| TOKYO December 21, 2011- ANA, Japan's largest airline and the launch customer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, today announces the first destinations it will fly to in the USA using the revolutionary aircraft. ANA plans to begin operating services from Tokyo's Narita airport to Seattle and San Jose from fiscal year 2012 onwards. Flying long-haul services to these two key West Coast destinations will enable ANA to maximize the Dreamliner's efficiency and performance. The Dreamliner uses 20 percent less fuel than similar-sized aircraft, making it the first mid-sized airplane capable of flying long-range routes, and offers new standards of passenger comfort because of its composite structure and interior design. Shinichiro Ito, President and CEO of ANA Group, commented: "We are very pleased to announce the launch of further international Dreamliner services to these two new destinations on the west coast of the United States. We will make full use of the efficiencies of the 787 as well as capitalizing on our close relationship with United and Continental Airlines to enhance the competitiveness of our joint ventures with these two Star Alliance partners." "Seattle is an important international business hub and home to companies such as Microsoft, Amazon and, of course, Boeing itself while San Jose is in the heart of Silicon Valley. Passenger demand to fly to both destinations is high, not only from Japan but from many Asian cities. The launch of these new services will make ANA the only Japanese airline to operate the two routes, as well as the only carrier to operate the Narita-San Jose route." | |||
| About ANA Group All Nippon Airways (ANA) is the ninth largest airline in the world by revenues and the largest in Japan by passenger numbers. Founded in 1952, it flies today to 78 domestic and international cities in a fleet of 228 aircraft serving a network of 163 routes. ANA has 33,000 employees and operates about 1,000 flights a day. In 2010, it carried 43 million passengers and generated revenues of $16bn. ANA has been a core member of Star Alliance since 1999 and more than 20 million members belong to its Frequent Flyer Program (ANA Mileage Club). ANA is the launch customer for the world's newest and most advanced passenger aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. | |||
Thursday, December 22, 2011
ANA announces first 787 Dreamliner routes to USA Seattle and San Jose to become Boeing 787 destinations
Boeing Delivers 200th Boeing Sky Interior
Norwegian Air Shuttle to operate Next-Generation 737-800
SEATTLE, Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing's (NYSE: BA) popular passenger-inspired 737 Boeing Sky Interior marked its 200th milestone with yesterday's delivery to Scandinavian customer, Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.
"The superior passenger experience of this exciting new interior has been well received by our customers and the traveling public," said Beverly Wyse, 737 vice president and general manager. "Airlines, like Norwegian Air Shuttle, tell us that they draw value from the many practical improvements we have made in the new design."
Since the first 737 Boeing Sky Interior was delivered in October 2010, 65 airlines and leasing companies have ordered the new interior. Norwegian Air Shuttle was one of the launch customers and the first airline in Europe to introduce the innovative Boeing Sky Interior to its passengers. Yesterday's delivery is the airline's 18th Next-Generation 737-800 with the new interior, making it the largest operating fleet.
"We couldn't be more pleased about being part of this important milestone for the 737," said Bjorn Kjos, chief executive officer of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. "With its continuous innovations and best product offerings, the Next-Generation 737 not only benefits Norwegian with its unmatched operating costs, but it also offers more comfort to our customers with the unmatched Boeing Sky Interior and benefits the community at large because of its environmental performance."
Norwegian Air Shuttle, based in Oslo, is the third largest low-fare airline in Europe and the second largest airline in Scandinavia. Norwegian operates 48 Next-Generation 737-800s in its fleet.
Drawing from years of research, the 737 Boeing Sky Interior features new modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that draw passengers' eyes to the airplane's windows. LED (light emitting diode) lighting allows the airline to put any color into the cabin.
The new design offers larger pivoting overhead stowage bins that add to the openness of the cabin. The bins give more passengers room to store a carry-on roll-aboard near their own seat, adding both extra convenience and extra legroom.
Other features that passengers appreciate are an intuitive placement of switches and call buttons. Boeing redesigned reading-light switches so passengers can find them more easily and avoid accidentally pressing the flight-attendant call button.
Approximately 85 percent of Boeing's backlog of more than 2,300 Next-Generation 737s will be delivered with the Boeing Sky Interior. Customers of the 737 MAX also will benefit from the Boeing Sky Interior.
Source: boeing.com
"The superior passenger experience of this exciting new interior has been well received by our customers and the traveling public," said Beverly Wyse, 737 vice president and general manager. "Airlines, like Norwegian Air Shuttle, tell us that they draw value from the many practical improvements we have made in the new design."
Since the first 737 Boeing Sky Interior was delivered in October 2010, 65 airlines and leasing companies have ordered the new interior. Norwegian Air Shuttle was one of the launch customers and the first airline in Europe to introduce the innovative Boeing Sky Interior to its passengers. Yesterday's delivery is the airline's 18th Next-Generation 737-800 with the new interior, making it the largest operating fleet.
"We couldn't be more pleased about being part of this important milestone for the 737," said Bjorn Kjos, chief executive officer of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. "With its continuous innovations and best product offerings, the Next-Generation 737 not only benefits Norwegian with its unmatched operating costs, but it also offers more comfort to our customers with the unmatched Boeing Sky Interior and benefits the community at large because of its environmental performance."
Norwegian Air Shuttle, based in Oslo, is the third largest low-fare airline in Europe and the second largest airline in Scandinavia. Norwegian operates 48 Next-Generation 737-800s in its fleet.
Drawing from years of research, the 737 Boeing Sky Interior features new modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that draw passengers' eyes to the airplane's windows. LED (light emitting diode) lighting allows the airline to put any color into the cabin.
The new design offers larger pivoting overhead stowage bins that add to the openness of the cabin. The bins give more passengers room to store a carry-on roll-aboard near their own seat, adding both extra convenience and extra legroom.
Other features that passengers appreciate are an intuitive placement of switches and call buttons. Boeing redesigned reading-light switches so passengers can find them more easily and avoid accidentally pressing the flight-attendant call button.
Approximately 85 percent of Boeing's backlog of more than 2,300 Next-Generation 737s will be delivered with the Boeing Sky Interior. Customers of the 737 MAX also will benefit from the Boeing Sky Interior.
Source: boeing.com
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Lion Air dan Garuda Bakal Tambah Pilot
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Perusahaan penerbangan PT Lion Mentari Airlines akan menambah jumlah pilotnya untuk mengimbangi kenaikan armadanya. "Kami menargetkan akan menambah 200 orang pilot setiap tahun untuk mengimbangi pertambahan armada," kata Edward Sirait, Direktur Umum Lion, Jumat (16/12/2011).
Saat ini, Lion telah memiliki 600 orang pilot. Seperti diketahui, November lalu Lion Air baru saja memesan 230 unit pesawat Boeing 737 Maxs produksi Boeing Co. Rencananya, pesawat ini akan mulai didatangkan tahun 2017.
Edward mengatakan, hingga pemberlakuan ASEAN Open Sky tahun 2015 nanti, Lion memprediksi kebutuhan karyawan baru akan mencapai 22.000 orang, termasuk engineer dan pilot. Selain menambah armada, tahun depan Lion juga berniat memindahkan sekolah pilot Wings Flying School (WFS) yang saat ini berlokasi di Cirebon ke Kalimantan atau Sulawesi. Pemindahan lokasi ini dikarenakan trafik penerbangan di Jawa sudah padat.
Alhasil, tempat latihan calon pilot pun terbatas. Saat ini, WFS dapat mencetak sekitar 100 orang pilot dalam setahun. Setelah dipindahkan, Lion berharap WFS bisa mencetak 300 orang pilot dalam setahun.
Selain Lion, PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk (GIAA) juga tengah berencana menambah pilot. Menurut Emirsyah Satar, Direktur Utama Garuda, pihaknya akan merekrut sekitar 400 pilot hingga 2015. Di saat itu, Garuda berniat mengoperasikan 154 unit pesawat. Saat ini Garuda telah memiliki 1.000 orang pilot.
Kebutuhan pilot yang tinggi juga diakui oleh Bobby Mamahit, KepalaBadan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Kementerian Perhubungan. Menurutnya, kebutuhan pilot di Indonesia mencapai 800 orang per tahun. Sementara Sekolah Tinggi Penerbangan Indonesia Curug hanya mampu menghasilkan 120 orang pilot per tahun.
Walau ditambah dengan sekolah penerbangan swasta yang bisa mencetak 300 orang pilot per tahun, kebutuhan pilot belum tercukupi. "Karena itu, kami akan menjadikan Bandara Polonia, Medan sebagai basis sekolah penerbangan baru setelah Curug," kata Bobby.
source: kompas.com
Saat ini, Lion telah memiliki 600 orang pilot. Seperti diketahui, November lalu Lion Air baru saja memesan 230 unit pesawat Boeing 737 Maxs produksi Boeing Co. Rencananya, pesawat ini akan mulai didatangkan tahun 2017.
Edward mengatakan, hingga pemberlakuan ASEAN Open Sky tahun 2015 nanti, Lion memprediksi kebutuhan karyawan baru akan mencapai 22.000 orang, termasuk engineer dan pilot. Selain menambah armada, tahun depan Lion juga berniat memindahkan sekolah pilot Wings Flying School (WFS) yang saat ini berlokasi di Cirebon ke Kalimantan atau Sulawesi. Pemindahan lokasi ini dikarenakan trafik penerbangan di Jawa sudah padat.
Alhasil, tempat latihan calon pilot pun terbatas. Saat ini, WFS dapat mencetak sekitar 100 orang pilot dalam setahun. Setelah dipindahkan, Lion berharap WFS bisa mencetak 300 orang pilot dalam setahun.
Selain Lion, PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk (GIAA) juga tengah berencana menambah pilot. Menurut Emirsyah Satar, Direktur Utama Garuda, pihaknya akan merekrut sekitar 400 pilot hingga 2015. Di saat itu, Garuda berniat mengoperasikan 154 unit pesawat. Saat ini Garuda telah memiliki 1.000 orang pilot.
Kebutuhan pilot yang tinggi juga diakui oleh Bobby Mamahit, KepalaBadan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Kementerian Perhubungan. Menurutnya, kebutuhan pilot di Indonesia mencapai 800 orang per tahun. Sementara Sekolah Tinggi Penerbangan Indonesia Curug hanya mampu menghasilkan 120 orang pilot per tahun.
Walau ditambah dengan sekolah penerbangan swasta yang bisa mencetak 300 orang pilot per tahun, kebutuhan pilot belum tercukupi. "Karena itu, kami akan menjadikan Bandara Polonia, Medan sebagai basis sekolah penerbangan baru setelah Curug," kata Bobby.
source: kompas.com
Boeing: FAA certifies 787 with Package B engines
Boeing has obtained US FAA certification of the 787 with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Package B engines, capping a seven month flight test programme for the enhanced 70,000lb thrust turbofan.
Package B upgrades include a modified low-pressure turbine design, relocation of the intermediate pressure compressor bleed off-take ports and improved aerodynamics for the fan outlet guide vanes.
Launch customer All Nippon Airways, will be the first to receive the engines, which Flightglobal has reported will bring specific fuel consumption to within 1% of the original specification.
European Aviation Safety Agency regulators approved the Package B version of the engine earlier this month.
source: flightglobal.com
Package B upgrades include a modified low-pressure turbine design, relocation of the intermediate pressure compressor bleed off-take ports and improved aerodynamics for the fan outlet guide vanes.
Launch customer All Nippon Airways, will be the first to receive the engines, which Flightglobal has reported will bring specific fuel consumption to within 1% of the original specification.
European Aviation Safety Agency regulators approved the Package B version of the engine earlier this month.
source: flightglobal.com
7,000th Airbus Aircraft Delivered
Airbus announced today that the European plane maker delivered its 7,000th aircraft, an A321, to US Airways – the airline that operates the largest fleet of Airbus aircraft in the world. This milestone comes just two years after the delivery of Airbus’ 6,000th aircraft.
The 1,000th Airbus delivery was an A340-300 that went to Air France in 1993, nineteen years after the first Airbus aircraft was delivered – an A300B2 also to Air France, in 1974.
The 2,000th delivery was six years later in 1999. It took half that time, just three years, to get to the 3,000th delivery in 2002 and three more years to reach 4,000 deliveries.
The tempo went up another notch taking Airbus only two years to hand over its 5,000th aircraft, an A330-200 to Qantas in December 2007. The 6,000th Airbus was an A380 which was delivered to Emirates in January 2010.
By the end of the year, US Airways will operate a fleet of 93 A319s, 72 A320s, 63 A321s and 16 A330s. The airline also has firm orders for additional 58 A320 Family aircraft, eight A330 aircraft and 22 A350 XWBs on backlog.
Photos – The 7,000th Airbus aircraft
Photos: (c) 2011 Airbus S.A.S.
source: flightstory.net
The 1,000th Airbus delivery was an A340-300 that went to Air France in 1993, nineteen years after the first Airbus aircraft was delivered – an A300B2 also to Air France, in 1974.
The 2,000th delivery was six years later in 1999. It took half that time, just three years, to get to the 3,000th delivery in 2002 and three more years to reach 4,000 deliveries.
The tempo went up another notch taking Airbus only two years to hand over its 5,000th aircraft, an A330-200 to Qantas in December 2007. The 6,000th Airbus was an A380 which was delivered to Emirates in January 2010.
By the end of the year, US Airways will operate a fleet of 93 A319s, 72 A320s, 63 A321s and 16 A330s. The airline also has firm orders for additional 58 A320 Family aircraft, eight A330 aircraft and 22 A350 XWBs on backlog.
Photos – The 7,000th Airbus aircraft
Photos: (c) 2011 Airbus S.A.S.
source: flightstory.net
7000th Boeing 737 Delivered
The 7000th Boeing 737 built was delivered yesterday to Dubai-based flydubai. This Next-Generation 737-800 has been equipped with the new Boeing Sky Interior.
“It is incredible to be delivering our 7,000th 737. We thank flydubai and all our customers who have made the 737 the world’s most popular jet airliner,” said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. “This success is due to the years of expertise that thousands of employees continue to build into every Boeing 737 used in private, government and commercial service.”
In November 2010, flydubai had the distinction to be the first airline in the world to offer passengers an enhanced onboard experience with the brand new Boeing Sky Interior.
The 737 is the most produced large commercial jet airliner in history and continues to hit the record books as the program produces airplanes at record rates. The gap between each record delivery is shrinking. It took Boeing 4 years 8 months between the 4,000th and 5,000th, while the gap between the 5,000th and 6,000th delivery was 3 years and 2 months. The 7,000th delivery is just 2 years and 8 months after the 6,000th. With 737 production rates increasing incrementally to a record 42 airplanes a month in the first half of 2014 the gap will continue to close.
The 737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the B737 and builds on the strengths of today’s Next-Generation 737. Powered by the new CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the 737 MAX reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions.
With more than 5,400 airplanes in service, the 737 represents more than a quarter of the total worldwide fleet of large commercial jets flying today. More than 358 airlines in 114 countries fly 737s.
Photo: (c) Boeing
source: flightstory.com
“It is incredible to be delivering our 7,000th 737. We thank flydubai and all our customers who have made the 737 the world’s most popular jet airliner,” said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. “This success is due to the years of expertise that thousands of employees continue to build into every Boeing 737 used in private, government and commercial service.”
In November 2010, flydubai had the distinction to be the first airline in the world to offer passengers an enhanced onboard experience with the brand new Boeing Sky Interior.
The 737 is the most produced large commercial jet airliner in history and continues to hit the record books as the program produces airplanes at record rates. The gap between each record delivery is shrinking. It took Boeing 4 years 8 months between the 4,000th and 5,000th, while the gap between the 5,000th and 6,000th delivery was 3 years and 2 months. The 7,000th delivery is just 2 years and 8 months after the 6,000th. With 737 production rates increasing incrementally to a record 42 airplanes a month in the first half of 2014 the gap will continue to close.
The 737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the B737 and builds on the strengths of today’s Next-Generation 737. Powered by the new CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the 737 MAX reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions.
With more than 5,400 airplanes in service, the 737 represents more than a quarter of the total worldwide fleet of large commercial jets flying today. More than 358 airlines in 114 countries fly 737s.
Photo: (c) Boeing
source: flightstory.com
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Boeing Electronic Flight Folder to Be Launched by Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways 777 fleet first to transmit day-of-flight information directly to Electronic Flight Bag
Qatar Airways will also install the Electronic Flight Folder on their future Boeing 787 fleet, making it the first airline to deploy such advanced operational software on both models. The carrier will begin using Electronic Flight Folder in 2012.
EFF is a software application that runs on an airplane's Electronic Flight Bag, allowing pilots to conduct route briefing and log flight progress directly on the EFB. The suite of EFF applications helps the airline to achieve ground report efficiencies and to reduce or eliminate paper printing, handling and storage costs.
"We are delighted to have Qatar Airways as our launch customer for the Electronic Flight Folder," said Per Noren, vice president of Information Services for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "They are an excellent, long-term customer and we are committed to making them even more successful by helping them connect their data and transform it into actionable, real-time information."
"Qatar Airways is pleased to take part in the development and introduction of the EFF across its Boeing fleet," said Ra'ed Ayoub, Qatar Airways vice president, Flight Operations Technical. The airline will continue to work jointly with Boeing to further develop aircraft systems and applications that take advantage of technological innovation to enhance safety and increase operational efficiency.
Boeing received U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification for its Class 3 EFB in November 2003, when the first commercial unit was delivered to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Boeing has orders for more than 1500 of their industry-standard EFBs.
source: boeing.com
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Completes Change Incorporation in San Antonio
"We are making steady progress on our 787 change incorporation work statement," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "The Boeing San Antonio team has been a great partner. We appreciate their commitment to quality as we prepare these airplanes for delivery to our customers."
During change incorporation, airplanes that are not part of flight test are configured to conform with the standards established by the type certification. Some of the work done in San Antonio includes installing electronic and mechanical equipment, completing software upgrades, testing functional systems, and removing and reworking wiring or equipment that needs to be updated to current configuration requirements.
The current plan is for a total of six Dreamliners to complete change incorporation and refurbishment in San Antonio. Three will complete change incorporation and three airplanes will be refurbished after flight test is complete. However, the plan is flexible and could accommodate additional 787 production needs as flight test is completed and airplanes are prepared for delivery. The work will be performed through 2013.
source: boeing.com
Boeing Business Jets Delivers First BBJ to Nanshan Jet of China
- China emerging as key market for business jets
SEATTLE, Dec. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) Business Jets today announced the delivery of a BBJ to Nanshan Jet of Yantai, China, rounding out a strong year of orders and deliveries to Chinese customers.
Representatives of Nanshan Jet took delivery of the airplane at the Boeing Delivery Center in Seattle. This is the first BBJ for Nanshan Jet and one of the first aircraft the company will operate on its own.
"Previously our jets were operated by Air China. We're thrilled to begin this new adventure with Boeing as our partner," said Bin Yu, president of Nanshan Jet.
Yu adds the BBJ is Nanshan Jet's largest, most capable aircraft in their fleet of seven and will provide charter services for corporations, government agencies and private individuals in China.
"Flying farther, with lower cabin altitude and with nearly three times the interior space of the largest traditional business jets, Nanshan Jet is going to love their BBJ," said Capt. Stephen Taylor, BBJ president.
Boeing delivers the BBJ to the customer 'green' (no interior or paint) so it can be customized to suit specific needs and tastes. Nanshan Jet has selected Lufthansa Technik's U.S. Subsidiary, BizJet International, to complete its BBJ interior in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It will be configured to carry 28 passengers.
Three of four BBJ orders and three of seven deliveries this year were to customers in China. 2012 is expected to be equally as strong for BBJ in the region.
source: boeing.com
Boeing CEO McNerney Statement on Russia WTO Membership Progress
CHICAGO, Dec. 16, 2011 -- Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney today welcomed the World Trade Organization’s Ministerial Conference decision to invite Russia to join the WTO, with membership expected to be finalized by June of next year.
“Russia is one of the world’s major economies—and the largest that’s not yet part of the WTO—so this is welcome news for the global economy, and especially for citizens of the United States and Russia. Russia is an important trading partner for Boeing and other U.S. exporters, and we’re excited about the prospects for increased trade and jobs, and enhanced global cooperation,” said McNerney. “Russian airlines have become valued customers of Boeing products, purchasing 147 commercial airplanes from us in the past 10 years.
The Boeing Design Center in Moscow and our titanium parts production joint venture with Russian Technologies, Ural Boeing Manufacturing, are powerful examples of U.S. and Russia economic partnership. We see Russia’s membership in the WTO as a win-win for both of our countries,” he said.
source: boeing.com
Boeing Delivers the 7,000th 737
- Boeing delivers milestone airplane to Middle East low-cost carrier flydubai
- Popular single-aisle is the best-selling commercial airliner family in history.
"It is incredible to be delivering our 7,000th 737. We thank flydubai and all our customers who have made the 737 the world's most popular jet airliner," said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. "This success is due to the years of expertise that thousands of employees continue to build into every Boeing 737 used in private, government and commercial service."
In November 2010, flydubai had the distinction to be the first airline in the world to offer passengers an enhanced onboard experience with the brand new Boeing Sky Interior. Today's delivery will be the 21st in flydubai's fleet and the airline has an additional 30 737-800s on order.
"We are proud to be a part of this important milestone for the 737," said Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai. "With its continuous innovations, the Next-Generation 737 brings the right combination of operational and environmental performance to address the requirements of our markets." Ghaith adds, "The Next-Generation 737 is a major cornerstone to flydubai's modern, fuel-efficient and economical portfolio of commercial jets."
The 737 is the most produced large commercial jet airliner in history and continues to hit the record books as the program produces airplanes at record rates. The gap between each record delivery is shrinking. It took Boeing 4 years 8 months between the 4,000th and 5,000th, while the gap between the 5,000th and 6,000th delivery was 3 years and 2 months.
The 7,000th delivery is just 2 years and 8 months after the 6,000th. With 737 production rates increasing incrementally to a record 42 airplanes a month in the first half of 2014 the gap will continue to close.
The 737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. Powered by the new CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the 737 MAX reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions by an additional 10-12 percent over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplane, the Next-Generation 737.
It will have the lowest operating costs per seat in the single-aisle segment with a 7 percent advantage over tomorrow's competition.
To date, Boeing has received orders and commitments for more than 900 airplanes from 13 customers for the 737 MAX, while the Next-Generation 737 family has won orders for more than 6,200 airplanes with a backlog exceeding 2,300 airplanes.
With more than 5,400 airplanes in service, the 737 represents more than a quarter of the total worldwide fleet of large commercial jets flying today. More than 358 airlines in 114 countries fly 737s.
source: boeing.com
Belanda Ogah Jual Tank ke Indonesia
Rabu (14/12), parlemen Belanda menyetujui mosi penolakan rencana penjualan tank ke Indonesia. Rencana penjualan sejumlah tank Leopard oleh Kementerian Pertahanan ditolak Parlemen Belanda karena Belanda tidak ingin terlibat dalam pelanggaran hak asasi manusia.
Mayoritas anggota parlemen menyetujui mosi yang diajukan partai Kiri Hijau (GroenLinks). Hanya partai memerintah CDA (Kristen Demokrat) dan VVD (Liberal Konservatif) yang menentang penolakan ini. Pengaju mosi, Arjan El Fassed, mengatakan track record Indonesia berperan kuat dalam pengambilan keputusan ini.
Track record
"Keputusan penolakan berkaitan erat dengan track record Indonesia. Kita tahu mereka telah memporakporandakan Aceh, Timor Timur. Baru-baru ini juga terjadi kerusuhan di Papua," ujar El Fassed.
Menurut anggota parlemen dari GroenLinks ini, penjualan tank kepada Indonesia berisiko besar terhadap pelanggaran hak asasi manusia. Tank kemungkinan besar bisa dipergunakan untuk menghabisi para demonstran.
"Kami di Eropa sudah menyepakati kriteria penjualan senjata dan alat-alat perang. Menjaga HAM adalah salah satu kriteria. Kami tidak ingin berpartisipasi jika kami merasa bahwa ada kemungkinan penyimpangan hak asasi manusia. Melihat situasi Indonesia saat ini, bagaimana mereka melecehkan hak asasi manusia, menurut kami sangatlah tidak bijaksana untuk menjual tank kepada Indonesia."
Akhir November lalu, Menteri Pertahanan Belanda, Hans Hillen mengatakan kepada parlemen, pemerintah Indonesia menyatakan minatnya membeli sejumlah tank Leopard Belanda. Kementerian Pertahanan berniat menjual 60 tank Leopard lamanya pada Indonesia sebagai bagian dari langkah penghematan drastis.
Menurut parlemen, penjualan alat utama sistem pertahanan (alusista), dalam hal ini tank, harus memenuhi kriteria internasional: penghormatan hak asasi manusia, patuhnya negara calon pembeli pada kewajiban internasional serta pada kondusifnya situasi politik dan kondisi keamanan negara.
Terkejut
Pengamat militer Indonesia, Dr. Salim Said menyatakan sangat terkejut dengan keputusan yang dikeluarkan parlemen Belanda. Dia menyatakan baru mengetahui minggu ini rencana TNI membeli tank buatan Jerman itu dari pemerintah Belanda.
"Saya pikir tidak ada masalah. Tapi ketika saya dengar Tweede Kamer (parlemen, Red.) Belanda menolak, nah ini berita yang mengejutkan. Lebih lagi, saya merasa hubungan kedua negara baik-baik saja. Menurut saya selama ini tentara Indonesia sudah bereformasi. Para pemimpinnya juga sudah generasi muda. Ini kan sudah lebih dari sepuluh tahun," katanya kepada Radio Nederland.
Dampak bilateral
Penolakan, menurut Salim Said bisa berakibat kurang sedap bagi hubungan kedua negara. Apalagi menurutnya, beberapa waktu lalu Presiden Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono sampai harus membatalkan kunjungannya ke Belanda.
"Pasti akan berdampak. Apalagi di tengah situasi Papua yang lagi menghangat. Banyak kecurigaan di Indonesia bahwa ada elemen-elemen Belanda yang masih bermain di Papua sana yang mempersulit Indonesia dan pembatalan kunjungan SBY kemarin. Saya tidak terlalu tahu seberapa jauh dampak itu. Mudah-mudahan tidak terlalu jauh."
Lebih jauh, Salim Said mengomentari penolakan parlemen atas dasar situasi politik dan keamanan Indonesia yang tidak kondusif sebagai "hal yang ajaib". "Indonesia aman-aman saja," ujarnya.
Ekor Papua
Salim Said tidak setuju jika alasan pelanggaran HAM di Indonesia menjadi alasan penolakan penjualan tank. Itu masa lalu. Kalaupun sekarang ada, tidak lagi seserius masa lalu, karena tentara sudah tidak terlibat.
"Bahwa ada pergolakan, ada demonstrasi tiap hari di berbagai kota, itu kan ciri khas dari sebuah demokrasi. Di Belandapun sering terjadi begitu. Lagian, semua urusan demonstrasi adalah urusan kepolisian. Militer sudah menarik diri dari semua urusan keamanan dalam negeri dan dari campur tangan politik."
Menurutnya ada kemungkinan informasi yang didapatkan pemerintah Belanda tidak akurat. Memang benar saat ini terjadi pergolakan di Papua, tapi ini harusnya dilihat sebagai campur tangan Belanda.
"Sejak KMB (Konferensi Meja Bundar, Red.), Belanda selalu campur tangan terhadap integrasi Papua ke Indonesia. Ekornya sampai sekarang."
Pembaharuan
Sebanyak 60 tank ingin dibeli Indonesia dari Belanda. Perlukan sebanyak itu?
Ya, menurut Salim. "TNI lemah sekali persenjataannya. Lama sekali tidak dilakukan pembelian. Ini tujuannya untuk upgrade, pembaharuan. Kita tidak agresif, kita menjaga negeri kita. Demikian, Salim Said kepada Radio Nederland.
source: http://www.rnw.nl/bahasa-indonesia/article/belanda-ogah-jual-tank-ke-indonesia
Mayoritas anggota parlemen menyetujui mosi yang diajukan partai Kiri Hijau (GroenLinks). Hanya partai memerintah CDA (Kristen Demokrat) dan VVD (Liberal Konservatif) yang menentang penolakan ini. Pengaju mosi, Arjan El Fassed, mengatakan track record Indonesia berperan kuat dalam pengambilan keputusan ini.
Track record
"Keputusan penolakan berkaitan erat dengan track record Indonesia. Kita tahu mereka telah memporakporandakan Aceh, Timor Timur. Baru-baru ini juga terjadi kerusuhan di Papua," ujar El Fassed.
Menurut anggota parlemen dari GroenLinks ini, penjualan tank kepada Indonesia berisiko besar terhadap pelanggaran hak asasi manusia. Tank kemungkinan besar bisa dipergunakan untuk menghabisi para demonstran.
"Kami di Eropa sudah menyepakati kriteria penjualan senjata dan alat-alat perang. Menjaga HAM adalah salah satu kriteria. Kami tidak ingin berpartisipasi jika kami merasa bahwa ada kemungkinan penyimpangan hak asasi manusia. Melihat situasi Indonesia saat ini, bagaimana mereka melecehkan hak asasi manusia, menurut kami sangatlah tidak bijaksana untuk menjual tank kepada Indonesia."
Akhir November lalu, Menteri Pertahanan Belanda, Hans Hillen mengatakan kepada parlemen, pemerintah Indonesia menyatakan minatnya membeli sejumlah tank Leopard Belanda. Kementerian Pertahanan berniat menjual 60 tank Leopard lamanya pada Indonesia sebagai bagian dari langkah penghematan drastis.
Menurut parlemen, penjualan alat utama sistem pertahanan (alusista), dalam hal ini tank, harus memenuhi kriteria internasional: penghormatan hak asasi manusia, patuhnya negara calon pembeli pada kewajiban internasional serta pada kondusifnya situasi politik dan kondisi keamanan negara.
Terkejut
Pengamat militer Indonesia, Dr. Salim Said menyatakan sangat terkejut dengan keputusan yang dikeluarkan parlemen Belanda. Dia menyatakan baru mengetahui minggu ini rencana TNI membeli tank buatan Jerman itu dari pemerintah Belanda.
"Saya pikir tidak ada masalah. Tapi ketika saya dengar Tweede Kamer (parlemen, Red.) Belanda menolak, nah ini berita yang mengejutkan. Lebih lagi, saya merasa hubungan kedua negara baik-baik saja. Menurut saya selama ini tentara Indonesia sudah bereformasi. Para pemimpinnya juga sudah generasi muda. Ini kan sudah lebih dari sepuluh tahun," katanya kepada Radio Nederland.
Dampak bilateral
Penolakan, menurut Salim Said bisa berakibat kurang sedap bagi hubungan kedua negara. Apalagi menurutnya, beberapa waktu lalu Presiden Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono sampai harus membatalkan kunjungannya ke Belanda.
"Pasti akan berdampak. Apalagi di tengah situasi Papua yang lagi menghangat. Banyak kecurigaan di Indonesia bahwa ada elemen-elemen Belanda yang masih bermain di Papua sana yang mempersulit Indonesia dan pembatalan kunjungan SBY kemarin. Saya tidak terlalu tahu seberapa jauh dampak itu. Mudah-mudahan tidak terlalu jauh."
Lebih jauh, Salim Said mengomentari penolakan parlemen atas dasar situasi politik dan keamanan Indonesia yang tidak kondusif sebagai "hal yang ajaib". "Indonesia aman-aman saja," ujarnya.
Ekor Papua
Salim Said tidak setuju jika alasan pelanggaran HAM di Indonesia menjadi alasan penolakan penjualan tank. Itu masa lalu. Kalaupun sekarang ada, tidak lagi seserius masa lalu, karena tentara sudah tidak terlibat.
"Bahwa ada pergolakan, ada demonstrasi tiap hari di berbagai kota, itu kan ciri khas dari sebuah demokrasi. Di Belandapun sering terjadi begitu. Lagian, semua urusan demonstrasi adalah urusan kepolisian. Militer sudah menarik diri dari semua urusan keamanan dalam negeri dan dari campur tangan politik."
Menurutnya ada kemungkinan informasi yang didapatkan pemerintah Belanda tidak akurat. Memang benar saat ini terjadi pergolakan di Papua, tapi ini harusnya dilihat sebagai campur tangan Belanda.
"Sejak KMB (Konferensi Meja Bundar, Red.), Belanda selalu campur tangan terhadap integrasi Papua ke Indonesia. Ekornya sampai sekarang."
Pembaharuan
Sebanyak 60 tank ingin dibeli Indonesia dari Belanda. Perlukan sebanyak itu?
Ya, menurut Salim. "TNI lemah sekali persenjataannya. Lama sekali tidak dilakukan pembelian. Ini tujuannya untuk upgrade, pembaharuan. Kita tidak agresif, kita menjaga negeri kita. Demikian, Salim Said kepada Radio Nederland.
source: http://www.rnw.nl/bahasa-indonesia/article/belanda-ogah-jual-tank-ke-indonesia
Bahasa Belanda Tidak Laku di Nusantara
Orang Indonesia selalu bangga punya satu bahasa sebagai bahasa nasional. Bahasa ini bukan warisan bangsa penjajah. Mungkin ada orang Indonesia bertanya mengapa berlainan dengan Spanyol, Portugal, Prancis atau Inggris di bekas jajahan mereka, Belanda tidak memberlakukan bahasanya di Nusantara?
Rasanya seperti ada sesuatu yang terlewat pada setiap bulan bahasa, sebagai bagian ritual mengenang heroiknya Sumpah Pemuda. Itulah mengajukan dan berupaya mencari jawaban terhadap sebuah pertanyaan penting: mengapa penjajah Belanda dulu tidak mewajibkan warga Nusantara berbahasa Belanda? Bukankah di Filipina, Spanyol memberlakukan bahasa mereka, seperti juga Portugal di Timor Lorosa’e?
Tak berwawasan
Kekuatan kolonial Eropa lain: Inggris, Prancis, Spanyol dan Portugal, memang selalu membuat wilayah jajahan mereka juga berbahasa penjajah. Bahasa-bahasa Inggris, Prancis, Portugis dan Spanyol bukan saja menjadi bahasa pemerintahan di Afrika, Asia Selatan dan Amerika Latin, tetapi juga merupakan bahasa yang diajarkan di sekolah-sekolah pada belahan dunia itu.
Alhasil ketika kolonialisme berakhir, negara-negara yang merdeka dari jajahan Inggris, Prancis, Portugal dan Spanyol tetap menggunakan bahasa (bekas) penjajah sebagai bahasa nasional. Atau, walaupun sudah punya bahasa nasional seperti Maroko atau Aljazair yang berbahasa Arab, Bahasa Prancis seolah merupakan bahasa nasional kedua yang sekaligus merupakan bahasa penghubung dengan dunia internasional.
Mengapa penjajah Belanda tidak berbuat serupa di Indonesia? Jawabannya panjang dan rumit, serta bergantung dari zamannya. Kalau harus disingkat dan dipermudah mungkin bisa dikatakan itulah watak orang Belanda. Orang Belanda dikenal kikir, tidak suka membuang kebiasaan (apalagi kebiasaan yang murah) dan, dalam soal bahasa ini, mereka juga tidak terlalu punya wawasan masa depan.
Kalau Indonesia juga berbahasa Belanda, maka sekarang bahasa ini akan digunakan oleh nyaris 300 juta orang, sementara sekarang tidak sampai 100 juta orang. Watak tak berwawasan ini akhirnya memang menguntungkan kita. Ketika menjadi Indonesia (harus diakui ini berkat Belanda) kita akhirnya berbahasa Indonesia, tidak berbahasa Belanda.
Dialek kreol
Satu hal penting perlu ditegaskan, Belanda mulai menguasai Nusantara sebagai sebuah perusahaan dagang multinasional: VOC. Sebagai perusahaan, VOC jelas hanya memburu laba yang dilakukannya melalui monopoli serta kekerasan.
Perusahaan multi nasional pertama ini tidak merasa perlu membahasabelandakan wilayah-wilayah yang dikuasainya. Langkah ini pasti butuh biaya besar yang jelas akan mengurangi laba. Karena itu tetap digunakan bahasa setempat atau bahasa Melajoe, toh bahasa ini sudah lama merupakan lingua franca (bahasa pengantar) kepulauan Nusantara.
Ini berarti bahwa bahasa Belanda harus bisa bersaing dengan bahasa-bahasa yang sudah ada di Nusantara. Selain bahasa Melajoe dan bahasa daerah yang begitu banyak, pada zaman VOC itu, bahasa Portugis juga banyak digunakan.
Menurut Lilie Suratminto, dosen dan peneliti bahasa Universitas Indonesia, orang Portugis sudah 100 tahun lebih awal tiba di Nusantara ketimbang Belanda. Jadi, selain bahasa Melajoe, bahasa Portugis juga banyak dipakai, terutama di Batavia dan Ambon. Tentu saja bahasa Portugis ini berbeda dengan yang ada di Portugal, karena bahasa ini adalah dialek kreolnya.
Sebenarnya, dalam soal bahasa, VOC sudah mengambil langkah-langkah tertentu yang bertujuan memperluas penyebaran bahasa Belanda. Di Maluku dibuka sekolah dalam bahasa Belanda, selain itu pada pelbagai gereja protestan juga berlangsung kebaktian dalam bahasa Belanda. Tapi ternyata bahasa Belanda tidak juga memasyarakat di Maluku. Di luar sekolah, anak-anak tetap berbahasalokal dan dan pengunjung gereja berbahasa Belanda tetap itu-itu saja, jumlah mereka tidak bertambah.
Alhasil ketika pada awal abad 19 VOC bangkrut, bahasa Belanda di Nusantara tidak mengalami kemajuan. Jangankan bahasa pengantar, jumlah orang berbahasa Belanda waktu itu juga tidak mengalami peningkatan. Dengan begitu, langkah-langkah yang ditempuh VOC di bidang bahasa jelas telah gagal.
Bahasa ekslusif
Setelah VOC bangkrut, Nusantara diambil alih oleh pemerintah Belanda, lahirnya Hindia Belanda pada abad 19. Memang Inggris sempat memerintah, tetapi begitu Nusantara kembali ke tangan Belanda, tidak ada terobosan terhadap politik bahasa VOC yang gagal itu.
Bahasa Belanda tetap ekslusif, tidak dibuka untuk umum. Para peneliti bahasa melihat paling sedikit ada dua sebab. Pertama Belanda takut munculnya semacam bentuk dialek bahasa mereka di Nusantara. Ini sudah terjadi dengan bahasa Portugis yang digunakan di Batavia misalnya.
Mereka yang berbahasa Portugis itu tidak merasa terikat dengan Portugal. Padahal Belanda ingin supaya mereka yang bisa berbahasa Belanda tetap setia pada mereka.
Kedua penguasaan bahasa Belanda oleh massa rakyat, terutama kalangan yang tidak beragama Nasrani, dianggap berbahaya. Karena itu politik bahasa pemerintah Hindia Belanda pada Abad 19 itu hanya diarahkan pada warga kulit putih dan tidak kepada massa rakyat Nusantara.
Bahkan pada tahun 1864 diputuskan untuk tidak lagi mengupayakan bahasa Belanda sebagai bahasa pengantar di Nusantara, menggantikan bahasa Melajoe. Bahasa Belanda hanya diajarkan di sekolah-sekolah Belanda yang juga menerima sedikit murid elit pribumi, yaitu kalangan ningrat.
Sebaliknya, orang-orang Belanda yang berniat meniti karier di Hindia Belanda diwajibkan fasih berbahasa Melajoe, syukur-syukur kalau menguasai salah satu bahasa daerah.
Pada awal abad 20 Belanda mengubah politik kolonialnya, ketika memberlakukan apa yang disebut Politik Etis. Bertujuan untuk mendidik dan mengangkat martabat pribumi Inlanders, zaman ini ditandai dengan dibukanya pelbagai lembaga pendidikan. Bahasa Belanda menjadi salah satu mata pelajaran wajib. Apakah itu berarti peningkatan jumlah orang yang fasih berbahasa Belanda?
Jawabannya bisa diikuti pada bagian kedua, minggu depan.
source: http://www.rnw.nl/bahasa-indonesia/article/bahasa-belanda-tidak-laku-di-nusantara
Rasanya seperti ada sesuatu yang terlewat pada setiap bulan bahasa, sebagai bagian ritual mengenang heroiknya Sumpah Pemuda. Itulah mengajukan dan berupaya mencari jawaban terhadap sebuah pertanyaan penting: mengapa penjajah Belanda dulu tidak mewajibkan warga Nusantara berbahasa Belanda? Bukankah di Filipina, Spanyol memberlakukan bahasa mereka, seperti juga Portugal di Timor Lorosa’e?
Tak berwawasan
Kekuatan kolonial Eropa lain: Inggris, Prancis, Spanyol dan Portugal, memang selalu membuat wilayah jajahan mereka juga berbahasa penjajah. Bahasa-bahasa Inggris, Prancis, Portugis dan Spanyol bukan saja menjadi bahasa pemerintahan di Afrika, Asia Selatan dan Amerika Latin, tetapi juga merupakan bahasa yang diajarkan di sekolah-sekolah pada belahan dunia itu.
Alhasil ketika kolonialisme berakhir, negara-negara yang merdeka dari jajahan Inggris, Prancis, Portugal dan Spanyol tetap menggunakan bahasa (bekas) penjajah sebagai bahasa nasional. Atau, walaupun sudah punya bahasa nasional seperti Maroko atau Aljazair yang berbahasa Arab, Bahasa Prancis seolah merupakan bahasa nasional kedua yang sekaligus merupakan bahasa penghubung dengan dunia internasional.
Mengapa penjajah Belanda tidak berbuat serupa di Indonesia? Jawabannya panjang dan rumit, serta bergantung dari zamannya. Kalau harus disingkat dan dipermudah mungkin bisa dikatakan itulah watak orang Belanda. Orang Belanda dikenal kikir, tidak suka membuang kebiasaan (apalagi kebiasaan yang murah) dan, dalam soal bahasa ini, mereka juga tidak terlalu punya wawasan masa depan.
Kalau Indonesia juga berbahasa Belanda, maka sekarang bahasa ini akan digunakan oleh nyaris 300 juta orang, sementara sekarang tidak sampai 100 juta orang. Watak tak berwawasan ini akhirnya memang menguntungkan kita. Ketika menjadi Indonesia (harus diakui ini berkat Belanda) kita akhirnya berbahasa Indonesia, tidak berbahasa Belanda.
Dialek kreol
Satu hal penting perlu ditegaskan, Belanda mulai menguasai Nusantara sebagai sebuah perusahaan dagang multinasional: VOC. Sebagai perusahaan, VOC jelas hanya memburu laba yang dilakukannya melalui monopoli serta kekerasan.
Perusahaan multi nasional pertama ini tidak merasa perlu membahasabelandakan wilayah-wilayah yang dikuasainya. Langkah ini pasti butuh biaya besar yang jelas akan mengurangi laba. Karena itu tetap digunakan bahasa setempat atau bahasa Melajoe, toh bahasa ini sudah lama merupakan lingua franca (bahasa pengantar) kepulauan Nusantara.
Ini berarti bahwa bahasa Belanda harus bisa bersaing dengan bahasa-bahasa yang sudah ada di Nusantara. Selain bahasa Melajoe dan bahasa daerah yang begitu banyak, pada zaman VOC itu, bahasa Portugis juga banyak digunakan.
Menurut Lilie Suratminto, dosen dan peneliti bahasa Universitas Indonesia, orang Portugis sudah 100 tahun lebih awal tiba di Nusantara ketimbang Belanda. Jadi, selain bahasa Melajoe, bahasa Portugis juga banyak dipakai, terutama di Batavia dan Ambon. Tentu saja bahasa Portugis ini berbeda dengan yang ada di Portugal, karena bahasa ini adalah dialek kreolnya.
Sebenarnya, dalam soal bahasa, VOC sudah mengambil langkah-langkah tertentu yang bertujuan memperluas penyebaran bahasa Belanda. Di Maluku dibuka sekolah dalam bahasa Belanda, selain itu pada pelbagai gereja protestan juga berlangsung kebaktian dalam bahasa Belanda. Tapi ternyata bahasa Belanda tidak juga memasyarakat di Maluku. Di luar sekolah, anak-anak tetap berbahasalokal dan dan pengunjung gereja berbahasa Belanda tetap itu-itu saja, jumlah mereka tidak bertambah.
Alhasil ketika pada awal abad 19 VOC bangkrut, bahasa Belanda di Nusantara tidak mengalami kemajuan. Jangankan bahasa pengantar, jumlah orang berbahasa Belanda waktu itu juga tidak mengalami peningkatan. Dengan begitu, langkah-langkah yang ditempuh VOC di bidang bahasa jelas telah gagal.
Bahasa ekslusif
Setelah VOC bangkrut, Nusantara diambil alih oleh pemerintah Belanda, lahirnya Hindia Belanda pada abad 19. Memang Inggris sempat memerintah, tetapi begitu Nusantara kembali ke tangan Belanda, tidak ada terobosan terhadap politik bahasa VOC yang gagal itu.
Bahasa Belanda tetap ekslusif, tidak dibuka untuk umum. Para peneliti bahasa melihat paling sedikit ada dua sebab. Pertama Belanda takut munculnya semacam bentuk dialek bahasa mereka di Nusantara. Ini sudah terjadi dengan bahasa Portugis yang digunakan di Batavia misalnya.
Mereka yang berbahasa Portugis itu tidak merasa terikat dengan Portugal. Padahal Belanda ingin supaya mereka yang bisa berbahasa Belanda tetap setia pada mereka.
Kedua penguasaan bahasa Belanda oleh massa rakyat, terutama kalangan yang tidak beragama Nasrani, dianggap berbahaya. Karena itu politik bahasa pemerintah Hindia Belanda pada Abad 19 itu hanya diarahkan pada warga kulit putih dan tidak kepada massa rakyat Nusantara.
Bahkan pada tahun 1864 diputuskan untuk tidak lagi mengupayakan bahasa Belanda sebagai bahasa pengantar di Nusantara, menggantikan bahasa Melajoe. Bahasa Belanda hanya diajarkan di sekolah-sekolah Belanda yang juga menerima sedikit murid elit pribumi, yaitu kalangan ningrat.
Sebaliknya, orang-orang Belanda yang berniat meniti karier di Hindia Belanda diwajibkan fasih berbahasa Melajoe, syukur-syukur kalau menguasai salah satu bahasa daerah.
Pada awal abad 20 Belanda mengubah politik kolonialnya, ketika memberlakukan apa yang disebut Politik Etis. Bertujuan untuk mendidik dan mengangkat martabat pribumi Inlanders, zaman ini ditandai dengan dibukanya pelbagai lembaga pendidikan. Bahasa Belanda menjadi salah satu mata pelajaran wajib. Apakah itu berarti peningkatan jumlah orang yang fasih berbahasa Belanda?
Jawabannya bisa diikuti pada bagian kedua, minggu depan.
source: http://www.rnw.nl/bahasa-indonesia/article/bahasa-belanda-tidak-laku-di-nusantara
Indonesia's Lion Air rises from obscurity
A decade ago, Rusdi Kirana sat on the grass at an air show in Britain, eating burgers with his wife. "I didn't know anybody," he says, "and nobody knew me." That will change now that his company, Lion Air, has announced the biggest order ever from Boeing.
The once litte-known Indonesian airline says it is planning to buy 230 planes from Boeing Co. The bill - with a list price of $21.7 billion - is to be paid over 12 years though bank financing.
Dozens of airlines have emerged in Indonesia since it deregulated its aviation industry in the 1990s, making air travel affordable or the first time for many across the sprawling island nation of 240 million, and luring passengers away from ferries and trains.
Kirana - a travel agent before he and his brother, Kusnan, pooled $850,000 to start Lion Air in 1999 - saw the opportunity and jumped.
"Last year we had 21 million passengers,this year I think I can carry 27 million," said the 48-year-old CEO, adding that with plans for an open-sky arrangement in Asia by 2015, a massive Boeing purchase "is not much of a gamble."
Kirana said his company's first plane was a leased Boeing 727-100, which flew from Jakarta to the tiny airport of Pontanak on jungle-clad Borneo island.
"I didn't have any money after that, because it all went to pay for the deposit on the aircraft," he said.
Though the name Lion Air doesn't resonate internationally, it's hardly an unknown, said Peter Harbison, executive chairman of the Sydney-based Center for Asia Pacfic Aviation.
"It's operating 67 aircraft at the moment and had 125 on order before this deal," he said, adding with new routes to Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan, it's clear it wants to be a real player in the region as well.
"It's a bet on Asia," Harbison said of the proposal to buy the 230 planes - most of which are 737 Max, a new version of Boeing's most popular plane with more fuel-efficient engines.
The biggest market for now is home.
The number of air passengers in Indonesia jumped 22 percent from 43 million in 2009 to 53 million in 2010, according to Indonesia's statistics agency.
That trend has continued in 2011.
But the country also has had its share of accidents, raising concerns that the supply of trained aviation professionals, regulatory oversight and ground infrastructure can't keep up with growth.
In 2007, the European Union banned all of Indonesia's 50 airlines from landing on its runways for two years, and Lion Air has not gone unscathed.
In 2004, a Lion Air MD-82 crash-landed at the airport in Surakarta, killing 25 people in its only fatal accident. There also have been scores of other incidents, including hard landings and overshooting runways, some causing injuries or damage to planes.
"Yes, we've had some problems," said Kirana, adding that planes now have equipment that warns pilots when they are flying too high or too fast. "But we're improving."
With 50,000 passengers a day, his bet, he says, is on the future.
The once litte-known Indonesian airline says it is planning to buy 230 planes from Boeing Co. The bill - with a list price of $21.7 billion - is to be paid over 12 years though bank financing.
Dozens of airlines have emerged in Indonesia since it deregulated its aviation industry in the 1990s, making air travel affordable or the first time for many across the sprawling island nation of 240 million, and luring passengers away from ferries and trains.
Kirana - a travel agent before he and his brother, Kusnan, pooled $850,000 to start Lion Air in 1999 - saw the opportunity and jumped.
"Last year we had 21 million passengers,this year I think I can carry 27 million," said the 48-year-old CEO, adding that with plans for an open-sky arrangement in Asia by 2015, a massive Boeing purchase "is not much of a gamble."
Kirana said his company's first plane was a leased Boeing 727-100, which flew from Jakarta to the tiny airport of Pontanak on jungle-clad Borneo island.
"I didn't have any money after that, because it all went to pay for the deposit on the aircraft," he said.
Though the name Lion Air doesn't resonate internationally, it's hardly an unknown, said Peter Harbison, executive chairman of the Sydney-based Center for Asia Pacfic Aviation.
"It's operating 67 aircraft at the moment and had 125 on order before this deal," he said, adding with new routes to Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan, it's clear it wants to be a real player in the region as well.
"It's a bet on Asia," Harbison said of the proposal to buy the 230 planes - most of which are 737 Max, a new version of Boeing's most popular plane with more fuel-efficient engines.
The biggest market for now is home.
The number of air passengers in Indonesia jumped 22 percent from 43 million in 2009 to 53 million in 2010, according to Indonesia's statistics agency.
That trend has continued in 2011.
But the country also has had its share of accidents, raising concerns that the supply of trained aviation professionals, regulatory oversight and ground infrastructure can't keep up with growth.
In 2007, the European Union banned all of Indonesia's 50 airlines from landing on its runways for two years, and Lion Air has not gone unscathed.
In 2004, a Lion Air MD-82 crash-landed at the airport in Surakarta, killing 25 people in its only fatal accident. There also have been scores of other incidents, including hard landings and overshooting runways, some causing injuries or damage to planes.
"Yes, we've had some problems," said Kirana, adding that planes now have equipment that warns pilots when they are flying too high or too fast. "But we're improving."
With 50,000 passengers a day, his bet, he says, is on the future.
Lion Air to introduce onboard Wi-Fi connection, phone service
Passenger will be able to connect to the Internet and use their cell phones onboard Lion Air’s full services-flights, which will be operated by its subsidiary, Space Jet, in 2013.
"This [Wi-Fi and telephony] service will be the first of its kind in Indonesia," Lion Air director Edward Sirait said Thursday as quoted by tribunnews.com. "We are currently preparing the aircraft, which will be equipped with Wi-Fi and telephony facilities."
The aircraft to be used for the services are part of the 230 Boeing 737 ordered by the company from US aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. worth US$21.7 billion.
Edward said the company planned to fly the new planes in 2013.
Currently, the airliner is processing a flight permit from the Transportation Ministry, Edward added.
"This [Wi-Fi and telephony] service will be the first of its kind in Indonesia," Lion Air director Edward Sirait said Thursday as quoted by tribunnews.com. "We are currently preparing the aircraft, which will be equipped with Wi-Fi and telephony facilities."
The aircraft to be used for the services are part of the 230 Boeing 737 ordered by the company from US aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. worth US$21.7 billion.
Edward said the company planned to fly the new planes in 2013.
Currently, the airliner is processing a flight permit from the Transportation Ministry, Edward added.
Lion Air to add 24 aircraft in 2012
PT Lion Mentari Airlines says it will add 24 aircraft to its fleet next year, which will leave the private airline with a fleet of 119 planes by the end of 2012.
Lion Air general affairs director Edward Sirait said that the new aircraft would comprise Boeing 737-900 ERs. The company has targeted operating 178 Boeing 737-900 ERs.
“We will add 24 aircraft next year and will phase out MD-90 aircraft. We will send them back to its manufacturer in the US,” Edward said Friday in Jakarta as quoted by tribunnews.com.
According to Edward, Lion Air and its subsidiary Wings Air currently operate 99 aircraft, comprising 60 Boeing 737-900 ERs, two Boeing 747-400s, two Boeing 737-300s, nine Boeing 737-400s, four MD 90s, four MD 82s, three DASH 8 and 15 ATR-70s. (swd)
Lion Air general affairs director Edward Sirait said that the new aircraft would comprise Boeing 737-900 ERs. The company has targeted operating 178 Boeing 737-900 ERs.
“We will add 24 aircraft next year and will phase out MD-90 aircraft. We will send them back to its manufacturer in the US,” Edward said Friday in Jakarta as quoted by tribunnews.com.
According to Edward, Lion Air and its subsidiary Wings Air currently operate 99 aircraft, comprising 60 Boeing 737-900 ERs, two Boeing 747-400s, two Boeing 737-300s, nine Boeing 737-400s, four MD 90s, four MD 82s, three DASH 8 and 15 ATR-70s. (swd)
Garuda Bingung Pilih Pesawat Sub-100
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — Hingga saat ini, PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk belum bisa menentukaan jenis pesawat sub-100 seater atau pesawat dengan kapasitas 100 penumpang ke bawah. Dua jenis pesawat yang saat ini sedang ditender sama-sama memiliki keunggulan yang dibutuhkan oleh Garuda. Embraer 190 buatan Brasil atau Bombardier yang buatan Kanada.
"Kami masih bingung memilih karena keduanya sama-sama tangguh dan menguntungkan untuk sub-100," kata Direktur Keuangan Garuda, Elisa Lumbantoruan, di Jakarta, Rabu (30/11/2011).
Akibat sama-sama bagusnya, hingga sekarang manajemen maskapai BUMN tersebut belum memutuskan. Sebelumnya, Elisa mengatakan pesawat yang terpilih akan diumumkan pada Dubai Air Show di Uni Emirat Arab, pertengahan Oktober lalu, tetapi ternyata ditunda.
Meski demikian, jelasnya, saat ini Garuda telah menggunakan sub-100, yaitu Boeing 737-500, yang jumlahnya lima unit. "Mungkin pada kuartal pertamaa 2012 kita sudah menggunakan jenis pesawat yang baru itu," ujarnya.
Garuda rencananya akan menggunakan Embraer atau Bombaardier sebanyak 18 unit untuk memenuhi kebutuhan layanan penerbangan dengan rute-rute khusus, misalnya untuk di Pulau Sumatera atau Kalimantan.
source: kompas.com
"Kami masih bingung memilih karena keduanya sama-sama tangguh dan menguntungkan untuk sub-100," kata Direktur Keuangan Garuda, Elisa Lumbantoruan, di Jakarta, Rabu (30/11/2011).
Akibat sama-sama bagusnya, hingga sekarang manajemen maskapai BUMN tersebut belum memutuskan. Sebelumnya, Elisa mengatakan pesawat yang terpilih akan diumumkan pada Dubai Air Show di Uni Emirat Arab, pertengahan Oktober lalu, tetapi ternyata ditunda.
Meski demikian, jelasnya, saat ini Garuda telah menggunakan sub-100, yaitu Boeing 737-500, yang jumlahnya lima unit. "Mungkin pada kuartal pertamaa 2012 kita sudah menggunakan jenis pesawat yang baru itu," ujarnya.
Garuda rencananya akan menggunakan Embraer atau Bombaardier sebanyak 18 unit untuk memenuhi kebutuhan layanan penerbangan dengan rute-rute khusus, misalnya untuk di Pulau Sumatera atau Kalimantan.
source: kompas.com
Garuda Tambah Jadwal Penerbangan ke China
QINGDAO, KOMPAS.com - Mulai akhir tahun ini, maskapai penerbangan Garuda Indonesia akan menambah jadwal penerbangannya ke China. Jadwal penerbangan Jakarta-Beijing dari sebelumnya hanya tiga kali penerbangan, maka akhir tahun ini akan ditambah menjadi 5 kali penerbangan. Adapun jadwal penerbangan Jakarta-Beijing yang sebelumnya hanya 4 kali akan ditambah menjadi daily atau harian atau menjadi 7 kali seminggu.
Penambahan jadwal penerbangan seminggu penuh untuk rute Jakarta-Beijing ini mengikuti sute sebelumnya yaitu Jakarta-Guangzhou di mana sudah dilayani 7 kali dalam seminggu. "Kami ingin mendukung program pemerintah meningkatkan kunjungan wisatawan China ke Indonesia sebanyak 1 juta orang setahun," tutur General Manajer Garuda Indonesia Beijing-China, Asa Perkasa, Selasa (29/11/2011) saat ditemui dalam acara Promosi Perdagangan, Pariwisata dan Investasi Indonesia-China 2011 di Qingdao, China.
Saat ini kunjungan wisatawan China ke Indonesia mencapai 500.000 orang dalam setahun. Target pemerintah Indonesia adalah mendatangkan wisatawan China ke Indonesia sebanyak 1 juta orang pada tahun 2013.
"Untuk itu kami juga tengah berupaya mempermudah pengeluaran visa untuk wisatawan China. Jika sebelumnya kami sudah memberlakukan visa on arrival (visa saat tiba di tempat) pada wisatawan China yang berkunjung ke Indonesia, maka kini kami tengah berusaha membuat terobosan visa on board atau visa sudah diurus saat wisatawan terbang ke Indonesia. Jadi setelah tiba di bandara, visa sudah jadi. Sehingga pengunjung China tinggal berwisata di Indonesia," ujar Duta Besar RI untuk China, Imron Cotan.
Visa on board ini, menurut Imron, sudah diberlakukan untuk wisatawan Jepang.
source: kompas.com
Penambahan jadwal penerbangan seminggu penuh untuk rute Jakarta-Beijing ini mengikuti sute sebelumnya yaitu Jakarta-Guangzhou di mana sudah dilayani 7 kali dalam seminggu. "Kami ingin mendukung program pemerintah meningkatkan kunjungan wisatawan China ke Indonesia sebanyak 1 juta orang setahun," tutur General Manajer Garuda Indonesia Beijing-China, Asa Perkasa, Selasa (29/11/2011) saat ditemui dalam acara Promosi Perdagangan, Pariwisata dan Investasi Indonesia-China 2011 di Qingdao, China.
Saat ini kunjungan wisatawan China ke Indonesia mencapai 500.000 orang dalam setahun. Target pemerintah Indonesia adalah mendatangkan wisatawan China ke Indonesia sebanyak 1 juta orang pada tahun 2013.
"Untuk itu kami juga tengah berupaya mempermudah pengeluaran visa untuk wisatawan China. Jika sebelumnya kami sudah memberlakukan visa on arrival (visa saat tiba di tempat) pada wisatawan China yang berkunjung ke Indonesia, maka kini kami tengah berusaha membuat terobosan visa on board atau visa sudah diurus saat wisatawan terbang ke Indonesia. Jadi setelah tiba di bandara, visa sudah jadi. Sehingga pengunjung China tinggal berwisata di Indonesia," ujar Duta Besar RI untuk China, Imron Cotan.
Visa on board ini, menurut Imron, sudah diberlakukan untuk wisatawan Jepang.
source: kompas.com
Garuda Buka Tiga Rute Internasional
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Meskipun kondisi bisnis penerbangan dunia sedang lesu, tidak menyurutkan PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk untuk melakukan ekspansi membuka rute internasional.
Pada 2012 mendatang, maskapai BUMN ini berencana membuka tiga rute di Asia. Rute tersebut adalah Jakarta-Tokyo (melalui Bandara Haneda, Jepang), Jakarta-Taipei (Taiwan) dan Jakarta-New Delhi (India).
Direktur Utama Garuda, Emirsyah Satar mengatakan, sebenarnya Garuda telah menerbangi Tokyo, namun penerbangannya melalui Bandara Narita, nah pada 27 April 2012 nanti maskapai tersebut akan bekal menerbangi Haneda.
"Kalau Haneda itu berada di dalam kota Tokyo, jadi tidak perlu waktu lama untuk ke tujuan bila ada keperluan di Tokyo. Ini akan menjadi segmen tersendiri," kata Emir di Jakarta, belum lama ini.
Menurutnya, rute Haneda akan dilayani sebanyak lima kali seminggu dengan menggunakan pesawat Airbus A330-200.
Sementara Taipei bakal diterbangi dari Jakarta mulai 19 Mei tahun depan, sedangkan Jakarta-New Delhi bakal digarap pada kwartal ketiga 2012.
source: kompas.com
Pada 2012 mendatang, maskapai BUMN ini berencana membuka tiga rute di Asia. Rute tersebut adalah Jakarta-Tokyo (melalui Bandara Haneda, Jepang), Jakarta-Taipei (Taiwan) dan Jakarta-New Delhi (India).
Direktur Utama Garuda, Emirsyah Satar mengatakan, sebenarnya Garuda telah menerbangi Tokyo, namun penerbangannya melalui Bandara Narita, nah pada 27 April 2012 nanti maskapai tersebut akan bekal menerbangi Haneda.
"Kalau Haneda itu berada di dalam kota Tokyo, jadi tidak perlu waktu lama untuk ke tujuan bila ada keperluan di Tokyo. Ini akan menjadi segmen tersendiri," kata Emir di Jakarta, belum lama ini.
Menurutnya, rute Haneda akan dilayani sebanyak lima kali seminggu dengan menggunakan pesawat Airbus A330-200.
Sementara Taipei bakal diterbangi dari Jakarta mulai 19 Mei tahun depan, sedangkan Jakarta-New Delhi bakal digarap pada kwartal ketiga 2012.
source: kompas.com
Garuda to open three int’l routes next year
PT Garuda Indonesia says it will open three new international routes in 2012: Jakarta-Tokyo through Haneda airport, Jakarta-Taipei and Jakarta-New Delhi.
Garuda president director Emirsyah Satar said that the national flag carrier currently offered service to Tokyo through Narita airport, creating an opportunity to expand service through Haneda.
“Haneda is located inside Tokyo, so it will be more efficient and time-saving to take this route if we have business here in Tokyo,” he said recently as quoted by tribunnews.com.
Emirsyah said that the Haneda route would be served five times a week with Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
The route to Taipei would start operations on May 19 and to New Delhi on the third quarter in 2012. (drs)
source: The Jakarta Post
Garuda president director Emirsyah Satar said that the national flag carrier currently offered service to Tokyo through Narita airport, creating an opportunity to expand service through Haneda.
“Haneda is located inside Tokyo, so it will be more efficient and time-saving to take this route if we have business here in Tokyo,” he said recently as quoted by tribunnews.com.
Emirsyah said that the Haneda route would be served five times a week with Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
The route to Taipei would start operations on May 19 and to New Delhi on the third quarter in 2012. (drs)
source: The Jakarta Post
Penerbangan Garuda Jakarta-Amsterdam Tidak Terganggu
Perwakilan Garuda Indonesia di kota Amsterdam, Belanda, menegaskan, jadwal penerbangan Jakarta-Amsterdam tidak akan mengalami gangguan, pasca pendaratan darurat di Bandara Frankfurt, Jerman.
Keterlambatan sejauh ini hanya terjadi pada penerbangan Amsterdam-Jakarta pada tanggal 16 Desember.
"GA 089 baru berangkat pukul 13:07 waktu Amsterdam, terlambat tiga jam dari jadwal semula," kata Angki Maramis, Station Manager Garuda Indonesia di Belanda. Penumpang di Bandara Schiphol harus menunggu pesawat Airbus A330-200 yang harus "transit" mendadak di Frankfurt.
Jadwal penerbangan Jakarta-Amsterdam, baik Jumat ataupun Sabtu, tidak terpengaruh, karena menggunakan pesawat lain. "Mereka tidak menunggu pesawat yang terlambat berangkat ini," ujar Angki. Garuda Indonesia setiap hari melayani penerbangan Amterdam-Jakarta dan Jakarta-Amsterdam.
Meninggal
Seorang perempuan berusia kurang lebih 60 tahun mengalami sakit keras dan langsung kritis di atas udara Ceko. Awak kabin melakukan upaya penyelamatan sampai pesawat mendarat di kota Frankfurt, Jerman.
"Personil ambulans Bandara Frankfurt langsung masuk ke kabin dan melakukan pompa jantung CPR atas penumpang kritis tersebut," ujar Parlindungan Marpaung, salah seorang penumpang.
Penumpang kemudian dinyatakan meninggal dunia di rumah sakit kota Frankfurt, Jerman. Garuda Indonesia tidak akan membebani keluarga penumpang itu dengan biaya yang harus dikeluarkan maskapai penerbangan Indonesia.
"Semua proses pendaratan dan pengisian bahan bakar di Frankfurt itu besar ongkosnya. Garuda Indonesa akan menanggung semua biaya tersebut. Itu bagian dari pelayanan kami," ujar Kokoh Ritonga, Kepala Regional Garuda Indonesia Dubai-Amsterdam, kepada Radio Nederland.
Ganti rugi keterlambatan
Garuda Indonesia akan mengikuti peraturan mengenai klaim akibat keterlambatan penerbangan Amsterdam-Jakarta. Negara-negara Uni Eropa memberlakukan peraturan pemberian ganti rugi penundaan jadwal terbang.
"Kami mematuhi peraturan yang ada. Hanya bisa atau tidaknya refund sangat tergantung dari penyebab keterlambatan. Apakah itu kesalahan kami, atau sesuatu di luar kemampuan kami, overmacht. Kami akan dengar dulu laporan peristiwa tersebut," kata Kokoh.
Identitas penumpang yang meninggal dunia hingga sekarang tidak bisa diketahui umum. Ini terkait dengan hukum privasi di Eropa. Parlindungan Marpaung, penulis buku populer Setengah Isi Setengah Kosong, kebetulan menumpang pesawat Garuda GA 088, sempat melihat sang korban.
"Kondisi penumpang tak sadarkan diri, tampaknya ia keturunan campur, ada wajah Ambonnya," tukasnya saat ditanya Radio Nederland.
Garuda GA 088 berangkat dari Bandara Soekarno-Hatta, Jakarta, Indonesia Kamis malam WIB, transit di Dubai, dan seyogyanya melanjutkan penerbangan ke Amsterdam. Namun setelah dilaporkan ada penumpang yang kritis, Kapten pesawat langsung mengumumkan akan mendarat di Bandara Frankfurt.
Keterlambatan sejauh ini hanya terjadi pada penerbangan Amsterdam-Jakarta pada tanggal 16 Desember.
"GA 089 baru berangkat pukul 13:07 waktu Amsterdam, terlambat tiga jam dari jadwal semula," kata Angki Maramis, Station Manager Garuda Indonesia di Belanda. Penumpang di Bandara Schiphol harus menunggu pesawat Airbus A330-200 yang harus "transit" mendadak di Frankfurt.
Jadwal penerbangan Jakarta-Amsterdam, baik Jumat ataupun Sabtu, tidak terpengaruh, karena menggunakan pesawat lain. "Mereka tidak menunggu pesawat yang terlambat berangkat ini," ujar Angki. Garuda Indonesia setiap hari melayani penerbangan Amterdam-Jakarta dan Jakarta-Amsterdam.
Meninggal
Seorang perempuan berusia kurang lebih 60 tahun mengalami sakit keras dan langsung kritis di atas udara Ceko. Awak kabin melakukan upaya penyelamatan sampai pesawat mendarat di kota Frankfurt, Jerman.
"Personil ambulans Bandara Frankfurt langsung masuk ke kabin dan melakukan pompa jantung CPR atas penumpang kritis tersebut," ujar Parlindungan Marpaung, salah seorang penumpang.
Penumpang kemudian dinyatakan meninggal dunia di rumah sakit kota Frankfurt, Jerman. Garuda Indonesia tidak akan membebani keluarga penumpang itu dengan biaya yang harus dikeluarkan maskapai penerbangan Indonesia.
"Semua proses pendaratan dan pengisian bahan bakar di Frankfurt itu besar ongkosnya. Garuda Indonesa akan menanggung semua biaya tersebut. Itu bagian dari pelayanan kami," ujar Kokoh Ritonga, Kepala Regional Garuda Indonesia Dubai-Amsterdam, kepada Radio Nederland.
Ganti rugi keterlambatan
Garuda Indonesia akan mengikuti peraturan mengenai klaim akibat keterlambatan penerbangan Amsterdam-Jakarta. Negara-negara Uni Eropa memberlakukan peraturan pemberian ganti rugi penundaan jadwal terbang.
"Kami mematuhi peraturan yang ada. Hanya bisa atau tidaknya refund sangat tergantung dari penyebab keterlambatan. Apakah itu kesalahan kami, atau sesuatu di luar kemampuan kami, overmacht. Kami akan dengar dulu laporan peristiwa tersebut," kata Kokoh.
Identitas penumpang yang meninggal dunia hingga sekarang tidak bisa diketahui umum. Ini terkait dengan hukum privasi di Eropa. Parlindungan Marpaung, penulis buku populer Setengah Isi Setengah Kosong, kebetulan menumpang pesawat Garuda GA 088, sempat melihat sang korban.
"Kondisi penumpang tak sadarkan diri, tampaknya ia keturunan campur, ada wajah Ambonnya," tukasnya saat ditanya Radio Nederland.
Garuda GA 088 berangkat dari Bandara Soekarno-Hatta, Jakarta, Indonesia Kamis malam WIB, transit di Dubai, dan seyogyanya melanjutkan penerbangan ke Amsterdam. Namun setelah dilaporkan ada penumpang yang kritis, Kapten pesawat langsung mengumumkan akan mendarat di Bandara Frankfurt.
Garuda Mendadak Mendarat di Frankfurt
Garuda Indonesia nomor penerbangan GA 088 dengan tujuan Amsterdam, Belanda, memutuskan untuk mendarat darurat di Bandara Frankfurt, Jerman, karena seorang penumpang dilaporkan dalam kondisi kritis.
Angki Maramis, Kepala Cabang Garuda Indonesia di bandar udara Schiphol mengatakan prosedur pendaratan harus dilakukan sebagai bagian dari pelayanan dan syarat keselamatan penerbangan.
"Sang penumpang dalam keadaan kritis, kami Garuda harus mendarat demi penumpang tersebut," ujarnya kepada Radio Nederland.
Menurut Parlindungan Marpaung, salah seorang penumpang pesawat itu, Garuda mendarat di Frankfurt pukul 07.50 waktu setempat. "Personil ambulans bandara Frankfurt langsung masuk ke kabin dan melakukan upaya penyelamatan pompa jantung CPR atas penumpang kritis tersebut," ujar Parlindungan melalui pesan singkat SMS.
Penumpang itu, seorang perempuan, berusia kurang lebih 60 tahun, dan diduga kuat berwarganegara Belanda keturunan Maluku.
"Kondisi penumpang tak sadarkan diri, tampaknya berdarah campur, soalnya ada darah Ambonnya, ia mulai kambuh di atas udara Ceko, atau setelah tujuh jam terbang dari airport Dubai," sambung penulis buku Setengah Isi Setengah Kosong ini.
Pesawat Airbus A330-200 itu berangkat dari Bandara Soekarno-Hatta, Jakarta, Indonesia Kamis malam kemarin, transit di Dubai, dan kemudian melanjutkan penerbangan ke Amsterdam. Setelah penumpang tidak sadarkan diri, awak kabin langsung melakukan upaya penyelamatan.
"Captain pesawat kemudian mengumumkan pesawat segera mendarat di Frankfurt. Penumpang yang kritis itu bersama keluarganya turun di Frankfurt," tulis Parlindungan dalam SMS-nya.
Saat laporan ini dibuat GA 088 belum lepas landas dari bandara Frankfurt, masih menyelesaikan prosuder pengisian bahan bakar dan administrasi.
Station Manager Garuda Indonesia di Belanda memperkirakan penerbangan kembali Garuda dari Amsterdam ke Jakarta mengalami keterlambatan sekitar 1,5 jam.
"Estimasi kami GA 089 Amsterdam-Jakarta baru bisa berangkat dari Schiphol pukul 11:30 (waktu setempat). Tapi ini perkiraan sementara. Semuanya sangat tergantung dari GA 088," ujar Angki Maramis kepada Radio Nederland.
Angki Maramis, Kepala Cabang Garuda Indonesia di bandar udara Schiphol mengatakan prosedur pendaratan harus dilakukan sebagai bagian dari pelayanan dan syarat keselamatan penerbangan.
"Sang penumpang dalam keadaan kritis, kami Garuda harus mendarat demi penumpang tersebut," ujarnya kepada Radio Nederland.
Menurut Parlindungan Marpaung, salah seorang penumpang pesawat itu, Garuda mendarat di Frankfurt pukul 07.50 waktu setempat. "Personil ambulans bandara Frankfurt langsung masuk ke kabin dan melakukan upaya penyelamatan pompa jantung CPR atas penumpang kritis tersebut," ujar Parlindungan melalui pesan singkat SMS.
Penumpang itu, seorang perempuan, berusia kurang lebih 60 tahun, dan diduga kuat berwarganegara Belanda keturunan Maluku.
"Kondisi penumpang tak sadarkan diri, tampaknya berdarah campur, soalnya ada darah Ambonnya, ia mulai kambuh di atas udara Ceko, atau setelah tujuh jam terbang dari airport Dubai," sambung penulis buku Setengah Isi Setengah Kosong ini.
Pesawat Airbus A330-200 itu berangkat dari Bandara Soekarno-Hatta, Jakarta, Indonesia Kamis malam kemarin, transit di Dubai, dan kemudian melanjutkan penerbangan ke Amsterdam. Setelah penumpang tidak sadarkan diri, awak kabin langsung melakukan upaya penyelamatan.
"Captain pesawat kemudian mengumumkan pesawat segera mendarat di Frankfurt. Penumpang yang kritis itu bersama keluarganya turun di Frankfurt," tulis Parlindungan dalam SMS-nya.
Saat laporan ini dibuat GA 088 belum lepas landas dari bandara Frankfurt, masih menyelesaikan prosuder pengisian bahan bakar dan administrasi.
Station Manager Garuda Indonesia di Belanda memperkirakan penerbangan kembali Garuda dari Amsterdam ke Jakarta mengalami keterlambatan sekitar 1,5 jam.
"Estimasi kami GA 089 Amsterdam-Jakarta baru bisa berangkat dari Schiphol pukul 11:30 (waktu setempat). Tapi ini perkiraan sementara. Semuanya sangat tergantung dari GA 088," ujar Angki Maramis kepada Radio Nederland.
Friday, December 16, 2011
737 Max commitments top 948
Boeing now holds firm orders and commitments for 948 737 Max aircraft from 13 customers, and expects that figure to climb to as high as 1,500 by the end of 2012, said the company's top executive.
With the announcement of its first firm order for 150 737 Max aircraft from Southwest Airlines, Boeing CEO Jim Albaugh said the firm order pushes the airframer's combined commitments toward the 1,000 mark.
Albaugh said the pace of commitments and firm orders should see the 737 Max tally climb to 1,400 or 1,500 by the end of 2012.
Southwest is the first official customer for the 737 Max.
Southwest, American Airlines, Aviation Capital Group and Lion Air are the only disclosed 737 Max customers to date, accounting for 486 of the 948 commitments for the new CFM Interntational Leap-1B powered aircraft.
With the announcement of its first firm order for 150 737 Max aircraft from Southwest Airlines, Boeing CEO Jim Albaugh said the firm order pushes the airframer's combined commitments toward the 1,000 mark.
Albaugh said the pace of commitments and firm orders should see the 737 Max tally climb to 1,400 or 1,500 by the end of 2012.
Southwest is the first official customer for the 737 Max.
Southwest, American Airlines, Aviation Capital Group and Lion Air are the only disclosed 737 Max customers to date, accounting for 486 of the 948 commitments for the new CFM Interntational Leap-1B powered aircraft.
PIA grounds 18 planes due to financial crisis
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled additional domestic and international flights December 15 because of a financial crisis that has forced the grounding of 18 of its 39 aircraft, media reported.
PIA has cancelled 42 flights in the past two days for reasons ranging from battery problems to general aircraft maintenance, SAMAA News reported.
The list of grounded planes includes four Boeing 747’s, two 777’s, two 737’s, six Airbus A310’s and four ATRs.
PIA December 14 cancelled a Lahore-to-Riyadh flight after learning that a 9-volt battery powering one of the plane’s emergency exits was out of order, media added.
PIA first grounded 12 planes December 12 because of financial problems.
PIA has cancelled 42 flights in the past two days for reasons ranging from battery problems to general aircraft maintenance, SAMAA News reported.
The list of grounded planes includes four Boeing 747’s, two 777’s, two 737’s, six Airbus A310’s and four ATRs.
PIA December 14 cancelled a Lahore-to-Riyadh flight after learning that a 9-volt battery powering one of the plane’s emergency exits was out of order, media added.
PIA first grounded 12 planes December 12 because of financial problems.
Qantas to trial free in-flight Internet on A380 flights to USA
Qantas will roll out in-flight Internet on selected Airbus A380 flights from February next year.
Six of the airline's flagship Airbus A380s flying from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles will take part in a six-week trial.
Passengers will be able to connect their smartphone, tablet or notebook to the A380's internal wireless network, with signals beamed through Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband satellite system.
The system will support regular Web browsing, email and apps but VoIP services such as Skype will be blocked, as will mobile phone calls.
A Qantas spokesperson told Australian Business Traveller that for the first few weeks of the trial – when access will be limited to passengers in the First and Business cabins – the service will be offered free of charge, before introducing a range of pay-to-surf packages to test uptake.
"Initially when we launch the trial it will be free, then there will be a period with several paid packages so we can get an indication of the demand at different price points" she said.
"We're working through the details of those packages at the moment, and once the trial is finished we'll be setting the cost based on that."
Earlier this year Qantas polled a select group of passengers from its 12,000-strong Customer Experience Panel of frequent flyers on how they would typically use in-flight Internet and how much they'd be prepared to pay for the privilege.
While Qantas hasn't shared the details of that survey, our own poll of Australian Business Traveller readers indicated that two-thirds would pay $10-$20 for Internet access on international flights.
Following February's LAX trial Qantas will assess the system for wider deployment on other international flights, including the Kangaroo Route to London via Singapore and the new A380 service to Hong Kong.
Qantas is also set to begin trials of Apple’s iPad for in-flight entertainment in mid-January 2012, having pushed back the tests from October while final testing took place.
The 'Q Streaming' system will use wi-fi to stream content to the tablets from a central server on the aircraft, using technology developed by Lufthansa Systems as part of their BoardConnect platform – which has also been adopted by Virgin Australia for its own in-flight system set to debut in mid-2012.
"Lufthansa Systems are completing the final stages of testing in order to ensure we've got a robust product to launch, and it's now set to launch in mid-January" the Qantas spokesperson told Australian Business Traveller.
The six-week trial will will be limited to a single Boeing 767-300 which will be scheduled across a variety of routes, from Sydney-Melbourne to transcontinental coast-to-coast services. [Read our detailed report here.]
Today's announcement from Qantas comes as other airlines scramble to the starting gate for in-flight wireless.
Emirates this week launched in-flight Internet on its fleet of Airbus A380s (see our report here), while only yesterday Virgin Australia revealed its plans for wireless streaming of movies and music to tablets, smartphones and laptops on domestic flights, with in-flight Internet also on the cards...
Six of the airline's flagship Airbus A380s flying from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles will take part in a six-week trial.
Passengers will be able to connect their smartphone, tablet or notebook to the A380's internal wireless network, with signals beamed through Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband satellite system.
The system will support regular Web browsing, email and apps but VoIP services such as Skype will be blocked, as will mobile phone calls.
A Qantas spokesperson told Australian Business Traveller that for the first few weeks of the trial – when access will be limited to passengers in the First and Business cabins – the service will be offered free of charge, before introducing a range of pay-to-surf packages to test uptake.
"Initially when we launch the trial it will be free, then there will be a period with several paid packages so we can get an indication of the demand at different price points" she said.
"We're working through the details of those packages at the moment, and once the trial is finished we'll be setting the cost based on that."
Earlier this year Qantas polled a select group of passengers from its 12,000-strong Customer Experience Panel of frequent flyers on how they would typically use in-flight Internet and how much they'd be prepared to pay for the privilege.
While Qantas hasn't shared the details of that survey, our own poll of Australian Business Traveller readers indicated that two-thirds would pay $10-$20 for Internet access on international flights.
Following February's LAX trial Qantas will assess the system for wider deployment on other international flights, including the Kangaroo Route to London via Singapore and the new A380 service to Hong Kong.
Qantas is also set to begin trials of Apple’s iPad for in-flight entertainment in mid-January 2012, having pushed back the tests from October while final testing took place.
"Lufthansa Systems are completing the final stages of testing in order to ensure we've got a robust product to launch, and it's now set to launch in mid-January" the Qantas spokesperson told Australian Business Traveller.
The six-week trial will will be limited to a single Boeing 767-300 which will be scheduled across a variety of routes, from Sydney-Melbourne to transcontinental coast-to-coast services. [Read our detailed report here.]
Today's announcement from Qantas comes as other airlines scramble to the starting gate for in-flight wireless.
Emirates this week launched in-flight Internet on its fleet of Airbus A380s (see our report here), while only yesterday Virgin Australia revealed its plans for wireless streaming of movies and music to tablets, smartphones and laptops on domestic flights, with in-flight Internet also on the cards...
Human error caused Emirates near-miss in Melbourne
Investigators said on Friday that human error was to blame for the botched take-off of an Emirates Airline plane from Melbourne in 2009.
A final report by Australian authorities said incorrect entry of take-off weight data resulted in the tailstrike and runway overrun of the Emirates Airbus A340 aircraft, adding that it was not a unique event.
Similar events continue to occur throughout the world, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) in a statement.
"These sorts of errors have potentially serious safety consequences," said ATSB chief commissioner Martin Dolan. "It is encouraging to see the significant safety action that is occurring as a result of the ATSB's investigation."
Dolan was speaking on publication of the ATSB's final report of its investigation into a 20 March 2009 accident, when flight EK407, with 18 crew and 257 passengers, sustained a tailstrike and overran the runway end on departure from Melbourne Airport.
The ATSB found that the accident resulted from the use by the crew of incorrect take-off performance parameters.
An Emirates spokesperson was not immediately available for comment on the final report, The airline said at the time of the Melbourne event that it was "being treated very seriously and with the highest priority at the most senior level in the company".
The initial error was likely due to mistyping, when a weight of 262.9 tonnes, instead of the intended 362.9 tonnes, was entered into a laptop computer to calculate the aircraft's take-off settings, the report said.
The error passed through several subsequent checks without detection, it added.
"We now understand what caused the error and why it wasn't picked up," Dolan said. "We also know there have been a number of other accidents and incidents that involved similar errors in a range of different aircraft operated by different airlines around the world."
He added: "A lot of work is being done to minimise the risk of similar events in future.
"This includes developing technological aids to assist flight crew in recognising both when take-off parameters are inappropriate and when take-off performance is degraded below a safe level" noted Dolan.
"The aviation industry as a whole realises the seriousness of these issues and is working towards a solution."
To stress that further action is still needed with technological aids, the ATSB has issued a safety recommendation to the United States Federal Aviation Administration.
A final report by Australian authorities said incorrect entry of take-off weight data resulted in the tailstrike and runway overrun of the Emirates Airbus A340 aircraft, adding that it was not a unique event.
Similar events continue to occur throughout the world, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) in a statement.
"These sorts of errors have potentially serious safety consequences," said ATSB chief commissioner Martin Dolan. "It is encouraging to see the significant safety action that is occurring as a result of the ATSB's investigation."
Dolan was speaking on publication of the ATSB's final report of its investigation into a 20 March 2009 accident, when flight EK407, with 18 crew and 257 passengers, sustained a tailstrike and overran the runway end on departure from Melbourne Airport.
An Emirates spokesperson was not immediately available for comment on the final report, The airline said at the time of the Melbourne event that it was "being treated very seriously and with the highest priority at the most senior level in the company".
The initial error was likely due to mistyping, when a weight of 262.9 tonnes, instead of the intended 362.9 tonnes, was entered into a laptop computer to calculate the aircraft's take-off settings, the report said.
The error passed through several subsequent checks without detection, it added.
"We now understand what caused the error and why it wasn't picked up," Dolan said. "We also know there have been a number of other accidents and incidents that involved similar errors in a range of different aircraft operated by different airlines around the world."
He added: "A lot of work is being done to minimise the risk of similar events in future.
"This includes developing technological aids to assist flight crew in recognising both when take-off parameters are inappropriate and when take-off performance is degraded below a safe level" noted Dolan.
"The aviation industry as a whole realises the seriousness of these issues and is working towards a solution."
To stress that further action is still needed with technological aids, the ATSB has issued a safety recommendation to the United States Federal Aviation Administration.
FLEET WATCH: Orders November 2011
Commercial aircraft net orders came in at 362 for November. Only six cancellations occurred during the month.
In the highlight of the month, Republic Airways Holdings ordered 60 A320neos and 20 A319neos. Kuwait’s ALAFCO ordered 50 A320neos and also cancelled six Boeing 787s. Emirates ordered 50 777s while Qatar Airways placed orders for 50 A320neos, five A380s and two 777s. Aviation Capital Group ordered 30 A320neos and 20 737s. In China, the Bank of Communications Finance Leasing ordered 30 Comac C919.
Airbus totalled 220 new orders in November while Boeing received 78 and Comac 40. Embraer also received 26 orders during the month while ATR received three and Bombardier one.
In the narrowbody market, 190 A320neos, 30 C919s, 20 737s and 20 A319neos were placed. The widebody orders in the month were for 52 777s, six 787s, five A330s and five A380s. In the regional sector, the orders were for 25 195s, ten ARJ21s and one each for the 175 and the CRJ.
Overall, the order backlog for airliners ended November at 9,402, up 270 on the previous month.
This article was put together by Flightglobal Insight using the ACAS database.
Note: The analysis is for passenger, freighter, combi and quick change aircraft.
In the highlight of the month, Republic Airways Holdings ordered 60 A320neos and 20 A319neos. Kuwait’s ALAFCO ordered 50 A320neos and also cancelled six Boeing 787s. Emirates ordered 50 777s while Qatar Airways placed orders for 50 A320neos, five A380s and two 777s. Aviation Capital Group ordered 30 A320neos and 20 737s. In China, the Bank of Communications Finance Leasing ordered 30 Comac C919.
Airbus totalled 220 new orders in November while Boeing received 78 and Comac 40. Embraer also received 26 orders during the month while ATR received three and Bombardier one.
In the narrowbody market, 190 A320neos, 30 C919s, 20 737s and 20 A319neos were placed. The widebody orders in the month were for 52 777s, six 787s, five A330s and five A380s. In the regional sector, the orders were for 25 195s, ten ARJ21s and one each for the 175 and the CRJ.
Overall, the order backlog for airliners ended November at 9,402, up 270 on the previous month.
This article was put together by Flightglobal Insight using the ACAS database.
Note: The analysis is for passenger, freighter, combi and quick change aircraft.
Airliner current market view – net orders |
|---|
Malaysia Airlines cuts eight loss-making routes
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will be withdrawing its services on eight loss-making routes starting January 2012 to cut losses and improve its regional network.
The affected services are: daily Langkawi-Penang-Singapore, twice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Karachi-Dubai, twice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Dubai-Damman, daily Kuala Lumpur-Surabaya, thrice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Johannesburg, twice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Cape Town-Bueno Aires, thrice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Dubai and thrice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Rome.
"The withdrawal was based on our own independent internal profitability and yield analysis. This accounts for almost 12% of our passenger capacity and we estimate the ongoing route rationalisation will improve loads, increase yields and have a profit impact of RM220 million-302 million for 2012," said CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya.
The rationalisation of these routes is also in line with MAS's focus to make Kuala Lumpur International airport (KLIA) the hub of its global network, and MAS will retime its existing frequencies to increase connectivity between KLIA and global destinations, said the airline.
The carrier also expects the rationalisation to have minimal impact on its cargo operations and Malaysia's position as a top tourist destination.
To tap on strong growth in regional demand, the carrier will increase its frequencies to key regional cities, said MAS.
Last week, the airline unveiled a business plan to bring the airline back to profitability by 2013. It had said then that it will stem losses by cutting loss-making routes, spin off ancillary businesses and set up a premium regional carrier by 2012.
MAS incurred a loss of M$1.25 billion for the first nine months of 2011 and does not expect to make a profit for the full year.
The affected services are: daily Langkawi-Penang-Singapore, twice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Karachi-Dubai, twice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Dubai-Damman, daily Kuala Lumpur-Surabaya, thrice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Johannesburg, twice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Cape Town-Bueno Aires, thrice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Dubai and thrice weekly Kuala Lumpur-Rome.
"The withdrawal was based on our own independent internal profitability and yield analysis. This accounts for almost 12% of our passenger capacity and we estimate the ongoing route rationalisation will improve loads, increase yields and have a profit impact of RM220 million-302 million for 2012," said CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya.
The rationalisation of these routes is also in line with MAS's focus to make Kuala Lumpur International airport (KLIA) the hub of its global network, and MAS will retime its existing frequencies to increase connectivity between KLIA and global destinations, said the airline.
The carrier also expects the rationalisation to have minimal impact on its cargo operations and Malaysia's position as a top tourist destination.
To tap on strong growth in regional demand, the carrier will increase its frequencies to key regional cities, said MAS.
Last week, the airline unveiled a business plan to bring the airline back to profitability by 2013. It had said then that it will stem losses by cutting loss-making routes, spin off ancillary businesses and set up a premium regional carrier by 2012.
MAS incurred a loss of M$1.25 billion for the first nine months of 2011 and does not expect to make a profit for the full year.
Southwest becomes 737 Max launch customer with 150-strong firm order
Southwest Airlines has placed a firm order for 150 Boeing 737 Max aircraft - valued at $19 billion at list prices, the largest firm order in Boeing's history - and will become the launch customer for the re-engined narrowbody.
The carrier is the first customer to place a firm order for the 737 Max.
The Dallas-based airline, which was also the launch customer for the Boeing 737 Next Generation series, will take delivery of its first 737 Max in 2017.
Alongside the firm order for 150 737 Max aircraft, Southwest has also firm-ordered an additional 58 737 Next Generation aircraft. Of these, 25 were existing options.
The new orders increase Southwest's firm orders with Boeing to 350 aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2012 and 2022.
Southwest has substituted 737-800s for all 737-700 deliveries scheduled for 2012 and 2013, in addition to a portion of its 2014 deliveries. It has also taken 150 737 Max options, the carrier said.
Its Max order includes the flexibility to accept the -7 or -8 variants.
"Today's environment demands that we become more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, and as the launch customer of the Boeing 737 Max, we have accomplished both," said Southwest chief executive Gary Kelly.
Boeing said 13 customers have now ordered more than 900 737 Max aircraft. On 12 December it set a list price of $77.7 million for the 737 Max -7, $95.2 million for the -8 and $101.7 million for the -9 variant.
The carrier is the first customer to place a firm order for the 737 Max.
The Dallas-based airline, which was also the launch customer for the Boeing 737 Next Generation series, will take delivery of its first 737 Max in 2017.
Alongside the firm order for 150 737 Max aircraft, Southwest has also firm-ordered an additional 58 737 Next Generation aircraft. Of these, 25 were existing options.
The new orders increase Southwest's firm orders with Boeing to 350 aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2012 and 2022.
Southwest has substituted 737-800s for all 737-700 deliveries scheduled for 2012 and 2013, in addition to a portion of its 2014 deliveries. It has also taken 150 737 Max options, the carrier said.
Its Max order includes the flexibility to accept the -7 or -8 variants.
"Today's environment demands that we become more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, and as the launch customer of the Boeing 737 Max, we have accomplished both," said Southwest chief executive Gary Kelly.
Boeing said 13 customers have now ordered more than 900 737 Max aircraft. On 12 December it set a list price of $77.7 million for the 737 Max -7, $95.2 million for the -8 and $101.7 million for the -9 variant.
Airbus lawsuit details sharklet patent dispute
Airbus's lawsuit against Seattle-based winglet specialist Aviation Partners follows a claim by the US company that the airframer should pay royalties over its own wing-tip design. The two sides had worked closely during a period when Airbus assessed the Aviation Partners blended winglet for the Airbus A320.
Aviation Partners filed the patent for its winglet in February 1993, and it was issued the following year, but Airbus has since created its own "sharklet" wing-tip, which it will offer to customers next year and which will become a standard fit on the re-engined A320neo.
"In written and oral communications with Airbus, [Aviation Partners] has stated repeatedly that Airbus's winglet design falls within the claims of [its] patent, and that Airbus must therefore pay [Aviation Partners] a royalty for its allegedly infringing design," the formal complaint states.
The lawsuit, dated 1 December, has been brought before the US district court for the western district of Texas. Aviation Partners' original patent describes the blended winglet as featuring a "critical departure" from regular winglet designs, which are hampered by "sharp corners" and rapid changes in chord.
"The object of the present invention is to provide a winglet configuration concept which includes an efficient transition between the wing and the winglet, which maintains a near-optimum loading over a substantial range of operating conditions, thereby achieving the full drag-reduction potential of the wing-tip device," it said.
It added that the leading-edge curve provides a smooth, gradual chord variation and limits the leading-edge sweep to less than 65° - necessary to avoid vortex shedding, which would compromise surface loading and increase drag.
The Airbus lawsuit argued that Aviation Partners, by demanding royalties, is directly charging the airframer with infringing this patent. "[Aviation Partners'] threats are a significant hindrance to Airbus and, without an early resolution, place Airbus at a competitive disadvantage," it added.
"Under all the circumstances, [Aviation Partners'] threats and actions show that it is prepared and willing to enforce [its] patent against Airbus and that there is substantial live controversy between [the two companies], having adverse legal interests of sufficient immediacy to warrant the issuance of a declaratory judgement."
Aviation Partners said it was "surprised" at the legal action by Airbus, particularly given the previous close co-operation between them during tests of the US company's winglets on A320s. It added that it would "vigorously protect" its patented technology.
Aviation Partners filed the patent for its winglet in February 1993, and it was issued the following year, but Airbus has since created its own "sharklet" wing-tip, which it will offer to customers next year and which will become a standard fit on the re-engined A320neo.
"In written and oral communications with Airbus, [Aviation Partners] has stated repeatedly that Airbus's winglet design falls within the claims of [its] patent, and that Airbus must therefore pay [Aviation Partners] a royalty for its allegedly infringing design," the formal complaint states.
| © Airbus |
"The object of the present invention is to provide a winglet configuration concept which includes an efficient transition between the wing and the winglet, which maintains a near-optimum loading over a substantial range of operating conditions, thereby achieving the full drag-reduction potential of the wing-tip device," it said.
It added that the leading-edge curve provides a smooth, gradual chord variation and limits the leading-edge sweep to less than 65° - necessary to avoid vortex shedding, which would compromise surface loading and increase drag.
The Airbus lawsuit argued that Aviation Partners, by demanding royalties, is directly charging the airframer with infringing this patent. "[Aviation Partners'] threats are a significant hindrance to Airbus and, without an early resolution, place Airbus at a competitive disadvantage," it added.
"Under all the circumstances, [Aviation Partners'] threats and actions show that it is prepared and willing to enforce [its] patent against Airbus and that there is substantial live controversy between [the two companies], having adverse legal interests of sufficient immediacy to warrant the issuance of a declaratory judgement."
Aviation Partners said it was "surprised" at the legal action by Airbus, particularly given the previous close co-operation between them during tests of the US company's winglets on A320s. It added that it would "vigorously protect" its patented technology.
Misdirected data check led to Jetstar A321 take-off incident
Australian carrier Jetstar has banned the practice of "bookmarking" pages in aircraft performance manuals, to stress the importance of pilots independently checking take-off data.
The decision came days after the crew of a Jetstar Airbus A321 performed an intersection take-off from Darwin using performance data for a full-length runway departure. While Runway 11 is 3,354m (11,000ft) long, the intersection take-off cut the available distance by more than 30%.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigators determined that, while the captain performed an external inspection, the co-pilot had consulted performance charts, to revise critical speeds, after detecting an error in take-off weight calculations.
But the co-pilot inadvertently referenced the performance chart for the full-length runway, and then bookmarked the chart to assist the captain with cross-checking the revised data. "Such bookmarking was not precluded by the operator and some pilots used the practice to save time," said the ATSB.
When the captain checked the data, he automatically turned to the bookmarked page. With the error undetected, the aircraft took off from the taxiway B intersection and became airborne with 450m of runway remaining. It would have been unable to stop if the crew had rejected take-off at the nominated 160kt (296km/h) V1 decision speed.
Jetstar issued an internal notice five days after the 12 June incident, stating: "Bookmarking the page by the [non-flying pilot] is not acceptable. This practice must cease immediately."
The decision came days after the crew of a Jetstar Airbus A321 performed an intersection take-off from Darwin using performance data for a full-length runway departure. While Runway 11 is 3,354m (11,000ft) long, the intersection take-off cut the available distance by more than 30%.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigators determined that, while the captain performed an external inspection, the co-pilot had consulted performance charts, to revise critical speeds, after detecting an error in take-off weight calculations.
| © AirTeamImages.com |
When the captain checked the data, he automatically turned to the bookmarked page. With the error undetected, the aircraft took off from the taxiway B intersection and became airborne with 450m of runway remaining. It would have been unable to stop if the crew had rejected take-off at the nominated 160kt (296km/h) V1 decision speed.
Jetstar issued an internal notice five days after the 12 June incident, stating: "Bookmarking the page by the [non-flying pilot] is not acceptable. This practice must cease immediately."
FAA gives nod to Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Boeing an amended type certificate (ATC) for its 747-8 Intercontinental, the largest passenger aircraft in its history and the third Boeing commercial aircraft certified in 2011.
The certification validates that the 467-seat 747-8I complies with all aviation regulatory requirements and Boeing's production system is capable of manufacturing a conforming design that is safe and reliable. The ATC clears the way for the first 747-8I to be delivered to a VIP completion centre early next year.
The European Aviation Safety Agency is expected to follow the FAA's approval on 15 December.
Boeing completed certification flight testing on 31 October.
The General Electric GEnx-2B-powered 747-8I joins the 787 and 747-8 freighter in Boeing's stable of certified products, both achieving US regulatory validation in August.
The 747-8I's certification comes approximately after two years of delays incurred by its freighter sibling, which entered service in October, following supply chain issues, design changes and flight test discoveries that slowed the development of both models. The delays to the 747-8F, as well as the 787 slowed the 747-8I's development, pushing it a year beyond its original late-2010 first delivery target.
Boeing holds firm orders for 38 747-8 passenger aircraft, including nine VIP configured aircraft and 20 for airline launch customer Lufthansa, which expects its first 386-seat aircraft in the first quarter of 2012. Arik Air and Korean Air hold orders for two and five, respectively.
Air China, which announced an order for five 747-8I aircraft in March, is currently pending Chinese government approval, while Hong Kong Airlines is believed to be responsible for an undisclosed customer order for 15 aircraft announced at June's Paris air show, but have not yet been firmed by the carrier.
The aircraft, the largest passenger aircraft ever built by Boeing, features a 442t (975,000lb) maximum takeoff weight and a nose-to-tail length of 76.3m (250ft 2in) and a wingspan of 68.5m (224ft 7in).
The certification validates that the 467-seat 747-8I complies with all aviation regulatory requirements and Boeing's production system is capable of manufacturing a conforming design that is safe and reliable. The ATC clears the way for the first 747-8I to be delivered to a VIP completion centre early next year.
The European Aviation Safety Agency is expected to follow the FAA's approval on 15 December.
Boeing completed certification flight testing on 31 October.
The General Electric GEnx-2B-powered 747-8I joins the 787 and 747-8 freighter in Boeing's stable of certified products, both achieving US regulatory validation in August.
The 747-8I's certification comes approximately after two years of delays incurred by its freighter sibling, which entered service in October, following supply chain issues, design changes and flight test discoveries that slowed the development of both models. The delays to the 747-8F, as well as the 787 slowed the 747-8I's development, pushing it a year beyond its original late-2010 first delivery target.
Boeing holds firm orders for 38 747-8 passenger aircraft, including nine VIP configured aircraft and 20 for airline launch customer Lufthansa, which expects its first 386-seat aircraft in the first quarter of 2012. Arik Air and Korean Air hold orders for two and five, respectively.
Air China, which announced an order for five 747-8I aircraft in March, is currently pending Chinese government approval, while Hong Kong Airlines is believed to be responsible for an undisclosed customer order for 15 aircraft announced at June's Paris air show, but have not yet been firmed by the carrier.
The aircraft, the largest passenger aircraft ever built by Boeing, features a 442t (975,000lb) maximum takeoff weight and a nose-to-tail length of 76.3m (250ft 2in) and a wingspan of 68.5m (224ft 7in).
Lion Air plans new aircraft order in February
Indonesian low cost carrier Lion Air plans another aircraft order in February 2012, and stressed that its November order for 230 Boeing 737-family aircraft is binding.
"In February next year we will sign another order," said Rusdi Kirana, president director of Lion Air. Rusdi declined to provide any more details of the planned deal.
Any Lion announcement could be timed for the Singapore Air Show that will run from 14-19 February.
During a visit to Indonesia by US president Barack Obama in November, Lion Air placed a record provisional order worth $21.7 billion for up to 380 737 aircraft, comprising an order for 230 and purchase rights for 150.
The 230 aircraft component includes 29 737-900ERs powered by the CFM International CFM56, and 201 of the re-engined 737 Max. Rusdi said the legal terms are being hammered out, with the deal to be finalised in January 2012.
"I don't think the president of the United States wants to witness the signing of a non-binding agreement," said Rusdi.
"From east to west Indonesia is 5,000 miles long and we have over 100 airports," he added. "In this context our order is not really that big."
© Boeing Rusdi declined to comment on whether the Boeing deal and its timing were influenced by politics. Following the announcement of the deal Airbus chief operation officer customers John Leahy reportedly accused the White House of political meddling in the competition for Lion Air's business.
Rusdi said the primary benefit of the new Boeings will be fuel savings and lower maintenance costs. He said Lion's MD-90s are no longer in service, and that it will remove all of its 737-300 and -400s from service by 2013.
He pointed out that the older 737s have a capacity of just 157 compared with 215 for Lion Air's 737-900ERs. "The 737-900ER can carry 215 passengers with the same fuel burn and maintenance costs."
To train the pilots for its growing fleet Lion Air has established a flight school in Indonesia that operates ten Cessna aircraft as trainers. This year 70 students will graduate, with class sizes eventually to grow to 100-150 per annum. It costs $30,000-$40,000 to train a pilot, he said, so graduates are required to work for Lion for ten years.
Lion Air now has 600-700 pilots, of whom 85% are Indonesian. The remainder hail from Southeast Asia or Europe.
"In February next year we will sign another order," said Rusdi Kirana, president director of Lion Air. Rusdi declined to provide any more details of the planned deal.
Any Lion announcement could be timed for the Singapore Air Show that will run from 14-19 February.
During a visit to Indonesia by US president Barack Obama in November, Lion Air placed a record provisional order worth $21.7 billion for up to 380 737 aircraft, comprising an order for 230 and purchase rights for 150.
The 230 aircraft component includes 29 737-900ERs powered by the CFM International CFM56, and 201 of the re-engined 737 Max. Rusdi said the legal terms are being hammered out, with the deal to be finalised in January 2012.
"I don't think the president of the United States wants to witness the signing of a non-binding agreement," said Rusdi.
"From east to west Indonesia is 5,000 miles long and we have over 100 airports," he added. "In this context our order is not really that big."
© Boeing
Rusdi said the primary benefit of the new Boeings will be fuel savings and lower maintenance costs. He said Lion's MD-90s are no longer in service, and that it will remove all of its 737-300 and -400s from service by 2013.
He pointed out that the older 737s have a capacity of just 157 compared with 215 for Lion Air's 737-900ERs. "The 737-900ER can carry 215 passengers with the same fuel burn and maintenance costs."
To train the pilots for its growing fleet Lion Air has established a flight school in Indonesia that operates ten Cessna aircraft as trainers. This year 70 students will graduate, with class sizes eventually to grow to 100-150 per annum. It costs $30,000-$40,000 to train a pilot, he said, so graduates are required to work for Lion for ten years.
Lion Air now has 600-700 pilots, of whom 85% are Indonesian. The remainder hail from Southeast Asia or Europe.
FedEx signs on for 27 767-300Fs
FedEx plans to add 27 Boeing 767-300F freighters to its fleet beginning in 2014.
The company in a statement said it signed an agreement covering the freighters, and plans to take delivery of three aircraft in 2014 followed by six per year in fiscal 2015-2018.
FedEx's decision to opt for the -300F follows evaluations it conducted with Boeing earlier this year for the development of a new freighter based on the 767-400ER, which would offer a production bridge to the US Air Force KC-46A refuelling tanker.
"The 767s were selected as the best choice to begin replacing FedEx Express's MD10 aircraft, some of which are more than 40 years old," the company said. FedEx concluded the 767-300Fs will provide similar capacity as the MD-10s, with improved reliability, an approximate 30% increase in fuel efficiency and a 20% reduction in unit operating costs.
At the same time FedEx revealed plans to delay delivery of 11 777Fs. Two aircraft are being deferred from fiscal 2013, five from fiscal 2014 and one per year in fiscal 2015-2018 in an effort to balance air network capacity with demand. FedEx stated it is exercising two 777F options targeted for delivery at the end of its refined delivery cycle.
"FedEx Express took action during the quarter to adjust its network, particularly in Asia, as recent inventory destocking trends have impacted demand for our FedEx Express services," said Alan Graf, FedEx executive chief financial officer.
"The deferral of our 777 aircraft deliveries is a continuation of those efforts, enabling us to make appropriately-timed international 777 capacity additions over the next decade. With these actions, we expect fiscal 2013 capital expenditures to moderate to approximately $3.8 billion."
The company in a statement said it signed an agreement covering the freighters, and plans to take delivery of three aircraft in 2014 followed by six per year in fiscal 2015-2018.
FedEx's decision to opt for the -300F follows evaluations it conducted with Boeing earlier this year for the development of a new freighter based on the 767-400ER, which would offer a production bridge to the US Air Force KC-46A refuelling tanker.
"The 767s were selected as the best choice to begin replacing FedEx Express's MD10 aircraft, some of which are more than 40 years old," the company said. FedEx concluded the 767-300Fs will provide similar capacity as the MD-10s, with improved reliability, an approximate 30% increase in fuel efficiency and a 20% reduction in unit operating costs.
At the same time FedEx revealed plans to delay delivery of 11 777Fs. Two aircraft are being deferred from fiscal 2013, five from fiscal 2014 and one per year in fiscal 2015-2018 in an effort to balance air network capacity with demand. FedEx stated it is exercising two 777F options targeted for delivery at the end of its refined delivery cycle.
"FedEx Express took action during the quarter to adjust its network, particularly in Asia, as recent inventory destocking trends have impacted demand for our FedEx Express services," said Alan Graf, FedEx executive chief financial officer.
"The deferral of our 777 aircraft deliveries is a continuation of those efforts, enabling us to make appropriately-timed international 777 capacity additions over the next decade. With these actions, we expect fiscal 2013 capital expenditures to moderate to approximately $3.8 billion."
Thursday, December 15, 2011
737 MAX Logs First Firm Order from Launch Customer Southwest Airlines
-- Southwest orders 150 737 MAX airplanes and 58 Next-Generation 737s
-- Southwest becomes launch customer; scheduled to take first 737 MAX delivery
-- Largest firm order in Boeing history
DALLAS, Dec. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Southwest Airlines today announced a firm order for 150 fuel-efficient 737 MAX airplanes. Southwest is the first customer to finalize an order for the 737 MAX and becomes the launch customer for the new-engine variant. The Dallas-based carrier also ordered 58 Next-Generation 737s.
The firm order is the largest in Boeing history both in dollar value, nearly $19 billion at list prices, and the number of airplanes. It supports Southwest's initiative to modernize its all-Boeing fleet, the world's largest fleet of 737s. As the 737 MAX launch customer, Southwest will take delivery of the first airplane when it enters service in 2017.
"Southwest is a special Boeing customer and has been a true partner in the evolution of the 737," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh. "Throughout our 40-year relationship, our two companies have collaborated to launch the 737-300, 737-500 and the Next-Generation 737-700 – affirming the 737 as the world's preferred single-aisle airplane. As launch customer for the 737 MAX, Southwest, Boeing and the 737 continue that legacy."
The 737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The new-engine variant, powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions by an additional 10-12 percent over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplane. It will have the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle segment with a 7 percent advantage over tomorrow's competition.
"Today's environment demands that we become more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly, and as the launch Customer of the Boeing 737 MAX, we have accomplished both," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO.
"We are teaming up with our friends from Boeing to lead the industry in a way that makes both our shareholders and our Customers proud to associate with Southwest Airlines. Today's announcement will allow us to maintain our position as a low-cost provider in the years ahead."
This order continues the growing momentum for the 737 MAX. With the Southwest order, the 737 MAX has orders and commitments for more than 900 airplanes from 13 customers, while the Next-Generation 737 family has won orders for more than 6,600 airplanes and Boeing has delivered more than 3,800.
source: boeing.com
Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Receives FAA Certification
Boeing's newest passenger airplane on track for delivery in early 2012
The FAA presented Boeing an Amended Type Certificate (ATC) and the amended Production Certificate for Boeing's newest passenger airplane, the 747-8 Intercontinental Wednesday. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is expected to issue its ATC for the airplane Thursday. Boeing received its FAA and EASA certificates for the 747-8 Freighter in August.
"This is a great achievement for Boeing and for the 747-8 program," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, "We look forward to delivering this fabulous airplane to our customers."
The certificates validate that the design of the 747-8 Intercontinental is compliant with all aviation regulatory requirements and the production system can produce a safe and reliable airplane, conforming to the airplane's design.
"Soon people around the world will fly on the newest 747," said Elizabeth Lund, vice president and general manager, 747 program. "This is a great day for our customers and for a team that has worked incredibly hard to certify the newest version of the Queen of the Skies."
The 747 program is now in the final stages of preparing to deliver the first 747-8 Intercontinental early next year.
The 747-8 Intercontinental provides double-digit improvements in fuel economy and carbon emissions per passenger and generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400. The new 747-8 Intercontinental features a new wing design and an upgraded flight deck and applies 787 Dreamliner inspired interior features including a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort.
Source: Boeing.com
Boeing Unveils First 787 to Enter Service for Japan Airlines
Dreamliner will be used for airline's new Tokyo Narita-Boston route
EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner to enter service for Japan Airlines (JAL) rolled out of the paint hangar last night. The airplane's livery features the iconic new brand mark on its tail and underscores the airline's commitment to provide the highest level of service to customers and contribute to the advancement of society. The logo is a distinct symbol of the airline which was the first Japanese carrier to fly internationally from Japan since 1954.
Source: The Boeing Company
PHOTO: JAL’s First Boeing 787 Dreamliner in New Livery (updated)
HI RES IMAGE (click for larger). JAL's first Boeing 787 rolls out of the paint hangar in new livery. Photo by Boeing.
This is the new livery that JAL first premiered on one of their Boeing 767s back in March 2011 and was shown off in drawings in January 2011. JAL already had multiple 787 Dreamliners painted in their older livery at Paine Field and it was assumed that they would be re-painted in the new livery before delivery.
The resurrection of the crane is to match the airline’s, “new philosophy and corporate policy which underscore the company’s re-commitment to provide the highest levels of service to customers and to raise its corporate value in order to contribute to the advancement of society.”
I have seen the livery in person a few times now on 767s and 737s and I have to say I am still not a huge fan of it. I am okay with simplicity and I realize this is a cultural thing with connecting with the airline’s roots, but give me a swooping cheatline or something. Although it does look better on the 787 vs the other aircraft I have seen.
What do you think of the new JAL livery on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?
source: http://blog.seattlepi.com/airlinereporter/2011/12/14/photo-jal%E2%80%99s-first-boeing-787-dreamliner-in-new-livery-updated/
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