Abu Dhabi will be the site of a new, major research institution and demonstration project dedicated to sustainable energy solutions. The initiative, known as the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project (SBRP), is being established by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Etihad Airways and Honeywell's UOP and will use integrated saltwater agricultural systems to support the development and commercialisation of biofuel sources for aviation and coproducts. … [Read more...] about New bio-energy research centre for Abu Dhabi
Carriers
Cargolux outsources ULDs to Unitpool
Cargolux, Europe's largest scheduled all-cargo airline currently operating fourteen 747-400F freighters, has announced a five-year agreement with ULD supply and management provider, Unitpool. The five-year contract, which will start mid-January 2010 and includes the sale of the Cargolux ULD fleet to Unitpool, provision of service including 24/7 ULD management across the airline's worldwide network, repairs and maintenance, and supply of ULD to secure replacement and growth. … [Read more...] about Cargolux outsources ULDs to Unitpool
Record setting Dec for Sri Lanka air cargo
Cargo volumes at Sri Lanka's main Bandaranaike International Airport have reached an all-time high in December 2009, topping a previous record in 2006, according to state-run carrier Sri Lankan Airlines, which operates the airport's only cargo terminal. Sri Lankan said a that a total of 23 airlines had carried 16,070 tonnes of cargo in 1,213 flights, topping a March 2006 high of 16,033 tonnes. For the full year 2009 the airport handled 133,693 tonnes of cargo. … [Read more...] about Record setting Dec for Sri Lanka air cargo
Haiti's damaged airport struggles with the load
Responding to criticisms that it has turned away civilian aircraft carrying vital relief material for Haiti's earthquake stricken capital of Port-au-Prince, the US military which is currently running the crippled airport, said the one-runway airport is simply overwhelmed. Lack of ramp space is the key problem accounting for the bottleneck according to military officials. The facility can hold about one wide-body and five narrow-body aircraft, as well as three smaller aircraft at any given time. … [Read more...] about Haiti's damaged airport struggles with the load
IATA: Slow improvement continues
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported international scheduled traffic results for October 2009 showing continued improving conditions, although yields remain under serious pressure. Demand for both International cargo and passenger demand both rose to 0.5 per cent below October 2008 levels which is significantly better than the 5.4 per cent decline recorded in September. Load factors for cargo and passengers continue at pre-recession levels of 54.1 per cent and 78 per cent … [Read more...] about IATA: Slow improvement continues
Avient MD-11 freighter crashes killing three
A Zimbabwe-registered MD-11 freighter belonging to UK-based Avient Aviation crashed in flames on takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International Airport early Saturday morning, killing three crew members, and wounding four others, including one who remains in serious condition. The charter freight flight from Shanghai to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, was carrying general consumer products, items such as electrical goods and clothing, Avient said in a statement. Early reports indicated the tail … [Read more...] about Avient MD-11 freighter crashes killing three