The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed the Copenhagen Accord as an “important step in the right direction” for climate change. IATA said the fact that aviation emissions were not addressed specifically in the accord, is a “reflection of the pro-active measures the industry has taken to set challenging targets for itself, together with an aggressive strategy to achieve them.” The industry body also pledged to continue working towards … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Copenhagen accord step in right direction: IATA

GE Capital Aviation Services Ltd. (GECAS), the Irish-based aircraft leasing business of General Electric Capital Corporation announced the sale of 15 commercial aircraft valued at approximately US$830 million, leased to multiple airlines around the world to CDB Leasing Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Development Bank. CDB Leasing, which has to date completed delivery of 45 aircraft, said it is seeking to expand its international presence. … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: GE Capital sells 15 aircraft to China’s CDB

Swiss WorldCargo has announced the launch of direct flights between Zurich and San Francisco from 2 June 2010. The cargo division of Swiss said it will operate a six-times weekly service with wide A340-300 body aircraft which will essentially double cargo capacity on the route. … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Swiss Cargo doubles capacity on Zurich-San Fran

Martinair Cargo has delivered four white rhinos from Prague to Nairobi with a Boeing 747 BCF. A successful breeding programme of the Czech Zoo Dvur Králové enables them to bring these special animals who are threatened by extinction, into the wild. After arrival in Kenya they continued their journey by truck to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where they were released in a special habitat where they will stay to get used to living in the wild. The unique cargo is not the first for … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Martinair Cargo flies white rhinos to freedom

Alitalia and Etihad Airways have signed a codeshare agreement from the start of the summer season in April 2010, subject to government approvals. Under the proposed deal, Etihad will place its two-letter ‘EY’ code on a number of services operated by Alitalia from Milan to Rome and Naples, and between selected European destinations and Rome, including Frankfurt, Geneva and Munich. In turn, Alitalia will place its ‘AZ’ code on Etihad’s flights … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Alitalia and Etihad sign codeshare

Wataniya Airways, Kuwait’s newest carrier, commenced cargo operations on 1 November 2009, offering premium and express products to the region using its growing fleet of A320 aircraft. Wataniya Airways Cargo plans to offer a quality service that it says will “match and exceed the service levels of its regional competitors.” “We are a premium service airline operating A320 aircraft from Kuwait to eight major destinations in the Gulf and the Middle East,” … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Wataniya Airways is Kuwait’s latest airline