NewsAn-72 crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 27 An Antonov An-72 aircraft crashed in southern Kazakhstan on 25 December, killing all 27 onboard. The military transport aircraft, bound for Shymkent from the capital Astana, belongs to the country's border troops, says Kazakhstan's National Security Committee. In a statement on its website, it adds that the aircraft crashed at 18:55 local time, about 20km from Shymkent airport, when making an approach.
LinkTwo Dead As Plane Misses Myanmar RunwayTwo people were killed and 10 wounded in northeast Myanmar on Tuesday when a passenger plane missed an airport runway in heavy fog and landed in a rice paddy, state television said. The pilot of the Air Bagan plane touched down beyond Heho airport in Shan state, killing one passenger and a motorcyclist on the ground, MRTV said. MRTV had earlier reported the dead passenger was an 11-year-old boy but the airline later confirmed the deceased was a female tour guide. Four foreigners -- two Americans, a South Korean and a Briton -- and the pilot were among the injured. The plane was carrying 63 passengers, 51 of whom were foreigners.
LinkLinkAvHeraldKingfisher Files Revival Plan With Air RegulatorGrounded Indian carrier Kingfisher Airlines has filed a revival plan with the country's airline regulator, a senior government official said, in an effort to renew its operating license before it expires at the end of the year. Kingfisher, which has not flown since October, has estimated debts of USD$2.5 billion and owes money to banks, airports, tax authorities, plane leasing companies, and its staff.
LinkStorm Brings Tornadoes, Snow To US SouthA major winter storm system swept through the southern United States on Tuesday, spawning tornadoes in several states and killing two people in weather-related road accidents. The National Weather Service (NWS) said a tornado struck Mobile, Alabama, home to about 200,000 people, at about 5 pm local time. There were reports of damage to trees and widespread power outages, along with some structural damage, but no injuries or fatalities.
LinkPortugal scraps TAP sale Portugal has reportedly abandoned plans to sell TAP Portugal to Synergy Aerospace, the owner of Colombian carrier Avianca. According to local media reports, the Portuguese government rejected the bid from Synergy Aerospace because it failed to provide sufficient financial guarantees. Portugal was aiming to complete the deal by the end of 2012. It plans to re-start the TAP privatization by 2014 and the sale of airports operator ANA will continue.
LinkIATA: air travel growth showing signs of stabilizing IATA said weakening air travel growth is showing signs of stabilizing, with a 2.3% year-over-year lift in premium traffic for October, down from the 3.8% in September. In its latest premium traffic monitor, IATA estimated that Hurricane Sandy, which disrupted travel to and from the US northeast at the end of the month, negatively impacted total air travel by just half a percentage point. Economy travel in October was up 4.4% from the prior year period, a slightly lower result than September’s 5%.
LinkPilatus Aircraft to Set Production Base in ChinaPilatus Aircraft Co., Ltd., a world famous aircraft manufacturer from Switzerland, opened its Chinese headquarters on December 18 (production & service base and delivery center) in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area. The first two PC-6 airplanes produced on that day were provided to the General Administration of Sports of China as training planes. Over 20 more were ordered by Xinjiang General Aviation Co., Ltd., Yunnan Ruifeng Group and Minsheng Financial Leasing Co., Ltd.
LinkLas Vegas Airline Back On The HorizonThe airline promising Las Vegas thrills, holographic image safety briefings, as well as full reclining luxury beds in first class is back on the horizon. Armed with over $35 million, a soft aircraft market, and an experienced management team at the helm, LV Air makes strides towards a launch in 2013. The company will have offices in Las Vegas and New York City. "We're completely on track for 2013," says CEO and Founder Eneliko Sean Smith. "An offer has been made to acquire a fully certified carrier. Our designer Edese Doret has begun designs and features for First Class to include state of the art reclining beds, a live plant wall and a shower/changing room. In Club Class, translucent bulk heads, a Circle Bar, and 3D Surround Sound will be the norm. Every flight will feature an online and private network gaming experience."
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