EIA446 filed a flight plan KIAB -> KCHS

EIA446/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KIAB (Mc Connell Afb) at 09:00AM CST heading for KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) for an estimated arrival at 11:56AM EST.

Expected route: BURDN COODY RZC MEM J118 GQO J118 SPA J47 CHS

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA446

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EIA446 filed a flight plan KIAB -> KCHS

EIA446/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KIAB (Mc Connell Afb) at 03:00PM CST heading for KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) for an estimated arrival at 05:54PM EST.

Expected route: BURDN COODY RZC MEM J118 SPA J47 CHS

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA446

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA465 filed a flight plan KCHS -> KIAB

EIA465/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) at 12:05PM EST heading for KIAB (Mc Connell Afb) for an estimated arrival at 01:46PM CST.

Expected route: CHS J47 CAE J52 VUZ J41 MEM RZC J182 ICT

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA465

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA406 filed a flight plan KPAE -> KCHS

EIA406/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 07:10PM PST heading for KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) for an estimated arrival at 02:41AM EST.

Expected route: SEA J90 MWH J34 BIL J151 STL J45 PLESS Q19 BNA J46 VXV J99 IRQ J4 CAE J47 CHS

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA406

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA461 filed a flight plan KCHS -> KPAE

EIA461/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) at 03:45PM EST heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 05:54PM PST.

Expected route: CHS J47 CAE J4 IRQ J99 VXV J46 BNA J45 STL IRK OVR ONL J151 BIL J136 GEG

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA461

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EIA5180 filed a flight plan PANC -> KPAE

EIA5180/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from PANC (Anchorage Intl) at 07:15PM AKST heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 11:17PM PST.

Expected route: ANC FRIED TR19 YZP J523 YZT J502

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5180

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EIA5180 filed a flight plan PANC -> KPAE

EIA5180/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from PANC (Anchorage Intl) at 01:49PM AKST heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 05:48PM PST.

Expected route: ANC FRIED TR19 YZP J523 YZT J502

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5180

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA446 filed a flight plan KIAB -> KCHS

EIA446/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KIAB (Mc Connell Afb) at 02:00PM CST heading for KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) for an estimated arrival at 04:54PM EST.

Expected route: BURDN COODY RZC MEM J118 SPA J47 CHS

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA446

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA404 filed a flight plan KPAE -> KIAB

EIA404/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 06:30AM PST heading for KIAB (Mc Connell Afb) for an estimated arrival at 11:18AM CST.

Expected route: SEA J90 MWH LKT J52 FQF J80 GLD J182 ICT

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA404

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

BOE2 filed a flight plan KPAE -> KBFI

BOE2/B787 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 11:00AM PST heading for KBFI (Boeing Field Intl) for an estimated arrival at 05:00PM PST.

Expected route: TOU TOU210030 TOU JAWBN JAWBN1

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/BOE2

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EIA5109 filed a flight plan PANC -> RJGG

EIA5109/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from PANC (Anchorage Intl) at 03:16PM AKST heading for RJGG (Chubu Centrair Int'l (Centrair)) for an estimated arrival at 07:30AM UTC.

Expected route: ANC NODLE R220 NANZA R220 NATES R220 NIPPI R220 R220 R217 SDE V22 GOC W18

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5109

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EIA5109 filed a flight plan KPAE -> PANC

EIA5109/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 11:00AM PST heading for PANC (Anchorage Intl) for an estimated arrival at 01:01PM AKST.

Expected route: PAE SEA J523 TOU J501 YAZ T479 YZP J501 JOH YESKA3

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5109

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5102 filed a flight plan KPAE -> EGPK

EIA5102/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 12:00PM PST heading for EGPK (Glasgow Prestwick Int'l) for an estimated arrival at 04:43AM UTC.

Expected route: EDGES J517 YXC J500 VLR 07000W YWK YYR NATV 04000W NATV 03000W NATV BRUCE TRN

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5102

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5102 filed a flight plan KPAE -> EGPK

EIA5102/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 12:00PM PST heading for EGPK (Glasgow Prestwick Int'l) for an estimated arrival at 04:37AM UTC.

Expected route: EDGES J517 YXC J500 VLR 07000W YWK YYR 05000W 04000W 03000W 02000W 01500W GOW

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5102

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5161 filed a flight plan KCHS -> KPAE

EIA5161/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) at 04:40PM EST heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 06:44PM PST.

Expected route: CHS J47 CAE J4 IRQ J99 VXV J46 BNA J45 STL IRK OVR ONL J151 BIL J136 GEG

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5161

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5161 filed a flight plan KCHS -> KPAE

EIA5161/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) at 05:22PM EST heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 07:27PM PST.

Expected route: CAE J4 IRQ J99 VXV J46 BNA J45 STL IRK OVR ONL J151 BIL J136 GEG

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5161

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5186 filed a flight plan KPAE -> KCHS

EIA5186/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 03:32PM PST heading for KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) for an estimated arrival at 11:13PM EST.

Expected route: ODESS J34 BIL J151 DSM J151 STL J45 PLESS Q19 BNA J46 VXV J99 IRQ J4 CAE J47 CHS

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5186

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5186 filed a flight plan RJGG -> KPAE

EIA5186/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from RJGG (Chubu Centrair Int'l (Centrair)) at 04:15PM UTC heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 05:11PM PST.

Expected route: YYJ

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5186

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5186 filed a flight plan RJGG -> KPAE

EIA5186/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from RJGG (Chubu Centrair Int'l (Centrair)) at 07:30AM UTC heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 08:34AM PST.

Expected route: YYJ

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5186

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5127 filed a flight plan EGPK -> KCHS

EIA5127/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from EGPK (Glasgow Prestwick Int'l) at 02:16PM UTC heading for KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) for an estimated arrival at 04:53PM EST.

Expected route: YJT J581 BGR J79 LFV J79 CUJKE J62 SHLEP J121 CHS

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5127

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EIA5127 filed a flight plan EGPK -> KCHS

EIA5127/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from EGPK (Glasgow Prestwick Int'l) at 07:19PM UTC heading for KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) for an estimated arrival at 10:27PM EST.

Expected route: YJT J581 BGR J79 LFV J79 CUJKE J62 SHLEP J121 CHS

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5127

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5109 filed a flight plan KPAE -> RJGG

EIA5109/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 09:00AM PST heading for RJGG (Chubu Centrair Int'l (Centrair)) for an estimated arrival at 02:32AM UTC.

Expected route: PAE SEA J523 TOU TR13 SPONJ ORNAI 14000W 15000W 16000W CDB A342 OLCOT R580 OPHET R580 R580 OATIS OTR3 OTR3 GOC W18 SWING NORARC

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5109

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EIA5109 filed a flight plan KPAE -> RJGG

EIA5109/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 09:00AM PST heading for RJGG (Chubu Centrair Int'l (Centrair)) for an estimated arrival at 03:38AM UTC.

Expected route: PAE SEA J523 TOU TR13 SPONJ ORNAI 14000W 15000W 16000W CDB A342 DRAPP A342 OLCOT R580 OMOTO R580 OATIS OTR3 GOC W18 SWING NORARC

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5109

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5162 filed a flight plan KCHS -> LIBG

EIA5162/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) at 05:29PM EST heading for LIBG (Grottaglie) for an estimated arrival at 07:18AM UTC.

Expected route: CHS J121 ISO J121 ORF AR9 ZIBUT LARGE R56 SLATN 06000W 05000W 04000W 03000W 02000W STG BCN ALG ROBOT ROBOT1C

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5162

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5141 filed a flight plan KIAB -> KPAE

EIA5141/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KIAB (Mc Connell Afb) at 08:49PM CST heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 09:48PM PST.

Expected route: FQF J20 BEAMO J20 SEA

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5141

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5162 filed a flight plan KCHS -> LIBG

EIA5162/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) at 05:19PM EST heading for LIBG (Grottaglie) for an estimated arrival at 07:09AM UTC.

Expected route: CHS J121 ISO J121 ORF AR9 ZIBUT LARGE R56 SLATN 06000W 05000W 04000W 03000W 02000W STG BCN ALG ROBOT ROBOT1C

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5162

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5186 filed a flight plan KPAE -> KCHS

EIA5186/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 12:04PM PST heading for KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) for an estimated arrival at 07:45PM EST.

Expected route: MWH J34 BIL J151 RAP J151 STL J45 PLESS Q19 BNA J46 VXV J99 IRQ J4 CAE J47 CHS

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5186

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA465 filed a flight plan KCHS -> KIAB

EIA465/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) at 11:00AM EST heading for KIAB (Mc Connell Afb) for an estimated arrival at 12:30PM CST.

Expected route: RZC J182 ICT

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA465

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5186 filed a flight plan RJGG -> KPAE

EIA5186/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from RJGG (Chubu Centrair Int'l (Centrair)) at 07:40AM UTC heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 09:03AM PST.

Expected route: YYJ

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5186

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5186 filed a flight plan RJGG -> KPAE

EIA5186/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from RJGG (Chubu Centrair Int'l (Centrair)) at 04:43PM UTC heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 06:08PM PST.

Expected route: YYJ

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5186

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA461 filed a flight plan KCHS -> KPAE

EIA461/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) at 11:50AM EST heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 02:01PM PST.

Expected route: ONL J151 BIL J136 GEG

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA461

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA5109 filed a flight plan KPAE -> RJGG

EIA5109/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 09:00AM PST heading for RJGG (Chubu Centrair Int'l (Centrair)) for an estimated arrival at 02:44AM UTC.

Expected route: PAE SEA J523 TOU TR13 SPONJ ORNAI 14000W 15000W 16000W CDB A342 OLCOT R580 OATIS OTR3 GOC W18 SWING NORARC

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA5109

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA406 filed a flight plan KIAB -> KCHS

EIA406/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KIAB (Mc Connell Afb) at 07:43AM CST heading for KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) for an estimated arrival at 10:51AM EST.

Expected route: MEM J118 SPA J47 CHS

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA406

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA406 filed a flight plan KPAE -> KIAB

EIA406/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 09:00AM PST heading for KIAB (Mc Connell Afb) for an estimated arrival at 01:48PM CST.

Expected route: SEA J90 MWH LKT J52 FQF J80 GLD J182 ICT

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA406

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA461 filed a flight plan KCHS -> KPAE

EIA461/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) at 10:24AM EST heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 12:38PM PST.

Expected route: BNA J45 STL IRK OVR ONL J151 BIL J136 GEG

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA461

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

BOE2 filed a flight plan KBFI -> KPAE

BOE2/B788 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KBFI (Boeing Field Intl) at 03:30PM PST heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 04:15PM PST.

Expected route: SEA281035 TOU JAWBN

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/BOE2

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BOE1 filed a flight plan KMWH -> KBFI

BOE1/B788 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KMWH (Grant Co Intl) at 12:30PM PST heading for KBFI (Boeing Field Intl) for an estimated arrival at 02:30PM PST.

Expected route: EPH020020 GLASR

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/BOE1

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BOE1 filed a flight plan KBFI -> KMWH

BOE1/B788 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KBFI (Boeing Field Intl) at 09:15AM PST heading for KMWH (Grant Co Intl) for an estimated arrival at 11:45AM PST.

Expected route: SEA V120 EPH

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/BOE1

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EIA406 filed a flight plan KPAE -> KCHS

EIA406/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KPAE (Snohomish County) at 11:06AM PST heading for KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) for an estimated arrival at 06:39PM EST.

Expected route: BIL J151 STL J45 PLESS Q19 BNA J46 VXV J99 IRQ J4 CAE J47 CHS

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA406

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

EIA461 filed a flight plan KCHS -> KPAE

EIA461/B744 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KCHS (Charleston Afb/Intl) at 11:37AM EST heading for KPAE (Snohomish County) for an estimated arrival at 01:38PM PST.

Expected route: ONL J151 BIL J136 GEG

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EIA461

To edit or disable these alerts please visit http://flightaware.com/account/manage/alerts/

BOE1 filed a flight plan KBFI -> KBFI

BOE1/B788 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KBFI (Boeing Field Intl) at 09:46AM PST heading for KBFI (Boeing Field Intl) for an estimated arrival at 05:00PM PST.

Expected route: EPH EPH360020 GLASR GLASR7

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/BOE1

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BOE1 filed a flight plan KMWH -> KBFI

BOE1/B788 has just filed a flight plan. It is scheduled to depart from KMWH (Grant Co Intl) at 03:00PM PST heading for KBFI (Boeing Field Intl) for an estimated arrival at 05:00PM PST.

Expected route: EPH EPH360020 GLASR GLASR7

For more information visit http://flightaware.com/live/flight/BOE1

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AIR NEWS AUSTRALIA - 13 JANUARY 2010

 

 

From: Drew Draper
Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 2:07 AM
To: Drew Draper
Cc: Dianna Villanueva
Subject: AIR NEWS AUSTRALIA - 13 JANUARY 2010

 

AIR NEWS AUSTRALIA - 13 JANUARY 2010

 

 

2010 Year of the Asian Airline Bailout: China Eastern, Air India, JAL, THAI, MAS & Garuda

Source: www.centreforaviation.com

Date: 13 January 2010

Embattled Asia Pacific airlines will receive multi-billion dollar bailouts under the guise of restructuring programmes this year. Japan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Air India are requiring the biggest surgery, while Garuda Indonesia, Thai Airways and Malaysia Airlines form a second tier of carriers needing government assistance to help them resolve past - and recent - struggles. In all, these six airlines are set to receive well over USD10 billion in bailouts in the first three months of 2010, according to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation's estimates of recent news reports in its Asia Pacific Airline Daily report.

The government backers are supporting their flag carriers in the interest of preserving jobs and maintaining air services.

Japan Airlines on track for expensive bankruptcy filing: Bailout: USD8.7 billion+

Japan Airlines' restructure is set to account for the lion's share of government bailout funding in the region, with the state-backed Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp of Japan (ETIC) reportedly planning to arrange for JPY800 billion (USD8.7 billion) in capital to be made available to JAL to supports its ongoing operations, according to latest reports.

The ETIC has reportedly calculated that up to JPY1.4 trillion (USD15.2 billion) will be required to rebuild the airline, so JAL could be the recipient of government support for several years to come as it progresses through a very complex rehabilitation programme, possibly including a managed bankruptcy next week.

China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines - expensive merger: Bailout: USD3 billion+

Saving China Eastern Airlines is the next most expensive item in the region, with Beijing injecting around USD2 billion last year and a further USD1 billion this month through its participation in the airline's reorganisation share issue - a key plank of its merger with cross-town loss-making rival Shanghai Airlines.

China Eastern announced in Jul-2009 that it would swap 1.3 of its Shanghai-listed A-shares for every Shanghai Airlines share. Shanghai Airlines, which has 1.3 billion outstanding shares, will be delisted from the Shanghai Stock Exchange following the merger.  The merger plan has already been approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission and is now within its implementation stage.

China Eastern will suspend stock trading until Thursday of this week and Shanghai Airlines will suspend trading until its delisting procedures are completed.

Air India's losses continue to mount: Bailout: USD1 billion+

Asia's other billion dollar bailout airline, Air India, expects to receive its first infusion of INR20 billion (USD430 million) from the Indian Government by 31-Mar-2010, as it enters the initial stages of its challenging restructure, targeted at the rationalisation of its fleet and route network to reduce its cost base and provide the carrier a more stable footing. At least USD1 billion is expected to be required by the airline, as losses are expected to reach USD800 million in the 12 months ending 31-Mar-2010.

Malaysia Airlines taps government in rights issue: USD900 million

A second tier of Asian carriers, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines and Garuda Indonesia, are also turning to their governments for additional support to clear past debts (in the case of Garuda) or to top up working capital after a very difficult 2009 and ahead of increasing aircraft deliveries later this year.

Malaysia Airlines' proposed 1-for-1 rights issue, at RM1.60 per share, will raise up to MYR3 billion in cash. Khazanah Nasional Bhd and subsidiary PMB, which collectively own 69.3% stake of MAS, have undertaken to subscribe in full their entitlement, equating to a USD600 million investment.

Thai Airways submits recapitalisation programme to Finance Ministry: USD800 million

Thai Airways has submitted its recapitalisation programme to the Thai Finance Ministry, with the government reportedly unofficially agreeing to participate in the share issuance part of the programme, in a move that would see the government maintain its 51% stake in the carrier. The programme, aimed at reducing the carrier’s debt-to-equity ratio, also includes the refinancing through bank loans and bond issues, in addition to the share issue.

The amount to be provided by the government is not yet known, but previous reports suggested the airline wanted to raise up to USD1.6 billion, meaning the state could be tapped for at least half this amount.

Garuda clears key hurdle in IPO preparations: USD350 million+

Garuda Indonesia has meanwhile completed its debt restructuring with international and domestic Noteholders, meaning a key hurdle in its IPO ambitions has been passed. The airline earlier recently completed the restructuring of Garuda's trade debt with Pertamina and airport operators Angkasa Pura I and Angkasa Pura II, as well as the conversion of the mandatory convertible bonds held by Bank Mandiri. CEO, Emirsyah Satar, stated, Garuda will "continue to work to complete the restructuring of its other debts as soon as possible", ahead of its planned IPO in 1Q2010, in which the carrier plans to sell 25% of its shares to raise approximately USD300 million. Funds raised will be used to fund new aircraft and enhance operations. Garuda is currently selecting underwriters for the offer. The carrier plans to order 50 aircraft to increase its fleet to 116 by 2014.

Asiana and Tiger

Asiana Airlines' parent is also in financial difficulty and seeking relief from its debts. Meanwhile Tiger Airways is also tapping the equity market to raise fresh capital. But the IPO is likely to be heavily supported by Singapore-government backed entities like Singapore Airlines/Temasek to maintain their current shareholding levels. Tiger is also reportedly seeing a slow response from private investors, given the state of the airline industry - as documented above.

Outlook: Deep pockets keeps wheels turning

That governments are swallowing hard and investing in their airlines is good news for travellers and airports, as it maintains competitive levels in the market. But keeping inefficient operators in the game is not good for the industry's long term health and makes it more difficult for the well run (and new entrant) airlines to grow and compete.

The "flag carrier" fixation remains a powerful political motivation, with many airline still considered "too big to fail". Whether government funds could be better applied in other ways tends to become secondary to the concerns over national prestige or simple job protection. In several of the national markets of the bailout airlines above there are private airlines operating concurrently - without government support and in several cases, profitably.

Clearly, we have a long way to go before the commercial airline industry becomes fully commercial. If the ills of the past year have not been sufficient to jolt governments into stepping back from intervention, indeed the prospect of a self-sustaining business remain remote.

This article is part of the CAPA Membership service, offering over 150 news/analysis articles each day.  See www.centreforaviation.com

 

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Jetstar Pacific 'violated regulations'

Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/jetstar-pacific-violated-regulations-20100113-m69c.html
Date: 13 January 2010

Top managers at Vietnamese budget airline Jetstar Pacific, part-owned by Australia's Qantas, violated maintenance regulations, official media reports.

The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) ruled the three officials made mistakes in monitoring maintenance work and had not fulfilled the company's commitment to safety, Vietnam News Agency said late on Tuesday.

It identified the managers as former general director Luong Hoai Nam and two foreigners who headed the airline's maintenance and technical quality sections. It did not say where the foreigners were from.

"Key JPA executives have to take responsibility for these systematic mistakes," the report quoted the CAAV as saying.

A spokesman for the agency could not be immediately reached by AFP.

Hanoi police arrested Luong Hoai Nam last week for alleged neglect of responsibility in the performance of his duty causing "serious consequences", local media reports said.

He resigned from his post late last year, they said.

Jetstar Pacific (JPA) is 27 per cent owned by Australia's Qantas Group, according to the airline's website which says the carrier was known as Pacific Airlines until May 2008.

The largest shareholder is the Vietnamese government.

CAAV deputy director Lai Xuan Thanh said Jetstar Pacific had made numerous mistakes which put flights at risk. According to Vietnam News Agency, he cited faults related to personnel appointments, hangars, equipment, and the licences and certificates of maintenance technicians.

The CAAV demanded Jetstar Pacific restructure its quality supervision system, the report added.

Local media have not clearly explained the alleged neglect which led to the arrest of former general director Nam, but the People's Police newspaper reported the airline lost more than $US30 million ($A32.62 million) related to aviation fuel purchases.

Qantas said on Friday that two of its senior executives have been ordered not to leave Vietnam as they help authorities explain how Jetstar Pacific lost $US31 million ($A33.7 million) in fuel hedging.

The employees had done nothing wrong, Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said.

© 2010 AFP

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Japan Airlines shares dive as investors foresee de-listing

Authors: Yoshio Takahashi and Ayai Tomisawa
Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/japan-airlines-shares-dive-as-investors-foresee-de-listing/story-e6frg95x-1225818869251
Date: 13 January 2010

 

SHARES of Japan Airlines plummeted 81 per cent to just 7 yen in brief flickers of trading before going ask-only once again today.

Fears of delisting could push the stock to just Y1, some traders said, as investors brace for a de-listing as part of a government-brokered restructuring package.

The struggling carrier, which may file for bankruptcy protection early next week, finished today’s morning session at a daily limit low of Y7 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with hefty outstanding sell orders far exceeding those to buy.

The free fall came on the heels of yesterday’s 45 per cent plunge to Y37.

Investors seem to have given up the carrier's shares, which could soon be worthless amid the potential for court-led restructuring looming.

The government-backed Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp has proposed that JAL undergo a modified version of court-led rehabilitation, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Japan’s Transport Minister yesterday reiterated that the government will follow the turnaround body's decision on how to revamp the carrier.

But despite the desperate sentiment, some speculators were picking up the ultra-cheap shares on the thin hope they will stay listed. According to local reports, JAL's major creditors are requesting the shares stay listed even under court-led restructuring.

"If the stock isn't de-listed, it would be a chance to make a quick buck," a local proprietary trader said.

Such investors cling to hope even though de-listing concerns could send the stock as low as Y1 tomorrow, the trader said.

"JAL is a prop traders' toy," he said.

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Qantas to fly into JAL's vacated routes

Author: John Durie

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/qantas-to-fly-into-jals-vacated-routes/story-e6frg95x-1225818774723
Date: 13 January 2010

 

JAPAN Airlines' impending nuptials with US carrier Delta will have little impact on Qantas even though the troubled Japanese carrier is or was a key member of its global One World alliance.

Qantas has long had separate bi-lateral code sharing arrangements with JAL and Delta and has already confirmed it will maintain existing relationships should Delta proceed with the JAL acquisition.

Delta also has a relationship with Virgin Blue, but this just covers US to Australia routes.

Some think Qantas may even benefit from JAL's demise because it will open some routes like those from Cairns given JAL is likely to vacate the route.

In recent months Qantas’s efforts with Japan have concentrated on Jetstar and it has made good in roads in part because internet sales have bypassed normal Japanese distribution systems.

The JAL problems have also coincided with One World Partner Cathay Pacific putting more emphasis on building ties with Asia and, in particular, other Chinese based carriers.

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JAL bankers back bankruptcy plan
Author: Peter Alford
Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/jal-bankers-back-bankruptcy-plan/story-e6frg8zx-1225818578466
Date: 13 January 2010

 

THE Japanese government has won the reluctant support of Japan Airlines' major commercial banks for its plan to tip Asia's biggest airline into bankruptcy administration.

The banks agreed in principle to the bankruptcy yesterday, as American Airlines, British Airways and Qantas unveiled a new $US2 billion ($2.16bn) proposal to keep the Japanese carrier locked into the Oneworld alliance.

The package includes $US2bn revenue guarantees over three years, expanded code-sharing and joint operations with JAL on Japan-Australia and Japan-Britain routes, American's turnaround expertise and access to Qantas-Jetstar's "two-brand strategy".

In addition, American, Oneworld and TPG, a US private equity group, have offered to contribute $US1.4bn to JAL's eventual recapitalisation.

However, the American/Oneworld proposal, and a likely improved offer from Delta Airlines and its SkyTeam alliance, will not divert the government from putting Asia's largest airline by revenue into protective bankruptcy.

After three public bailouts in the past decade, the Hatoyama government's plan is to preserve but radically restructure and reduce the 58-year-old airline's operations during a likely three-year administration.

With formal agreement from the big three commercial banks expected by tomorrow, the government will go to the Tokyo High Court to initiate one of the biggest bankruptcies in Japanese history and appoint Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp as administrator. JAL has an estimated Y=840 billion ($9.78bn) deficiency of assets. Unfunded pension obligations are a major aspect of the airline's structural financial problem.

The deadline expired last night for JAL management's attempt to get the requisite two-thirds acceptance from the airline's 9000 pensioners to accept a 30 per cent to entitlements.

But a bankruptcy will make it simpler for the administrator to dissolve and distribute the pension funds, with a greater reduction of retiree benefits, and remove the risk that new capital might be diverted into an unreformed pension plan.

"I understand that they are worried about their livelihoods if the pensions . . . are cut back significantly," Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said yesterday.

"But if we talk about who is responsible for the current situation of JAL, I believe all should take responsibility," he said.

The airline's other stakeholders will take painful losses under the ETIC plan.

The big three commercial banks, plus the publicly-owned Development Bank of Japan which has the largest JAL exposure, will be asked to waive debts of Y=350bn. Airline staff will be reduced by 15,600, about 30 per cent of current numbers, while the turnaround corporation is expected to cut a further 26 foreign and domestic routes on top of the 21 services which were to go already.

JAL is expected to be de-listed, leaving 380,000 ordinary shareholders with nothing.

As part of their haircut, the banks will lose Y=150 trillion of preferred shares.

The banks had proposed a workout for JAL that would have preserved their shareholdings, limited their losses on secured loans, and maintained the airline's public listing.

Although the government has not yet clarified whether JAL's existing equity capital will be extinguished or just heavily reduced, the market was yesterday resigned to the worst.

JAL shares fell 45 per cent yesterday morning to the daily floor of Y=37.

More than 700 million shares, about a quarter of the issued capital, were on offer without any buyers.

According to Tokyo reports yesterday ETIC will arrange about Y=800bn for new funding, expected to be government guaranteed, to carry the airline through the initial stages of its reconstruction.

Later, JAL is expected to need at least another Y=600bn fresh capital.

Earlier in the negotiations, both the American Airlines and Delta groups had offered about Y=100 billion new capital, in competing bids to secure JAL's alliance participation.

However ETIC is understood to have told both it was not interested in such offers, at least until a new capital structure for the rehabilitated airline was settled.

In the meantime, ETIC is expected to provide Y=300bn equity capital to be the airline's sole interim owner.

Yesterday's new offer by American and the two other Oneworld partners, BA and Qantas, is pitched at securing JAL's continuation in the alliance, where it has been a member since 2005, by offering to support ETIC in the operational restructure.

Oneworld has guaranteed for the next three years the $US1.5bn annual revenue JAL receives from alliance operations, plus American and BA have offered another $US500m annually in revenue enhancements.

"This proposal brings stability and certainty to Japan Airlines at a time when it is most needed, when it faces turbulent times over the coming weeks and months," American's chief financial officer Tom Horton said in Tokyo yesterday.

"Qantas has offered to share expertise in relation to its two-brands strategy and low cost carrier business strategy (with Jetstar)," said group executive-commercial, Rob Gurney.

"This model has already proved successful for the Qantas group on services between Australia and Japan."

---

Qantas offers to help JAL
Author: Steve Creedy
Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/qantas-offers-to-help-jal/story-e6frg8zx-1225818572375
Date: 13 January 2010

QANTAS has reiterated its offer to help troubled carrier Japan Airlines set up a low-cost carrier as part of an enhanced $2 billion rescue package headed by the Oneworld alliance.

Qantas is not offering to put any money into the rescue bid but believes JAL would benefit from emulating its two-brand Qantas-Jetstar strategy and has offered to share its expertise.

Qantas executive general manager, commercial, Rob Gurney pointed to the success and profitability of Jetstar and said the domestic market in Australia had expanded at a rate of just over 10 per cent over the past four years.

He said Qantas believed a similar two-brand strategy could be used in Japan.

"JAL's competitive position would be improved in both the leisure and business segments," he said in Tokyo yesterday.

Mr Gurney said Japan was one of the least developed low-cost markets in Asia because of limited access to airport infrastructure.

He said the Jetstar brand, which had been embraced by Japanese passengers, provided JAL with the ability to segment its market and take part in markets its current model made challenging.

"So it will enable . . . it to differentiate its product offering with appropriate costs structures for different market structures," Mr Gurney said.

"And the two things working in tandem, we think, will be very powerful assistance to JAL in its overall restructuring."

Mr Gurney was joined at the conference by executives from Oneworld member airlines Cathay Pacific, British Airways and American Airlines.

Oneworld is desperate to keep JAL as part of the global alliance and is offering concessions as part of a deal that would include an increased $US1.4 billion ($1.5bn) investment by American Airlines, Oneworld and private equity group TPG.

The airlines said enhanced commercial relationships with JAL represented $US2bn in commitments over three years, including $US1.5bn ongoing revenue JAL already realises from Oneworld.

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American Airlines raises stakes against Delta
Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/american-airlines-raises-stakes-against-delta/story-fn3dxity-1225818593103
Date: 12 January 2010

AMERICAN Airlines has raised the stakes in a bidding war with rival Delta for a slice of Japan Airlines, but the ailing company's shares still crashed on fears that bankruptcy is imminent.

Japan's government said it would do everything possible to ensure that Asia's biggest carrier keeps flying during its restructuring, which is expected to include drastic route reductions and thousands of job cuts.

American Airlines, its Oneworld alliance partners and private equity company TPG lifted their proposed investment in JAL to $1.4 billion, from a previous U.S. offer of $1.1 billion.

The U.S. carrier is competing with Delta Air Lines, which has offered JAL a one-billion-dollar financial package, as the two airlines seek to increase their share of the lucrative Asian market.

American's vice president Thomas Horton said the offer "brings stability and certainty to Japan Airlines at a time when it is most needed, as it faces turbulent times over the coming weeks and months."

American said that by sticking with Oneworld, JAL stood to gain two billion dollars over the next three years from its links with alliance members, which also include British Airways, Qantas and Cathay Pacific.

"We believe we have a far superior proposal than the competing proposal," said Mr Horton. "We've had a long-standing relationship with Japan Airlines."

American, which is eager to stop JAL defecting to Delta's SkyTeam alliance, did not say what size of equity stake it would expect in return for the proposed investment.

Investors dumped JAL shares on reports that the debt-ridden airline is likely to be delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange and is preparing for a court-backed bankruptcy filing, possibly next week.

The government has pledged to avoid a total collapse of the former state-owned carrier, but has refused to rule out bankruptcy proceedings, which could aid JAL's restructuring but would likely leave investors out of pocket.

"It is important that we do our utmost to rehabilitate JAL, while continuing its flights," transport minister Seiji Maehara told a news conference.

JAL's share price plunged by the daily limit of 30 yen (US$0.33), or almost 45 percent, to hit a record low of 37 yen Tuesday amid a glut of sell orders. The shares have tumbled 72 percent over the past three months.

JAL, which lost about $1.5 billion in the six months to September, is seeking public aid in the face of mounting debts.

According to Japanese media, JAL is set to receive an injection of government funds worth several hundred billion yen under a restructuring package that would see it file for bankruptcy.

At the same time JAL's creditor banks are expected to be asked to forgive loans worth several hundred billion yen.

JAL is "too big to fail" but the Japanese government may irk voters if it throws cash at the ailing carrier, said Peter Harbison, executive chairman of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, a Sydney-based consulting firm.

The airline needs to take some tough restructuring decisions that "have been skirted for too long", he said.

The airline is reportedly set to slash more than 15,000 jobs over three years to stem massive losses.

JAL is hobbled by heavy costs stretching back to its days as a state-owned flag carrier, as well as a route network that includes flights to small domestic airports that are often unprofitable to service.

But in a major boost to its recovery efforts, more than two-thirds of JAL employees and retirees have agreed to cuts to their pension allowances.

JAL is not the only Asian airline that is suffering, Mr Harbison said.

"There aren't that many airlines in the region that are all that healthy right now. Governments are digging fairly deep to keep these sometimes geriatric flag carriers in the air," he said.

---

JAL shares dive 81 percent in early trade
Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/jal-shares-dive-81-percent-in-early-trade-20100113-m5uz.html
Date: 13 January 2010

Shares in ailing carrier Japan Airlines plunged by more than 81 percent to just seven yen in early trade on Wednesday, hit by a flood of sell orders amid fears it will be delisted from the bourse.

Investors have been dumping the stock on reports that the debt-ridden airline is preparing for a court-backed bankruptcy filing, possibly next week, and that its shares will be delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

JAL's share price dived by the daily limit of 30 yen for a second straight day to hit yet another record low of seven yen, down 81.08 percent from Tuesday's closed.

The government has pledged to avoid a total collapse of the former state-owned carrier, but has refused to rule out bankruptcy proceedings, which could aid JAL's restructuring but would likely leave investors out of pocket.

US carriers American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are in a bidding war for a slice of the airline, the largest in Asia.

© 2010 AFP

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JAL cops maximum drop - again - as bankruptcy looms
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/business/jal-cops-maximum-drop--again--as-bankruptcy-looms-20100113-m5vg.html
Date: 13 January 2010

Japan Airlines Corp, Asia’s biggest carrier, plunged by the daily trading limit for a second day on concerns it will file for what may be the nation’s sixth-largest bankruptcy.

The carrier fell 81 per cent to 7 yen early on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The shares dropped 45 per cent yesterday.

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said yesterday shareholders should take responsibility "in general" for the Tokyo-based carrier, which has been bailed out at least three times in nine years. Hatoyama’s four-month-old government is set to back a court restructuring of the company, according to three people familiar with the situation.

"Individual investors are adding to selling pressure on concern shareholder responsibility is moving toward a delisting," said Yoku Ihara, a special adviser on equity research at Retela Crea Securities Co.

A bankruptcy may allow JAL to shed debts, staff and unprofitable operations after posting a 131.2 billion yen ($US1.4 billion) first-half loss. It may also wipe out investors, including small shareholders owning about 60 percent of the stock.

The government has "largely reached agreement" with Japan Air’s lenders on the way ahead, Transport Minister Seiji Maehara told reporters in Tokyo yesterday, without elaborating. The carrier separately said it won approval from retirees to cut pensions, helping reduce costs.

JAL, which has at least 1.5 trillion yen of liabilities, has struggled because of competition from All Nippon Airways Co., Skymark Airlines Inc. and bullet trains. Worldwide international air travel also likely fell about 4.1 per cent last year, according to the International Air Transport Association, as the global recession sapped demand.

Bloomberg

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JAL shares fall to record low
Author: Geoff Easdown
Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/last-ditch-bid-to-keep-jal-flying/story-e6frfh4f-1225818579958
Date: 12 January 2010

SHARES in Japan Airlines Corp. have fallen to just 7 yen over concerns that it could file for bankruptcy as early as next week.

JAL shares dived this morning, with prices at just 7 yen, down 30 yen - the maximum decline allowed during a day - or 19 per cent from  yesterday's close of 37 yen.

The business daily Nikkei and the major daily Ashai are reporting that Asia's biggest airline is expected to file for bankruptcy protection as early as next week with its shares to be delisted.

 It comes as the Oneworld airline alliance turned its biggest guns on an attempt by Delta to poach key Pacific routes from JAL.

A delegation of Oneworld representatives - from American Airlines, British Airways, Qantas and Cathay Pacific - put up a significantly enhanced $US2 billion offer to stop JAL from being grounded.

American Airlines and its private equity partner Texas Pacific pledged an immediate injection of $US1.4 billion cash - $US300 million more than the pair had previously offered.

American Airlines executive vice-president and chief financial officer Tom Horton said the offer the US carrier had put on the table would deliver roughly $US2 billion in value to JAL over three years.

Qantas has offered to share its expertise in running a budget airline as part of the new deal.

The Oneworld group is desperate to shore up JAL - particularly American, which would lose significant revenue from the code-share agreement it has with JAL on US-Tokyo flights if Delta succeeds in its bid to buy into the Japanese carrier.

Qantas also would be exposed on its highly profitable Jetstar services to Japan because a Delta tie-up would introduce Virgin Blue to the the route.

The new bid, announced in Tokyo late yesterday, emerged at the eleventh hour as the Japanese Government prepares to declare its insolvent national airline bankrupt.

With the boom about to be lowered, JAL shares plunged 45 per cent on the Tokyo market after Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said that JAL's shareholders should take responsibility for the airline's problems.

The Japanese Government had rejected earlier offers from American Airlines and Delta, and was reported to be planning to make 15,000 JAL workers redundant.

Qantas head of sales and distribution Rob Gurney, who was part of the Oneworld delegation, said at a Tokyo press conference that the Australian national carrier was prepared to offer a new JAL the expertise that had been gained in running Jetstar.

 Mr Gurney said that, since Jetstar was established in 2004, Qantas had clearly proven that a coordinated operation of a premium brand with a low-cost brand delivers higher profits than either model in isolation.

"Over the past five years the Jetstar operation has grown to earn over $2 billion in revenue and over $150 million in profit, spurring domestic demand by over 10 per cent," Mr Gurney said.

"Qantas believes that a similar two-brand strategy operating in Japan would deliver benefits to JAL in line with those experienced by Qantas."

British Airways investment director Roger Maynard also held out an offer under which double the number of European cities would be available to JAL passengers via a code-share arrangement.

The British flag carrier also said it was prepared to enter into a joint services agreement, similar to that which it has with Qantas on Australia-UK services, where both carriers could share passengers and profits on flights between Tokyo and London.

American Airlines' Mr Horton said American and TPG would inject $1.4 billion into a Japanese Government plan to revitalise JAL.

Mr Horton said that, apart from the huge cash injection, the Oneworld partners would improve the Japanese carrier's revenue by an estimated $US500 million over the next three years.

 - with agencies

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Jetstar standoff: safety cited
Author: Steve Creedy
Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/jetstar-standoff-safety-cited/story-e6frg95x-1225818584376
Date: 13 January 2010

QANTAS was last night studying claims that Vietnamese budget carrier Jetstar Pacific had repeatedly violated safety rules.

Vietnamese media reported last night that an inquiry into allegations by two former engineers found maintenance staff had intentionally concealed broken aircraft parts and sometimes failed to record procedures in log books.

The reports quoted Lai Xuan Thanh, deputy head of the Vietnam Aviation Agency, as saying the airline had 30 days to remedy the problems and that it had also been asked to rehire the fired engineers.

The Than Mien News said a report to be released next week concluded the airline's weak quality control system was behind the failings in maintenance procedures.

Vietnamese authorities launched a 10-day probe of the airline after its former chief engineer, named by media as Bernard John McCune, accused it of failing follow proper maintenance practices.

The aviation authority appears to be laying the blame for any deficiencies at the feet of former Jetstar Pacific boss Luong Hoai Nam, who was arrested last week over fuel hedging losses at the airline.

Two Australian executives, Daniela Marsilli and Tristan Freeman, have been prevented from leaving Vietnam during the investigation but have not been arrested and are still working at the airline.

The airline appears to have been caught up in an ideological row within Vietnam's communist government and tensions between upstart Jetstar Pacific and national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines.

Qantas owns 27 per cent of Jetstar Pacific and the government-owned State Capital Investment Corporation owns the majority stake of 70 per cent.

Nguyen Tran Bat, the chairman of the Investconsult Group, said Mr Nam's arrest stemmed from "relations between the powerful national carrier Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific".

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Early Airbus delivery lifts Tiger Airways
Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/early-airbus-delivery-lifts-tiger-airways/story-e6frg8zx-1225818588249
Date: 13 January 2010

SINGAPORE budget carrier Tiger Airways has brought forward the delivery of five Airbus A320 aircraft as it races to expand into Asia and Australia.

The aircraft will now be delivered later this year and in early 2011 instead of the original dates in 2016, the firm said.

Standard Chartered Bank had completed a "structured pre-delivery payment financing arrangement" to allow for the early delivery, Tiger said.

"In view of the opportunities for us to grow our business in both Asia and Australia, we have accelerated delivery of these five new aircraft from their original delivery dates in 2016 to now join our fleet later this year and in early 2011," Tiger chief executive Tony Davis said.

Tiger Airways currently operates a fleet of 17 Airbus A320 aircraft and plans to increase that to 68 by December 2015.

The carrier, which is 49 per cent-owned by Singapore Airlines, flies from Singapore to Perth and destinations across Asia. It also operates domestic services in Australia.

Tiger Airways' expansion plans come despite tough conditions in the industry as the global economy recovers from its worst downturn since the 1930s.

Japan Airlines is expected to file for bankruptcy soon, with the global recession and swine flu pandemic dealing a heavy blow to its efforts to recover from financial turbulence stretching back to its privatisation more than two decades ago.

AFP

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Superjumbo result: Airbus rules the skies

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/superjumbo-result-airbus-rules-the-skies-20100113-m5lo.html

Date: 13 January 2010

European aircraft maker Airbus said yesterday it had outperformed US rival Boeing in 2009 as the top producer in the world with 498 plane deliveries and 310 orders.

But its parent company said turnover dropped because of the economic crisis.

Airbus chief executive Tom Enders told reporters at a press conference in Seville in southern Spain that Airbus had a successful year overall because airlines had managed to secure financing for planes despite the credit crunch.

Boeing registered 481 deliveries and 263 orders over the year.

Enders however voiced disappointment that Airbus had only managed to deliver 10 of its super-jumbo A380s in 2009 compared to 12 in 2008. He said he hoped to deliver "at least 20" of the giant jets in 2010.

Airbus parent European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) said 2009 revenues fell nearly 3.5 per cent, to 41.7 billion euros ($A65.6 billion) from 43.2 billion euros in 2008, according to preliminary figures.

EADS chief executive Louis Gallois said 2009 "was not an easy year with a weak dollar (and) we experienced some difficulties... but EADS demonstrated its resilience.

"Who (would) have believed that at the beginning of the year?" he added.

The company said its medium-haul A320 series accounted for 402 of its 2009 deliveries while net orders after cancellations came to 271 with a catalogue value of some $A32.9 billion.

For 2009, orders should "be between 250 and 300," Airbus commercial director John Leahy said while Enders added that production this year should be stable overall.

Enders said it was "very disappointing" that A380 2009 deliveries fell short, adding that the company had taken practical steps to modify the situation.

"We have no time to lose, our target is clearly to develop 20 (A380s) this year," he added.

Airbus chief operating officer Fabrice Breguier said A380 production could be doubled to four a month but gave no timetable, noting the technical challenges involved in building such an advanced and huge aircraft.

Original delivery of the A380 was delayed for two years are serious problems arose and recent technical glitches have forced a number of the planes in service to be grounded for repair.

Despite these setbacks, Enders said the A380 was a success.

"On the positive side, our customers, our passengers love this plane. For some years to come, (it) will... generate revenue," he said.

AFP

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Airbus holds delivery lead over Boeing
Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/airbus-holds-delivery-lead-over-boeing-20100113-m547.html
Date: 13 January 2010

Airbus says it beat rival Boeing Co in terms of aircraft production in 2009, making it the world's largest planemaker.

Airbus on Tuesday reported record deliveries of 498 aircraft in 2009, above its 2008 tally of 483 and Boeing's score of 481, announced last week.

Airbus' net order tally of 271 beat Boeing's 142.

But Airbus CEO Tom Enders says a troubled military transport plane project is endangering the company's competitiveness.

He says he is serious about stopping the A400M program if customer governments don't agree new financial terms and hopes for a decision in coming weeks.

© 2010 AP

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Hero pilot's torch saves passengers from sinking plane
Author: Andrew Heasley
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/hero-pilots-torch-saves-passengers-from-sinking-plane-20100113-m689.html

Date: 13 January 2010

A medical evacuation plane carrying passengers from Melbourne to Samoa was dangerously low on fuel, it has been revealed.

Details of the harrowing incident were released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau for the first time today.

Captain Dominic James, a Cleo bachelor-of-the-year finalist, made several unsuccessful attempts to land the Melbourne-bound medical evacuation flight before making a calculated decision to land on the water.

The Pel-Air Westwind jet - carrying Captain James, co-pilot Zoe Cupit, a doctor, nurse, a sick Samoan woman on a stretcher and her partner - ran into trouble due to low fuel levels and deteriorating weather, investigators found.

Air investigators say the crew decided to only fill the plane's main tanks, which would be sufficient, with reserves, for the flight to Norfolk Island where they planned to refuel. The wing tip tanks were left empty.

But the weather deteriorated on the way, to such an extent that Captain James and his co-pilot were unable to locate two of the runway options for landing at Norfolk Island.

"It was dark and raining with low cloud and poor visibility," the investigators said, and pilots could not get a "visual" on the landing strips.

After the third failed landing attempt, Captain James advised passengers to put on their life jackets in case of ditching in the sea.

After four failed attempts to land by instruments, Captain James decided to ditch in the sea.

Captain James told investigators he never saw the surface of the sea before ditching. Passengers said they felt two or three large impacts when the plane hit the water.

The impact smashed in the main exit door at the front of the plane, rendering it useless, and it started taking water.

Captain James rushed back to the passenger compartment and opened the left-rear emergency door, and the plane "immediately" filled with more water and started to sink.

The passenger was last out, with little breathing space left at the top of the fuselage.

He couldn't see the exit door but felt his way to it, swam out and told authorities that he had to swim upwards for some distance before he hit the surface.

There was no time to deploy the life raft. Captain James returned to the plane in an attempt to get a life raft out, but it was too dangerous. The aircraft then sank, 6 kilometres west of Norfolk Island.

On shore, the airport authorities had been preparing for an emergency response, and readies fishing boats to begin their sweep to look for survivors bobbing in the sea towards the south east. The first boat set off an hour after the plane ditched.

A Norfolk Island fireman, acting on a hunch the plane may have ditched to the west, drove up to a cliff in that direction.

At sea, Captain James realised he had a small LED torch in his pocket. He turned it on and held it skywards and towards the shore, in the hope that someone might see the beam.

The fireman on shore spotted what he thought was an "intermittent glow" to the west. He contacted the rescue centre to relay that the boats were probably heading in the wrong direction and that they should turn their sweep to the west.

The boat spotted the lifejacket lights two kilometres from the survivors. The passengers were plucked from the water suffering shock and hypothermia, but no major injuries. They were taken to Norfolk Island Hospital.

The safety investigators are focusing on the flight's fuel planning, meteorological information, crew management and aeromedical dispatching as their investigation continues, and is expected to take months.

The incident "highlights the risks in operating long distance flights to remote island locations which are subject to rapidly changing weather conditions," air investigators said.

Pel-Air, a subsidiary of regional airline Rex that has former federal transport minister John Sharp on its board, has also reviewed its policies, procedures and safety systems.

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Air ambulance ditched off Norfolk Island after running out of fuel as weather changed
Author: Steve Creedy, Aviation writer
Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/air-ambulance-ditched-off-norfolk-island-after-running-out-of-fuel-as-weather-changed/story-e6frg95x-1225818832003
Date: 13 January 2010

AN air ambulance ditched off Norfolk Island as it ran out of fuel after a dramatic shift in weather conditions undermined the crew's decision not to fill all tanks.

The aircraft with two crew, a doctor, nurse, patient and passenger was forced to set down in darkness about 6km west of the island in what was hailed at the time as a miracle landing.

A preliminary report by air safety investigators released today shows that when the crew of a Pel-Air Westwind jet heading for Melbourne filed a flight plan in Apia, in the Solomon Islands, the forecast weather conditions at Norfolk Island did not require them to carry additional fuel for holding or the nomination of an alternate airport.

As a result, the crew elected to fill only the main tanks - providing enough fuel for the flight and a reserve - and left the aircraft's wing tanks empty.

The aircraft encountered increasing headwinds on the flight and crew received an updated weather forecast from Auckland indicating weather on Norfolk was deteriorating.

Just over three hours into the flight, they received an automatic weather report also indicating the weather had deteriorated and 25 minutes later contacted a communications service on the island to say they were about 20 minutes from the airport.

Over the next hour, they unsuccessfully tried to land four times before deciding to ditch.

“The pilot in command reported maintaining control of the aircraft during the descent by reference to the attitude indicator, and initiating a normal landing flare by reference to the radio altimeter,” the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said. “ The pilot stated that contact with the water was at 100 kts. All of the occupants survived the ditching. The aircraft sank about 6km west of Norfolk Island.”

The report shows that the main door in the plane was pushed in by the force of water during the ditching and water began to flow in when the pilot opened the port emergency door.

“All the occupants advised that they exited the aircraft very quickly and that there had been no time to take the life rafts,” the report said. “The pilot-in-command stated that he returned to the aircraft in an attempt to retrieve a life raft but it was too dangerous.”

Rescuers found the plane after the pilot remembered he had a bright torch in his pocket and shone the beam upwards and towards the shoreline.

An airport firemen who had elected to drive a longer way from the airport to the island's jetty saw the light from a cliff and redirected the rescue vessel.

Air safety investigators said the crew had checked and revalidated its commercial Westwind pilots.

It said the investigation would some months to complete and issues under investigation included the weather information and its effect on the crew's decisions, fuel planning, the operational requirements of the flight and crew resource management.

“While the ATSB has yet to establish all the factors relevant to this occurrence, it nevertheless highlights the risks in operating long distance flights to remote island locations which are subject to rapidly changing weather conditions,” it said.

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'Hero' pilot' was among first to leave ditched plane
Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/hero-pilot-was-among-first-to-leave-ditched-plane/story-fn3dxity-1225818887091
Date: 13 January 2010

A PLANE that crashed into the ocean off Norfolk Island last year was moments away from running out of fuel and had no option but to ditch, an investigation has found.

No extra fuel was carried in the plane's wing tip tanks despite Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations forcing pilots to carry enough fuel for emergencies.

CASA approved the air operator certificate for the airline, Pel-Air, despite lax observance of fuel rules.

The report, by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, provides more details of the hurried escape of the six people aboard.

Late at night on November 18 the medical evacuation plane from Samoa ditched just off Norfolk after attempting to land four times to refuel in poor weather.

The pilot, Dominic James, was forced to put the plane down before he ran out of fuel after failing to update himself on the weather at Norfolk Island.

The pilot and co-pilot later told investigators they never saw the surface of the sea before ditching around 100km/h.

Water crashed through the aircraft’s main door on impact and the aircraft started filling up and sinking.

“The pilot in command moved rearwards from the cockpit into the cabin and ascertained that the main door was not usable,” the report states.

“Continuing rearwards to the two emergency exits in the fuselage centre section, the pilot in command opened the port emergency exit and water immediately flowed in through the door opening.

"The pilot in command exited the aircraft."

The report goes on to tell how the onboard doctor and nurse managed to drag a patient out of the plane.

“The doctor released the patient’s harnesses and opened the starboard (or right) emergency exit.

"Water flowed through the now open emergency exit and the doctor believed that the door opening was completely underwater.

"The flight nurse, doctor and patient exited the aircraft through the starboard emergency exit."

The co-pilot was one of the last to leave the plane.

Another passenger at the front of the plane freed himself and swam upwards towards the back of the plane, then exited through the door opened by the pilot.

“The passenger believed that he swam upwards some distance before reaching the surface of the water.”

"All the occupants advised that they exited the aircraft very quickly, and that there had been no time to take the liferafts," the report said.

"The pilot in command stated that he returned to the aircraft in an attempt to retrieve a liferaft, but it was too dangerous."

The six people aboard the plane were rescued by the crew of a vessel from Norfolk after lifejacket lights were spotted in the water.

Investigations are continuing.

- with The Daily Telegraph

AAP

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New US luggage fees
Author: Christopher Hinton
Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/travel/news/new-us-luggage-fees/story-e6frezi0-1225818700570
Date: 13 January 2010

PASSENGERS on Delta Air Lines and Continental Airlines in the US will face higher luggage fees.

The carriers recently raised their luggage fees to $25 ($A27) and $35 ($A38) for the first and second checked bag, with a small discount available for those who check their luggage online rather than at the airport, Market Watch reports

The new rules apply for regular Delta customers with tickets purchased on or after January 5. Continental's rules apply for tickets purchased on or after January 9 for travel beginning on Saturday.

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Protests over new US airport security plans
Authors: Staff writers
Source: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/protests-over-new-us-airport-security-plans/story-e6frfq80-1225818664493
Date: 13 January 2010

 

THE Middle East and Europe has hit out at US airport security plans to increase inspections of Arabs and body scanners.

The Obama administration recently demanded more full-body pat-downs and screening of people who are citizens of, or are flying from, 14 nations deemed security risks. They include: Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Sudan, Iraq, Cuba, Algeria, Afghanistan, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen.

They said it would require more searches of carryon bags, full-body scanning and explosive-detection technology.

Lebanon's Information Minister Tarek Mitri said citizens of different countries are singled out in a discriminatory fashion.

Officials from the European Union said the new measures would be discriminatory and overly intrusive.

Justice Commissioner-designate Viviane Reding said for privacy reasons scans must be voluntary, not mandatory, come with a guarantee they pose no health hazard and their images must be quickly destroyed.

The European Union said it may force resistant member states to use the full-body scanners being pushed by the Obama administration in the wake of the failed Christmas Day bombing.

 

Andrew Draper | Lawyer | Middletons
Level 26, 52 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
T: +612 9513 2533 F: +612 9513 2399
andrew.draper@middletons.com
www.middletons.com

 

 

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