Alitalia’s board recently outlined fi nancial and performance targets for its “survival/transition” plan. The aim is to keep the carrier viable through 2010 as it continues to seek a sale to private investors. The board’s plan, set to guide operations from March 30, 2008, through 2010, aims to reduce overall revenue 2.7 per cent and lower costs by 8 per cent. “Repositioning of long-haul activities and the development of lowcost activities,” along with … [Read more...] about EUROPE: Alitalia outlines 'survival plan'

Fuelled by a 10 per cent annual growth rate, China’s flourishing air cargo industry will need nearly 570 freighters in service by 2026 – a full 10 fold increase over current fl eet capacity - according to the China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I). According to AVIC I cargo airlines in China operated a total of 46 dedicated freighters at the end of 2006. “China’s air cargo market will maintain an annual growth rate of 10.5 per cent in the next two decades, … [Read more...] about CHINA: China's rosy future freighter demand

Chile and India have signed a new open skies agreement allowing “unlimited cargo services between the two countries using any type of aircraft with full traffi c rights to, from or via any intermediary”. The agreement supersedes a previous agreement which although creating a liberalised environment, imposed certain restrictions. Chilean Civil Aeronautic Council (JAC) secretary general, Jorge Frei, highlighted the signifi cance of the newly refined tie-up: “We’re … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: 'Open Skies' for Chile and India cargo

Los Angeles International Airport is an “extremely challenged” facility that lacks the proper equipment and infrastructure to handle the type of massive computer meltdown that left more than 17,300 passengers stranded last month, according to the airport’schief executive. The Whittier Daily News reported that the comments from Gina Marie Lindsay, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports, came just days after a glitch in a single laptop computer shut down the US … [Read more...] about AMERICAN GATEWAYS FOR ASIA~ Perfect storm at ‘extremely challenged’ LAX