Logistics & Transportation

Japan - Boeing Dreamliner makes first commercial flight

Source: Channel News Asia, 26 October 2011

Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner made its first commercial flight on Wednesday, giving a handful of deep-pocketed passengers the chance to fly into history on what is touted as an aviation breakthrough. Carrying 252 people including corporate VIPs, aviation buffs and a large press pack, the All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight flew from Tokyo's Narita airport to Hong Kong, where it was met by lion dancing and a water-jet salute.

The lightweight, fuel-efficient 787 is the first mid-sized plane able to fly long-haul. But critics had said the project might never take off as its development ran years behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget. Boeing says the twin-aisle 787's construction, partly from lightweight composite materials, means it consumes 20 percent less fuel than comparable planes, an attractive proposition for airlines facing soaring fuel costs. Boeing is hoping the Dreamliner will be a hit with passengers it says want more non-stop travel, and says it is already the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane in aviation history, with more than 800 orders since 2004.With an average list price of $202 million, the plane is the firm's first new design in more than a decade.

India - Delhi Airport plans 640% increase in user tariffs; foreign airlines may be forced to move out

Source: The Economic Times, 02 November 2011

A proposal by the capital's airport operator to raise user tariffs by 6.4 times has set alarm bells ringing among foreign airlines who say they will be forced to look for alternatives to the New Delhi airport if these hikes are implemented.

The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), the body that regulates private airports in the country, is expected to initiate stakeholder consultations on tariff proposals for Delhi and Mumbai airports soon. A senior official at the airport regulator said the GMR Group-owned Delhi International Airport (DIAL) has sought average hike of around 640%.

Global - TNT Considers More Cost Cuts

Source: The Wall Street Journal, 31 October 2011

Dutch courier company TNT Express NV said Monday it is considering additional measures to boost its performance in Europe and stem losses from its businesses in Asia and Latin America following a 64% drop in third-quarter net profit.

Commenting on the results, Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO said, “Our EUR 50 million indirect cost savings programme is proceeding to plan, with a significant share of the initiatives now implemented. Further operational improvements are being identified to secure profitability in an uncertain economic environment, such as reducing network costs and increasing the flexibility of our Asia-Europe capacity. Meanwhile, we are taking all measures to ensure our emerging platforms meet near-term deadlines.”

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