German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s new coalition will ease rules that limit night flights to help companies including Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Fraport AG stay competitive, a senior coalition lawmaker said, according to a Bloomberg News report. Merkel’s prospective alliance of her Christian Democrats and the Free Democrats will curtail powers that Germany’s 16 states have to restrict night flights, Hans-Peter Friedrich, the deputy leader in parliament of … [Read more...] about German government to lift night restrictions
Carriers
Thai block books two B777-200Fs
Thai Airways International has signed Block Space Agreement to utilize two Boeing 777-200 Long Range Freighters operated by Southern Air Inc. The agreement makes Thai the first operator in the region to offer this capability to its cargo customers, from the most advanced B777-200LR Freighter in term of fuel efficiency and low carbon footprint freighter aircraft ever built with more than 100 tonnes carrying capacity, the carrier said. The two aircraft will arrive in early 2010 and will possibly … [Read more...] about Thai block books two B777-200Fs
Thai to resume Phuket-Hong Kong service
Thai Airways International will resume its Phuket-Hong Kong service on October 25 as part of its strategy to turn Phuket into its second hub, the Bangkok Post reported, citing its executive vice-president for commercial sales, Pruet Boobphakam. The Phuket-Hong Kong service was suspended soon after People's Alliance for Democracy protesters blockaded Bangkok's two airports late last year. Industry observers say the move is to combat the budget carrier Thai AirAsia's impending launch of flights on … [Read more...] about Thai to resume Phuket-Hong Kong service
DC-3 cargo plane crashes in Manila
A propeller-driven plane, dating back to the 1930s, crashed in the Philippines, killing four people recently. Officials say the DC-3 plane scraped the roofs of 14 houses in Manila before crashing into an abandoned warehouse and bursting into flames. Minutes after taking off from Manila airport, the pilot asked permission to make an emergency landing. … [Read more...] about DC-3 cargo plane crashes in Manila
IATA sets broad agenda for the Middle East
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged the air transport industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to focus on key challenges of growth, including safety, cost control, liberalization and the environment. Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s director general and CEO, made the comments in a keynote address to the region’s leaders at the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Arab Air Carriers Organization in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. “The Middle East is … [Read more...] about IATA sets broad agenda for the Middle East
Etihad to resume Sri Lanka flights
Etihad Airways is set to resume flights from Abu Dhabi to Colombo, Sri Lanka following an end to civil conflict in the country, it said. The airline will operate four A320 flights a week starting in January 2010. … [Read more...] about Etihad to resume Sri Lanka flights