India's civil aviation ministry is upset with German carrier Lufthansa for its apparent backing of Jet Airways for inclusion into Star Alliance while state-run Air India is still waiting in the wings, according to a government official, The Economic Times of India reported. Following instructions from the civil aviation ministry, the Indian embassy in Germany has now written to Lufthansa, pointing out that the carrier’s move to back Jet Airways would put Air India (AI) at a … [Read more...] about Support for Jet's Star entry upsets govt
Carriers
Lufthansa Cargo sees profits rise 20%
Lufthansa, Europe's second largest airline, reported a rise in cargo earnings of more than 20 per cent in 2008 from a year earlier, but warned of declining revenue and profit in 2009 as freight volumes continue to collapse amid the ongoing global recession. Lufthansa Cargo's operating profit rose 20.6 per cent to €164 million year-on-year as revenue gained 6.3 per cent to € 2.9 billion. The cargo division's results come in the face of a severe industry downturn which saw a six per … [Read more...] about Lufthansa Cargo sees profits rise 20%
Virgin Atlantic cuts Mumbai service
Virgin Atlantic Airways will cease operations - at least temporarily - on its Mumbai-London service from May as the economic crunch continues to take its toll on the global aviation industry. “We have decided to temporarily suspend operations to Mumbai with effect from May 4. We are suspending this service until rational conditions re-emerge and it can resume service on this important route,†said Neha Lidder Ganju, senior marketing manager- India, Virgin Atlantic Airways. … [Read more...] about Virgin Atlantic cuts Mumbai service
JAL lowers cargo fuel surcharge
Japan Airlines (JAL) has filed with the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for a decrease in fuel surcharge for international cargo flights departing Japan, with effect from 1 April, 2009. The international cargo fuel surcharge on long-haul international routes for flights departing Japan will decrease from 115 yen (US$1.71) to 31 yen per kg. In the case of medium-haul international routes, the surcharge will decrease from 99 to 27 yen per kg, and on … [Read more...] about JAL lowers cargo fuel surcharge
Chinese exports plunge 26% in February
China's exports declined 25.7 percent year-on-year in February, the fourth straight monthly decline, according to China's General Administration of Customs. Total foreign trade was US$124.95 billion in February, down 24.9 per cent year-on-year. Total Chinese exports in February amounted to US$64.9 billion, reflecting weak demand for Chinese goods in the US and Europe. The country's imports also slumped 24.1 per cent to $60.05 billion. China's trade surplus narrowed to US$4.84 billion, less than … [Read more...] about Chinese exports plunge 26% in February
N. Korea warns away carriers from its skies
The United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organisation has called on North Korea to retract its threat against South Korean passenger planes. Last week, the North said it could not guarantee the safety of South Korean passenger jets flying near its airspace if Seoul continues with its plans to conduct 12 days of joint military drills with the US. Korean Airlines and Asiana have said they will re-route flights away from North Korea as a precaution." A military threat to the normal … [Read more...] about N. Korea warns away carriers from its skies