VIRGIN ATLANTIC TO BID FOR GATWICK
Virgin Atlantic has indicated its interest in bidding for Gatwick Airport as part of a consortium. The second biggest British airport could be worth more than £2 billion according to some reports.
EMIRATES SUSPENDS A380 FLIGHTS
Emirates has suspended the use of its new A380 aircraft on the JFK route until September 12. The reason is an electrical fault that was noticed during a training session.
GULF AIR ORDERS DREAMLINERS
Gulf Air has signed a letter of intent to purchase 8 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in addition to 16 already ordered. The list price of these aircraft is around US$1.68 billion.
INAUGURAL FLIGHT FOR BOMBARDIER CRJ1000NG
Bombardier’s prototype CRJ1000NG has made its first flight from Mirabel in Quebec, Canada. The aircraft programme has already secured 63 orders from four airlines. The first delivery is expected to take place at the end of 2009.
A350 DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA
One of the main centres for the development of the A350 aircraft will be created in Bangalore, India. The A350 XWB which stands for Xtra Wide Body will be the main competitor of the Boeing 787 and 480 aircraft have already been ordered. It will be put into service in 2013.
AIRBUS PLANT TO BE BUILT IN TUNISIA
Airbus is planning to build a components plant in Tunisia in an effort to cut €1 billion of costs. It will be the manufacturer’s first factory outside the Euro zone created for reasons related to costs control.
AIRLINES TO LOSE $5.2 BILLION
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced a revised industry financial forecast according to which, the global airline industry is expected to lose US$5.2 billion in 2008 based on an average crude oil price of US$113 per barrel (US$140 for jet fuel). Fuel is expected to rise to 36% of operating costs compared to 13% in 2002.
In July, passenger demand growth fell to 1.9% (the lowest level in five years). In the meantime, capacity increased by 3.8% proving that service cuts are not keeping pace with the fall in passenger demand. Cargo demand in the same month was reduced by 1.9% compared to 2007. Asia-Pacific carriers, the largest in the cargo market, saw a 6.5% drop in demand.
DUQM AIRPORT TO BE BUILT
Oman’s second international airport, Duqm Airport will be constructed and an invitation for bids has been announced. The budget for the new airport is US$200 million.
BLUESKY TAXI TAKES OFF
A new air taxi operator flies residents of the area around Chicago on trips that could take two days by car for a business trip. BluSky Taxi charges per minute with a meter in the cockpit. For $8.25 a minute or $495 an hour, a 50 minute flight can cost as much as driving 160 miles. It currently operates a Cirrus SR22 and an Eclipse 500.
PRESTIGE JET ACQUIRES NEW JETS
Prestige Jet has acquired a Cessna Citation Sovereign, a Challenger 604 and an Embraer Legacy 600 increasing the number of its aircraft to 11.
Forthcoming Events
Very Light Jets – Europe
25-26 September 2008
Barcelona, Spain
www.miuevents.com/vlj-eu-08
Very Light Jets – Latin America & The Caribbean
10-11 November 2008
Miami, USA
www.miuevents.com/vlj-lac-08
Indian Business Aviation Expo (IBAE)
1-2 December 2008
Mumbai, India
www.miuevents.com/ibae2008 |
