedly, Armenians killed by Turks in 1915. However, it is the photograph of Azerbaijani children killed by Armenian criminals during assault on Khojaly. “ How much insolent, shameless and cynical one should be to present Azerbaijani children - victims of Armenian terror of 1922 - as Armenian victims of 1915,”- Felix Tsertsvadze said with indignation in his letter, urging to repel the falsifiers. Provoker was not only repulsed but also the newspaper apologized for the blunder.

Khojaly massacre became possible because the Soviet center hampered the creation of Azerbaijan armed forces. They even took hunting rifles from Karabakh Azerbaijanis claiming Soviet troops stationed in the region will defend the population and territorial integrity of the Republic. The Azerbaijani population of Karabakh was left to the mercy of fate.

Khojaly genocide, which took place in late 20th century is the gravest crime targeting not only the people of Azerbaijan but also the whole humanity. The world must remember it! And it is not the Azerbaijani propaganda – it is a reality.

World Azerbaijanis mark the anniversary of this horrible tragedy with heavy heart on February 26. One of the priorities Heydar Aliyev Foundation headed by First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva is to raise the world community`s awareness about the truth on the Khojaly: the web portal on Azerbaijan was launched, collection of booklets “Karabakh realities” was prepared. In continuation of the special project implemented last year, a string of events dedicated to the Khojaly tragedy will be organized in the UK, Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, USA (Washington, New York), UAE (Dubai).

Those countries will also host exhibitions of photo documents in Russian and English unmasking Armenian fascists in the extermination of people, which runs counter to common sense. The exhibition will also feature the works by winners of the Foundation`s picture contest “Khojaly through the eyes of children”

In this context, heads of Muslim, Christian, and Judaic religions in Azerbaijan annually urge the international community to condemn the 26 February 1992 misdeeds, demand to bring the immediate perpetrators to trial for the crime committed.

A 13-minute film “Prayer” written by Yusif Sheikhov and directed by Ziya Shikhlinski will be demonstrated on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy. It was made by the government order and translated into a number of foreign languages. It will be shown in many countries with the support of the State Committee for Working with Azerbaijanis Living Abroad, in embassies and on all Azerbaijani channels.

The world should know and remember about Khojaly. There cannot be a crime without punishment. Those who are anyhow involved in this terrible crime are responsible to their conscience but the day will come – it will necessarily come, we believe in it – when they will be charged with their misdeeds in the court of history, before the humanity.

Source: http://www.azertag.com

AZERBAIJAN ARMED FORCES DAY MARKED IN PAKISTAN


Islamabad, June 28 (AzerTAc). A ceremony to mark the Azerbaijan Armed Forces Day was organized by the Azerbaijan embassy in Pakistan and military attaché at the Marriott Hotel here.

The meeting was attended by Pakistani senior military officials, ambassadors of foreign countries and journalists.

Participants watched a video of military parade held in the Azadlyg square in Baku to mark 90th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces.

DAYS OF AZERBAIJANI CULTURE DUE IN RUSSIA


Baku, June 29 (AzerTAc). Russian cities of Moscow and Kazan will be hosting the Days of Azerbaijani culture from June 29 to July 5.

Azeri culture and tourism minister Abulfaz Garayev will lead an 80-man delegation for the event which will feature photo exhibitions and concerts by children`s dancing bands and symphonic orchestra.

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

A Tu-154M (4K-85732) belonging to Imair Airlines of Azerbaijan

Photo: Anarki / Wikipedia

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

Artist's concept of a Gulf Air A320 in the airline's new livery.

Photo: Airbus SAS

24 June 09

Gulf Air's new MRO service provider takes charge


National carrier Gulf Air's newly appointed maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service provider SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) took over the responsibility with effect from today from SRTechnics, who have been looking after Gulf Air's fleet until now.

In a handing-over function held at the Gulf Air hangar at the Bahrain International Airport, Mr. Felix Ammann, Vice President Gulf Region Operations SR Technics handed over a symbolic key to Mr. Johnny Eng, General Manager SIACE in the presence of Gulf Air senior management to mark the transition.

Thanking the SRT team for its cooperation and support in the transition process over the last 3 months, Gulf Air Director of Special Projects Mr. Jasim Al Marzooqi said, "The change in MRO service is part of our overall management strategy as it provides us with an opportunity to refocus on our engineering and maintenance systems and processes in order to improve our operational reliability, manage costs and have a self sufficient and robust aircraft maintenance system."

Mr. Al Marzooqi also thanked members of the SIACE team for their cooperation and support in taking over the MRO service responsibility from SRT.

"It has been a cordial and successful partnership with Gulf Air, one of our major clients," said Mr. Amman in his farewell speech.

Thanking SRTechnics and Gulf Air Mr. Eng said,"We are delighted to have been appointed as the MRO service provider to Gulf Air's fleet and we look forward to a fruitful and successful relationship with Gulf Air- a highly progressive international airline in the Middle East."

Gulf Air signed a long-term Fleet Management Programme (FMP) contract with SIEAC in March this year. Under the contract, SIAEC will provide a wide range of services for Gulf Air's Airbus fleet, which will be performed in Bahrain and Singapore.

22 June 09

Gulf Air launches services to popular destinations for the summer season


National carrier Gulf Air launched today it summer season services to three new destinations - Aleppo, Alexandria and Salalah.

In a ceremony held today, Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Björn Näf formally launched the services in the distinguished presence of the ambassadors and their representatives of Syria, Egypt and Oman, members of the media and leading travel agents.

"We are constantly on the look out for ways to enhance our customers' travel experience by adding new routes and increasing flight frequencies," says Mr. Näf.

"We chose these three popular destinations as part of our summer schedule in response to positive customer feedback by expanding our network in tune with the demands of the season. With competitive fares and convenient flights from Gulf Air, I am sure travelers can enjoy their best summer vacation by visiting these fabulous cities," concludes Mr. Näf.

Adds Gulf Air Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ismail Karimi, "Gulf Air has carved a niche among the regional carriers for operating one of the largest networks within the region and the excellent connectivity it offers. Through these additional destinations we are offering more choices to our customers seeking a quality vacation. I am sure these will be a great attraction."

Salalah provides a welcome relief with its cool climate, monsoon rains, misty mountains, flowing wadis and verdant gardens while the popular Salalah Khareef Festival offers a wholesome family vacation.

Alexandria offers fascinating insights into its proud Greek and Roman past that blends well with beautiful mosques, some lovely gardens and an undulating, scenic Corniche, just perfect for a stroll or to relax by the azure waters.

Aleppo is no less; one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in history, the city offers plenty for those interested in culture, heritage or family vacation that includes the imposing Citadel and the labyrinthine, aromatic souk known for selling spices of every kind.

Service to the Egyptian city of Alexandria starts today (22 June) with five flights a week - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Flights to Salalah in Oman will commence on 01 July offering three flights a week on Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Aleppo service will start from 2 July with two flights per week- Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights to all these destinations are available until mid-September 09.

Customers can book tickets online at www.gulfair.com taking advantage of the 'best fare guaranteed' or by calling our worldwide contact centre at 17335777 or at any of Gulf Air sales offices located at Manama, Seef and Sanad.

17 June 09

Gulf Air chooses Honeywell to provide Auxiliary Power Unit for its new Airbus fleet


National carrier Gulf Air announced today that it has chosen Honeywell Aerospace (NYSE: HON)to provide fifteen 131-9A Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) and a maintenance programme to its new Airbus A320 aircraft, whose deliveries are scheduled from 2009 through 2012.

The contract, valued at more than $8 million, also covers maintenance through 2022.

"Gulf Air has chosen the APUs after carefully considering various factors such as reduced emissions and fuel efficiency," said Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Björn Näf.

"In addition to providing reduced operating costs, Honeywell provides a highly reliable APU with great performance. The maintenance programme provides us with Honeywell's expertise in APUs while allowing us to focus on our customers."

An APU is a small gas-powered turbine engine that provides bleed air for main engine starting and electrical power for cockpit and galley systems. The 131-9A APU has been in service since 1998, though recent engineering has yielded fuel burn and reliability improvements. The 131-9A is fitted in more than 1,400 aircraft and serves more than 100 customers.

"The 131-9A APU reduces emissions and fuel consumption over the life of the APU," said Mike Madsen, Vice President, Airlines, Honeywell Aerospace.

"The total cost of ownership is further reduced by high reliability and low maintenance costs; our on-aircraft maintenance costs are 36% less than other APUs because of the simple design."

Honeywell's after-market service programmes provide a comprehensive range of cost-effective maintenance and asset availability solutions to support airline operations throughout the life span of the aircraft. Honeywell's wide ranging support services can also be customized to create cost-effective, packaged solutions that allow airlines to better manage and predict maintenance spending, asset requirements and repair needs, while lowering operating expenses with a reduced total cost of ownership.

17 June 09

Gulf Air and French National Railway SNCF Commence Codeshare


Passengers flying to and from France with Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air can now enjoy seamless travel to nearly 20 destinations across France, thanks to a codeshare agreement between the airline and France's national railway SNFC (Soci?t? Nationale des Chemins de Fer Fran?ais).

The combined Gulf Air / tgvair ticket allows passengers to buy a single ticket for the entire TGV and Gulf Air journey either originating from or travelling to key destinations on the SNCF network.

The 19 stations included under the codeshare agreement are Aix en Provence TGV Angers St Laud, Avignon TGV, Bordeaux St Jean, Champagne-Ardenne TGV, Le Mans, Lorraine TGV Lille - Europe, Lyon - Part Dieu, St Charles, Montpellier St Roch, Nantes, N?mes, Poitiers, Rennes, St Pierre des Corps / Tours, Strasbourg, Toulon, Valence TGV.

The Gulf Air / SNCF codeshare also allows the airline and travel agents around the world to market the nineteen provincial cities with all their customers.
Commenting on the codeshare agreement Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. Björn Näf says, "France is a key premium market for Gulf Air and this codeshare agreement with SNCF will further strengthen our presence in the country and enable us to cater even more efficiently to the substantial passenger demand in France to travel to the many popular Gulf Air destinations."

Gulf Air increased its service from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Bahrain from a daily service to a nine times weekly service in October with the addition of two evening services on Wednesdays and Fridays.

"As the national carrier we are confident this will also result in further strengthening Bahrain-France business ties and encourage more leisure tourism traffic between the two countries. This agreement is perfectly in line with our expansion strategy, which seeks growth in markets through partnerships where a non-stop service is not a viable option," Mr Näf concluded.

Mireille Faugere, Director SNCF Voyageurs France Europe, says, "We are delighted to have entered a codeshare agreement with Gulf Air. It not only reinforces the development of our connections and the promotion of our rail network at an international level but it provides our customers across the whole of France the opportunity to discover new, exciting destinations on the Gulf Air network."

The codeshare is being marketed across France and the Middle East through Gulf Air's distribution network including the airline's website www.gulfair.com, its call centre, local travel agents and other key trade partners.

Gulf Air operates nine flights per week to Paris, offering its award-winning Sky Chef and Sky Nanny services throughout the journey. With convenient connections at the award winning* Bahrain International Airport, Gulf Air can offer exciting destinations such as Bangkok, Katmandu, Manila, Muscat, Dubai and several destinations in India.

*Bahrain was voted to be the best airport for connections in GCC in 2008 by independent auditor, Skytrax.

15 June 09

Gulf Air Orders Rolls-Royce Engines for its new A330s


Gulf Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding today with Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company. The final contract is expected to be signed at a ceremony during the Bahrain International Airshow. The Trent 700EP (Enhanced Performance) engines worth US$1.5bn at list prices will power Gulf Air's new A330s. The contract will also include a TotalCare long-term service agreement.

The new engines will power 20 Airbus A330 aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2012. The Trent 700EP (enhanced performance) has the best performance, lowest emissions and lowest fuel burn on the A330. In addition, Gulf Air also renewed TotalCare long-term service agreements on Trent 700s that power ten A330s already in service.

Gulf Air Chairman Talal Al Zain signed the contract with Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Sir John Rose today at Paris Air Show - Le Bourget. and Gulf Air CEO Björn Näf, and Phil Harris, Rolls-Royce Senior Vice President Airlines were also present at the signing.

Gulf Air Deputy CEO, Ismail Karimi commented, "As Gulf Air progresses with its ambitious re-fleeting and product enhancement strategy, we need an engine to power our future A330s. After exploring an number of various options, we have selected the Trent 700 EP as the one best suited to meet our future needs. The Rolls-Royce engine offers the best deal for Gulf Air technically, operationally, commercially and environmentally."

He continued, "Our new aircraft will offer improved customer service in terms of comfort and reliability and will also continue our drive to keep operating costs to a minimum. We have had excellent experience with our existing Trent 700s, both in terms of operational performance and the comprehensive TotalCare service package, which were important factors in our decision making on the new purchases and service renewal."

Phil Harris, Rolls-Royce Senior Vice President Airlines - North Asia and Middle East, said: "I am delighted that Gulf Air has selected our Trent 700EP technology and TotalCare package to power its new aircraft. Rolls-Royce technology will enable the customer to receive excellent technical performance and world-class service support."

Rolls-Royce has secured more than 70 per cent of the A330 market over the last three years and eight of the nine Middle East A330 operators have selected Trent 700 engines to power their fleets.

In the widebody aircraft market, Rolls-Royce has established a leading position with the Trent engine family. More than 1,500 Trents have been delivered and a about another 2,500 engines are on order. The Trent family have more than 30 million hours in service with more than 2,200 operators around the world.

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

A Brussels Airlines Airbus A330 during turnaround operations.

Photo: Brussels Airlines

European Commission approves partnership between Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines


Monday, June 15, 2009

Transaction due to be completed by end of June / Customers will benefit from closer cooperation between the two airlines

The European Commission has today granted regulatory approval for the partnership between Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa. The decision paves the way for Lufthansa to acquire an initial 45 per cent stake in SN Airholding SA/NV, the parent company of Brussels Airlines.

The transaction is expected to be finalised by the end of this month. This clearance from the EU competition authority will also give Lufthansa an option, as from April 2011, to buy the remaining 55 per cent stake in Brussels Airlines. This option is renewable annually every April over the next three years.

Regulatory clearance will enable both carriers to realise synergies and intensify their cooperation to the benefit of their respective customers. Harmonised schedules, which will lead to improved connections at the Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich and Brussels hubs, are just one of the advantages that customers can look forward to in future.

This partnership enables Brussels Airlines to connect Brussels Airport with the rest of the world. As from today, passengers will be able to fly to any of the 220 destinations in the common Brussels Airlines / Lufthansa network and soon to over 1000 destinations in the Star Alliance network from Brussels Airport.

Today, Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines passengers already profit from the partnership between the two airlines in the run-up to Brussels Airlines’ accession to Star Alliance and in the Miles & More programme.

The partnership between Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa will give the airline's staff members the advantages of belonging to a large group and the chance to benefit from more career perspectives. At the same time the Brussels Airlines specific characteristics, social dialogue and transparency, will continue to exist.

Brussels Airlines promotes return fares

Monday, June 15, 2009

Starting on 17 June Brussels Airlines will promote return fares. Analysis has shown that the large majority of the Brussels Airlines customers (more than 80%) books return fares instead of one-way fares. Return flights to dozens of Brussels Airlines destinations are available from as low as € 99.

Some years ago Brussels Airlines decided to promote one-way fares. At that point in time it was the correct decision to make. Today analysis has shown that the large majority of the Brussels Airlines passengers books return tickets. By promoting return fares, the airline better meets the buying behaviour of its customers. Their search for promotional fares for both the outbound and the inbound flight using the website for example will become a whole lot easier. It will also facilitate the travel agency’s work.

99 eur will be the price of the cheapest return ticket ‘all in’, on destinations like Barcelona, Berlin, Geneva, Palma, Florence, Sevilla, Nice, Rome, Venice, Vienna, …

Brussels Airlines wishes to emphasize that the return fares communicated include all possible surcharges (taxes of both airports, fuel surcharge, …). Brussels Airlines is for example not charging extra for baggage nor for the check-in (be it online or at the airport).

Brussels Airlines continues to offer one-way fares but will no longer promote these.

Minister of State Karel Van Miert dies


date: 24 June 2009

Minister of State and former European Commissioner Karel Van Miert died in Brussels on Monday evening, 22 June 2009, after an accident in his garden.

Deeply shocked by Karel Van Miert’s sudden death, the prime minister expressed his gratitude for and appreciation of all that Karel Van Miert contributed to political decision-making and public affairs when presiding over the Flemish Socialist Party or serving as a member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. "Karel Van Miert was a man who stood up and fought for what he believed in, first and foremost his deep convictions about Europe", the prime minister said, ending his tribute by stressing: "At the same time he was a man of consensus, always willing to seek a solution".

Backgrounder ~ Frank de Winne

Frank De Winne travels to international space station (ISS)

On Wednesday, 27 May 2009, Belgian astronaut Frank de Winne left for a six-month mission on board the international space station (ISS). He left from Baykonur, Kazakhstan aboard a Soyuz spaceship heading for the ISS, accompanied by a Russian cosmonaut and a Canadian astronaut.

This is De Winne's second trip to the ISS, following his first mission in 2002. He will serve as commander of the ISS from October 2009 until the end of the mission, the first European astronaut to hold that position. He is scheduled to return to earth in November 2009.

More information on the mission can be found in issue no. 25 of Science Connection, the Federal Science Policy magazine, in French or Dutch (pdf, 56 p. – 4.5 MB).

More information on Belgium's space policy can be found on the Federal Science Policy website.

The view at night in the cockpit of a Brussels Airlines commercial airliner

Photo: Brussels Airlines

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

A Brussels Airlines Boeing 737 Next Generation over the numbers on landing.

Photo: Brussels Airlines

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

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Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

Aviation & Marine U.S.A.

Aerospace Brasil

Second prototype of the Embraer EMB-110, seen here at Embraer, is now on display at the Brazilian Aerospace Memorial

Photo: Embraer

SECOND PROTOTYPE OF BANDEIRANTE AIRPLANE GOES ON PERMANENT DISPLAY AT THE BRAZILIAN AEROSPACE MEMORIAL

Aircraft restored by Embraer in 2008 marks MAB reopening

São José dos Campos, June 25, 2009 – Embraer officially delivered the second prototype of
the EMB 110 Bandeirante aircraft, today, to the Brazilian Aerospace Memorial (Memorial
Aeroespacial Brasileiro – MAB), located in São José dos Campos, Brazil. The event is one of
the activities commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Company, which was founded on
August 19, 1969. The airplane, which was restored by Embraer last year, will go on
permanent display and marks the Memorial’s reopening to the public, after being temporarily
closed, due to a change in administration, repairs, and renewing the collection.

“Brazil’s success in such a competitive sector as the aeronautics industry is a worthy reason for
pride on the part of Brazilians and stirs admiration and curiosity worldwide. The origin of this
story is found in CTA’s creation, then Aeronautical Technical Center, now called the Aerospace
Technology General Command, in the 1940s, and in the Bandeirante aircraft project, which was
conceived, designed and built in the 1960s by CTA engineers and technical personnel. It gives us
great satisfaction to contribute to keeping this past alive, and as we see the Bandeirante return to
the home where it was born, after being carefully restored ,” said Horacio Forjaz, Embraer
Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs. “The partnership between Embraer, MAB, and the
Santos Dumont Foundation is very important and will make it possible for Brazilians to see
several chapters of this wonderful history, which is the fruit of the vision and determination of
men who are sources of inspiration for future generations.”

The EMB 110 Bandeirante was the first airplane manufactured in series by Embraer. Of the
three original prototypes (called the EMB 100), the first belongs to the collection of the
Aerospace Museum (Museu Aeroespacial – MUSAL, www.musal.aer.mil.br ), in Rio de
Janeiro, and the third is on permanent display in Santos Dumont Park, in São José dos Campos.
The second prototype (see photo) belongs to the Santos Dumont Foundation at:

www.santosdumont.org.br

and was ceded to Embraer. The Company carefully renovated the aircraft, inside and out,
according to the original plans. The work was completed in October 2008. After being
displayed to the press and to Embraer’s employees, the airplane was transferred to
MAB, as a part of its collection.

After 20 consecutive years of manufacturing in series (1970-1990), with 498 aircraft built and
delivered, in 16 different versions, the Bandeirante production ceased. Yet today, over 300 of
this pioneer Brazilian airplane are in operation.

“The Santos Dumont Foundation was created in 1956, and its mission is to preserve the
memory of the aeronautics industry in Brazil,” said Engineer José Vicente Cabral Checchia,
retired Air Force Lieutenant General and President of the Santos Dumont Foundation. “We
are very happy that the second Bandeirante prototype is in good hands, getting the proper
care, and contributing to spreading the amazing history of Brazilian aviation.”

“Besides being the initial milestone of the Nation’s aeronautics industry, the Bandeirante is
the consolidation of the ideals of Air Force General Casimiro Montenegro Filho, because all
of his struggles to create CTA and ITA, Aeronautics Technological Institute, were so that the
efforts of the engineers and researchers would culminate in this aircraft and in the creation of
a Brazilian aeronautics industry,” stated Air Force Lieutenant General Ronaldo Salamone
Nunes, Interim General Commander of Aerospace Technology. “Receiving the second
prototype into MAB’s collection honors those who were the pillars of the reality we see before
us today. CTA is grateful for the initiative of Embraer and the Santos Dumont Foundation.”

Founded in 2004, MAB ( www.cta.br/mab.htm ) is located inside the Aerospace Technology General Command (Comando-Geral de Tecnologia Aeroespacial – CTA), occupying an area of 75,000 square
meters (equivalent to about 15 soccer fields). From 2004 to 2008, the institution received over 160,000
visitors. MAB will reopen its doors to the public next June 27, under the direction of the CTA.

Admission is free and the museum is open every weekend from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., via an exclusive entrance, near the São José dos Campos Airport, located 90 km from the city of São Paulo.

Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A. - NYSE: ERJ; Bovespa: EMBR3) is the
world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading
exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has
offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, the United States, France,
Portugal, China and Singapore. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures
and sells aircraft for the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense segments. The
Company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. On March 31,
2009, Embraer had a workforce of 17,375 employees – not counting the employees of its
subsidiaries OGMA and HEAI – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 19.7 billion.

EMBRAER DELIVERS AN EMBRAER 175 JET TO BRAZIL’S TRIP LINHAS AÉREAS

Airline already operates two of the same aircraft on regional routes in the country


São José dos Campos, June 24, 2009 – Embraer holds a delivery ceremony, today, at the Company’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil, of an EMBRAER 175 jet to TRIP Linhas Aéreas, the largest Brazilian regional airline. The company has five firm orders for the EMBRAER 175, in a deal that includes options for another ten aircraft and purchase rights for 15 more.

“We are very proud and happy to receive TRIP as our new E-Jets customer in Brazil,” says
Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President and CEO. “We are certain that together, Embraer
and TRIP will make a big contribution to the Brazilian air transportation system.”

The new aircraft that will be delivered will join TRIP’s fleet, which currently has another two
EMBRAER 175 jets – and this E-Jet model is operating in Brazil for the first time – all of
which are configured to comfortably accommodate 86 passengers in a single-class layout. The
airplanes are being financed conjointly, in Brazilian Reals, by the National Social Development
Bank (Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Social – BNDES) and the Bank of Brazil.
“We began operating in the regional market 11 years ago, with a pre-owned 30-seat EMB 120
Brasilia, when modern services seemed like a distant dream. Today, we are the leader in the
regional market and, with the acquisition of the jets by Embraer, a company that has marked our
history as a great partner, we have become the regional airline that most invests in Brazil,” states
José Mário Caprioli, President of TRIP. According to Caprioli, the total investments in technology,
linked to a team of professional partners throughout this entire time, have made the difference.
The new route network of the company includes flights leaving from Santos Dumont Airport,
connecting Rio de Janeiro to 42 cities in all regions of Brazil, 13 of which are nonstop. The
operation was strategically developed so that the new EMBRAER 175 jets operate in a
synchronized fashion with the turboprops, thus optimizing the connections of TRIP’s main
hub airports with several Brazilian cities. The routes also offer connections to cities in all
regions of Brazil and a few capital cities, providing greater flexibility for passenger travel.


About TRIP Linhas Aéreas

After over ten years in operation in Brazil, TRIP is now the largest regional airline in the country,
as well as in South America, serving the most cities with the biggest fleet of regional aircraft. It is
controlled by the Caprioli and Águia Branca groups, both of which have a long history of
passenger transportation, solid results, and sustained growth. Today, one of TRIP’s investors is
U.S.’s SkyWest, Inc., the largest regional airline in the world, with 450 aircraft, which acquired a
20% share of the company’s capital. For more information, visit www.voetrip.com.br.


About the EMBRAER 170/190 Family of E-Jets

The EMBRAER 170/190 family of E-Jets consists of four commercial jets with 70 to 122
seats, featuring advanced engineering design, efficient performance, outstanding operating
economics, low emission levels and a spacious passenger cabin.

The E-Jets have a maximum cruising speed of Mach 0.82, can fly at 41,000 feet (12,500 meters), and
have ranges of up to 2,400 nautical miles (4,448 km). The high degree of commonality among the
four aircraft – EMBRAER 170, EMBRAER 175, EMBRAER 190 and EMBRAER 195 – results
in exceptional savings for carriers, in terms of crew training and costs of spare parts and maintenance.
Another key feature of the E-Jets is the state-of-the-art fly-by-wire technology, which increases
operating safety, while reducing pilot workload and fuel consumption.

The EMBRAER 170/190 family provides superior comfort with its double-bubble fuselage
design, which includes two main passenger entrances and two service doors that minimize
aircraft turn-around time. The E-Jets offer much more space for passengers, in a single or
dual-class layout, than other aircraft with similar seating capacities.

The E-Jets have achieved outstanding success, with nearly 900 firm orders logged, worldwide.
This proven family is helping airlines to rightsize low load factor narrowbody routes, by
substituting 50-seat regional jets, as well as older, inefficient airplanes. The E-Jets are also being
used to develop new markets with lower operating costs and greater efficiency. For more


information about Embraer’s commercial jets, visit www.EmbraerCommercialJets.com. To better
evaluate the benefits of these aircraft, when substituting older jets, visit www.eforefficiency.com.

Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A. - NYSE: ERJ; Bovespa: EMBR3) is the
world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading
exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has
offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, the United States, France,
Portugal, China and Singapore. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures
and sells aircraft for the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense segments. The
Company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. On March 31,
2009, Embraer had a workforce of 17,375 employees – not counting the employees of its
subsidiaries OGMA and HEAI – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 19.7 billion.

EMBRAER IMPROVES POOL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT PROGRAM


Engine LRU option broadens customer services in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East

São José dos Campos, June 16, 2009 – Embraer officially launched its Engine LRU (Line
Replaceable Unit) Pool Flight Hour program option at the Paris Air Show 2009, June 15-21,
in Le Bourget, France. This new option for the Pool program is currently available, offering
Embraer E-Jets customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East unlimited access and repair
of General Electric engine LRUs.

“The Engine LRU option is a natural improvement of the strategy of our Pool Flight Hour
program,” said Leandro Laia, Embraer Vice President, Customer Support and Services – Europe,
Africa and the Middle East. “The program reflects the continuous improvement Embraer is
effecting in its services portfolio, in order to offer full support to operators who want not only to
optimize their repairable airframe parts management, but also to include Engine LRUs.”

The objective of the Engine LRU option is to complement the Pool program by providing
customers with all the materials they need to perform aircraft maintenance and repair,
including state-of-the-art equipment used for specific procedures, thus avoiding additional
investments and reducing initial cash layouts and maintenance costs.

The Pool Flight Hour program quickly provides replacement parts and minimizes the need for
inventory investments, though an agreement by which the customer pays a given amount,
based on the number of flight-hours of the aircraft enrolled in the program. Embraer assumes
the responsibility for maintaining a parts inventory at its distribution and service centers, in
order to provide parts to operators as soon as they are requested.

Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A. - NYSE: ERJ; Bovespa: EMBR3) is the
world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading
exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has
offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, the United States, France,
Portugal, China and Singapore. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures
and sells aircraft for the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense segments. The
Company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. On March 31,
2009, Embraer had a workforce of 17,375 employees – not counting the employees of its
subsidiaries OGMA and HEAI – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 19.7 billion.

EMBRAER SIGNS SERVICE CONTRACT WITH AUSTRIA’S NIKI

Pool Flight Hour program will support the airline’s EMBRAER 190 jets


São José dos Campos, June 16, 2009 – Embraer has signed a five-year Pool Flight Hour
program service contract with Austria’s NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH. This special customer support
program provides optimized inventory control and reduces the operator’s need for initial
investment in replacement parts and infrastructure.

“We are glad to support NIKI with our Pool Flight Hour program and to offer them the best
material solution for securing high-quality standards for their aircraft,” said Leandro Laia,
Embraer Vice President, Customer Support and Services – Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
The contract covers the present EMBRAER 190 jet operated by NIKI, which will be joined
by another four aircraft of the same model included in the deal announced in July 2008. The
Pool Program quickly provides replacement parts and minimizes the need for inventory
investments, through an agreement by which the customer pays a given amount, based on the
number of flight hours of the aircraft enrolled in the program. Embraer assumes the
responsibility for maintaining a parts inventory at its distribution and service centers, in order
to provide parts to operators as soon as they are requested.

“After having introduced our first EMBRAER 190, one month ago, we are delighted to
reinforce our relationship with Embraer by joining the Pool Flight Hour program,” said
Gottfried Neumeister, CFO of NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH. “In such a competitive market, this
program is the right solution for providing top-level maintenance, while optimizing costs.”

Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A. - NYSE: ERJ; Bovespa: EMBR3) is the
world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading
KC-390 Legacy 600 Interior Phenom EMBRAER 195 100 Super Tucano

exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has
offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, the United States, France,
Portugal, China and Singapore. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures
and sells aircraft for the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense segments. The
Company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. On March 31,
2009, Embraer had a workforce of 17,375 employees – not counting the employees of its
subsidiaries OGMA and HEAI – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 19.7 billion.

EMBRAER SIGNS SERVICE CONTRACTS WITH THREE CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE

Company’s ERJ 145 Flight Hour Pool program will support 17 jets in the continent


São José dos Campos, June 16, 2009 – Embraer has signed a five-year Flight Hour Pool
program contract with three European operators – Ukraine’s Dniproavia Airlines; Athens
Airways; and Spain’s Ándalus Líneas Aéreas – to support their total fleet of 17 ERJ 145 jets
(eleven, four, and two aircraft, respectively). This special materials solution greatly reduces
operator’s need for investment in spare parts and minimizes overhead and carrying costs
associated with inventory.

“We are pleased to support our most recent ERJ 145 customers with the Flight Hour Pool
program, offering the best material solution to guarantee the high-quality operating standards
for their fleets, which other airlines have been relying on for more than ten years,” said
Leandro Laia, Embraer Vice President, Customer Support and Services – Europe, Africa and
the Middle East. “With this service, the airlines will secure their operations, benefiting from
Embraer’s support expertise, thus being able to concentrate in their core business – the
commercial operation of the aircraft.”

Consisting of on-site and exchange inventory plus repair management service, the Flight Hour
Pool program enables airlines to take maximum advantage of scale no matter the size of their
fleets. It helps improve aircraft availability, sets control over repair costs and saves airline’s
cash by transferring the risk of surplus and obsolescence to Embraer.

In addition, the program provides the airline with quick and guaranteed spare parts
replacement through the convenience of a one-stop-shop.

About Dniproavia Airlines

Dniproavia Airlines ( www.dniproavia.com ) is based in Dnipropetrovsk International Airport
(DNK), Ukraine, out of which it operates domestic and international scheduled services and charter
flights. The airline, which is wholly owned by the State Property Fund of Ukraine, was established
and began operations in 1933. On June 22, 1996, Dniproavia Airlines became a joint stock
company, which includes Dnipropetrovsk International Airport.


About Athens Airways

Athens Airways ( www.AthensAirways.com ) is a new Greek airline that began scheduled flights last
January, and operates four ERJ 145 jets. Based in the Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International
Airport (ATH), the regional airline connects Athens to major cities in Greece and the Greek islands.


About Ándalus Líneas Aéreas

Ándalus Líneas Aéreas (www.andalus.es) is a regional airline based in Málaga, Spain. It
began passenger services with an ERJ 145 last February. The company operates regular,
charter and ad-hoc flights, serving domestic routes in Spain and international destinations in
Gibraltar, Morocco, and Portugal.

Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A. - NYSE: ERJ; Bovespa: EMBR3) is the
world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading
exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has
offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, the United States, France,
Portugal, China and Singapore. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops, manufactures
and sells aircraft for the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense segments. The
Company also provides after sales support and services to customers worldwide. On March 31,
2009, Embraer had a workforce of 17,375 employees – not counting the employees of its
subsidiaries OGMA and HEAI – and its firm order backlog totaled US$ 19.7 billion.

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

Aviation & Marine U.S.A.

Headlines

Artist's Concept of the Austral Embraer EMB-190

Photo: Embraer

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

Aerospace Brunei

Royal Brunei Airlines Offers Great Promotions at the 4 th Consumer Fair


24 JUNE 2009

Start making plans for your next holiday by visiting Royal Brunei Airlines at the 4th Consumer Fair.

Royal Brunei Airlines is offering exclusive promotions during the 4th Consumer Fair, which is being held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) from the 25th until 28th June 2009.

You can purchase July Business Class Specials, December Year End Specials, and other monthly promotional fares for the year 2009 during the four day event instead of waiting for the respective promotions to be available for purchase later in the year.

Wong Peng Hoon, Senior Vice President of Commercial - Sales & Marketing said, "If you are making plans for your next vacation, you may find the holiday package that is right for you and your family with Royal Brunei Airlines."

Royal Skies members can also purchase the Golden Touch Holidays + Miles Redemption packages to Perth and Bangkok, as well as other Royal Skies promotions at the 4th Consumer Fair. For those who are not Royal Skies members, you can register at the Royal Brunei Airlines booth itself.

Royal Brunei Airlines' booth is located at BN1 and BN10.

FLIGHT DELAY


16 JUNE 2009

Flight BI084 from Jeddah to Brunei on 12th June was delayed due to technical reasons.

A spokesperson for the company said, "The aircraft was scheduled to arrive on the evening of 12th June, but for reasons beyond our control, the aircraft was grounded. The flight arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan at 10.50 pm on 14th June. On the rare occasion that extended delay occurs, our technical team requires time to investigate, diagnose and rectify before the aircraft can be considered serviceable. We truly sympathise with our passengers".

The Airline arranged for accommodation and some spending money while the passengers were in Jeddah. A spokesperson for the company also thanked RBA staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to resolve the technical and logistical problems faced in Jeddah.

Royal Brunei Airlines sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused for the extended delay to the passengers as well as their family and friends. For any enquiries relating to this delay, please contact a Royal Brunei Airlines office nearest to you, or email to feedback@rba.com.bn

Two More Personnel Converted To Islam

Monday, 29 June 2009 22:58

Bandar Seri Begawan, Saturday 27 June 2009 – The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) held conversion ceremonies for two of its personnel who embraced the Islamic faith as their new way of life. Present as the guest of honour was the Commander RBAF, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof.


The first ceremony was held on Friday, 26th June, that saw the conversion of 18092 Private Muhammad Rodzaizam Hakim, 23-year old serving as an RBAF attendant at the Warrant Officer/Staff Sergeant and Sergeant Mess in Bolkiah Garrison. The ceremony was held in the afternoon at residence No: 323, Kampong Burung Lapas, Jalan Bengkurong Masin. He chose his muslim name as Muhammad Rodzaizam Hakim bin Rieke.

On Saturday, 27th June, another conversion ceremony was held in the evening for 12199 Sergeant Arriffin bin Injan at residence No: 8, Spg 845-10, Kampong Jangsak, Jalan Gadong. The new convert, aged thirty-three (33), served in RBAF for 14 years as an instructor of the Training Institute RBAF. His chosen muslim name is Awang Muhammad Arriffin bin Injan.

At separate occasions, both ceremonies began with the recital of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by the Dzikir ‘Asalamualaika’ and Marhaba and later a “doa”. The new converts also received gift momentoes, contributed by the RBAF, presented by the Commander of RBAF. The ceremonies were co-organised by the RBAF Religious Department (JAMA’AT) and the Da’wah Islamiah Centre Bandar Seri Begawan.

To date six (6) RBAF personnel have embraced Islam since Mac 2009 where three of them converted in June 2009. RBAF, through the RBAF Religious Department will always be committed in its effort to uphold religious beliefs, particularly within the RBAF and Brunei Darussalam in general.

Also present at the ceremonies were Service Commanders, Senior Officers of the RBAF, as well as respective families and relatives of the new converts.

Written by : Normasitirena bte Haji Suhaini


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Dua Lagi Anggota Masuk Islam



Bandar Seri Begawan, Sabtu 27 Jun 2009 – Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (ABDB) telah mengadakan majlis pengislaman bagi dua orang anggota tentera yang memeluk agama Islam sebagai amalan baru kehidupan mereka. Hadir selaku tetamu kehormat adalah Pemerintah ABDB, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof.

Majlis pengislaman yang pertama telah berlangsung pada hari Jumaat, 26 Jun, bagi 18092 Soldadu Muhammad Rodzaizam Hakim, berumur 22 tahun dan berkhidmat sebagai seorang pelayan di Mess Pegawai Waran / Staf Sarjan dan Sarjan Bolkiah Garison. Majlis tersebut diadakan di rumah No : 323, Kampong Burung Lapas, Jalan Bengkurong Masin. Nama Islam beliau ialah Rodzaizam Hakim bin Rieke.

Pada hari Sabtu, 27 Jun, satu lagi Majlis Pengislaman telah diadakan bagi 12199 Sarjan Arriffin bin Injan di rumah, No : 8, Spg 845-10, Kampong Jangsak, Jalan Gadong. Saudara baru yang berumur 33 tahun ini telah berkhidmat dalam ABDB selama 14 tahun sebagai seorang pelatih di Institut Latihan ABDB. Nama islam pilihan beliau ialah Awang Muhammad Arriffin bin Injan.

Dalam masa yang berlainan, kedua-dua Majlis dimulakan dengan bacaan Surah Al-Fatihah, diikuti dengan Dzikir ‘Asalamualaika’ dan Marhaba dan seterusnya Doa. Saudara-saudara baru tersebut juga telah menerima cenderahati, sumbangan daripada ABDB, yang telah disampaikan oleh Pemerintah ABDB. Majlis-majlis pengislaman tersebut telah diselengarakan bersama oleh Jabatan Agama ABDB (JAMA’AT) dan Pusat Da’wah Islamiah Bandar Seri Begawan.

Setakat ini seramai enam (6) orang anggota ABDB telah memeluk agama Islam sejak bulan Mac 2009, dimana tiga orang daripadanya memeluk agama islam dalam bulan Jun 2009. ABDB melalui Jabatan Agama ABDB akan sentiasa komited dalam usaha menegakan Syiar Agama khusunya di ABDB dan Negara Brunei Darussalam amnya.

Turut hadir dimajlis berkenaan adalah Pemerintah-Pemerintah Tentera, Pegawai-Pegawai Kanan ABDB, serta ahli keluarga saudara-saudara baru yang memeluk agama islam.


Di tulis oleh : Normasitirena bte Haji Suhaini

Another RBAF Personnel Converts to Islam


Monday, 29 June 2009 18:38

Bandar Seri Begawan, Saturday 27 June 2009 – With the guidance of Allah Subahanahu wa Ta’ala, another personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) converted to Islam this evening at a residence at No : 8, Spg 845-10, Kampong Jangsak, Jalan Gadong. The personnel is 12199 Sergeant Arriffin bin Injan aged thirty-three (33) who has been serving with the RBAF for 14 years as an instructor of the Training Institute RBAF. His chosen muslim name is Awang Muhammad Arriffin bin Injan.

The ceremony began with the recital of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by the Dzikir ‘Asalamualaika’ and Marhaba and later a “doa”. Sergeant Awang Muhammad Arriffin was also presented with a gift momento contributed by the RBAF from the Commander of RBAF, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof. The event was co-organised by the RBAF Religious Department (JAMA’AT) and the Da’wah Islamiah Unit Bandar Seri Begawan.

To date six (6) RBAF personnel have embraced Islam since Mac 2009 where three of them converted in June 2009. RBAF, through the RBAF Religious Department will always be committed in its effort to elevate religious beliefs particularly within the RBAF and hence Brunei Darussalam in general.

Present at the ceremony were the Commander of RBAF, Service Commanders, Senior Officers of the RBAF, families and relatives of Sergeant Awang Muhammad Arriffin.

Written by : Siti Zahira Hj Abu Bakar

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Seorang Lagi Anggota ABDB Masuk Islam


Bandar Seri Begawan, Sabtu 27 Jun 2009 – Dengan hidayah dari Allah Subahanahu wa Ta’ala, seorang lagi anggota Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (ABDB) telah melafazkan syahadah pengisalaman bertempat di rumah No : 8, Spg 845-10, Kampong Jangsak, Jalan Gadong malam ini. Anggota berkenaan adalah 12199 Sarjan Arriffin bin Injan, berumur tiga-puluh tiga (33) tahun yang berkhidmat dengan ABDB selama 14 tahun sebagai Jurulatih Institut Latihan ABDB. Nama Islam yang beliau pilih ialah Awang Muhammad Arriffin bin Injan.

Majlis dimulakan dengan bacaan Surah Al-Fatihah, diikuti dengan Dzikir ‘Asalamualaika’ dan Marhaba dan seterusnya Doa. Sarjan Awang Muhammad Arriffin juga menerima cenderahati sumbangan daripada ABDB yang telah disampaikan oleh Pemerintah ABDB, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof. Acara malam ini telah diselengarakan bersama oleh Pusat Da’wah Islamiah Bandar Seri Begawan dan Jabatan Agama ABDB (JAMA’AT).

Sejauh ini seramai enam (6) orang anggota ABDB telah memeluk agama Islam sejak bulan Mac 2009. 3 orang daripadanya adalah dalam bulan Jun 2009. ABDB melalui Jabatan Agama ABDB akan sentiasa komited dalam usaha menegakan Syiar Agama khusunya di ABDB dan Negara Brunei Darussalam amnya.

Hadir dimajlis berkenaan adalah Pemerintah ABDB, Pegawai-Pegawai Kanan ABDB, serta ahli keluarga Sarjan Awang Muhammad Arriffin.

Di tulis oleh : Siti Zahira Hj Abu Bakar

Air Support To Stop Bushfire


Bandar Seri Begawan, Monday 22 June 2009 – In the recent bushfire incidents in the country, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) have been active in providing the necessary assistance in curbing the proliferation of the bushfires. Assistance was rendered through the deployment of the Royal Brunei Air Force (TUDB) helicopters in collaboration with other national security agencies in curtailing the bushfires in the vicinity of the Berakas and Rimba areas. The airborne operation has been conducted since Monday 15 June until Wednesday 17 June.

Two TUDB helicopters, Bell 212 and Blackhawk, were alternately airborne to the affected areas that included the Berakas radar station, the Rimba housing settlement area and the surrounding area of the University Brunei Darussalam. In ensuring readiness, the TUDB currently have on standby two helicopters to provide any additional assistance.
Defence’s primary focus must always be the protection of the nation against threats of force to its security. At the same time, as a large, organized body of trained manpower and resources under command, it remains the key national asset when civil resources are exhausted. The role is seen as an additional dimension significant to the armed forces. In light of this, the RBAF is constantly in active cooperation with other national agencies in ensuring the safety of the nation is well preserved.

Edited by: Normasitirena Haji Suhaini

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Bantuan Udara Dalam Pemadaman Kebakaran Hutan

Bandar Seri Begawan, Isnin 22 Jun 2009 – Dalam insiden-insiden kebakaran hutan dalam negara baru-baru ini, Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (ABDB) telah aktif dalam memberikan bantuan yang diperlukan dalam pemadaman penularan kebakaran tersebut. Bantuan yang dihulurkan berupa pengerahan pesawat helikopter Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei (TUDB) dengan kerjasama agensi-agensi keselamatan tempatan dalam pemadaman kebakaran dipersekitaran kawasan Berakas dan Rimba. Operasi udara ini mula dilaksanakan pada hari Isnin 15 Jun hingga hari Rabu 17 Jun.

Dua buah pesawat helikopter TUDB iaitu Bell 212 dan Blackhawk ditugaskan secara bergilir-gilir ketempat-tempat kebakaran, termasuk kawasan stesen radar Berakas, kawasan perumahan perpindahan Rimba dan persekitaran Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Dalam mempastikan kesiap siagaan, TUDB pada masa ini menyediakan dua buah helikopter dalam keadaan siap siaga bagi sebarang bantuan lanjut yang diperlukan.

Tumpuan utama pertahanan hendaklah sentiasa menjurus kepada perlindungan negara daripada sebarang ancaman keselamatan. Di samping itu, sebagai sebuah organisasi yang mempunyai anggota yang terlatih dan dilengkapi alat kelengkapan yang mencukupi setentunya menjadi aset utama negara apabila sumber-sumber awam tidak mampu untuk digunapakai. Peranan ini dilihat sebagai dimensi tambahan kepada angkatan tentera yang sangat bermakna. Dalam ini, ABDB sentiasa berkerjasama secara aktif dengan agensi-agensi keselamatan tempatan yang lain dalam mempastikan keselamatan negara dikekalkan.
Di sunting Oleh : Normasitirena bte Haji Suhaini

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

Airbus A320s of Balkan Holiday Airlines of Bulgaria.

Photo: Balkan Holiday Airlines (BH Air)

Bulgaria has reduced its external debt with 17 million euros and 184.2 million dollars


25 June 2009

The Finance Ministry has reduced Bulgaria's external debt by buying back global bonds denominated in euro and in U.S. dollars. The nominal value of the cancelled dollar-denominated bonds with maturity in 2015 stands at 184.2 million dollars, while that of euro-denominated bonds with maturity in 2013, 17 million euros.

As laid down in the Public Debt Act, the Finance Minister may take decisions and pay ahead of time obligations under the public debt with the purpose of streamlining its servicing. The buyback of bonds saved costs for interest totalling 5.3 million euros and 93.2 million dollars for the euro- and dollar-denominated bonds respectively.

The debt securities were purchased on the secondary market in November and December 2008. The increased yields of the Bulgarian global bonds and the lower market quotations enabled the Finance Ministry to buy back part of these securities at a discount of their par value. The achieved average nett price of the buyback of the dollar-denominated bonds was 95.09 dollars per a par of 100 dollars , and of the euro-denominated bonds, 98.02 euros per a par of 100 euros.

The Finance Ministry said that the decision about the buyback was also motivated by the high absolute and relative value of the volume of global bonds in the structure of the public debt. As at the end of October 2008 these securities accounted for 36.9 per cent of the public debt.

After the buyback bonds worth 1,086 million dollars and 818 million euros remain in circulation.

Executive Budget Revenues Topped Lv 27,000 Mln in 2008


25 June 2009

Consolidated-budget revenues and aid in 2008 totalled 27,313,2 million leva. Tax revenues totalled 22,166,9 million leva, non-tax revenues stood at 4,004 million leva, and aid totalled 1,142 million leva, the report on national budget implementation in 2008 said. It will be submitted for a debate to the National Assembly. At 1,989.8 million leva, the budget surplus met the objective of achieving a surplus of 3 per cent of GDP. The fiscal reserve was 8,400 million leva in end-December, 1,000 million leva more than a year earlier. The reported results confirm that the government conducted a prudent, flexible fiscal policy, and send a positive signal that Bulgaria is maintaining a stable fiscal position.

Consolidated-budget expenditures in 2008 stood at 25,323 million leva, 38 per cent of GDP. Interest payments totalled 585 million leva, 0.9 per cent of GDP. By comparison, these payments were 1.1 per cent of GDP in 2007. Non-interest expenditures in 2008 stood at 24,018 million leva, 36 per cent of GDP. Bulgaria's contribution to the EU budget in 2008 was 720.1 million leva.

In 2008 the government continued its fiscal policy designed to maintain a stable macroeconomic environment and to guarantee a stable fiscal position. Real GDP growth reached 6 per cent on an annual basis, although many EU economies slowed down in the last quarter. The surplus on the consolidated fiscal programme was a measure intended to curb imbalances in the country's external position, and the budget surplus was a buffer against outside shocks.

The Council of Ministers Adopted Strategy for Management of Public Debt in 2009-2011


25 June 2009

The government approved a Strategy for Management of the Public Debt in 2009-2011. The Strategy lays down the guidelines for pursuing a unified policy in the area of the public debt in line with the projections about changes in the macroeconomic environment and market situation.

The main objective of the management of the national debt until 2011 is the provision of the necessary resources for financing of the budget and debt refinancing at the lowest possible price, by hedging of financial risks and taking into account the development of the internal capital market in the context of the financial system.

The growth of the volume of the public debt is planned to be controlled and within sensible margins while the debt/Gross Domestic Product ratio is kept at up to 25 per cent in the medium term. In-depth analysis will be made of the possible issuing of securities on the international capital markets with the purpose of restructuring of the plan for settling of the public debt and reducing the influence of the debt on the government spending which will relieve the budget. The efforts will be focused on the further development of the internal market of government securities by the supply of a sufficient variety of such instruments.

The draft Strategy for Management of the Public Debt in 2009-2011has been coordinated with the central bank.

Gergana Passy: Today Bulgaria has stronger arguments against the safeguard clause than a year ago


18 June 2009

Bulgaria's European Affairs Minister Gergana Passy expects the upcoming European Commission (EC) report on justice and home affairs in Bulgaria to be critical but not scathing like last year's report was. Passy was speaking at a news conference upon the completion of a EC mission here made in preparation of the report.

Among the positive steps Passy expects to be recognized are the model for fighting organized crime and corruption (based on joined teams of prosecutors, police, the State Agency for National Security and the National Revenue Agency, among others); the performance of the Inspectorate with the Supreme Judicial Council; the measures aimed at enhancing transparency, including the new conflict of interest legislation; the ban on swap deals involving state-owned land; the improved transparency of lawcourts; the improved efficiency of the commission for identification of criminal assets which Passy said has shown 80 per cent increase in efficiency despite the legal restrictions.

Passy described as "outrageous" the ambitions of indictees and defendants to enter politics and said that process draws the comment of Brussels officials. She was referring to several high-profile cases in which the judiciary was forced to suspend proceedings against individuals indicted for crimes varying from frauds to leading an organized crime group (as in the case of Plamen Galev), when they registered as candidates for the National Assembly and thus acquired immunity to prosecution. The European Affairs Minister said that the "galevization of Bulgaria's image" will sure to be on the agenda as the Member States debate in September the Justice/Home Affairs report.

The European Affairs Minister does not expect a safeguard clause in justice and home affairs "but that does not preclude the debate on possibly enforcing it". She believes that while today Bulgaria has stronger arguments against the clause, no criticism should be overlooked.

The EC report can be expected in July or September, said Passy.

7.08 % is Unemployment level in May


17 June 2009

Unemployment level was 7.08 per cent in May. The monthly average since the beginning of the year was 7 - 6.84 per cent. The number of newly registered unemployed persons has been decreasing, and as a result of the seasonal recovery of the primary labour market, especially in coastal areas. A lot of unemployed have found jobs on the primary labour market.

The jobless registered at the employment offices were 262,097, up by 1,404 from the previous month, which made 11 jobless for every vacancy on the average. A total of 14,044 vacancies were typed on the primary labour market, by 1,070 less compared with April - something typical of previous years, too. The largest number of vacancies were in the processing industry (3,772, up by 300 from April), trade (2,363), hotel and restaurant keeping (1,540) and construction (1,200).

As at May 31, there were a total of 8,107 unfilled vacancies, 1,055 less compared with April, according to employment offices' data.

A new project, "We will succeed again," targeting unemployed teachers and non-pedagogical staffers laid off from the system of education, was launched in May to help along their employment and labour market adaptability. The first group of 185 jobless persons were covered by the project in May.

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

Latest News As Of June 29, 2009

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Air Canada reaches agreement with CUPE on collective agreement extension

Agreements on labour stability now concluded with all five of the
airline's Canadian-based unions


MONTREAL, June 22 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada said today that it has
reached agreement on a collective agreement extension with CUPE that
represents the airline's approximately 6,700 flight attendants. The contract
extension agreement, together with the pension moratorium agreement reached
June 15th with CUPE, are subject to membership ratification.

"I thank the Honourable James Farley and Mr. Jacques Lessard for their
important contribution in facilitating the conclusion of the last remaining
labour agreement well within an extraordinarily tight timeframe," said Calin
Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.
"Given the current economic context and the financial crisis facing the
airline industry, I especially commend the management and union negotiating
teams for their hard work and outstanding commitment. These tentative
agreements will allow us to move forward to the next milestones: obtaining the
necessary governmental measures and approvals for the pension funding
arrangement and raising new financing. Discussions are ongoing with several
potential lenders."

The airline has now concluded agreements on a cost neutral basis for
collective agreement extensions with its entire unionized workforce in Canada,
in addition to having reached tentative agreements on a pension funding
moratorium. The terms of the labour contract extension agreements of all five
unions specify that there shall be no changes to wage rates and pension
benefit levels during the extension period of 21 months.

The CAW became the first union to ratify its contract on June 18, 2009.
The ratification process is ongoing with the other labour groups.
Separately, Air Canada confirmed that the condition of the Memorandum of
Understanding with one of its principal credit card processors requiring
finalizing amendments by June 15, 2009 was met by the deadline of June 15,
2009 such that its terms remain in effect.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Air Canada's public communications may include written or oral
forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws.
Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions and are
subject to important risks and uncertainties. Any forecasts or forward-looking
predictions or statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things,
changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Actual
results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking
statements due to a number of factors, including without limitation, industry,
market, credit and economic conditions, the ability to reduce operating costs
and secure financing, pension issues, energy prices, currency exchange and
interest rates, employee and labour relations, competition, war, terrorist
acts, epidemic diseases, insurance issues and costs, changes in demand due to
the seasonal nature of the business, supply issues, changes in laws,
regulatory developments or proceedings, pending and future litigation and
actions by third parties as well as the factors identified throughout Air
Canada's public disclosure file available at www.sedar.com. The
forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Air
Canada's expectations as of the date of this news release and are subject to
change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required
under applicable securities regulations.

Air Canada inaugurates daily, non-stop Montréal-Rome service

Starting October 27, 2009, only year-round service with business class
featuring lie flat bed suites between Canada and Italy


MONTREAL, June 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada inaugurates today daily
non-stop flights between Montréal and Rome. During this summer's peak travel
season, this service will link on a daily basis the Italian capital with Air
Canada's extensive Québec and Atlantic Canada network, as well as major cities
on the Eastern U.S. seaboard. Starting October 27, 2009, Air Canada will offer
year-round Montréal-Rome flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with
same-plane service continuing on to/from Toronto.

"This is great news for Montreal's Italian community and travelers in
Atlantic Canada and the U.S. who will benefit from year-round direct service
and substantial time savings," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and
Chief Commercial Officer. "The inauguration of our year-round non-stop service
between Montréal and Rome strengthens Air Canada's commitment to offer
convenient flights from Montréal to key international destinations. Air
Canada's superior schedule, product offering and loyalty benefits through
Aeroplan clearly make Air Canada the airline of choice for customers."

For greater convenience and travel choice, this service is timed to offer
connecting flights to popular destinations in Italy, including Bari, Lamezia,
Milan, Palermo and Venice. As well, Air Canada's Star Alliance partners
Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines offer service from Montréal to
Munich and Zurich respectively, further increasing connections and travel
options.

"Given the popularity of Rome as a summer and business travel
destination, we are pleased Air Canada will provide year-round direct access
to Italy," said Mr. James Cherry, President and Chief Executive Officer at
Aéroports de Montréal.

Air Canada's Montreal-Rome non-stop service will be operated using a
newly refurbished 211-seat Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft offering a choice of
Economy Class and Executive First service featuring 24 lie flat bed suites.
Further details and a virtual tour of Air Canada's new cabin amenities,
including personal seatback entertainment at every seat, are available at:

http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/onboard/cabincomfort.html .

This summer Air Canada will have increased capacity across the Atlantic
from Montréal by 35 per cent year over year, with non stop service to five
European gateway cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva and Rome.
With the addition of three new destinations this year, Geneva, Fort de France,
Martinique and the return of Rome service, Air Canada offers non-stop service
from Montréal to 50 destinations. As well, Air Canada's Star Alliance partners
Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines offer service from Montréal to
Munich and Zurich respectively, further increasing connections and travel
options.

Montréal-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air
transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 170 destinations on five
continents. Canada's flag carrier is the 13th largest commercial airline in
the world and serves 33 million customers annually. Air Canada is a founding
member of Star Alliance, providing the world's most comprehensive air
transportation network for Canadian domestic, transborder and international
travel. Air Canada aircraft offer customers individualized seatback in-flight
entertainment systems with hundreds of hours of digital audio-visual
entertainment. As well, customers can collect Aeroplan miles for future awards
through Canada's leading loyalty program.

In 2008, the readers of Business Traveler magazine voted Air Canada "Best
In-Flight Services in North America," "Best Airline for Business Class Service
in North America" and "Best North American Airline for International Travel."

Air Canada comments on appointment of mediators in CUPE labour stability negotiations


MONTREAL, June 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada provided the following
comment in response to Federal Labour Minister Rona Ambrose's appointment of
the Honourable James Farley, Q.C and Mr. Jacques Lessard as mediators in its
labour stability negotiations with CUPE:

"We welcome the appointment of Messrs. Farley and Lessard as mediators in
our labour contract negotiations with CUPE," said Calin Rovinescu, President
and CEO of Air Canada. "Mr. Farley has made an important contribution in
facilitating agreements with our four other unions and we look forward to
working with him and Mr. Lessard in their role as mediators. Time is of the
essence as a successful outcome to negotiations with CUPE is needed in the
very near term to allow us to move forward on obtaining the necessary
governmental approvals for the pension funding arrangement and raising new
financing."

Air Canada has thus far failed to reach agreement with CUPE, representing
approximately 6,700 flight attendants on a collective agreement extension
which it has been negotiating on a similar cost neutral basis to agreements
reached with its four other Canadian-based unions.

CUPE yesterday declined Air Canada's final cost neutral offer, as well as
other non-concessionary options proposed by Mr. Farley who was appointed by
the Minister of Finance on June 4, 2009 to facilitate the negotiation of
pension and labour stability agreements at Air Canada.

The Company has reached a pension moratorium agreement with each of its
Canadian based unions and collective agreement extensions on a cost neutral
basis for a period of 21 months with ACPA, the IAMAW, the CAW Local 2002 and
CALDA.

The pension agreements agreed to by the five unions remain conditional
upon Air Canada and CUPE concluding a collective agreement extension.

Air Canada to allow pets in cabin


MONTREAL, June 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced that it will
allow passengers to bring their cat or small dog in the cabin on flights
operated by Air Canada and Jazz beginning in July.

"This is the latest of our customer-friendly initiatives that underscores
our renewed commitment to listening to our customers and offering a
competitive product that meets their needs," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice
President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada. "Other recent
customer-focused measures we have taken include our Low Fare Guarantee, a
second free checked bag and the elimination of call centre fees. Air Canada's
superior schedule, product offering and loyalty benefits through Aeroplan
clearly make Air Canada the airline of choice for customers. We will continue
to monitor the marketplace closely and make adjustments as necessary to ensure
we maintain our competitive position."

Effective July 1, 2009, Air Canada will accept a limited number of small
dogs and cats as a carry-on item that can be stowed under the seat. To ensure
availability customers are asked to register their pet by contacting Air
Canada Reservations at 1-888-247-2262 within 24 hours of completing their
booking. A service fee of $50 for domestic and transborder and $100 for
international flights each way will apply.

In order to also meet the needs of passengers with allergies, the number
of small pets accepted in the cabin will be limited to a maximum of two or
four depending on aircraft type. In addition, airport agents and in-flight
crews will make every effort possible to provide appropriate seating
arrangements on board the aircraft to ensure the comfort and well being of
passengers with allergies. Certified, professionally-trained service animals
assisting customers with disabilities will continue to be carried in the
passenger cabin free of charge. Further details are available at
www.aircanada.com.

Montréal-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air
transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 170 destinations on five
continents, including 58 communities across Canada and 57 destinations in the
United States - by far the most of any carrier within Canada or between Canada
and the United States. Canada's flag carrier is the 13th largest commercial
airline in the world and serves 33 million customers annually operating a
modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of just nine years.

Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, providing the world's
most comprehensive air transportation network for Canadian domestic,
transborder and international travel. Air Canada aircraft offer customers
individualized seatback in-flight entertainment systems with hundreds of hours
of complimentary digital audio-visual entertainment. As well, customers can
collect Aeroplan miles for future awards through Canada's leading loyalty
program.

In 2008, the readers of Business Traveler magazine voted Air Canada "Best
In-Flight Services in North America," "Best Airline for Business Class Service
in North America" and "Best North American Airline for International Travel."

Air Force to regroup training establishment


NR 09.006 - June 25, 2009

OTTAWA– The Air Force is realigning its structure by establishing a second air division headquarters, which will be located near 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters in Winnipeg.

“The creation of 2 Canadian Air Division/Air Force Doctrine and Training Division will regroup the majority of Air Force training, education and lessons learned functions into one formation, which will allow a better focus on doctrine, training and associated support at this crucial time in our history,” said Lieutenant-General Angus Watt, Chief of the Air Staff. “The reorganization of existing resources into two formations will allow 1 Canadian Air Division to enhance its focus on Air Force operations at home and abroad.”

A brigadier-general will command 2 Canadian Air Division/Air Force Doctrine and Training Division (AFDTDiv), which is expected to be operational by summer 2009. The commander of 2 Canadian Air Division/AFDTDiv will be responsible for Air Force training establishments at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Sask.; 16 Wing Borden, Ont.; an Air Force Training Centre at 17 Wing Winnipeg (comprising several Air Force schools and related training institutions); the Air Command Academy at Borden; and, the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre in Trenton, Ont.

The Air Force’s ability to be a “learning organization” while continuing to generate forces for operations will be significantly improved through this realignment of already existing resources.

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Cathay Pacific USA Flights Provide Convenient Connections to Dragonair's New Twice Daily Guangzhou Service

18 June 2009

Hong Kong enhances status as premier Guangzhou / Pearl River Delta gateway

SAN FRANCISCO (June 17, 2009) – Beginning September 14, 2009, North American passengers traveling to Guangzhou will be able to make the entire journey by air thanks to new service being launched by Cathay Pacific’s sister airline, Dragonair.

Cathay Pacific’s flights from the United States will provide easy connections to the new Dragonair flights via its hub at Hong Kong International Airport.

“The Pearl River Delta – and Guangzhou in particular – continues to be an increasingly important destination for North American businesspeople,” said Dennis Owen, Cathay Pacific’s vice president – Marketing, Americas. “With our sister airline, Dragonair, soon offering twice daily service to Guangzhou, our passengers will be able to connect directly to the Pearl River Delta by air.”

Part of the Cathay Pacific Group, Dragonair will operate the new services to Guangzhou (airport code CAN) using Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. Both airplanes feature Business Class and Economy Class seating.

The flight schedule for the new service is as follows (all times local):

Overnight USA flights inbound to Hong Kong will provide convenient connections to Guangzhou via the morning departure. Conversely, the first departure from Guangzhou will connect nicely with the afternoon departures back to North America. Additional connections are available via the evening flights.

Subject to government approval, Cathay Pacific will codeshare on these new services.

The new flights will be Dragonair’s first flights into the Pearl River Delta. Dragonair serves an extensive China network offering additional flights to popular Southeast Asian destinations such as Hanoi, Vietnam, and Phuket, Thailand. Dragonair was voted Best Regional Airline: Southeast Asia in Skytrax’s World Airline Survey.

About Cathay Pacific Airways

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways was named "Airline of the Year 2009" by the Skytrax World Airline Awards. From North America, Cathay Pacific offers daily nonstop service to Hong Kong from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver. The airline is a member of the one world™ alliance and a partner in Asia Miles, a leading Travel Reward program. For more information, visit: www.cathaypacific.com/us.

###

Dragonair Supports Government Internship Programme for University Graduates with Discount Fares


25 June 2009

(HONG KONG) Dragonair today announced that it will support the Internship Programme for University Graduates, organised by the Labour Department of the HKSAR government, by offering special fares for programme participants who need to travel to Mainland China for their placements.

Dragonair is offering a special round-trip fare of HK$880 to nine Mainland destinations - Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo and Qingdao - for programme participants who need to travel for their internship positions. The offer period runs from August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010.

“We are delighted to be one of the companies supporting the Internship Programme for University Graduates,” says Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Kenny Tang. “The tough times being experienced as part of the current economic downturn make it all the more imperative for us to support initiatives that will help young people pursue their careers. Dragonair will continue to support programmes that help the next generation contribute to the long-term success of Hong Kong and Mainland China.”

The programme, which aims to address the needs of university graduates in acquiring qualities, building up vision and gaining experience for developing their career and enriching their life, is being widely supported by major companies in Hong Kong and the Mainland. A substantial number of training positions in the internship programme are being offered in major cities across the Mainland.

Cathay Pacific and Dragonair Purchase Additional Offsets from JP Morgan Climate Care

23 June 2009

(HONG KONG) Cathay Pacific Airways and sister airline Dragonair today announced the purchase of 20,000 tonnes of carbon emissions reductions from leading offset retailer JP Morgan Climate Care (www.jpmorganclimatecare.com) for the airlines’ FLY greener offset programme.

The carbon offsets were offered for sale by three projects in Mainland China: a natural gas fuel switch project in Beijing; a natural “run of river” hydro plant project in Guizhou; and a group of 20 wind turbines in Heilongjiang. The offsets will be resold on a no-profit basis through FLY greener to passengers wishing to offset their carbon emissions.

All three projects are registered under either the Voluntary Carbon Standard or VER Plus, both internationally accepted carbon standards, and were rigorously vetted to ensure they produce real, quantifiable and permanent reductions in carbon emissions. Apart from their carbon reductions, the projects were chosen for their added social and environmental benefits, such as reducing local air pollution and providing power and jobs to local communities.

Cathay Pacific General Manager Environmental Affairs Dominic Purvis says: “We are pleased to offer these new projects through our FLY greener programme and give passengers the chance to contribute directly to emissions-reduction initiatives. This significant purchase also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting projects that not only reduce carbon emissions, but also result in additional environmental and social benefits.”

The FLY greener programme, launched in 2007, is a voluntary scheme that provides passengers the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions attributable to their journey. The achievements of FLY greener to date include:

• From 2007 to March 2009 a total 30,000 tonnes of CO2 were offset through the programme
• As well as individual passengers, companies based in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan have participated in the programme
• During 2008, Cathay Pacific and Dragonair offset staff travel amounting to 11,814 tonnes of CO2 at an approximate cost of HK$900,000.

Full details of the three Mainland projects offering the offsets can be found in the dedicated FLY greener sites at www.cathaypacific.com and www.dragonair.com .

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A People's Liberation Army Air Force Chengdu J-10A "Jian Shi" ("Annihalator;" West: Vigorous Dragon) touching down at the 2008 Zhuhai Air Show in China.

Photo: Retxham / Wikipedia

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An Airbus A320 in the retro markings of CSA

Photo: Airbus SAS

Relaxed atmosphere at Czech Republic film festivals


One should think that only a genuine film fanatic is able to sit all day in a cinema when the summer weather is at its peak outside. Come to this year’s festival in Karlovy Vary and you will see there are thousands of avid viewers here who will forget about the outside world for a week. And anyone who will not be able to stay an entire day in a dusky movie theatre can go to see a play or musical performance or just have a rest in the park. Because the main motto of this film show is to take it easy…

The beginning of the summer holidays and the biggest cultural event of the year – the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has been offering this connection for 44 years. This most important international film festival in Central and Eastern Europe and the only category “A” festival in the Czech Republic will take place during 3–11 July 2009.

The most visited section of the festival is the international competition of full-length feature films, in which films made by experienced creators as well as debutants may battle for the Crystal Globe. This year, the jury will evaluate, for example, a film by the Hungarian film-maker György Pálfi entitled I am not your friend, a South Korean production that is an impressive pilgrimage for atonement to the “roof of the world”, and a Polish-German film named Swinki.

The East of the West competition will present a selection of the best films made during the past year in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and of the former Soviet block. The audience may look forward to seeing the Russian film Paper Soldier, dealing with the times when the efforts to conquer outer space culminated in the Soviet Union, or the Polish film Scratch, in which a long marriage is disrupted by the wife’s finding that her husband had collaborated with the secret police. Facing up to the past will be the topic, too, of the section 20 years of Freedom, which will attempt to map development of post-socialist society over the past two decades.

This year, the Forum of Independents, which is already one of the festival’s traditional sections and provides to the audience an unusual film perspective on the world, will be extended by an independent Japan films section, Tokyo FilmeX.

Celebrities and film stars of course comprise an important part of the festival. The television cameras will be trained on both well-known faces and those of yet-unfamiliar novices. For example, Leonardo di Caprio, Scarlett Johansson, and Keira Knightley, who are now top film stars, enjoyed the relaxing walk on the colonnade a few years ago. This year, the name Miloš Forman has already been confirmed definitively to be on the VIP guest list. He will introduce his film A Well Paid Walk in its world premiere.

In the middle of the summer holidays, it will certainly be worthwhile, too, to visit the 35th Summer Film Schoolin Uherské Hradište (24 July – 2 August 2009). There is no danger of encountering tedious lectures at this school, as several interesting cycles are prepared for the audience (for example, Austria, The Other Belgium, Migration as a Syndrome) and these will be accompanied by concerts, theatrical performances, and workshops. The cycle Freeze Frame – Comics and Film will introduce works from film authors personally connected with comics (Kevin Smith, Terry Zwigoff, Frank Miller, Marjane Satrapi, and others). We can look forward to retrospectives of contemporary Austrian and Belgium film-makers (for example, Ulrich Seidl, the Dardenne brothers), as well as of the Czech film directors Václav Vorlícek and Vera Chytilová.

The Film School will also deal with the topic 100 years of Polish film. French film-making will be represented by neo-baroque film, led by Leos Carax, Jean-Jacques Beineix, and Luc Besson. Film journals from the Visegrad Group countries will present a selection of films in each category, and a course taught by teachers from Prague’s Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts will be held throughout the Summer Film School. The accompanying programme will culminate on 26 July 2009 with a concert by the New York songstress and singer Suzanne Vega.


Other film festivals in the Czech Republic:
River Film Festival, Písek, 31 July – 9 August 2009
International Mountaineering Film Festival, Teplice nad Metují, 27–30 August 2009
International Festival of Tourism Films TOURFILM, Karlovy Vary, 7–8 October 2009International Documentary Film Festival, Jihlava, 27 October – 1 November 2009


2009-06-25

Published: 11.6.2009

Author: Mgr. Tomáš Bartovský, press spokesman for the MIT bartovsky@mpo.cz


Industrial production recorded a fall of 22.1% in April compared to the same period last year


April’s decline in industrial output was not dramatic

Industrial production in April recorded a fall of 22.1% compared to the same period last year, while on a working day adjusted basis production fell by 20.3% (there was one less working day in April). Given that the results of the previous month showed a year—on—year fall in industrial output of 12.2%, this showed a deepening decline. "Nonetheless, developments in April were not as dramatic as they might seem when the March and April figures are compared. The main factor to take into account was the extremely high base figures from last year we are using as a comparison," said Jaroslav Vomastek, Director of the Department of Economic Analysis in the Ministry of Industry and Trade. "We should also look at the results in comparison with the 2005 base year, which gives us a far better idea of the real situation. From this comparison it is clear that the level of industrial production, since last autumn, when it started to decline, is still close to that of an average month in 2005. That would mean that we are moving around a hypothetical bottom," he added, referring to the fact that 2005 was one of the periods when the Czech economy experienced its fastest rise.

The year—on—year fall in industrial production was primarily caused by a decline in the production of motor vehicles, trailers and semi—trailers (falling by 25.5%), the production of metal constructions and fabricated metal products (a fall of 36.1%) and the manufacture of machinery and equipment (a fall of 30.5%). On the other hand industrial production increased in sectors producing food products (a rise of 1.2%) and the manufacture of other transport vehicles and equipment (a rise of 2.7%).

"In terms of the base indexes, even the car industry has not done too badly. In April, the level of car production was 121.4% of that of an average month in 2005. The production of other transport vehicles and equipment in April was twice as high as in 2005," concluded the Director of the MIT Department of Economic Analysis, Jaroslav Vomastek.

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CSA Airbus A320 in the Airbus hangar preparing for flight. The aircraft was the first of Airbus' deliveries to CSA in 2008.

Photo: CSA

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Czechoslovkian Air Force Antonov AN-26 twin turboprop

Antonov An-26 of the Czech Air Force (identifier 2409) taxis for takeoff at the Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford, Gloucestershire, England. Photographed on July 17, 2006.

Photo: Adrian Pingstone / Wikipedia

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Dornier 328 Jet of Sun Air, Scandanavia, operating as a British Airways shuttle and serving Denmark.

Photo: Sun Air

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Egyptian Aerospace

EgyptAir's new livery is shown here in this Artist's Concept of a Boeing 777-300ER in flight.

Boeing Photo

All EGYPTAIR Flights operating from TB3

17 Jun, 2009

* Cairo Airport shuttle buses between terminal 1, 2 and 3 are available around the clock free of charge.

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Finnair Airbus A320 twinjet

Photo: Finnair

29 June 2009

Reservations available to other oneworld flights through the Finnair Internet site


It is now possible to make reservations to flights operated by all oneworld
airlines on Finnair's Internet site www.finnair.com.

"The variety of destinations widens significantly and the number of city pairs
increases considerably, up to 160,000", says Outi Koponen who manages oneworld
relations at Finnair.

The booking engine shows the oneworld flights in all 11 language versions of
the Finnair website; however, the fare rules of oneworld flights only in
English. In the fields for departure and destination city you may enter either
the name of the city, the three-letter code of the city or the name of the
country, in which case the system gives as alternatives all oneworld
destinations in that country.

In the first phase reservations can be made on flights operated by other
oneworld partners and their subsidiaries only in connection with a Finnair
flight. Reservations on other oneworld flights to and from Australia, North and
South America are at this stage only possible in combination with an
intercontinental Finnair flight.

At departure from Finland, payment is possible also through the Internet
banking, in addition to credit cards. The confirmation sent by e-mail includes
for example information about baggage allowances for each flight segment.

oneworld brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline
business - American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia,
Japan Airlines, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas and Royal Jordanian, and
around 20 affiliates including American Eagle, Dragonair, LAN Argentina, LAN
Ecuador and LAN Peru. Mexicana and its affiliate Click Mexicana will join the
alliance in 2009.

FINNAIR TO USE AIRBUS A330 AIRCRAFT IN LEISURE TRAFFIC

This winter, Finnair will use one of its five long-haul Airbus A330-300
aircraft in leisure traffic. The 271-seat wide-bodied aircraft will be used for
non-stop leisure flights from Helsinki to Phuket in Thailand on four days per
week from November to April. Last winter, an Airbus A330-200 leased from
outside the Group was used for the corresponding series of leisure flights six
days per week.

In addition to Finnair's leisure traffic, the Airbus A330-300 aircraft will
also be used on Finnair's Asian scheduled flights, as a result of which the
aircraft will also have a 42-seat business class section. On leisure flights,
business class has been named Comfort class. In Comfort class, in addition to
lie-flat seats, passengers will be offered a more comprehensive service than in
economy class.

In November, Finnair's long-haul traffic will be operated with a fleet of ten
Airbus aircraft - five A330 and five A340 aircraft. Finnair Leisure Traffic
currently uses seven Boeing 757 aircraft, whose leasing agreements expire in
spring 2010. In the coming months, decisions on future fleet solutions for
leisure traffic will be made. The situation gives Finnair the opportunity to
optimise its capacity between scheduled and leisure traffic.

25 June 2009

Finnair flights' medical emergency service extended worldwide


The 24-hour medical service to address possible cases of illness on Finnair
flights has been extended to cover the company's domestic and European flights.

On Finnair's Leisure flights and long-haul network the service has been
provided by the US company MedAire. Now an agreement has been reached with EMA
Group Oy to provide a corresponding service for Finnair's European and domestic
traffic.

With the aid of the medical emergency centres, Finnair's aircraft now have
expert assistance available 24 hours a day for all cases of illness that occur
on flights.

"Several dozen serious cases of illness happen on Finnair flights each year.
Handling them is always a challenge in which, in addition to the illness
itself, we have to assess the need for a possible unscheduled landing as well
as land transportation and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up care for
the patient. Expert organisations help Finnair to make our passengers' flights
as safe as possible, even in the event of an illness," says Finnair's Senior
Flight Physician Olavi Hämäläinen.

On all Finnair flights there is a 'doctor's bag' containing the most important
first-aid medicines. Finnair long-haul traffic aircraft also have
defibrillators - devices designed to deliver an electrical shock to the heart -
which are an effective aid in correcting sudden ventricular fibrillation, which
leads to death if left untreated.

Lots of medical information related to flying has been collected for passengers
on the Finnair website at the address www.finnair.com > Travel info > Medical
page.

Finnair, moreover, has established a Medadesk service to coordinate
arrangements for those passengers travelling on Finnair flights whose state of
health requires preliminary examinations before the flight or special service
during the flight. Passengers can contact Medadesk either through their own
agency or via Finnair's sales services.

"With the Medadesk service we want to ensure that the journey of anyone needing
special medical attention is a success from the initial preparation stage, and
that both ground and flight staff are aware of any special arrangements,"
explains Director Anja Koho of Finnair Health Services.

MedAire ( www.medaire.com ) is a US health services company whose experts are
responsible for handling around 4,000 medical emergencies per month. EMA Group
Oy ( www.ema.fi ) is Finland's leading expert organisation specialised in
non-hospital medical care. The company's lines of business are traveller's
medical service (patient monitoring, patient transfers and medical clearance
services), ground ambulance service, education and research.

In a blog published today (address:

http://blogs.finnair.com/2009/06/25/physician-tips/

Finnair's Senior Flight Physician gives advice on how one's state of health should be taken into
account on a flight. He provides tips, for example, on cases of flu, exercise
and advance preparations.

23 June 2009

Finnair's fourth Airbus A330 enters service


Finnair's fourth Airbus A330 aircraft, registration OH-LTP, makes its first
commercial flight to Delhi today, after which it will make regular scheduled
flights on Finnair's long-haul network. With the addition of the fourth
aircraft, Osaka will be served with the A330 as of 6 July.

The arrival of the new A330 aircraft is a part of an extensive long-haul fleet
renewal. During the current year, Finnair will receive a total of five new
Airbus A330 aircraft. The next A330 will arrive in November.

All of the new A330 aircraft are equipped with the new, lighter Finnair cabin
design. These aircraft represent the latest in travel comfort, modern
technology and first class fuel efficiency.

More information on the Finnair Airbus A330 aircraft and their routes,
technical facts and passenger comfort innovations can be found at the following
internet address:

http://www.finnairgroup.com/mediaen/mediaen_9_1.html.

22 June 2009

Finnair-Meridiana code-share agreement opens connections to Sardinia, Sicily and Florence


Finnair and the Italian airline Meridiana will start cooperating within the
framework of a reciprocal code-share agreement on flights between Helsinki and
Italy as of June 22.

The new agreement means that Finnair can offer its passengers connections to
Cagliari and Olbia in Sardinia, Palermo in Sicily, and Florence, to which
Meridiana flies from the Finnair destinations of Amsterdam, Rome Fiumicino, and
Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Palermo and Cagliari are the capital cities of Sicily and Sardinia
respectively. Olbia is located close to the popular Costa Smeralda area on
Sardinia's northern coast, which has many magnificent beaches, high quality
tourism services and golf courses. The Renaissance buildings and treasures of
Florence make the city one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations.

The route network offered by Meridiana will also expand through the code-share
agreement, with the company now offering connections to Helsinki from Rome and
Milan as well as from the Finnair summer destinations of Pisa and Venice.

"Italy is a very popular travel destination, both for Finnair's Finnish
customers and for passengers using our Asian route network. The code-share
agreement means that we can now offer a wider range of convenient connections
to Italy," says Vice President Hannu Sundberg, who is responsible for Finnair's
code-share agreements.

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Finnair Douglas DC-8 Paavo Nurmi

DC-8 aircraft Paavo Nurmi

First Finnair DC-8 aircraft named after legendary Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi, also known as the Flying Finn.

Photo: Finnair

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Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

Photo: Finnair

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Paris Air Show

Air France's second Boeing 777-200F over the numbers at Paris Le Bourget for the 2009 edition of the Paris Air Show, celebrating the event's Centenary.

Photo: Boeing

Airbus delivers first A320 assembled in China

23 June 2009


Airbus today delivered the first A320 aircraft assembled at its Final Assembly Line China (FALC) in Tianjin. At a grand ceremony, the aircraft was handed over by Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders, to the Chairman of Dragon Aviation Leasing, Li Hai. The aircraft will be leased to and operated by Sichuan Airlines.

Tianjin Party Secretary Zhang Gaoli, Mayor of Tianjin, Huang Xingguo, as well as German State Secretary (Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology) Hartmut Schauerte and the President of Sichuan Airlines, Lan Xinguo were present at the ceremony attended by more than 1000 guests.

"The highly reliable and efficient Airbus aircraft are very valuable assets of aircraft leasing companies. As a China-based company, Dragon Aviation Leasing is proud to take delivery of the first Airbus aircraft assembled in China," said Li Hai, Chairman of Dragon Aviation Leasing.

"Sichuan Airlines was the first Chinese airline to introduce the A320 Family aircraft in China in 1995. Today, we are proud to become the operator of the first A320 assembled in China. We believe that the Airbus aircraft further enhances our profitability and competitiveness with low operational costs and high reliability," said Lan Xinguo, President of Sichuan Airlines.

"Our Final Assembly Line here in Tianjin and this first aircraft delivery outside Europe mark an important milestone in our strategic long-term partnership with China and the Chinese industry," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. "This FAL is state of the art, second to none in the world. And so are the aircraft manufactured here in Tianjin. I would like to thank all our partners and employees who worked very hard during the last three years to make this happen."

The Export-Import Bank of China, a strategic long term partner to Dragon Aviation Leasing, has been supporting the financing for the purchase of the aircraft. The A320 to be operated by Sichuan Airlines will be in a two-class configuration, with eight first class seats and 156 economy seats. The aircraft will be deployed on domestic trunk routes between the airline's base of Chengdu to such major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. It will enter into service on 24th June on the route from Chengdu to Beijing. The aircraft will join the existing fleet composed of 40 Airbus single-aisle aircraft.

Notes

About FALC

The FALC is a joint venture between Airbus and a Chinese consortium comprising Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) and China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC). Eleven A319 and A320 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in Tianjin in 2009 and the FALC production rate will be ramped up to four aircraft per month by the end of 2011.

About A320 Family The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly-by-wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. More than 6,300 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and nearly 3,900 delivered to some 300 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world's best-selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world wide standard wide-body system. By the end of May 2009, almost 400 A320 Family aircraft are in operation with 11 operators in China. Chinese airlines have ordered close to 600 A320 Family aircraft in total.

About Dragon Aviation Leasing

Dragon Aviation Leasing Company Limited, a Beijing-based aircraft leasing company, is a joint-venture of China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS), AerCap and Calyon Airfinance. Dragon Aviation Leasing was created 2006 in response to the development of the aviation industry in China. The new aircraft leasing company aims at answering worldwide market demand for aircraft, focusing on China and other Asian countries.

About Sichuan Airlines

Sichuan Airlines was established in 1986 and it started commercial flight operation in 1988. The Sichuan Airlines Co Ltd so far operates 40 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. It is the largest airline in China with all-Airbus fleet (above 100 seats).


Francais:

Airbus livre le premier A320 assemblé en Chine

23 June 2009


Airbus a livré aujourd'hui le premier A320 assemblé sur sa chaîne d’assemblage final en Chine (FALC), à Tianjin. A l’occasion d’une cérémonie officielle, l’appareil a été remis par Tom Enders, Président et CEO d’Airbus, à Li Hai, Chairman de Dragon Aviation Leasing. L’appareil sera exploité par Sichuan Airlines, dans le cadre d’un contrat de leasing.

Zhang Gaoli, secrétaire du parti pour la municipalité de Tianjin, Huang Xingguo, maire de Tianjin, ainsi que Hartmut Schauerte, Secrétaire d’Etat allemand (Ministère Fédéral de l’Economie et de la Technologie), et Lan Xinguo, Président de Sichuan Airlines, étaient présents lors de cette cérémonie, à laquelle plus de 1 000 personnes ont été conviées.

“Les appareils Airbus, très rentables et efficients, sont des atouts majeurs pour les sociétés de leasing. En tant que société basée en Chine, Dragon Aviation Leasing est fière de réceptionner le premier Airbus assemblé en Chine”, a pour sa part souligné Li Hai, Chairman de Dragon Aviation Leasing.

“Sichuan Airlines a été la première compagnie aérienne chinoise à exploiter des appareils de la famille A320 en Chine, en 1995. Aujourd’hui, nous sommes fiers de devenir l’utilisateur du premier A320 assemblé en Chine. Nous pensons que les appareils Airbus nous permettront d’optimiser encore davantage notre rentabilité et notre compétitivité, grâce à leurs faibles coûts d’exploitation et leur haute rentabilité”, a ajouté Lan Xinguo, Président de Sichuan Airlines.

“Notre chaîne d’assemblage final, ici à Tianjin, et cette première livraison d’appareils hors Europe, marquent une étape importante dans notre partenariat stratégique à long terme avec la Chine et l’industrie chinoise”, a déclaré Tom Enders, Président et CEO d’Airbus. “Cette FAL, équipée de technologie les plus avancée, tout comme les appareils fabriqués ici, à Tianjin, n’ont rien à envier aux autres FAL et appareils de ce type. Je tiens à remercier l’ensemble de nos partenaires et employés, qui ont travaillé sans relâche au cours de ces trois dernières années pour cette livraison.”

L’Export-Import Bank of China, partenaire stratégique à long terme de Dragon Aviation Leasing, a soutenu le financement nécessaire à l’acquisition de cet appareil. Cet A320, qui sera exploité par Sichuan Airlines, sera doté d’un aménagement à deux classes (huit passagers en première classe et 156 en classe économique). Cet appareil sera exploité sur les lignes intérieures à forte densité de trafic au départ de Chengdu, base de la compagnie, à destination de villes majeures telles que Beijing et Shanghai. L’appareil, qui sera mis en ligne le 24 juin prochain entre Chengdu et Beijing, rejoindra la flotte actuelle de la compagnie, dotée de 40 monocouloirs Airbus.

Notes

A propos de la FALC

La FALC est une joint-venture entre Airbus et un consortium chinois constitué de la Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) et de la China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC). La FALC de Tianjin, qui livrera onze A319 et A320 en 2009, augmentera ses cadences de production pour atteindre quatre appareils par mois d’ici la fin 2011.

A propos de la famille A320

La famille A320, référence sur le marché des monocouloirs, comprend l’A318, l’A319, l’A320 et A321. Tous les appareils de cette famille, dotés de commandes de vol électriques, présentent une communité de poste de pilotage et une communité opérationnelle uniques à Airbus. Avec plus de 6 300 appareils commandés, dont près de 3 900 ont été livrés à quelque 300 clients et utilisateurs dans le monde, les monocouloirs Airbus constituent la famille d’appareils best-sellers de tous les temps. Grâce à leur régularité technique, qui a fait ses preuves, et à l’allongement de la périodicité entre les visites d’entretien, les appareils de la famille A320 affichent les coûts d’exploitation les plus bas de leur catégorie. En outre, les appareils de la famille A3320 sont les seuls à proposer un système de chargement de fret conteneurisé, compatible avec les systèmes gros-porteurs standards utilisés dans le monde entier. Fin mai 2009, près de 400 appareils de la famille A320 étaient exploités par 11 utilisateurs en Chine. Près de 600 monocouloirs Airbus au total ont été commandés par des compagnies aériennes chinoises.

A propos de Dragon Aviation Leasing

Dragon Aviation Leasing Company Limited, société de leasing d’avions basée à Beijing, est une joint-venture entre China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS), AerCap et Calyon Airfinance. Dragon Aviation Leasing a été créée en 2006, en réponse au développement de l’industrie aéronautique en Chine. La nouvelle société de leasing d’avions a pour objectif de répondre à la demande du marché aéronautique mondial, et se concentre sur la Chine et d’autres pays asiatiques.

A propos de Sichuan Airlines

Sichuan Airlines a été fondée en 1986, et a débuté ses vols commerciaux en 1988. La Sichuan Airlines Co Ltd exploite, à ce jour, 40 appareils de la famillle A320. C’est la compagnie chinoise dotée de la plus grande flotte tout-Airbus (catégorie des plus de 100 sièges).


Deutsch:

Airbus liefert erste in China gebaute A320 aus

23 June 2009


Airbus hat heute die erste in der Final Assembly Line China (FALC) in Tianjin gebaute A320 ausgeliefert. Airbus President und CEO Tom Enders übergab den Single-Aisle-Jet in einer feierlichen Zeremonie an Li Hai, Chairman der Dragon Aviation Leasing. Das Airbus-Flugzeug wird künftig im Rahmen eines Leasing-Vertrags von Sichuan Airlines betrieben.

Der Parteisekretär von Tianjin Zhang Gaoli, der Bürgermeister von Tianjin Huang Xingguo, sowie auch der Parlamentarische Staatssekretär beim Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Technologie Hartmut Schauerte und der Präsident von Sichuan Airlines Lan Xinguo nahmen an der Auslieferungszeremonie vor insgesamt mehr als 1.000 Gästen teil.

„Die überaus zuverlässigen und effizienten Airbus-Flugzeuge sind sehr wertvolle Aktivposten für Flugzeug-Leasinggeber. Als ein Unternehmen mit Sitz in China ist Dragon Aviation Leasing stolz darauf, das erste Airbus-Flugzeug aus chinesischer Produktion zu übernehmen“, sagte Li Hai, Chairman von Dragon Aviation Leasing.

„Sichuan Airlines führte 1995 als erste chinesische Fluggesellschaft Flugzeuge der A320-Familie in China ein. Heute sind wir stolz darauf, zum Betreiber der ersten in China gebauten A320 zu werden. Wir glauben, dass das Airbus-Flugzeug unsere Profitabilität und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit mit seinen geringen Betriebskosten und seiner hohen Zuverlässigkeit weiter verstärken wird“, sagte Lan Xinguo, President von Sichuan Airlines.

„Unsere Endmontagelinie hier in Tianjin und die erste Flugzeugauslieferung außerhalb Europas sind ein wichtiger Meilenstein in unserer langfristigen strategischen Partnerschaft mit China und der chinesischen Industrie“, sagte Tom Enders, President und CEO von Airbus. „Diese FAL befindet sich auf dem neuesten Stand der Technik, und sie steht keiner anderen auf der Welt nach. Das Gleiche gilt für die Flugzeuge, die hier in Tianjin gebaut werden. Ich möchte allen unseren Partnern und Mitarbeitern danken, die während der letzten drei Jahre hart gearbeitet haben, um das heutige Ereignis Wirklichkeit werden zu lassen.“

Die Export-Import Bank of China, ein langfristiger strategischer Partner der Dragon Aviation Leasing, hat die Finanzierung für den Kauf der Flugzeuge übernommen. Die A320 für den Betreiber Sichuan Airlines erhält eine Zweiklassenkonfiguration mit acht First Class- und 156 Economy-Sitzen. Das Flugzeug ist für den Einsatz auf den wichtigsten Inlandsstrecken zwischen der Airline-Basis Chengdu und wichtigen Städten wie Beijing und Shanghai vorgesehen. Es wird am 24. Juni auf der Route Chengdu-Beijing den Liniendienst aufnehmen. Die neue A320 wird in eine bestehende Flotte von 40 Airbus Single-Aisle-Jets eingegliedert.

Hinweis:

Über die Final Assembly Line China (FALC)
Die FALC ist ein Joint Venture zwischen Airbus und einem chinesischen Konsortium, zu dem die Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) und die China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) gehören. Für 2009 ist die Auslieferung weiterer elf A319 und A320 ab Tianjin geplant. Die Fertigungsrate der FALC soll bis Ende 2011 auf bis zu vier Flugzeuge im Monat hochgefahren werden.

Über die Airbus A320-Familie

Die A320-Familie mit den Modellen A318, A319, A320 und A321 gilt als Referenzklasse für Flugzeuge mit Standardrumpf und nur einem Mittelgang (Single Aisle). Jeder dieser Airbus-Jets fliegt mit Fly-by-Wire-Steuerung und zeichnet sich durch das einzigartige Airbus-Kommunalitätskonzept aus: Die Cockpits sind innerhalb der gesamten Produktpalette weitgehend identisch aufgebaut. Mit über 6.300 verkauften und fast 3.900 an rund 300 Kunden und Betreiber weltweit ausgelieferten Flugzeugen ist die Airbus A320-Familie die weltweit erfolgreichste Familie von Single-Aisle-Passagierjets. Die Betriebskosten liegen bei der A320-Familie dank ihrer erwiesenen Zuverlässigkeit und verlängerten Wartungsintervalle unter denen aller anderen Single-Aisle-Flugzeuge. Einzigartig an der A320-Familie ist auch ihr Containerladesystem, das dem weltweiten Standardsystem für Großraumflugzeuge entspricht. Ende Mai 2009 hatten elf Betreiber in China fast 400 Airbus-Flugzeuge der A320-Familie in Betrieb. Insgesamt haben chinesische Airlines bis jetzt knapp 600 Flugzeuge der Airbus A320-Familie bestellt.

Über Dragon Aviation Leasing

Das Flugzeug-Leasingunternehmen Dragon Aviation Leasing Company Limited mit Sitz in Beijing ist ein Joint Venture der China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS), AerCap und Calyon Airfinance. Das Unternehmen wurde 2006 in Folge der Entwicklungen der Luftfahrtindustrie in China gegründet. Der neue Flugzeug-Leasinggeber will zur Deckung der weltweiten Marktnachfrage nach Flugzeugen beitragen und sich dabei insbesondere auf China und andere Länder Asiens konzentrieren.

Über Sichuan Airlines

Sichuan Airlines wurde 1986 gegründet und nahm 1988 den kommerziellen Flugbetrieb auf. Die Sichuan Airlines Co Ltd betreibt derzeit 40 Flugzeuge der Airbus A320-Familie. Damit ist Sichuan Airlines die größte chinesische Fluggesellschaft mit einer Flotte, die in der Kategorie über 100 Sitze ausschließlich aus Airbus-Flugzeugen besteht.


Espanol:

Airbus entrega el primer A320 ensamblado en China

23 June 2009


Airbus ha entregado hoy el primer avión A320 ensamblado en su Línea de Ensamblaje Final China (FALC) en Tianjin. En una gran ceremonia, el avión fue entregado por el Presidente y CEO de Airbus, Tom Enders, al Presidente de Dragon Aviation Leasing, Li Hai. El avión será arrendado y operado por Sichuan Airlines.

El Secretario del Partido en Tianjin, Zhang Gaoili, el Alcalde de Tianjin, Huang Xingguo, así como el Secretario de Estado alemán (Ministro Federal de Economía y Tecnología), Hartmut Schauerte, y el Presidente de Sichuan Airlines, Lan Xinguo, estuvieron presente en una ceremonia a la que asistieron más de 1.000 invitados.

“Los aviones de Airbus, altamente eficiente y fiables, son activos muy importantes de las compañías de “leasing” aeronáutico. Como compañía basada en China, Dragon Aviation Leasing está orgullosa de recibir el primer avión Airbus ensamblado en China”, dijo Li Hai, Presidente de Dragon Aviation Leasing.

“Sichuan Airlines fue la primera línea aérea china en introducir la Familia de aviones A320 en China en 1995. Hoy, nos sentimos orgullosos de convertirnos en el operador del primer A320 ensamblado en China. Creemos que los aviones de Airbus mejoran nuestra rentabilidad y competitividad con bajos costes operacionales y alta fiabilidad”, dijo Lan Xinguo, Presidente de Sichuan Airlines.

“Nuestra línea de Ensamblaje Final aquí en Tianjin y esta primera entrega de un avión fuera de Europa marcan un importante hito en nuestra asociación estratégica a largo plazo con China y la industria de este país”, dijo Tom Enders, Presidente y CEO de Airbus. “Esta FAL está al más alto nivel en el mundo. Y lo mismo ocurre con los aviones fabricados aquí en Tianjin. Me gustaría dar las gracias a todos nuestros socios y empleados, que han trabajado muy duro durante los tres últimos años para hacer esto una realidad”.

El Export-Import Bank of China, un socio estratégico a largo plazo de Dragon Aviation Leasing, ha suministrado la financiación para la compra del avión. El A320 que será operado por Sichuan Airlines, tendrá una configuración en dos clases, con ocho asientos en primera y 156 en clase económica. El avión será desplegado en rutas domésticas troncales entra la base de la línea aérea en Chengdu a ciudades importantes como Beijing y Shanghai. Entrará en servicio el 24 de junio en la ruta de Chengdu a Beijing. El avión se unirá a la actual flota de 40 aviones Airbus de pasillo único.

Notas

Respecto a la FALC

La FALC es una “joint venture” entre Airbus y un consorcio chino que incluye la Zona de Libre Comercio de Tianjin (TJFTZ) y China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC). Se espera entregar once A319 y A320 en Tianjin durante 2009, y el ritmo de la FALC será incrementado hasta cuatro aviones por mes para finales de 2011.

About A320 Family

La Familia A320, que incluye los A318, A319, A320 y A321, está reconocida como la familia de referencia entre los aviones de pasillo único. Cada avión incorpora controles “fly-by-wire” y todos comparten una cabina única y “comunalidad” operacional en toda la gama. Más de 6.300 aviones de la Familia A320 han sido vendidos y cerca de 3.900 entregados a unos 300 clientes y operadores en todo el mundo, lo que le convierte en el avión comercial de mejor venta en la historia. Con una probada fiabilidad y periodos de servicio extendidos, la Familia A320 tiene los costes operativos más bajos entre los aviones de pasillo único. Solo la Familia A320 ofrece un sistema de carga por contenedores, que es compatible con el sistema normalizado utilizado por los aviones de fuselaje ancho en todo el mundo. Para finales de mayo de 2009, casi 400 aviones de la Familia A320 se encuentran en operación con 11 operadores en China. Las líneas aéreas chinas han pedido cerca de 600 aviones de la Familia A320 en total.

Respecto a Dragon Aviation Leasing

Dragon Aviation Leasing Company Limited, una compañía de “leasing” de aviones basada en Beijing, es una “joint venture” entre China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS), AerCap y Calyon Airfinance. Dragon Aviation Leasing fue creada en 2006 como respuesta al desarrollo de la industria aeronáutica en China. La nueva compañía de “leasing” de aviones quiere dar respuesta a la demanda de aviones de mercado mundial, centrándose en China y otros países asiáticos.

Respecto a Sichuan Airlines

Sichuan Airlines fue fundada en 1986 y comenzó sus operaciones de vuelos comerciales en 1988. The Sichuan Airlines Co Ltd opera hasta este momento 40 aviones de la Familia Airbus A320. Es la mayor línea aérea en China con una flota sólo de Airbus (de más de 100 plazas).

First Chinese-assembled A320 delivered to Dragon Aviation Leasing for service with Sichuan Airlines

23 June 2009


Delivery of the initial Chinese-built A320 Family aircraft represents a new step in Airbus' internationalisation of its industrial base, and further broadens the company's presence in China's dynamic airline market.

This milestone jetliner was accepted today at the new Final Assembly Line facility in Tianjin, China by Dragon Aviation Leasing for lease and operation by Sichuan Airlines. It was the first Airbus aircraft ever produced outside of Europe, and is a key element in the company's strategic long-term partnership with China and the Chinese industry.

The Tianjin Final Assembly Line is a joint venture between Airbus and a Chinese consortium comprising the Tianjin Free Trade Zone and the China Aviation Industry Corporation. It is assembling the A319 and A320 versions of Airbus' popular single-aisle A320 Family, with 11 aircraft scheduled for delivery this year. The facility's production output will reach the rate of four aircraft per month by the end of 2011.

Aircraft build-up activity began at Tianjin in August 2008, with its organisation and work flow patterned after the latest state-of-the-art Airbus single-aisle final assembly line, located in Hamburg, Germany. The original A320 Family assembly site in Toulouse, France also continues to be active - providing a total of three locations that contribute to Airbus' sustained output of A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft.

Delivery of the no. 1 Chinese-built A320 from Tianjin will further expand Sichuan Airlines' all-Airbus fleet, which consisted of 40 A319s, A320s and A321s prior to today's delivery. The Tianjin-assembled A320 is configured in a two-class configuration with eight first class seats and 156 in economy, and is to be deployed by Sichuan Airlines beginning tomorrow on domestic trunk routes from the airline's Chengdu base to such major cities as Beijing and Shanghai.

Chinese customers have ordered close to 600 A320 Family aircraft, with almost 400 in operation with 11 operators in China at the end of May. Worldwide, more than 6,300 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to date, with nearly 3,900 delivered to some 300 customers and operators around the globe.

Flight display marks 40 years of Airbus innovation

17 June 2009


Back-to-back flight demonstrations of Airbus' A300, A320, A340 and A380 underscore the company's four decades of innovation, and marked a highlight of the 2009 Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport.

Airbus' 40-year commemorative flight display at Le Bourget Airport literally brought the Paris Air Show to a standstill today as attendees took time from their busy schedules to watch back-to-back demonstrations of the A300, A320, A340 and A380.

The afternoon presentation illustrated how Airbus has transformed the civil airline industry with its family of innovative single-aisle and widebody aircraft that have been developed and introduced into airline service during the company's four-decade history.

Airbus invited some of the company's pioneering leaders to witness today's flight presentation, which was followed by champagne and special cake served in the chalet of Airbus parent company EADS.

Amongst those watching the aerial display was Gunter Scherer, the flight test engineer for the A300’s historic takeoff on 28 October, 1972. He said the revolutionary use of composite materials on the A310/A300 underscored Airbus' visionary approach to airframe design. "Progress should never end - we still have room to improve and Airbus will be there," Scherer commented.

Pierre Baud, who piloted the A320 on its first flight in 1987, said the focus was on certifying the world's first civilian fly-by-wire airliner in the allotted one-year time period. "We were just looking to try to do the best job and to perform the certification in the one year that was given to us - and this already was a challenge," he explained. "At the time, we didn't anticipate the fantastic commercial success that the A320 would have later."

Bernard Ziegler, the former Senior Vice President of Flight and Support at Airbus, said one of his best memories is the historic globe-circling flight of an A340 during the 1993 Paris Air Show. Flying an A340-200 dubbed the "World Ranger," Ziegler and his crew departed Le Bourget for New Zealand, and after just five hours on the ground, continued around the world to land in Paris 48 hours and 22 minutes after setting out.

The A380's presentation today at Le Bourget was very special for one air show attendee: Jürgen Thomas, who is widely known as "the father" of the A380. He said Airbus' decision to involve numerous airlines in the A380's design and development process has paid off with the 21st century flagship aircraft’s smooth entry into revenue service. "The decision to establish this very close cooperation with key airlines around the world brought to life what we see flying here today," he concluded.

Airbus looks beyond today's economic downturn

16 June 2009


During Airbus' traditional Paris Air Show press conference, President and CEO Tom Enders underscored the company's 2009 priorities to secure deliveries, assist customers and manage its order book.

Securing deliveries, assisting customers and managing the order book are Airbus' priorities for 2009 according to President and CEO Tom Enders, who briefed international reporters during the company's traditional Paris Air Show press conference today.

Enders said the future for Airbus is good, with sufficient ongoing demand to fill orders for its eco-efficient aircraft - which will be supported by prudent adaptations in aircraft production output. For 2009, the company is expecting to make approximately the same number of aircraft deliveries as last year, with the production rate currently standing at 34 single-aisle A320s per month, 8.5 widebody A330s/A340s monthly, and 14 A380s to be built during the 12 months.

Airbus' current focus is on transitioning its order backlog into deliveries, and Enders expressed confidence the air transport sector will remain a long-term growth industry with strong underlying demand.

Airbus sees a continued demand for modern, highly eco-efficient aircraft such as its A380 - which is featured in the Paris Air Show's daily flight demonstration, as well as the A350 WXB - which continues in development. Enders said the airline industry should not be expecting huge aircraft orders, but new bookings will continue because of varying market demand from region to region, and airline to airline.

"We are in this together with our customers, we are in this together with our suppliers, and we're doing everything to make this recession as smooth as possible for us and also for our partners and customers," Enders said.

Airbus and the Chinese bank ICBC sign MoU on aircraft financing solutions

22 June 2009


Airbus today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), one of China's leading banks, on cooperation in aircraft financing and leasing. The MoU was signed by John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customer Affairs and Li Xiaopeng, Vice President of ICBC and Chairman of ICBC Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. (ICBC Leasing), the wholly-owned subsidiary of ICBC, based in Tianjin. Airbus and ICBC endeavour to share competence and experience to cooperate on aircraft financing and management activities, including structuring of operating and finance lease transactions as well as portfolio management and aircraft placement remarketing.

Under the MoU, ICBC Leasing will provide aircraft delivery financing solutions to airlines domiciled in the People's Republic of China for the acquisition of aircraft ordered from Airbus. ICBC Leasing could provide financing solutions for up to 70 A320 Airbus aircraft assembled at Final Assembly Line China (FALC) over the next five years. The total value of the financing support will be over 20 billion RMB (some US$3 billion). The financing solutions such as purchase and lease back transactions will be provided directly to Chinese airlines.

Furthermore, ICBC Leasing shall also consider offering these services for aircraft delivered by Airbus from other Final Assembly Lines around the world. Finally, ICBC Leasing shall consider purchasing a certain number of aircraft directly from Airbus for future leasing needs of airlines.

"We are proud to provide financing solutions for customers taking deliveries of aircraft assembled at FALC. Our objective is to support the whole aeronautic community in China; the airlines when enabling them to acquire Airbus aircraft as well as FALC to ensure its smooth ramp up," said Jiang Jianqing, Chairman of
ICBC.

"In the current economic environment, aircraft financing remains very challenging. But aircraft remain very attractive investments. Our modern portfolio of aircraft is delivering an excellent return on investment and an outstanding value for money to our customers," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. "The timely financing support from ICBC Leasing will surely help Chinese airlines to take deliveries of their new Airbus aircraft and enhance their competitiveness."

ICBC is one of the leading banks in China with wide networks across the country and in the world. ICBC Financial Leasing CO., Ltd. ("ICBC Leasing) is 100 percent owned by ICBC, set up in November 2007.

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer offering three highly successful families of aircraft, ranging from 107 to 525 seats, the most modern, comprehensive and eco-efficient product line on the market. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.


Francais:

Airbus et la banque chinoise ICBC signent un Protocole d'Accord pour la mise en place de solutions de financement des avions

22 June 2009


Airbus a signé aujourd'hui un Protocole d'Accord avec l’Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), l'une des banques leaders en Chine, en vue de coopérer dans le domaine du financement et leasing d'avions. Ce Protocole a été signé par John Leahy, COO Customer Affairs d'Airbus, et Li Xiaopeng, Vice President d'ICBC et Chairman d'ICBC Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. (ICBC Leasing), une filiale à 100% d'ICBC, basée à Tianjin. Airbus et ICBC s'engagent ainsi à partager leurs compétences et leur expérience, et à coopérer sur les activités de financement et de gestion des avions, notamment la structuration d'opérations de location opérationnelle et de location-vente, ainsi que la gestion de portefeuilles et le remarketing d'avions.

Dans le cadre de ce Protocole d'Accord, ICBC Leasing proposera des solutions pour financer les livraisons aux compagnies aériennes basées en République Populaire de Chine, pour les avions commandés auprès d'Airbus. ICBC Leasing pourrait ainsi accorder des solutions de financement couvrant jusqu'à 70 Airbus A320 produits sur la chaîne d'assemblage final de Chine (FALC) au cours des cinq prochaines années. La valeur totale de cette aide financière est de l’ordre de plus de 20 milliards de RMB (soit environ 3 milliards de dollars). Des solutions de financement, par exemple ventes avec leasing opérationnel, seront proposées directement aux compagnies chinoises.

En outre, ICBC Leasing envisage d'offrir ce type de services pour les appareils livrés par les autres chaînes d'assemblage final d'Airbus dans le monde. Enfin, ICBC Leasing pourrait également acquérir un certain nombre d'avions directement auprès d’Airbus, afin de répondre aux besoins futurs des compagnies aériennes en termes de leasing.

“Nous sommes fiers de proposer des solutions de financement aux clients pour la livraison des avions produits sur la FALC. Notre objectif est d'apporter le support nécessaire à l'ensemble de la communauté aéronautique chinoise aux compagnies aériennes, en leur permettant d'acquérir des avions Airbus, et à la FALC afin de permettre une montée en puissance sans heurts de ses cadences de production”, a déclaré Jiang Jianqing, Chairman d'ICBC.

“Dans le contexte économique actuel, le financement des avions constitue un véritable défi. Cependant, les avions restent toujours de très bons investissements. Notre portefeuille d'avions avancés génère un excellent retour sur investissement et assure une rentabilité exceptionnelle à nos clients”, a pour sa part déclaré Tom Enders, Président et CEO d'Airbus. “Le support financier proposé au moment opportun par ICBC Leasing aidera certainement les compagnies aériennes chinoises à réceptionner leurs nouveaux appareils d’Airbus, et optimisera leur compétitivité.”

ICBC est l'une des banques leaders en Chine, disposant de vastes réseaux, tant au niveau national que mondial. ICBC Financial Leasing CO., Ltd. (“ICBC Leasing") est une filiale à 100% d'ICBC, fondée en novembre 2007.

Airbus, l'un des principaux avionneurs mondiaux, offre la gamme de produits la plus moderne, complète et éco-efficiente du marché, plébiscitée dans le monde entier et composée de trois familles d'avions de 107 à 525 sièges. Airbus, dont le siège est à Toulouse, est une société EADS.


Deutsch:

Airbus und die chinesische Bank ICBC unterzeichnen Grundsatzvereinbarung über Flugzeugfinanzierung

22 June 2009


Airbus hat heute mit der Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), einer der führenden Banken Chinas, eine Grundsatzvereinbarung über die Zusammenarbeit in den Bereichen Flugzeugfinanzierung und Flugzeug-Leasing geschlossen. Unterzeichnet wurde das Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) von John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customer Affairs, und Li Xiaopeng, Vice President von ICBC und Chairman der ICBC Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. (ICBC Leasing), einer hundertprozentigen Tochter der ICBC mit Sitz in Tianjin. Airbus und ICBC wollen Kompetenzen und Erfahrungen zum Zweck der Zusammenarbeit in den Bereichen Flugzeugfinanzierung und Flugzeugmanagement teilen. Hierzu zählen u.a. Aktivitäten wie die Strukturierung von Operating- und Finance-Lease-Geschäften sowie Portfolio-Management und das Remarketing von Flugzeugen.

ICBC Leasing wird im Rahmen der Grundsatzvereinbarung Finanzierungslösungen für die Auslieferung von Flugzeugen bereitstellen, die von Airlines der Volksrepublik China bei Airbus bestellt wurden. Dies betrifft insbesondere Finanzierungslösungen für bis zu 70 Airbus A320, die in den nächsten fünf Jahren in der Final Assembly Line China (FALC) gefertigt werden. Der Gesamtwert der Finanzierungsunterstützung wird sich auf über 20 Milliarden RMB (rund 3 Milliarden US-Dollar) belaufen. Die Finanzierungslösungen wie beispielsweise der Kauf und die Lease-Back-Geschäfte werden direkt für chinesische Airlines bereitgestellt.

Darüber hinaus soll ICBC Leasing auch prüfen, die gleichen Dienstleistungen für Flugzeuge anzubieten, die Airbus ab seinen anderen Endmontagelinien ausliefert. Und schließlich soll durch ICBC Leasing auch der Direktkauf von Airbus-Flugzeugen für den künftigen Leasing-Bedarf von Fluggesellschaften in Erwägung gezogen werden.

„Wir sind stolz darauf, Finanzierungslösungen für Kunden zu bieten, die Flugzeuge von der FALC übernehmen. Unser Ziel ist die Unterstützung des gesamten Luftfahrtsektors in China – die Unterstützung der Airlines, indem wir ihnen den Erwerb von Airbus-Flugzeugen ermöglichen, und der FALC, um deren reibungslose Produktionssteigerung sicherzustellen“, sagte Jiang Jianqing, Chairman von ICBC.

„Die Flugzeugfinanzierung bleibt im gegenwärtigen wirtschaftlichen Umfeld eine große Herausforderung. Flugzeuge stellen jedoch nach wie vor ein überaus attraktives Investitionsgut dar. Unser modernes Flugzeugportfolio bietet unseren Kunden eine ausgezeichnete Investitionsrendite und ein hervorragendes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis“, sagte Tom Enders, President und CEO von Airbus. „Die rechtzeitige Finanzierungsunterstützung durch ICBC Leasing wird chinesischen Airlines helfen, ihre neuen Airbus-Flugzeuge zu übernehmen und ihre Wettbewerbsfähigkeit zu steigern.“

ICBC ist eine der führenden Banken in China mit einem umfassenden Netz von Niederlassungen in China und weltweit. ICBC Financial Leasing CO., Ltd. (ICBC Leasing) wurde im November 2007 als hundertprozentige Tochtergesellschaft von ICBC gegründet.

Airbus ist ein führender Flugzeughersteller, der drei überaus erfolgreiche Flugzeugfamilien mit einer Kapazitätspalette von 107 bis 525 Sitzen anbietet – die modernste, umfassendste und ökoeffizienteste Produktpalette, die heute auf dem Markt ist. Airbus mit Hauptsitz in Toulouse ist ein EADS-Unternehmen.



Espanol:

Airbus y el banco chino ICBC firman un MoU sobre soluciones para financiación aeronáutica


22 June 2009


Airbus ha firmado hoy un Acuerdo de Intenciones (MoU) con el Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), uno de los principales bancos chinos, sobre cooperación sobre financiación y arriendo de aviones. El MoU fué firmado por John Leahy, Director del Área de Clientes de Airbus, y Li Xiaopeng, Vicepresidente del ICBC y Presidente de ICBC Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. (ICBC Leasing), subsidiaria de ICBC, basada en Tianjin. Airbus e ICBC se esforzarán en compartir competencia y experiencia para cooperar en actividades de financiación y gestión de aviones, incluyendo la estructuración de las transacciones de arriendos financieros y operativos, así como gestión de cartera y colocación de aviones en el mercado.

Según este MoU, ICBC Leasing ofrecerá soluciones de financiación para la entrega de aviones a las líneas aéreas de la República Popular China, para la adquisición de aviones Airbus. ICBC Leasing puede ofrecer soluciones de financiación para hasta 70 aviones Airbus A320 ensamblados en la Línea de Ensamblaje Final China (FALC), durante los próximos cinco años. El valor total del apoyo financiero superará los 20.000 millones de RMB (unos 3.000 millones de dólares). Las soluciones financieras como formas de compra y transacciones de “lease back” se ofrecerán directamente a las líneas aéreas chinas.

Por otra parte, ICBC Leasing también considerará ofrecer estos servicios para aviones entregados por Airbus desde otras Líneas de Ensamblaje Final alrededor del mundo. Finalmente, ICBC Leasing considerará la compra de cierto número de aviones directamente de Airbus para cubrir necesidades futuras de líneas aéreas.

“Nos sentimos orgullosos de ofrecer soluciones de financiación para los clientes que reciban aviones ensamblados en la FALC. Nuestro objetivo es apoyar a la comunidad aeronáutica china; a las líneas aéreas permitiéndoles adquirir aviones Airbus, así como a la FALC para permitir el desarrollo de su producción”, dijo Jiang Jianqing, Presidente de ICBC.

“En el actual ambiente económico, la financiación de los aviones sigue siendo complicada. Pero la aviación sigue siendo una inversión muy atractiva. Nuestra moderna cartera de aviones ofrece un excelente retorno sobre la inversión y un extraordinario valor para nuestro clientes”, dijo Tom Enders, Presidente y CEO de Airbus. “EI oportuno apoyo financiero de ICBC Leasing ayudará a los líneas aéreas chinas para recibir sus nuevos aviones Airbus, e incrementará su competitividad”.

ICBC es uno de los principales bancos en China, con una amplia red en todo el país y en el mundo. ICBC Financial Leasing CO., Ltd. (ICBC Leasing), pertenece al 100 por ciento a ICBC, y fue creada en noviembre de 2007.

Airbus un fabricante aeronáutico líder, que ofrece tres exitosas líneas de aviones, que van desde 107 a 525 plazas, y que forman la línea de productos más moderna, completa y eco-eficiente en el mercado. Con sede central en Toulouse, Francia, Airbus es una compañía de EADS.