China reportedly plans to invest 52billion yuan (6.7 billion dollars) inbuilding 37 new airports and expanding31 others in the west of the countryover the next four years. Citing China’s civil aviation authorities,the People’s Daily said thatwestern areas of the country had only38 percent of the nation’s airports,and the need for more access to aviationwas growing along with economicdevelopment. The remote north western parts ofthe country were particularly deprived,it … [Read more...] about China to build 37 airports in remote west
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Beijing confirms challenge to Boeing, Airbus
The Chinese government has confirmedthat it had taken the “importantstrategic decision” to challenge Boeingand Airbus by setting up a state-ownedcompany to build passenger jets, theFinancial Times reported. A statementposted on the government’s web sitesaid the decision to begin researchand development with a view to marketentry reflected “the wish of the entireChinese people for many years”. It said the decision was made onFebruary 26 but gave no reason … [Read more...] about Beijing confirms challenge to Boeing, Airbus
Airbus flies A380 to Hong Kong for route proofing
Airbus and Lufthansa at the endof last month flew an A380 to HongKong as part of global route proofingprogramme that also included visits toNew York and Chicago. At least half of the 20 airports thatare expected to get most of the A380flights are located in the Asia-Pacificregion. Hong Kong InternationalAirport and other locations in Asiaand Australia have widened taxiwaysand built new air bridges to meet thenew loading requirements for the superjumbo. The Hong Kong Airport Authority,for … [Read more...] about Airbus flies A380 to Hong Kong for route proofing
Saudia plans freighter to Guangzhou
Saudi Arabian Airlines Cargo ishoping to start freighter services toGuangzhou if it can secure a secondleased B747 freighter. The carrier leased a B747-200F fromAir Atlanta last June, which joined thefour MD-11Fs and one B747-200F inSaudia's own fleet. Fahad Hammad,vice president cargo sales and servicessays he is hoping to finalise negotiationsfor a second leased B747F in April,along with an A300 freighter for regionalroutes. The Guangzhou route would betwice a week, rising to three times … [Read more...] about Saudia plans freighter to Guangzhou
Cologne pushing for Asian freighters
Cologne-Bonn has launched a majorpush to reposition itself as a generalcargo airport, as it prepares for thedeparture of DHL's express operationsand its joint venture long-haul flightswith Lufthansa Cargo to the integrator'snew European hub in Leipzig,Germany in 2008. Gerton Hulsman,the airport's head of cargo businessdevelopment, says he has been talkingto airlines as varied as Emirates, Etihad,Gulf Air, China Southern, ShanghaiAirlines and Jade Cargo International,about starting freighter … [Read more...] about Cologne pushing for Asian freighters
Ocean scoops Air France -200Fs; plans more Asian routes
Ocean Airlines of Italy has boughtfour B747-200Fs from Air France tobe delivered over the next year, withan option to buy two more. It plans touse them to start services to Nagoya,Kuala Lumpur and Seoul before theend of 2007. The carrier, which currently has two-200Fs, currently flies four times a weekto Hong Kong, three times a week toShanghai via Bishkek. CEO Rossano deLuca says it will be seeking partners forall its new Asian routes, though can giveno details as yet. "Our philosophy … [Read more...] about Ocean scoops Air France -200Fs; plans more Asian routes
