The industry clearly ‘appears’ to be turning the corner on the disaster named ‘2009’, but like a freight train, some carriers are further out ahead with others still making the corner and some yet to turn. But what is interesting to watch is just how the different players come through after making that turn. Some come out looking much worse for the wear, whereas others like Lufthansa (the subject of this issue’s cover story) are emerging smelling like … [Read more...] about Clearing the corner

The Singapore Aircargo Agents Association (SAAA) has highlighted that the government subsidies for security measures applicable to ‘Unknown Consignments’ has expired as of 30 June 2010. As such the Cargo Terminal Operators — SATS and CIAS — have set fees to recover the cost of the measures from 1 July 2010. SATS notified the industry that it would charge a fee of SGP$0.02/kg subject to a minimum charge of $20/shipment for screening of unknown export … [Read more...] about Become regulated SAAA urges cargo agents

Ahh, the fading glamour of being a flight attendant. For one JetBlue flight attendant the last drop of glamour clearly evaporated on his recent – and probably last – flight after he bailed out as the aircraft sat on the tarmac at JFK International Airport awaiting its gate assignment. For those not familiar with the incident which occurred last month, flight attendant Steven Slater decided enough was enough after a particularly abusive passenger pushed him too far. … [Read more...] about Exit, stage left!

10. Ryan**r takes cost cutting to the extreme 9. A pull a day keeps the doctor away 8. Oh no, not another reality TV show!? 7. Who’s the smart ass that built the apron on a slope? 6. Here at Airline X, we take the environment seriously! 5. Ok, who farted?! 4. That’s it. If i have to do the pushback too, I quit. 3. Ok fine, you won. Best two out of three? 2. Why can’t we just use chocks like everyone else? 1. Hey you... fat boy with the … [Read more...] about The Bellyachers top 10

The specialist heavy lift and outsize air cargo market has been given a major capacity boost courtesy of all people – the Russian military! According to reports, the 224th Air Detachment of Military Transport Aviation detachment of the Russian Airforce has begun operating two Antonov 124 freighters on a commercial charter basis. At first we thought this would probably be met with laughter by the other An-124 operators like Volga-Dnepr, Polet and Maximus, but then we got to thinking … [Read more...] about Just when you thou ght it was safe to get back into the cargo market

In line with Payload Asia’s addition of coverage on the important maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market, the next edition of the magazine will feature a supplement covering developments in this sector. With a steady annual growth of nearly four per cent the global MRO market is expected to exceed US$65 billion within the next decade. Traditional North American and European markets are expected to see a decreasing market share as more MRO hubs are established in Asia, the … [Read more...] about MRO Supplement in October issue