Both are Dornier 228-212 of defunct Maldives airline - Air Maldives. As of April 2011, they are parked in scrap yard at Malé Airport. More information about Dornier 228 is available on http://www.airliners.net/aircraft-da...ts.main?id=211

Thanks for the info comrade!

Emirates A380 services to Malaysia

Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, continues to expand its list of Airbus A380 destinations, with Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, set to welcome the superjumbo on 1st December 2011.

Emirates’ partnership with Malaysia began in October 1996 when the airline launched its services to Kuala Lumpur via Dhaka.

By 2006, the airline connected Dubai and Kuala Lumpur non-stop and today operates 21 non-stop flights a week between these two important cities.

In what will be the first scheduled A380 service to Malaysia by any airline, Emirates’ flagship aircraft will operate as EK346 departing Dubai at 0405hrs and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 1455hrs on the same day.

The return leg, EK347, will depart Kuala Lumpur at 1930hrs arriving in Dubai at 2230hrs.

“The United Arab Emirates is a leading trading partner with Malaysia and over the last 15 years Emirates has played its part as the bridge between these two countries. Emirates has always been committed to Malaysia and the launch of the A380 on the route follows strong and increasing demand, not just from business travellers, but leisure travellers as well, boosting Malaysian tourism.” said Richard Jewsbury.

Trade between Malaysia and the UAE has expanded more than three-fold over the last decade from US$1.16 billion in 2000 to US$4.59 billion last year.

Emirates’ A380 service arrives in Dubai at a convenient time giving passengers the options of onward connections to any of Emirates’ expanding list of over 100 European, Middle Eastern, African or American destinations. Emirates also offers a number stopover packages, giving passengers the opportunity to break their journey and relax in Dubai.

Dubai Airport posts record traffic results

Dubai International started the second half of 2011 on a record-setting pace posting a monthly passenger total of 4.7 million that eclipsed the previous high water mark of 4.3 million set in July 2010.


Dubai Airports latest traffic numbers reveal that Dubai International handled a total of 4,724,109 passengers in July compared to 4,307,926 in July 2010, a year on year increase of 9.7 percent. Year to date traffic reached 29,291,927 up 9 percent compared to 26,870,440 in the corresponding period in 2010.

The largest regional traffic growth in July in terms of total passenger numbers was recorded on routes to and from AGCC (+218,987), the Indian subcontinent (+68,063), Western Europe (+58,586) and North America (+37,435). The fastest growing regions on a percentage basis were AGCC (+34 percent), North America (+28.3 percent), Eastern Europe (24.3 percent) and South America (+18.5 percent). On a country level, the largest gains were seen on traffic to and from Saudi Arabia (+127,882 passengers), the USA (+38,070) and Qatar (+35,210).

Aircraft movements during July totalled 27,166, up 4.2 percent from the 26,065 posted during the same period last year. Year to date aircraft movements numbered 317,664 up 6.8 percent from 297,355 posted during the first seven months of 2010.

July air freight volumes dipped slightly as Dubai International handled 192,538 tonnes of freight compared to 197,845 tonnes during the same period in 2010, down 2.7 percent. Year to date Dubai International has handled a total of 1,250,489 tonnes of cargo, compared to 1,252,505 tonnes during the same period last year, a contraction of 0.16 percent.

“This latest milestone further illustrates Dubai Internationals emergence as a preeminent global hub,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “Not only did we set a new record, we surpassed the previous high point by over 400,000 passengers.

Dubai International offers more flights to more destinations by more airlines than ever before which has had an almost exponential effect on connectivity and customer choice.

Combined with Dubai’s burgeoning attractiveness as a centre for business and tourism, this is sure to fuel future expansion.”

“Dubai International is currently ranked as the fourth busiest airport worldwide for international passenger traffic. However, we are hot on the heels of Hong Kong International, and aspire to take over the number three spot by the end of the year,” Griffiths added.

Dubai International connects over 220 destinations across six continents on more than 150 airlines. Passenger numbers are projected to top 51 million by the end of 2011 and reach 98 million by 2020.

A Day in the Life of Air Traffic Over the World



Source : Flightstats, Airboyd

OMG this is amazing.

Emirates reports half year profits of US $ 225 m
Despite global challenges:


Emirates airline produced a net profit of Dhs 827 million (US $ 225 million), for the first six months of its current financial year ending September 30, 2011. The airline continues to be the fastest growing airline in the world and continues to make a profit despite unstable global economic, geopolitical and environmental conditions.


Since March 31, 2011, Emirates airline expanded its fleet with ten new aircraft.

Emirates remains on its strong growth trajectory which over the past seven years has seen the airline grow from a fleet of 60 aircraft, in 2004, to its current 161 wide-bodied aircraft including, the largest fleet of A380s with 17 and the largest fleet of Boeing 777s with 93. In addition, the company’s revenue has increased steadily by 20 percent per annum over the same time period resulting in a record 23 years of profitability, unmatched by any other airline.

Since 2004, when Emirates acquired its first long-haul wide-body aircraft, allowing for much broader global expansion, the airline has opened 39 new outstations and now flies to 115 destinations in 67 countries. Emirates continues to expand its global footprint, having launched Geneva, Copenhagen and St. Petersburg since April 2011 and will continue with eight additional new route launches including Baghdad on November 13 and Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Harare, Lusaka, Dallas, Seattle and Dublin in early 2012.

“Emirates remained focused on its long-term strategy despite global instability, ever climbing fuel prices which resulted in Emirates paying US $ 1 billion more in fuel costs over the same period last year and fluctuating exchange rates,” said Emirates Airline and Group Chairman and Chief Executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum. “The global challenges of the past six months have again put Emirates to the test, and once again we have risen to the challenge and continue to maintain our high standards of product and services,” he said.

“Emirates’ latest half-year performance is testament to the airline’s strong business foundations and tenacity to stay on course and continue to grow despite the unsteady marketplace,” he added. “We have continued to invest in our eco-efficient aircraft fleet; in strengthening our global route network; and also in supporting the infrastructure for our growing business and it continues to pay off,” he said.

In the first-half of its financial year 2011-12, Emirates posted strong business growth, both in terms of capacity on offer and traffic carried, performance that has been in stark contrast to the current trend seen across the aviation industry. Capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM), grew by 8.2%, while passenger traffic carried measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKM) was up 5.7 percent with Passenger Seat Factor sustained at a high level, averaging 79.3 percent despite the growth in capacity, slightly below last year’s record for a six month reporting period of 81.2%. The volume of cargo uplifted was in line with last year.

Emirates revenue, including other operating income, of Dhs 30.3 billion (US $ 8.3 billion) was higher by 15 percent compared with Dhs 26.4 billion (US $ 7.2 billion) recorded last year, largely reflecting improved passenger and cargo yields based on increased fuel prices.

Emirates’ cash position on September 30 remained strong with Dhs 13.8 billion (US $ 3.8 billion), compared to Dhs 14.0 billion (US $ 3.8 billion) on March 31, 2011.

Maintaining this cash balance was achieved after settling capital outflows of more than Dhs 4 billion, primarily towards aircraft pre-delivery payments’, other aircraft assets and repayment of bond financing. During the first half, the airline has also successfully raised financing of US $ 1 billion through the issue of a new bond, as well as financing ten new aircraft deliveries, reflecting strong investor confidence in Emirates business model and financial performance.

Emirates’ current fleet size is 161 aircraft.

Since the beginning of its current financial year, the airline has received delivery of ten new wide body aircraft, with another 13 new aircraft scheduled to be delivered before the end of the financial year (March 31, 2012).

Emirates to launch flights to Buenos Aires

Emirates will launch flights to Buenos Aires from January 3, 2012.

The President of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, was among more than 800 guests from local industries, the travel trade and the government, who gathered at the dinner event at Centro Costa Salguero hosted by Emirates.

Guests also had the opportunity to experience elements of Emirates' flagship A380 aircraft, with a replica First Class Private Suite on display.

"Emirates' first destination in Argentina is a significant step as the airline looks to broaden its reach across America. In joining Emirates' network of more than 100 cities worldwide, Buenos Aires will enjoy a new bridge to the world; one that spans from key trading partners in the Far East to important markets in the Gulf," said Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President -Passenger Sales Worldwide

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not sure where to post .. so here I post ..

Scoot's promo in Singapore



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PS: if you see the 'froggie' click on the picture to see the image ..

To the mod - Thanks

Etihad Airways increases its destinations

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, purchased a stake in airberlin, a deal which brings its total destinations to 269 serving either directly or with partner airlines.

The Etihad Airways now offers guests a route network more than 80 destinations larger than that offered by any other Gulf carrier.

As part of its deal with airberlin, Etihad Airways signs codeshare agreements with the airberlin group for all European activities including NIKI, the Austrian airline and Belair, the Swiss airline.

Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said: "Today more than ever, it is vital to think differently. The number of codeshare partners Etihad Airways has, and the number of destinations it is now able to serve, is a point of marked differentiation. "The Gulf is increasingly the centre of the world in terms of aviation, and we are happy that with one booking we are able, either directly or with codeshare partners, to allow our guests to take full advantage of this geography.

"We will continue to strike codeshare agreements with carriers around the world where we feel it is to the advantage of our guests."

Iberia says low-cost carrier will start flying

Spanish airline Iberia’s new low-cost carrier Iberia Express, whose creation has been stiffly opposed by unions, will operate its first flight on March 25, company president Antonio Vasquez said Monday.

Iberia argues the move is needed to help it compete with other low-cost carriers but employees of the airline fear it will lead to job losses and lower salaries.

Iberia pilots have already announced stoppages in protest for January 25, 27 and 30 following two earlier strikes in December and early January.

The airline, which merged with British Airways in 2011, struck a deal Friday aimed at stopping ground staff from going ahead with a threat to join pilots in striking to protest the creation of the new low-cost carrier. “The first flight by Iberia Express will take place on March 25,” said Vasquez, before adding that the opposition from the airline’s pilots was “bearable but not reasonable” because the strikes were costing Iberia money.

From Peanuts, the LCC publication



Report is In PDF Format

Found the full report

New Livery – Malaysia Airlines A380

Malaysia Airlines has ordered six A380s. The carrier is set to become the eighth operator of the aircraft when it begins commercial service between Kuala Lumpur and London in July.

Emirates voted Cargo Airline of the year


Emirates SkyCargo has been voted Cargo Airline of the Year and, for the 24th consecutive year, was also named Best Middle East Cargo Airline.


Ram Menen, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo after being presented the Cargo Airline of the Year award. Also pictured Jacqui McArthur, Emirates Cargo Controller, Bill McPherson, Emirates Airport Services Manager London Heathrow, and Phil Rawlings, Emirates Cargo Manager

The carrier “which was also named Best African Cargo Airline - received the accolades at the prestigious Cargo Airline of the Year 2012 awards held at London's Lancaster Hotel.

“These awards are voted for by our industry and their recognition of the continued success of Emirates SkyCargo is a great honour,” said Ram Menen, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, who was present at the event.

Emirates SkyCargo receives the awards at a time of continuing growth. A fourth Boeing 777F joined its fleet earlier this year, taking its dedicated fleet to eight aircraft, with a further nine Boeing 777Fs on order.

Since January, Emirates has introduced services to eight new destinations: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Dublin, Dallas, Lusaka, Harare, Liege and Seattle.

It will also launch flights to Ho Chi Minh City in June, Lisbon and Barcelona in July, and Washington DC in September.

Emirates SkyCargo currently serves a route network of over 120 destinations from its Dubai hub, spanning six continents across the globe. The Cargo Airline of the Year 2012 awards are organized by trade magazine Air Cargo news and attract votes from freight forwarders around the world. The awards are the only event where the British International Freight Association audits and approves the votes cast. In the 2010-11 financial year, Emirates SkyCargo carried 1.8 million tonnes of cargo across its network, contributing 17.4 per cent - US$ 2.4 billion - of the airline's total transport revenue. Based out of Dubai International Airport, its $327million 43,600 square metre Cargo Mega Terminal is designed to handle 1.2 million tonnes of cargo a year.

Emirates' 171-strong fleet – including eight freighters (four Boeing 777Fs, two 747-400Fs and two 747-400ERFs) - is one of the youngest in the skies. Emirates SkyCargo serves a global route network that spans 123 points in 73 countries, including 12 cargo-only destinations, while more than 50 of the locations Emirates SkyCargo serves are e-freight compliant.

For further information on Emirates SkyCargo, please visit www.skycargo.com