Simulasi Kedua Kualanamu Digelar 18 Juli

MEDAN- Simulasi tahap II menjelang Soft Operation Bandara Kualanamu 25 Juli mendatang akan digelar pada 18 Juli mendatang. Para stakeholder bandara internasional terbesar di Indonesia Barat itu kembali menggelar rapat koordinasi (rakor). Rapat yang dipimpin oleh Tirta Hidayat selaku Deputi Kantor Wakil Presiden RI berlangsung Kamis (11/7) di Hotel Arya Duta Medan.

Hadir dalam rakor tersebut Wakil Gubernur Sumatera Utara Ir HTengku Erry Nuradi MSi, Dirjen Perhubungan Udara Kementrian Perhubungan RI Herry Bhakti, Dirut PT Angkasa Pura II Tri S Sunoko, Dirjen Perkeretapian Kementerian Perhubungan Tundjung Inderawan, Wakil Bupati Deliserdang Zainuddin Mars, Plt Walikota Medan Zulmi Eldin, Kadishub Provsu Antony Siahaan, serta puluhan peserta rapat lainnya.

Dirut Angkasa Pura II Tri S Sunoko dalam paparannya menjelaskan sampai saat ini kesiapan pembangunan fisik KNIA sudah hampir rampung dan siap soft operation 25 Juli mendatang. Terkait beberapa faktor pendukung aktivitas bandara seperti Bea Cukai, Karantina dan Imigrasi, Sunoko, mengatakan hal itu akan menyusul dan dalam proses pengerjaan. Sunoko menambahkan, untuk memudahkan operasional bandara, pihaknya akan melakukan simulasi tanggal 18 Juli mendatang.

Sementara itu Wakil Gubernur Sumatera Utara menekankan beberapa kendala yang mungkin muncul dalam operasional nanti. Adapun beberapa kendala tersebut adalah akses menuju bandara, fasilitas penerangan jalan dan ekses lain seperti kemacetan Kota Medan. “Antusiasme beroperasinya bandara kebanggaan kita ini memang besar, namun tidak berarti meninggalkan kendala di masyarakat yang akan timbul,” tutur Wagubsu.

Di sisi lain, pihak PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) masih mempertimbangkan solusi untuk jalur kereta api Bandara Kualanamu. Namun, pada prinsipnya mereka ingin membangun jalur double trek, tapi apakah sebidang atau jalan layang (elivated) masih menjadi pertimbangan.
“Untuk prasarana harus ada persiapan. Prinsipnya harus ada double trak, tapi apakah sebidang atau jalan layang masih dipertimbangkan. Kita akan melakukan kajian, maka yang lebih praktis dan evesiensi, mungkin nanti ada tiga atau empat pilihan, baru kita putuskan,” ujar Dirjen Perkeretapian Kementerian Perhubungan, Tundjung Inderawan.

Ditambahkannya, dengan double trek dengan perlintasan sebidang tentu akan menjadi masalah. Antrian kendaraan di jalan perlintasan kereta api akan semakin panjang. “Dengan duoble trek, frekwensi kereta api akan semakin banyak, pintu perlintasan akan lebih sering tutup. Otomatis kemacetan pun semakin padat,” jelasnya.

Kondisi ini tambahnya, kemungkinan dibangun jalan layang sepanjang 4 kilometer sampai 9 kilometer, pada perlintasan tertentu. Namun, pembangunan jalan yang ini tentu membutuhkan anggaran lebih besar. “Pemko Medan memang menginginkan jalan layang kereta api, tapi kita terkendala anggaran. Membangun jalan layang itu membutuhkan anggaran lrbih besar dari rel sebidang di atas tanah,” paparnya.
Selain itu, perlu juga pertimbangan dari segi waktu. Untuk pembangunan double trek sebidang di atas tanah, mungkin bisa selesai dalam setahun. Sedangkan, pembangunan jalan layang membutuhkan waktu minimal 3 tahun. “Tapi, kalau rel sebidang, kita perlu membebaskan lahan lagi, sedangkan jalan layang tidak lagi. Seperti ini akan menjadi pertimbangan kita, sebelum memutuskan solusi terbaiknya,” tegasnya.

Tundjung menambahkan, kereta api hanya akan sanggup mengangkut 20 persen dari total penumpang. PT Kereta api pada awalnya pun hanya akan mengoperasikan 6 set kereta api Kualanamu. “Sekarang kita memiliki dua set kereta api, awal September nanti ditambah dua set, kemudian akhir September kita tambah dua lagi, jadi secara keseluruhan akan ada enam set kereta api Bandara Kualanamu. Dengan jalur single trek, maka kita hanya mampu melayani 20 persen penumpang saja,” paparnya.

Pada kesempatan ini, Tundjung juga mengkritisi kemacetan di Lapangan Merdeka. Dia menyebutkan, bila tidak ada pengaturan lalulintas yang pas, maka Lapangan Merdeka itu akan macet total. “Sekarang saja sudah terjadi kemacetan di Lapangan Merdeka itu, bagaimana ketika Kereta api Bandara Kualanamu itu beroperasi? Dibutuhkan penanganan arus lalu lintas yang pas,” ungkapnya.

Solusinya mungkin, sebutnya, Jalan Stasiun ditutup bagi pengguna umum dan diperuntukkan bagi parkir dan penumpang Kereta Api saja. “Mungkin, Pemko Medan bisa membuat kebijakan dengan cara menutup Jalan Statsiun itu bagi umum dan khusus untuk parkir dan penumpang kereta api saja. Sebab dengan kondisi skybridge belum selesai, maka kemacetan pasti mengerikan,” tegasnya.

Read more: http://www.hariansumutpos.com/2013/07/62608/simulasi-kedua-kualanamu-digelar-18-juli#ixzz2ZCxTXirI

Operasional Kuala Namu Mulai 25 Juli, Dahlan Siap Begadang di Medan

Jakarta - Bandara Kuala Namu di Sumatera Utara akan dioperasikan mulai tanggal 25 Juli 2013. Bandara baru ini akan menggantikan lama yang telah ada yaitu Bandara Polonia.

Lalu bagaimana dengan sistem pemindahan pesawat di Bandara Polonia Medan?

"Jadi nanti pesawat yang sore itu mendarat di Polonia Medan, Hari Rabu (24/7/2013) semua pesawat masih masuk di Polonia, terakhir jam 23:00 semoga malam itu tidak ada pesawat yang terlambat. Semua pesawat yang menginap di Polonia harus terbang ke Kuala Namu, semua parkir di Kuala Namu," jelas Dahlan saat berdiskusi di Kantor Kementerian BUMN Jakarta, Selasa (16/7/2013).

"Kemudian berangkat (take off) pagi sudah di Kuala Namu. Yang bermalam di Polonia pindah ke Kuala Namu. Ada 16 pesawat yang ditarik dari Polonia," imbuhnya.

Dahlan menambahkan operasional Bandara Kuala Namu tidak bisa ditunda. Pasalnya otoritas penerbangan dunia sudah menghapus data penerbangan Bandara Polonia mulai tanggal 25 Juli 2013.

"Ada pertanyaan apakah harus ditunda setelah lebaran tetapi ini tidak mungkin karena sudah dilaporkan secara internasional. Sejak 56 hari yang lalu sudah dilaporkan ke Internasional. Sejak itu data-data Polonia sudah di hapus, makanya jika di tunda itu tidak bisa," kata Dahlan.

Nantinya operasional Bandara Polonia akan diserahkan oleeh PT Angkasa Pura II (persero) kepada Kementerian Pertahanan. Untuk mendukung upayanya ini, Dahlan siap bermalam di Bandara Kuala Namu.

"Tanggal 25 nanti akan ada serah terima, Bandara Polonia sudah tidak menjadi kewenangan Angkasa Pura II lagi, akan tetapi Kementerian Pertahanan. Saya sendiri akan bermalam di Kuala Namu, bukan mengontrol, saya ingin solider saja sama seharian bermalam di sana. Saya ingin ikutan saja, saya tidak bisa bantu apa-apa, paling nanti saya berikan singkong saja," cetus Dahlan.


detik.com

Bandara Polonia Medan Akan Jadi Milik Kemenhan

JAKARTA – Menteri Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) Dahlan Iskan mengatakan pada pengoperasian pertama Bandara Kualanamu akan diadakan juga serah terima antara PT Angkasa Pura II dengan Kementerian Pertahanan. Di mana, Angkasa Pura akan menyerahkan kewenangan Bandara Polonia Medan kepada Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemenhan).

"Tanggal 25 Juli nanti akan ada serah penerimaan, bandara Polonia sudah tidak menjadi kewenangan Angkasa Pura II lagi, akan tetapi Kementerian Pertahanan," ujar Dahlan kepada wartawan di Kementerian BUMN, Jakarta, Selasa (16/7/2013).

Untuk peresmian Bandara Kualanamu, Mantan Direktur Utama PLN itu berharap dengan di percepatnya pengoperasian Bandara Kualanamu diharapkan dapat diketahui apa saja kekurangan Bandara Kualanamu.

"Kapan saja, yang penting sudah dapat dipakai agar ketahuan apa saja kurangnya. Siapa tau ada kekuranan ini lah itulah," tutupnya.


http://economy.okezone.com/read/2013/07/16/320/837773/bandara-polonia-medan-akan-jadi-milik-kemenhan 

25 Juli Bandara Kualanamu Siap Beroperasi

JAKARTA - Menteri Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) Dahlan Iskan yang telah menghadiri rapat dengan Wakil Presiden (Wapres) Budiono menjelaskan, rapat tersebut membahas Bandara Kualanamu, Medan. Di mana tepat pada tanggal 25 Juli tahun ini pengoperasian Bandara Polonia, Medan di pindahkan ke Bandara Kualanamu.

"Masalah ngecek-ngecek bandara, semua bandara, sekedar laporan, Kualanamu tetap pindah tanggal 25, jadi nanti pesawat yang mendarat di Polonia tanggal 24 Juli masih mendarat di situ,” ujar Dahlan kepada wartawan di Kementerian BUMN, Jakarta, Selasa (16/7/2013).

Dahlan menjelaskan, tepat 24 Juli Bandara Polonia Medan akan melayani pendaratan pesawat sampai dengan pukul 23.00 WIB. Setelah itu, pesawat yang telah parkir di Polonia akan langsung melakukan penerbangan ke Bandara Kualanamu pada 24 Juli malam.

"Mendarat terakhir pukul 23.00 WIB, semoga tidak ada yang delay, lalu pesawat yang malam itu yang nginap di kolonial harus terbang ke Kualanamu dan parkir, besok pagi harinya tanggal 25 Juli sudah dapat terbang lewat Kualanamu, ada 16 pesawat yang ditarik dari Polonia," katanya.

Akan tetapi, Dahlan mengakui untuk saat ini masih ada persoalan yang harus diselesaikan oleh pemerintah. Yaitu soal infrastruktur jalan yang menyokong Bandara Kualanamu. "Persoalannya, memang jalan masuk ke Kualanamu itu sebagian belum jadi, tapi Wamen PU menyatakan cukup," tambahnya.

Namun, menurut Dahlan, pergantian alih fungsi bandara ini tidak dapat diundur lagi. Pasalnya, pemerintah telah melaporkan ke dunia internasional sejak dari 56 hari yang lalu.

"Ada pertanyaan apakah harus ditunda setelah Lebaran, tapi tidak mungkin karena sudah dilaporkan secara internasional, sejak 56 hari yang lalu sudah dilaporkan ke Internasional. Sejak itu data-data polonia sudah di hapus, makanya jika di tunda itu tidak bisa," tutupnya.

Pada saat hari pertama pengoperasian Dahlan mengaku akan bermalam di Bandara Kualanamu Medan. Menurut Dahlan, dirinya bermalam di Kualanamu bukan untuk mengontrol pemindahan alih fungsi dari Bandara Polonia Medan ke Bandara Kualanamu.

"Saya sendiri akan bermalam di Kualanamu, bukan mengontrol, saya ingin solider saja sama yang seharian bermalam disana, saya ingin ikutan saja, saya tidak bisa bantu apa-apa, paling nanti saya berikan singkong saja, tahu," tuturnya. 


http://economy.okezone.com/read/2013/07/16/320/837771/25-juli-bandara-kualanamu-siap-beroperasi 

Dahlan Iskan Akan Bermalam di Bandara Kualanamu

JAKARTA - Proses pemindahan Bandara Polonia, Medan, ke Bandara Kualanamu pada 25 Juli mendatang tidak semudah yang dipikirkan. Terlebih banyak yang harus diangkut dan disesuaikan dengan bandara baru.

Karenanya, Menteri Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) Dahlan Iskan mengimbau masyarakat yang hendak menggunakan Bandara Kualanamu harus lebih bersabar bila nantinya ada sedikit masalah. 

"Masyarakat yang hari itu (tanggal 25 Juli 2013, red) mau terbang ke Kualanamu harus sabar kalau ada kekurangan," ucap Dahlan di kantornya, Jalan Merdeka Selatan, Jakarta, Selasa (16/7).

Karena tahu repotnya memindahkan bandara, pada tanggal 24 Juli 2013, rencananya Dahlan akan bermalam di Bandara Kualanamu menemani petugas operasional bandara yang saat itu akan begadang memindahkan seluruh peralatan dari Bandara Polonia ke Bandara Kualanamu.

"Rabu malam saya akan bermalam di Kualanamu, bukan mengontrol, saya ingin solider saja sama mereka, makanya saya seharian akan bermalam di sana," tutur dia.

Meski keberadaannya di Bandara Kualanamu tidak bisa membantu angkat-mengangkat, namun bekas dirut PLN ini sudah membulatkan tekad untuk berada di sana. 

"Saya ingin ikutan saja, saya tidak bisa bantu apa-apa, gak akan ngangkut apa-apa karena fisik saya sudah tidak kuat. Paling nanti saya berikan singkong saja atau tahu," aku pria kelahiran Magetan ini, berkelakar.

Di samping itu, pada tanggal 25 Juli 2013 akan ada serah terima Bandara Polonia, yang sudah tidak lagi digunakan penerbangan sipil. "Ada serah terima, nanti (Bandara Polonia, red) sudah tidak menjadi kewenangan Angkasa Pura II lagi, akan tetapi menjadi kewenangan di bawah kementerian Pertahanan," papar Dahlan.



http://www.jpnn.com/read/2013/07/16/182104/Dahlan-Iskan-Akan-Bermalam-di-Bandara-Kualanamu-

Dahlan Iskan: Pengoperasian Bandara Kualanamu Tidak Bisa Ditunda Lagi

JAKARTA - Menteri Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) Dahlan Iskan sempat meminta pada Angkasa Pura II untuk menunda pengoperasian Bandara Kualanamu setelah lebaran tiba.

Alasannya, selain khawatir belum siap dioperasikan pada 25 Juli 2013, ternyata jalan masuk menuju Bandara Kualanamu belum sepenuhnya jadi.

Permasalahan itu dibahas Dahlan dalam rapat bersama Wakil Presiden Boediono di Kantor Wapres, Jalan Medan Merdeka Utara, Jakarta, Selasa (16/7) pagi.

"Ada pertanyaan apakah lebih baik tidak ditunda saja pengoperasian Bandara Kualanamu, karena persoalannya memang jalan masuk ke Bandara Kualanamu itu belum jadi," papar Dahlan di kantornya, Jalan Merdeka Selatan, Jakarta, Selasa (16/7).

Tapi, lanjut Dahlan, Wakil Menteri PU menyatakan jalan yang belum jadi itu masih cukup bisa digunakan untuk menuju Bandara Kualanamu. "Pak Wamen PU bilang jalan itu masih cukup dilewati kendaraan, sembari (proyek jalannya, red) tetap dikerjakan selama pengoperasian Kualanamu," tutur dia.

Sementara opsi untuk menunda pengoperasian Bandara Kulanamu setelah lebaran, nampaknya sudah tidak mungkin lagi dilakukan. Mengingat seluruh informasi mengenai pengoperasian Bandara Kualanamu tanggal 25 Juli 2013 telah tersiar ke level internasional.

"Itu tidak mungkin, karena sudah dilaporkan secara internasional, sejak 56 hari yang lalu sudah dilaporkan ke internasional bahwa Bandara Kualanamu akan mulai beroperasi," ucap bekas dirut PLN ini.

"Data-data Polonia untuk tanggal 25 Juli 2013 sudah dihapus, makanya jika operasional Kualanamu ditunda maka data-data itu tidak bisa lagi dimunculkan," tutup pria yang pernah melakukan cuci otak ini.


http://www.jpnn.com/read/2013/07/16/182090/Dahlan-Iskan:-Pengoperasian-Bandara-Kualanamu-Tidak-Bisa-Ditunda-Lagi- 

Pesawat Mendarat Terakhir di Polonia, 24 Juli Pukul 23.00

JAKARTA - Menteri Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) Dahlan Iskan menegaskan penerbangan sipil di Bandara Polonia, Medan, akan pindah ke Bandara Kualanamu pada 25 Juli mendatang. Dahlan menjelaskan tanggal 24 Juli 2013 merupakan tanggal terakhir seluruh pesawat mendarat di Bandara Polonia.

"Jadi nanti tanggal 24 Juli pesawat masih mendarat di bandara lama (Polonia, red). Pokoknya terakhir mendarat pukul 11 malam," ucap Dahlan di ruangannya lantai 19 gedung  Kementerian BUMN, Jalan Merdeka Selatan, Jakarta, Selasa (16/7).

Bekas dirut PLN ini berharap perpindahan seluruh pesawat dari Polonia ke Kualanamu berjalan lancar dan tidak ada kendala. 

"Semoga tidak ada (pesawat-red) yang delay, karena pesawat yang malam itu nginap di Polonia harus terbang pukul 11 malam ke Kualanamu dan parkir di sana semua. Supaya besok pagi harinya tanggal 25 Juli sudah dapat terbang lewat Kualanamu," terangnya.

Malam itu, kata Dahlan, ada sebanyak 16 pesawat yang akan dipindahkan ke Bandara Kualanamu dan ada petugas yang akan mengatur jam terbang perpindahan pesawat. "Ada 16 pesawat yang pindah, nanti diatur pindahnya, jam berapa-berapanya biar gak bentrok satu sama lain," tutup Dahlan.



http://www.jpnn.com/read/2013/07/16/182077/Pesawat-Mendarat-Terakhir-di-Polonia,-24-Juli-Pukul-23.00-

Dahlan Tidur di Bandara Kuala Namu Sehari Jelang Simulasi

Liputan6.com, Menjelang proses simulasi operasional Bandar Udara (Bandara) Kuala Namu pada 25 Juli 2013, Menteri Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) Dahlan Iskan berjanji akan menginap di Bandara. Niat Dahlan itu cukup serius mengingat Bandara Kuala Namu nantinya akan dijadikan sebagai basis bandara Internasional di kawasan Sumatera menggantikan Bandara Polonia Medan.

Tak hanya itu, Dahlan mengatakan aksinya itu sebagai bentuk solidaritas terhadap para pekerja dan pihak terkait dalam proses pembangunan. Serta dukungan bagi pelaksana operasional bandara terbesar kedua setelah Soekarno Hatta tersebut.

"Saya sendiri akan bermalam di Kuala Namu nanti, bukan mengontrol, saya ingin solider saja sama seharian bermalam disana, saya ingin ikutan saja, saya tidak bisa bantu apa-apa, paling nanti saya berikan singkong saja, tahu," ungkapnya di Gedung Kementerian BUMN, Jakarta, Selasa (16/7/2013)

Dahlan menjelaskan, selain simulasi operasional Bandara, kegiatan Dahlan juga akan dilanjutkan dengan serah terima Bandara Kuala Namu dari pengelola Angkasa Pura II ke Kementerian Pertahanan.

Nantinya. terhitung sejak 24 Juli 2013, Bandara Polonia Medan akan menutup operasional bandara terhitung sejak pukul 23.00 WIB. Keesokan harinya, para penumpang pesawat udara mulai diterbangkan dari Bandara Kuala Namu.

"Mendarat terakhir pukul 23.00 WIB, semoga tidak ada yang delay. Lalu pesawat yang malam itu, yang nginap di Polonia harus terbang ke Kuala Namu dan parkir, besok pagi harinya tanggal 25 sudah dapat terbang lewat Kuala Namu," papar mantan direktur utama PLN itu.

Bandara Kuala Namu dilaporkan memiliki areal parkir yang mampu menampung sebanyak 16 pesawat.

Diakui Dahlan, pembangunan Bandara Kuala Namu saat ini adalah belum rampungnya infrastruktur jalan menuju bandara. "Tapi wamen PU menyatakan cukup," jelas dia. 

Garuda Lakukan Joy Flight Boeing 777-300ER Sekaligus Tes Wi-Fi

 
Jakarta - PT Garuda Indonesia Airlines Tbk (GIAA) melakukan demo terbang atau joy flight pesawat canggih Boeing 777-300ER hari ini. Pesawat terbang dari Jakarta menuju Denpasar.

Direktur Niaga dan Pemasaran Garuda Indonesia Erik Meijer menjelaskan pada joy flight kali ini, juga diujicobakan penerbangan pertama dengan fasilitas wi-fi di armada Garuda Indonesia.

"Sabtu ini uji coba Jakarta-Denpasar," ucap Erick kepada detikFinance, Sabtu (6/7/2013).

Pada joy flight kali ini, Garuda Indonesia menggandeng petugas dari Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika (Kominfo). Petugas Kominfo akan menilai peralatan wifi saat joy flight.

Ketika wifi berjalan dengan baik, Kominfo akan merekomendasikan penerapan sistem ini pada penerbangan perdana Jakarta-Jeddah.

"Bisa dipakai penerbangan Jakarta-Jeddah (9 Juli) kalau Kominfo bilang oke," tambahnya.


detik.com

New Photos [June 18, 2013] : Test Flight First Boeing 777-300 ER for Garuda Indonesia PK-GIA

update foto terbaru Boeing 777-300ER (77W) pertama untuk Garuda Indonesia dengan rego PK-GIA


foto ini ketika 77W Garuda dengan no.registrasi PK-GIA melanjutkan kembali test flight di Paine Field (KPAE) tanggal 18 Juni 2013.

menjelang semakin dekatnya tanggal delivery 77W Garuda dan dijadwalkan pada Kamis 27 Juni 2013 jam 20:05 WIB // 21:05 WITA akan mendarat di Bandara Internasional Ngurah Rai, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

 






























^^ photo credit: moonm
sumber: flickr





sumber: http://paineairport.com/

SkyTeam Enhances Customer Benefits Through 2014

Garuda Indonesia joining on track, 20th member will strengthen Southeast Asian network

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, is re-enforcing its focus on customer-based initiatives that ensure improved service offering whilst delivering more benefits for its membership throughout SkyTeam's global network.

"With our global network almost complete, our priority is now shifting to creating a seamless travel experience for our customers," said Michael Wisbrun , SkyTeam's managing director. "SkyTeam's key driver so far has been on gaining global presence, and now provides a network with access to the most relevant traffic flows worldwide. But the next stage of cooperation is about developing customer products and services that bring seamlessness to a new level."

Creating efficiency and seamlessnessWith more than 30 million passengers transferring among the members annually, closer cooperation between airlines and airports has been developed under the SkyTransfer initiative. Focus is on improving customer transfers from one member to another by developing new efficiencies, as well as transfer and service recovery standards, starting with SkyTeam's largest hubs. These include Amsterdam, Atlanta, Rome, Paris CDG, Mexico City, Seoul, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. It is estimated that this will lead to an average cost savings of about 15M Euros annually on transfer related costs.

Improved customer serviceSkyTeam launched its flagship customer-focused initiative, SkyPriority, in March 2012.  Offering a series of premium airport services for Elite Plus, First and Business Class customers, SkyPriority has now been implemented throughout 75% of SkyTeam's global network and will be available at each of SkyTeam's 1,000 global destinations by the end of 2013.  In addition, the program is being extended to include, amongst others, more dedicated security lanes, and dedicated SkyPriority call centres to provide essential support to high value customers. Other additions include dedicated SkyPriority baggage desks at arrival halls.

Delivering synergiesWith its global network almost complete, SkyTeam is working to fast-track initiatives that augment benefits offered to members.  These include SkyPort, which is focused on increasing co-location of airport facilities to ease the customer experience while reducing costs.  SkyTeam will open 3 more co-branded lounges with Istanbul being opened this month;Sydney before the end of 2013 and Beijing in early 2014. The new lounges will reduce combined costs by approximately 10% at these airports.

To get the most out of travelling with SkyTeam, travel products have been developed and upgraded to meet customer needs. Booking facilities will be added to the online Round the World planning application before year's end. The recently enhanced Global Meetings product offers more convenience and more attractive pricing, through a new online booking tool for a minimum of 50 delegates featuring a wide range of fare discounts off published fares.

"Every initiative SkyTeam develops has benefits both for its members and most importantly for the customers," continued Wisbrun. "It's not about simply being the biggest in scale, we must evolve and facilitate in the development and implementation of such customer focused initiatives. SkyTeam is dedicated to taking seamlessness to the next level and demonstrating we are the alliance that cares more about the needs of our customers," notes Wisbrun.

Addition of Garuda strengthens Southeast Asian network      SkyTeam confirms that it will welcome Garuda Indonesia as its 20^th member in March, 2014.  The national airline of Indonesia, Garuda will be SkyTeam's second member from Southeast Asia.

"Garuda Indonesia's domestic and growing international network will give SkyTeam a footprint in Indonesia, as we strengthen our presence in the Southeast Asia region," said Michael Wisbrun . "Garuda has worked hard to meet the membership criteria required by SkyTeam, including implementing a new IT platform, and we look forward to welcoming the airline in March next year."

About SkyTeamSkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive global network with more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers access to 525 lounges worldwide. The nineteen members are: Aeroflot, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern , China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. SkyTeam offers its 552 million annual customers over 15,000 daily flights to 1,000 destinations in 187 countries.
www.skyteam.com / www.facebook.com/skyteam / www.youtube.com/user/skyteam

SOURCE SkyTeam

RELATED LINKS
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UPDATE 2-Airbus, Boeing battle over long-haul jets heats up

* Lufthansa, JAL, Malaysia among those eyeing widebody jets

* Sets stage for slew of orders at Paris Airshow

* IATA raises 2013 profit forecast for airline industry

By Siva Govindasamy

CAPE TOWN, June 3 (Reuters) - The battle between Airbus and Boeingover their next-generation of long-haul jets is heating up, with a string of major airlines flagging plans on Monday to place multi-billion dollar orders.

Germany's Lufthansa, Japan Airlines and Malaysia Airlines were among carriers at the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) annual general meeting to say they were sizing up Airbus's new A350 widebody jets and Boeing's rival 787 Dreamliner and revamped 777 models.

Airbus and Boeing compete for the lion's share of a jet market estimated at $100 billion a year. While recent years have seen them battling over smaller Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, interest in larger fuel-efficient planes is on the rise, suggesting airlines are betting on an upturn in the global economy and therefore their premium and long-haul markets.

IATA, the airline trade body, on Monday hiked its 2013 industry profit forecast by 20 percent to $12.7 billion, encouraged by cost cutting and lower oil prices.

Airline executives at the IATA meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, said the stage was set for a slew of orders at the Paris Airshow later this month, and a sustained campaign by Europe's Airbus and U.S. rival Boeing to win more customers.

The executives told Reuters they had been receiving briefings on Boeing's proposed 787-10X and the 777X, the latest variants of both aircraft.

Industry sources say the 787-10X could be launched in Paris and the 777X later this year, but caution this is dependent on delicate negotiations with potential buyers and production plans. A launch of the stretched 787-10X would imply an increase in Boeing's plans to make 10 Dreamliners a month from end-2013.

Airbus, meanwhile, is pushing the A350-1000, the largest of three variants, as an alternative to the popular 777-300ER and has gained traction over the last year with several high profile buyers such as Cathay Pacific.

POWER STRUGGLE

Some of the bigger potential customers in coming months include Lufthansa for around 50 aircraft,Japan Airlines (JAL) for 40 jets, and Malaysia Airlines for around 30 aircraft.

Others include Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA), Garuda Indonesia, and Ethiopian Airlines. All are keen to assess both Airbus and Boeing aircraft for their requirements, worth tens of billions of dollars at list prices.

Among the most closely watched competitions are those held by ANA and JAL, which are considering orders for A350s.

That could mark a seismic shift in the airline world as JAL operates only Boeing aircraft and ANA, which has Airbus A320 narrowbody aircraft, operates only Boeing jets on its medium and long-haul services. Amid tough competition, analysts say Japanese airlines could pick up the Airbus aircraft.

Both airlines, however, will talk to both aircraft suppliers as they want to get the best possible deal. ANA, for example, says that it will assess the proposed 777X as well as the A350 to replace its older 777s.

Strong demand for the 787s and A350s and a large backlog mean Boeing and Airbus have sold out early delivery slots. Some airlines like Garuda Indonesia are potentially getting their aircraft from leasing companies instead.

"The slots are tight but we need the aircraft in the 2016-2017 timeframe," said Garuda's chief executive Emirsyah Satar. "Leasing companies can be the answer for us as they can supply the aircraft when we need them."

JAL says studying Airbus, Boeing jets to replace 777s

(Reuters) - Japan Airlines wants to start replacing around 40 of its Boeing 777 aircraft from 2019, chairman Masaru Onishi said.

The airline is studying the Airbus A350-1000, as well as Boeing's proposed 787-10X and 777-9X, he told reporters.

Japan's flag carrier has been a loyal Boeing customer and is one of the few airlines in the world not to operate any Airbus aircraft. It has been looking to diversify its fleet purchases between the two leading aircraft manufacturers.

Onishi said the airline can make a decision "soon" if it can negotiate a right deal, but is not in a hurry.

The comments come after rival All Nippon Airways also hinted at a possible Airbus purchase in an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of an airlines conference.

Malaysia Airlines considers Airbus A350 or Boeing 787

(Reuters) - Malaysian Airline System Bhd is studying both the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 as potential replacements for its existing medium and long-haul fleet of aircraft, an airline executive said on Monday.

Malaysia Airlines operates a total of about 30 Boeing Co 777s and Airbus A330s, and it eventually wants to fly only one type of aircraft in this segment to simplify operations and reduce costs, Germal Singh, the airline's senior vice president of government and international affairs, told reporters on the sidelines of an airline conference in Capetown.

It may begin to replace these aircraft from around 2018, he added.

UPDATE 1-Southeast Asian airlines eye Airbus A350s, Boeing 787s

(Reuters) - Malaysian Airline System Bhd is studying both the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 as potential replacements for its existing medium and long-haul fleet of aircraft, an airline executive said on Monday.

Garuda Indonesia Tbk is also considering those two planes to augment its fleet of Airbus A330s that it uses on routes to other Asian countries.

Malaysia Airlines operates a total of about 30 Boeing Co 777s and Airbus A330s, and it eventually wants to fly only one type of aircraft in this segment to simplify operations and reduce costs, Germal Singh, the airline's senior vice president of government and international affairs, told reporters on the sidelines of an airline conference in Cape Town. It may begin to replace these aircraft from around 2018, he added.

Garuda Indonesia is looking to buy A350s or 787s to meet its requirements beyond 2016, its chief executive, Emirsyah Satar, said at the same conference. The airline may turn to aircraft leasing companies to obtain the planes, he added.

Airbus looks at output increase for A320neo

(Reuters) - Airbus is studying a possible increase in production of its medium-haul A320 aircraft once a planned revamped model enters the market but the immediate priority is to ensure a smooth entry to service, sales chief John Leahy said.

Airbus currently produces 42 of the existing model each month. It plans in 2015 to introduce a fuel-saving version with new engines that has so far outsold a comparable Boeing jet.

In an interview, Leahy reiterated Airbus hoped to maintain 60 percent of the crucial market for the industry's most popular jets, something Boeing is expected to fight hard to resist.

Asked whether Airbus would increase production to reflect its current sales advantage, Leahy said, "We are studying that," but stressed such an increase would be years away. Output of the current-generation A320 will remain stable, he added.

Airbus may announce an order for the A380 superjumbo among several deals to be announced at the June 17-23 Paris air show, Leahy told Reuters on the sidelines of an IATA airlines summit.

UPDATE 1-Lufthansa open to future co-operation with Gulf airline

(Reuters) - The head of Germany's Lufthansa eased open the door to rival Gulf carriers on Monday, saying he would not rule out future commercial ties with one of the region's heavyweight airlines.

Lufthansa, a leading member of the Star Alliance grouping of airlines, has criticized the market power of fast-growing Gulf airlines and is locked in a dispute with Dubai's Emirates over the latter's bid to gain more access to German airports.

After a period of rapid standalone growth, Gulf airlines have started forging links with carriers including Lufthansa's two main European network rivals.

Qatar Airways plans to join oneworld, which includes British Airways, Abu Dhabi's Etihad has forged several codeshare agreements with Skyteam member Air France and Emirates has agreed to co-operate with Australia's Qantas.

"It was interesting for us, and has also drawn a lot of attention, that the philosophies of the Gulf carriers seem to have been modified," Lufthansa Chief Executive Christoph Franz told Reuters.

"We are observing and at the end of the day, if there are future circumstances in which Lufthansa could benefit from any kind of relationship, then why not -- but there is no rush."

He was speaking as airlines meeting in Cape Town put the finishing touches to an agreement to co-operate on reducing emissions, in a deal backed by European and Gulf carriers.

In an interview, Franz also said Lufthansa is in "advanced discussions" with Airbus and Boeing to buy around 50 long-haul jets.

The German airline is evaluating Boeing's 777 and 787 families, including a new stretched version of the 787 Dreamliner, and the Airbus A350, he said.

He predicted a decision in the second half of the year, effectively ruling out Lufthansa emerging as a launch customer for the latest 787 model at the June 17-23 Paris air show.

Airbus confirms BA A380 to display at Paris air show

Airbus has confirmed that British Airways' first A380 will be displayed during the Paris air show which begins on 17 June.

Flightglobal reported in March that the airframer was in discussions with the carrier to bring the aircraft to the show, having previously done the same with a Korean Air and Malaysia Airlines A380.

BA is due to take delivery of its first A380, configured with 469 seats, in July. The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines.

Airbus says that the aircraft "will take centre stage during the first few days of the show", to be follow by one of the airframer's flight-test aircraft.

It is using the type to promote a new advertising campaign under the banner "Own the Sky".

Airbus's air transport presence at the Paris show will be underpinned by an A320 fitted with sharklet wing-tips, an A330 and a corporate ACJ318.

While the manufacturer will be showing a full-sized A350 cockpit and cabin section, Airbus has not indicated whether the initial test aircraft is likely to carry out its first flight before the show.

 

 

 

flightglobal.com

Singapore to launch 787-10X with order for 30

Singapore Airlines has become the first carrier to commit to the proposed stretched Boeing 787-10X, with an order for 30.

The carrier disclosed the agreement - which is conditional on a formal launch - as it firmed orders for 30 more Airbus A350-900s.

Delivery of the 787-10X would take place in the 2018-19 financial year. The carrier has not made an engine selection for the Boeing twinjets.

"It is conditional upon Boeing formally launching the 787-10X programme," the airline says. It values the combined aircraft agreement at $17 billion.

Delivery of the A350s would take place in 2016-17. The carrier has placed options on a further 20 of the type, which could be converted to the larger -1000. A350s are only available with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

"Today's aircraft orders are among the biggest in Singapore Airlines' history, helping to ensure that we retain our industry leading position," says chief executive Goh Choon Phong.

"These new aircraft will provide opportunities to grow and renew our fleet and enhance our network, benefiting customers by offering more travel options and the latest in-flight cabin products."



http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-to-launch-787-10x-with-order-for-30-386486/ 

Boeing eyes new rate increase in tandem with 787-10X launch

Another production rate increase may be necessary to launch the double-stretch 787-10X later this year, Boeing chief executive Jim McNerney said in a teleconference with analysts on 24 April.

As the proposed 320-seat version of the 787-10X nears a formal launch, Cowen & Co. analyst Cai von Rumohr asked McNerney on the earnings call how Boeing could offer delivery slots for a new 787 variant without stepping up the monthly production rate to at least 12 aircraft per month.

"You're asking the right question," McNerney replied. "We'll have to sort through that. If it did require taking up [the production] rate, that would add more time to it."

Boeing still has 850 unfilled orders combined for the 250-seat 787-8 and 290-seat 787-9. The production rate is scheduled to double to 10 per month by the end of the year. But delivery slots remain sold out even at the higher rate for several years. That means the only way to deliver significant numbers of 787-10s before 2017 would be to increase the rate even higher than 10 per month.

Boeing officials once in mid-2007 discussed increasing the 787 production rate to 16 aircraft per month, just before supply chain breakdowns and design problems caused a series of certification delays.

Six years later, however, company officials are likely aiming at a lower rate of growth on the 787 programme, but they clearly see an opportunity to increase output.

"Is there demand beyond [10 per month]," McNerney asks, "There are many that think there is."

McNerney says there is "more room" for production rate growth on the 787 and 777 programmes, which is already stabilizing at a higher rate of 8.3 per month or 100 per year.

"One thing we don't lack for with the -10X is demand," McNerney says. "Customers want this airplane."

Bolstering the company's confidence on the 787 programme is the improving maturity of a once glitch-plagued production system. The per-unit cost to build each 787 has declined by 60% from line number eight to 100, says Boeing chief financial officer Greg Hayes.

McNerney acknowledges this rate of improvement is slower overall than Boeing experienced on the 777 programme, but that was because the earliest 787s required significantly more work.

Boeing still expects to start making a profit on each 787 in about two years and to break even after delivering about 1,100 aircraft.


http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-eyes-new-rate-increase-in-tandem-with-787-10x-launch-385102/