Taupo trainers - anatomy of an accident Modern Zeppelins High country fly-in - OCTOber 2013 - NZ Aviation News
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OCTOber 2013
Taupo
trainers
NZ $6.90 inc GST
Anatomy of an accident Registered Office:
Modern Zeppelins
PO Box 9711
Newmarket
AUCKLAND 1149
High country fly-in
Avnews … Next level of ATC in Otago
Peter Owens reports
Tourist mecca Queenstown shows no sign of
slowing down, with the number of arrivals
direct from Australia having risen to new
heights. Queenstown Airport overtook Christ-
church as the second busiest in the country for
trans-Tasman arrivals in July, with more than
19,000 passengers touching down. The airport
took nearly 20 per cent of the 97,000 trans-
Tasman passenger arrivals in New Zealand.
Not many people familiar with the tourism
and aviation industries have been surprised
by this. Several years ago a concerted and
well-timed promotion in the eastern states
of Australia by the members of Destination
Queenstown and Air New Zealand was respon-
sible for a quantum leap in winter passenger
numbers through the Queenstown Airport.
Queenstown is surrounded by high moun-
tains and in winter is susceptible to sudden
and violent weather changes. This factor, plus
recognition of the resort’s growing popularity, Airways NZ
has not been lost on Airways New Zealand.
An MLAT site is established on the Wether Range.
Because of the terrain, radar was unable to
be used from the Queenstown control tower to time. It also means fewer diversions and can-
assist inward and outward aircraft, and staff cellation of flights because of bad weather.
were still using the reliable but clumsy and Now, after 18 months of planning and
old-fashioned strip board technology. How- engineering, Airways has finished installing
ever, even this was not totally satisfactory and nine new air traffic surveillance stations in
became even less so as the number of airlines the southern mountains. They are currently
and international flights in and out of the resort undergoing tests and should be operational
town increased. by the end of the year.
In 2008 and 2009 Airways started the The nine new sites have expanded the
project of installing the latest air traffic sur- existing network that includes the 14 exist-
veillance technology in its Queenstown tower. ing MLAT systems around the Queenstown
Known as wide area multilateration (MLAT), region. When they are fully operational air
it involved the complex business (including traffic controllers will have before them a digi-
resource consents) of installing 14 MLAT sites tal map of the actual positions of all aircraft
around the Queenstown region. in the region. The new system also means it
Airways says safety was the key driver can reach places radar cannot because of the
in installing the new $3m system of aircraft rugged terrain of the Otago and Southland
Herman Wezenberg/Airways NZ surveillance. With its installation, air traffic high country.
Not actually an MLAT site, this is a Kordia mast used for TV transmissions among other controllers can provide incoming and outgoing The nine new stations have been installed
communications, on top of Obelisk in the Old Man Range southwest of Alexandra. The MLAT pilots with more accurate and timely informa- on the Wether Range near Omarama in North
installation is out of shot to the left as Rex Wilson checks to ensure a line of sight to the reference tion. The accuracy and reliability of MLAT Otago as well as High Peak, Mount Prospect,
site at Wether Range near Omarama. allows Queenstown tower staff to know very Kuriwao near Clinton, Bald Hill in Central
accurately where all the aircraft operating in Otago and Mts Stuart, Cargill, Studholme and
Pacific links being reviewed the Queenstown basin are situated at any one Mary.
The Cook Islands government has released
preliminary details of a review that focuses
states.
Meanwhile the Sydney–Rarotonga route WTO hard on Boeing subsidies
on the economic impacts of air services’ “un- has been a non-performer, decreasing gross The WTO (World Trade Organisation) Appel- subsidies in the future under existing illegal
derwrites” — contracts between the govern- domestic product between $0.3m and $0.9m late Body has confirmed and even extended schemes.
ment and Air New Zealand to provide weekly, per year from 2010 to 2012. The route is used previous existence of illegal US subsidies The effect of the subsidies is significantly
non-stop long-haul access to Rarotonga — and mainly by residents of New South Wales, to Boeing, resulting in an estimated loss of larger than their face values in light of their
aims to diversify markets currently servicing while residents of other Australian states approximately $US45bn ($55.35bn) in sales “particularly pervasive” nature. These perva-
the tourism and associated industries. tend to travel to the Cooks via Auckland, the for Airbus. sive subsidies have thoroughly distorted com-
The government-commissioned review review found. It said that entering the Cooks Despite earlier Boeing claims that only petition within the aviation industry, directly
was undertaken by Covec Economics, a New through the Sydney portal generated around minimal actions to comply with WTO rules resulting in significant harm to the European
Zealand-based economic research firm with 750 additional visitors per year to the outer were necessary, it has become clear that aerospace industry.
“research experience in tourism economics”. islands. Boeing will have to make major changes to Boeing would not have been able to launch
According to the release, the Los An- The three-year agreement with Air New comply with this final WTO ruling. Boeing its B787 Dreamliner, described as the most
gles–Rarotonga route has been the most Zealand was originally due to expire in June cash grants are fundamentally illegal, while heavily subsidised aircraft in aviation history,
economically productive, with the underwrite 2014, but the contracts have been extended by the systems of loans to Airbus by European without illegal subsidies. Every one of the 23
estimated to deliver a net positive annual con- six months. In 2012–13, the budget estimate governments are legal and may continue. US Department of Defense and all eight of
tribution to economic activity of around $6m for the underwrite increased by $1.1m from Boeing and the US will now have six the NASA grant programmes fall into that
per annum in the Cook Islands between 2013 an estimated $12.5m due to a projected rise months to implement the WTO decision. category.
and 2017. in fuel costs. Boeing has already received “at least The US Government’s transfer to Boeing
The researchers found the Los Angles- The figure charged by Air New Zealand $US5.3bn [$6.52bn]” of US taxpayer money, of intellectual property rights for technology
Rarotonga service is used by approximately for providing the service has been evalu- determined to be illegal, and is set to receive developed at taxpayers’ expense were also
80 percent of the visitors from the USA and ated against industry benchmarks, and while an additional $US2bn in illegal state and local illegal subsidies.
Canada in at least one direction, and roughly details will not be released because of their
30 percent of other visitors, predominately
from Europe.
commercial sensitivity, government sources
say they are content.
Manufacturer big in China
These visitors spend approximately $15.5m In preparing for the conclusion of the Boeing says it is China’s leading provider This growth in the long-haul segment is
per year and generate as many as 2000 ad- contracts in October 2014, the Cook Islands of passenger aircraft and projects a demand expected to result in demand for an additional
ditional visitors per year to the outer islands, Government is drafting a prospectus, inviting for 5580 new aircraft, valued at $US780bn 1440 new fuel-efficient wide-bodies such
mainly Aitutaki and Atiu. commercial airlines to submit bids on provid- ($954.5bn) in that country over the next 20 as the B787 Dreamliner, B777 and B747-8
Loss of service from Los Angeles could re- ing long-haul service to Rarotonga for four years. The company’s annual China Current Intercontinental. Boeing projects investments
sult in an estimated reduction in international years from November 2014 to November Market Outlook forecasts the country’s fleet to of $US4.8tr ($5.87tr) worldwide for more
arrivals by around 9500 per year, the review 2018. triple in size over the next two decades. than 35,000 new commercial aircraft to be
“Thanks to strong economic growth and delivered during the next 20 years.
In search of a quiet airport increased access to air travel, we project China
The first steps in the rollout of Queenstown passenger numbers and aircraft movements
traffic to grow at nearly 7 percent each year,”
says Boeing. Runway expansion
Airport’s Noise Management Plan began at the
beginning of last month when the Queenstown
out to 2037.
QLDC is calling for nominations to fill
“China is a key market for Boeing. Our
current and future products will allow our
— maybe
Lakes District Council (QLDC) called for the three community representative positions customers to meet the growing demand with Infrastructure investor Infratil has recently
expressions of interest for three community on the nine-person committee. The other the most efficient aircraft. Tourism in China and confirmed it is keen to proceed with the
representatives for the Queenstown Airport representatives will be appointed from the intra-Asia travel will help spur a strong demand $300m project to extend the Wellington
Liaison Committee. council, a scheduled airline, Airways Corpora- for single-aisle aircraft, with total deliveries in Airport runway but only if central or local
The committee, to be chaired by Queen- tion, general aviation users and Queenstown that segment reaching 3900 through 2032.” government pays most of the bill, amounting
stown-based lawyer, Jane Taylor, is being Airport Corporation. Long-haul international traffic to and from to some $200m.
established in preparation for the Environ- Once established, the committee will fi- China is forecast to grow at an annual rate of Reports suggest that while Infratil owns
ment Court’s final approval of Queenstown nalise the Noise Mitigation Plan which sets 7.2 percent, driven primarily by anticipated two-thirds of the airport, it is prepared to pick
Airport’s Plan Change 35 (PC35), which out how the airport will manage issues related passenger traffic between China and North up only one-third of the construction costs
expands the noise boundaries of the airport to airport noise. Once the plan is finalised the America, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania because it says the project does not stack up
to allow it to meet the anticipated growth of committee is tasked with its implementation. and Africa. on a purely user-pays basis.
Aviation News www.aviationnews.co.nz October 2013
Avnews … Albatros fleet grows
Changes in
airline route
structures
Air New Zealand has reduced fares between
Gisborne and Auckland by an average of 11 Laura Love
percent with the introduction of a new cut-price OCTOBER
lead-in fare of $79. The reduction across all 18–20 October
fare types on the route reflects operational ef- Tiger Moth Club Spring Fly-in Taumarunui.
ficiencies achieved since the airline upgraded Annual return to its roots at this grass airfield.
most Auckland–Gisborne services to the larger Contact secretary Graeme Wood Ph: 09 418 3044,
027 293 2318 E: woodsy@clear.net.nz
50-seat Bombardier Q300 in October 2012.
The airline says it is passing on these cost 20 October
savings to customers despite a 100 percent Turangi Aero Club will hold its monthly barbecues
increase in landing fees at Gisborne since on the 3rd Sunday of each month, starting 20
TVAL/Alex Mitchell October, the same weekend as the Tiger Moth Club
December 2012. Increased capacity on the
This Albatros D.II, with Gene DeMarco at the fly-in (just over the hill), through to May 2014. All
route has contributed to a 12 percent increase scheme of the aircraft that Boelcke flew on 28 welcome and no landing fees. Contact club president
in passenger numbers over the past six months, controls, is the latest work of art to emerge October 1916. During his sixth sortie of the Alan Turner E: xpdxrd@gmail.com
compared with the same period last year. from the workshops of The Vintage Aviator day he and several comrades were engaged
“We are in the business of encouraging people Ltd in Wellington. Four of the later Albatros in a dogfight with Airco DH2 fighters from NOVEMBER
to fly,” says an airline spokesman, “offering a D.Va models recreated by the master crafts- 24 Squadron RFC. During the engagement 2–3 November
men and -women at TVAL have previously the landing gear of Erwin Böhme’s Albatros Black Sands Fly-in Raglan aerodrome, Waikato.
fast and affordable alternative to driving between Waikato Thames Valley Chapter SAA, relaxed fly-in,
Gisborne and Auckland, and we are sure to see appeared, but this is the first of the earlier brushed the upper wing of Boelcke’s aircraft, barbecue lunches both days. Contact Bruce Cooke
even more people take up that option.” slab-sided D.II versions. causing the fabric to peel away, ultimately re- Ph: 021 112 2364 E: bmcooke@waikato.ac.nz
Industry insiders suggest the Gisborne Originally entering service in 1916, the sulting in the Albatros falling from the sky.
route is also marginal and this is a way to type equipped the first specialised German The death of Germany’s leading ace, with Flying NZ Area Rally Competitions
stimulate travel. The Gisborne route services fighter unit, Jasta 2. This unit was formed and 40 victories to his credit, was a major blow to 2 November
Lakes Area Rally hosted by the Southland Aero
a large and rather isolated region, and many initially commanded by Oswald Boelcke who the morale of the German forces. Club Inc at the Mandeville Airfield.
consider the air service there to be a priority. is often referred to as the father of air fighting Members of the public will get their first
Air New Zealand has also announced the tactics. Based on his experiences of flying the chance to see the new Albatros D.II in action 9 November
suspension of two loss-making regional ser- Fokker Eindecker monoplane fighter in 1915, at The Vintage Aviator’s Armistice Day air- Central Area Rally hosted by the Waikato Aero
vices. From February 2014 the airline will no he developed and formulated a set of rules and show on 9 November at Hood Aerodrome in Club Inc at the Hamilton Airport.
longer operate to or from Masterton, a route it tactics for fighter pilots that has formed the Masterton. For more details on this show and 16 November
has serviced with Beech 1900D flights since basis of aerial warfare ever since. its revamped format see TVAL’s Facebook Alpine Area Rally hosted by the Kaikoura Aero Club
2009, citing a lack of demand combined with This aeroplane is finished in the colour page. Inc at the Kaikoura Airfield.
increased operating costs making the route no
longer economically viable.
Also ending is its five-per-week service be-
Cheerful airline financial result 23 November
Cook Strait Area Rally hosted by the Kapiti
Districts Aero Club Inc at the Kapiti Coast Airport
tween Wanganui and Wellington, operated as a Air New Zealand’s recently announced earn- of Air New Zealanders to deliver further
Taupo–Wanganui–Wellington service on three ings before taxation soared to $256m for the sustainable commercial success and take 30 November
of the five days, from December. Increased 2013 financial year, an increase of 172 percent the customer experience to the next level is Northern Area Rally hosted by the Rodney Aero
costs, including airport landing charges, have on the previous year and the company’s best something that would be the envy of many Club Inc at the Kaipara Flats Airfield.
For more Information visit www.flyingnz.co.nz
contributed to this route’s lack of viability. result in half a decade. The net profit after companies.
There could be more to come, with several taxation was $182m, $111m or 156 percent “We have 11,000 people working together 30 November
other regional Air New Zealand routes said up on last year. with the goal of growing Air New Zealand Nelson Airport 75th Anniversary Open Day
to be struggling and the costs of operating Operating cash flow was the highest ever at and further enhancing our award-winning and Celebration Dinner Nelson. Contact Kaye
the 19-passenger Beech 1900D high, and it is $750m, and the company reported cash hold- customer experience,” he says. McNabb, CEO Nelson Airport Ltd, Ph: 03 547 3199
E: Kayemcnabb@nelsonairport.co.nz
hard for the airline to offer reduced fares on ings of $1.15bn. Gearing improved 7 percent “We have a range of initiatives that will
this aircraft type. to 39.1 percent, a record low for the airline. roll out during the 2014 financial year as we 2014
Many regional routes are being reviewed, “The result places Air New Zealand among reinvest in the business to keep us ahead of JANUARY
with costs and returns needing to improve. the best performing airlines globally,” says a the competition.” 1 January
Flights to Northland are also understood to spokesman. Manawatu Microlight Club 9th Annual New Years
Day Fly-In in time for $10 lunch at Athbey Farm airstrip,
be under review, but Air New Zealand is to
deploy its 50-seat Bombardier Q300s on the
“We are focused on further improving on
this result in the 2014 financial year.” New name at the top Woodville. All aviators and aircraft types welcome.
Auckland–Rotorua route from February 2014, Based on the airline’s forecast of market Christchurch International Airport Ltd has 4-5 January
replacing the Beech 1900D on weekday morn- demand and fuel prices at current levels, early appointed Malcolm Johns as CEO to replace Warbirds & Wheels at Whitianga NZ Warbirds
ing services and boosting total seat capacity results and forward bookings are encouraging. Jim Boult, who leaves the company at the end Association in conjunction with the Mercury Bay Aero
on the route by 30 percent. of this year. Mr Johns, who will assume the Club and Speedway. Flying displays 10.30, 12.30 and
The airline is committed to investing $1.8bn 2.30pm, Stockcar racing and entertainment. Contact
Departure for the Auckland–Rotorua in aircraft over the next three years, including position at the beginning of next year, is cur- nzwarbirds@paradise.net.nz or mbac@xtra.co.nz
flight moves from 8.05am to 8.30am, with two B777-300ERs, six B787-9s, nine Airbus rently the Auckland-based chief executive of
the return flight to Auckland leaving at 9.30 A320s and four ATR72-600s. InterCity Group. He is also deputy chairman 10–24 January
instead of 9am. CEO Christopher Luxon says the desire of Tourism New Zealand. 48th Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School
Annual two-week flying school for Scouts and other
Success in showing the (green) flag young people at Matamata airfield. For more information
visit www.scouts.org.nz/walsh email walsh@scouts.org.
nz or phone David Jupp on 021 476 676
Two RNZAF C-130H(NZ) Hercules crews on the latest rotation. A C-130 crew comprises The RNZAF says the result confirms that its
have finished in first and second places on the six personnel: pilot, copilot, air warfare of- “training, personnel and equipment are highly 26 January
latest rotation of Exercise Green Flag in the ficer, air engineer and two loadmasters. effective. It’s the first time using our upgraded Classics of the Sky – Tauranga City Airshow,
Auckland Anniversary Weekend Come to Tauranga
USA. The exercise, conducted out of Little “Green Flag expands on what crews can C-130H(NZ) aircraft and it is impressive what to commemorate the centenary of WW1. Expect to see
Rock, Arkansas, prepares crews for operat- realistically achieve within New Zealand and its systems can do.” WW1 aircraft from The Vintage Aviator Limited as well
ing in an austere environment with a medium helps in the transition to conducting operations as the usual NZ airshow display aircraft, pyrotechnics,
threat level based on a regional conflict. within a large-scale coalition environment,” The front page:
military re-enactors, and a range of trade sites. Details
Exercise Green Flag is a two-week tactical says the RNZAF. “It also provides external available on www.tcas.co.nz or from airshow@
Bucking the current trend by establishing classicflyersnz.com
flying exercise for transport aircraft with the validation of our capabilities. It is very pleas- a new flight training section is Taupo’s
objective of simulating real world operations ing to see our New Zealand crews performing Izardair. The school’s pair of new FEBRUARY
with support to ground forces from a bare well alongside the US and Canada. Tecnam P2008 LSAs is flown over
base. All sorties are tasked to support an army “During the exercise they carry out air- the northern edge of Lake Taupo by
Flying NZ National Competitions 2014 &
exercise in Louisiana — if the mission is not drops, short landings into dirt airstrips and Wings International Trans Tasman Trophy
instructors Mike Groome (front) and Competitions
achieved then the ground forces do not receive operate to very precise timings while coping Sam Pattullo. Front page story page 21. 20-21 February
the equipment they need. with surface-to-air threats. The realistic, con- Photograph © John King Flying NZ National Competitions 2014 hosted
Thirteen C-130 and C-17 crews participated stantly changing scenarios add pressure.” by Tauranga Aero Club Inc at the Tauranga Airport.
ACCOUNTS ENQUIRIES TO: Aviation News is published by: Aviation News is published 11 22 February
Aviation News Ltd New Zealand Aviation News Ltd.
Wings International Trans Tasman Trophy
times a year and printed by Horton
PO Box 9711, Newmarket, Competitions hosted by Flying NZ and the
PO Box 9711, Newmarket, Media Ltd, East Tamaki, Auckland
Editor: John King Auckland 1149 Tauranga Aero Club at the Tauranga Airport
Auckland 1149 and distributed by Gordon & Gotch
Ph: 09 307 7849, Fax: 09 307 7854
For more Information visit www.flyingnz.co.nz
Contributors this edition: (NZ) Ltd. Registered by POHQ for
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October 2013 www.aviationnews.co.nz Aviation News 
Avnews … Challenge at the top Max Pudney reports
Tom Ballantyne, reporting from Melbourne, in the marketplace.”
says, “Running one airline is tough enough, She points out that
running six is a monumental task. But Jetstar growth opportunities
Group chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka takes into Indonesia from
it in her stride. She relishes the challenges Singapore are sig-
— and there are more to come!’ nificant with “more
At present Jayne Hrdlicka, Jetstar Group’s growth that we had
new CEO, has a fleet of 104 aircraft under her anticipated. One key
control and a network of more than 60 destina- to the group’s im-
tions in 16 countries. She is the 51-year-old provement has been
daughter of a Czechoslovakian father, living the partnerships with
in Australia since 1994. In 2004 Alan Joyce full-service carriers.” Jayne Hrdlicka
of Qantas offered her a job as head of strategy The Jetstar Group has 25 interline partner-
and information technology, and she was ap- ships, including KLM, British Airways and
pointed head of the Jetstar Group last year. American Airways.
Peter Owens Jetstar Pacific in Vietnam and Jetstar Ja- The new partnership with Vietnam Airlines
pan, currently operating domestically in that has come together very well, she says, along
Invercargill’s Laurie Officer has been named Air Patrol Volunteer of the Year by the Coastguard.
country, will be stretching their wings onto with a change in the fleet to A320s, and inter-
Coastguard recognition international routes. In New Zealand, where
the airline last year suffered operational dif-
national routes are expected to begin by the end
of the year as Jetstar Pacific builds a regional
During the weekend of September 14–15 the file in Southland but had also been involved in ficulties and consumer complaints about its folio. The airline will have three B787s by the
National Coastguard held its annual awards in a number of important Foveaux Strait search service, work is well under way on rebuilding end of 2013, with another five expected dur-
Taupo. Among the awards was one to Laurie and rescue operations over the years. its brand reputation. ing 2014, by the end of which the B787s are
Officer of Invercargill who was named Air Pa- Speaking about the award, Coastguard chief In Australia, where over-capacity has hit planned to start international services.
trol Volunteer of the Year for displaying long- executive Patrick Holmes said, “One of his everyone, Jetstar must take on revitalised no- Possible offshore destinations, yet to be
term support and passion for the Coastguard. core strengths is how he facilitates close rela- frills rival Tiger Airways, now operating as confirmed, include Hawaii, Singapore and
Laurie was a founding member of the tionships between local marine units in South- Tigerair and majority-owned by Virgin Aus- Japan. The Dreamliner raises the possibility
Coastguard Southland Air Patrol unit in 1998. land and liaises with the New Zealand Police tralia. The LCC, with former Qantas executive of more longer-haul flying, but there is no rush
As president he guided the unit’s development and New Zealand Search and Rescue.” Rob Sharpe as its CEO, is back in business to include Europe.
within the Coastguard framework and has Those remarks were endorsed by Coast- after being grounded for safety reasons early Asia’s LCCs are striving to expand their
served on the board for 10 years. guard New Zealand president, Dean Law- last year. network into China but are finding that budget
In receiving the award, Laurie paid tribute rence, who said Laurie Officer was loyal and Also, the first of a much-delayed order of 14 flying in the region’s biggest market is no easy
to the air patrol unit. He said it had a low pro- committed to the organisation. B787 Dreamliners will arrive at Jetstar later task. Inconvenient slot times are one factor,
this month to replace its A330s. with the Jetstar service from Guangzhou to
More Japanese visitors planned Despite its issues and complexities, Jetstar
is one of the largest contributors to Qantas
Singapore, for example, departing at 01.20
and arriving in Singapore at 05.25.
Air New Zealand’s 2013–2014 Japanese char- fifth largest source of inbound visitors. “With profits, topped only by the parent company’s Jayne Hrdlicka admits, “I don’t think any of
ter programme is set to bring more than double the direct flights scheduled from eight Japa- frequent flyer programme and its full-service us have quite nailed the opportunity in China
last summer’s number of Japanese visitors to nese ports the visitors will have a seamless domestic operations. yet.”
this country. journey without needing to travel via the main Jayne says, “Profitability is improving after Problems are created by the Chinese
Between December and March the airline gateways in Japan.” some tough years. Jetstar Asia saw an 80 per- military control of its country’s airspace.
will operate 29 charter services to New Zea- The carrier has worked in partnership with cent plunge in its income in 2011 because of Sometimes an aircraft has circled above an
land from eight Japanese cities, bringing in the management of both Auckland and Christ- high fuel costs and intense competition. The airport for more than an hour, even when
around 6000 visitors to experience the key church airports to develop this year’s Japan profits have returned. there was no other traffic waiting to land. On
tourist regions across the country. charter programme which will be operated by “Each one of our businesses plays a role another occasion an international service was
Of those, 22 flights will operate direct a B767-300ER. in the portfolio. The Singapore business is given a 3am landing slot but the Customs and
into Christchurch, providing an important The first of the 29 flights will depart Osaka important for a variety of reasons. It is a gate- Immigration staff do not report for duty until
economic boost to the Canterbury region. on 15 December this year and the final flight way into Southeast Asia for us, which plays 7am, leaving the passengers sitting on the
The remainder will fly to Auckland and all 29 will return to Japan from Auckland on 30 an important role for the low fare consumer plane for four hours.
flights will depart New Zealand from Auck- March. Flights from Japan will also depart
land International Airport.
The airline says Japan is New Zealand’s
from Sendai, Hiroshima, Okinawa, Fukuoka,
Matsuyama and Shizuoka.
Experience at the helm
Stefan Pichler has taken control at Fiji Airways career as the head of Sport Promotions at
Airline back in the black and assumed the roles of managing director
and CEO, an appointment announced in July
NIKE International in Beaverton, Oregon,
and has a Masters Degree in both Econom-
After losing nearly a quarter of a billion dol- airline’s international network, had delivered following an extensive global search. ics and Law from Augsburg University,
lars last year, Qantas has climbed back into $A171m in benefits to the company. The He joins the renamed Air Pacific fol- Germany.
the black in 2012–13 with a modest $A5m group’s comparable costs per unit were down lowing four years as CEO of Kuwait-based
($5.69m) net profit. The airline group’s un-
derlying profit, which excludes significant
five per cent, he said. “This was the best annual
cost reduction we have ever seen at Qantas.”
Jazeera Airways which he led to a big
turnaround, achieving the highest operat-
Tourist airfield for sale
one-off costs, was $A192m ($218.5m), up The airline also announced the sale of its ing profit margins in the industry in 2011 Fox Glacier airfield, formed in 1935 adjacent
from $A95m. wholly owned subsidiary Qantas Defence Ser- (25 percent) and 2012 (30 percent). Before to the West Coast township in response to the
Qantas domestic, Jetstar and Qantas Loy- vices (QDS) to Northrop Grumman Australia, that he was responsible for Virgin Blue’s newly established Air Travel (NZ) Ltd starting
alty, its frequent flyer division, all made a a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corpora- transformation from a low-cost carrier to a operations in the region, is 78 years later being
profit, while Qantas International halved its tion, for a price of $A80m for the business network airline and launched the V-Australia advertised for sale outside the original farming
underlying losses to $A246m. Qantas yields and other related assets. QDS provides main- long-haul operations. family ownership for the first time.
declined during the year due to excess capacity tenance and engineering services on aircraft Mr Pichler is formerly a non-executive Harcourts Wanaka office, the real estate
on its domestic network, a mixed economic and engines to government and military cus- director and chairman of several major inter- agent handling the sale, says the 24ha freehold
environment and increased competition. tomers and engineering consultancy services national corporations. lifestyle block is farmed, with five paddocks
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said cost-cutting to the naval industry across key operations in He is also a former internationally ranked all with water supply for stock, and the op-
measures, including the restructure of the Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra. marathon runner. He started his business portunity exists for engagement in the tourism
industry.
Tenders close on 7 November.
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Avnews …
AgustaWestland
Peter Clark
Aerodynamic improvements reduce drag
End of a very large era AgustaWestland is flight testing a number of
aerodynamic improvements expected to boost
Fusion system, allowing AgustaWestland to
adopt the latest in commercial aircraft cockpit
Boeing delivered the 223rd and last USAF C- C-17s have been involved in contingency the performance of its AW609 TiltRotor. technologies, including 14in (35.5cm) touch
17 Globemaster III airlifter on 12 September, operations of all types, including flying troops The first flight of a modified vertical tail fin screen displays, integrated flight management
fulfilling the production contract more than and equipment to Operation Enduring Free- on AW609 TiltRotor prototype #2 was recently systems with satellite based navigation, syn-
20 years after the first delivery. The aircraft dom in Afghanistan and to Operation Iraqi undertaken at the company’s Cascina Costa thetic and enhanced vision systems and HUD
left Boeing’s Long Beach facility to fly to its Freedom. The airlifter also has been used flight test facility in Italy. The modified fin is interfaces, all of which will be integrated with
assignment at Joint Base Charleston, South in humanitarian missions around the world, one part of a series of product improvements the aircraft’s own avionics management sys-
Carolina, to be welcomed at a ceremony. including the Japanese and Indian Ocean which also include a new design for the engine tems. This cockpit suite is planned to provide
The USAF was the C-17’s launch customer. tsunamis of 2011 and 2004, Hurricane Katrina exhaust nozzles and changes to the prop-rotor the crew with increased situational awareness
Since the type’s first flight on 15 September in 2005 and the Haitian earthquake of 2010. spinner cones. and reduce pilot workload.
1991 it has been the world’s only strategic air- The C-17 holds 33 world records, more Together these modifications are said to BAE Systems is providing an upgraded flight
lifter with tactical capabilities that allow it to than any other airlifter in history, including reduce the aircraft drag factor by around 10 control computer at the heart of the AW609’s
fly between continents, land on short, austere payload-to-altitude, time-to-climb and short- percent as well as delivering a significant triple redundant digital fly-by-wire flight
runways and airdrop supplies precisely where takeoff-and-landing marks. It has exceeded weight reduction. control system, including the AgustaWestland
they are needed. 2.6m flight hours, playing an integral role in An upgraded version of the Pratt & Whit- control laws and flight control software as well
Boeing will continue to produce C-17s for global strategic airlift. ney Canada PT6 engine is being used on the as a digital engine control system.
other customers around the world until complet- In addition to the 223 C-17s delivered to the AW609 TiltRotor and its advances in tech- The first prototype is continuing with en-
ing production of the type and closing the C-17 USAF, 34 are operated by Australia, Canada, nological developments are also expected to velope expansion activities in the USA while
final assembly facility in Long Beach, Califor- India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the provide increased performance capabilities the second prototype is flying from Cascina
nia, in 2015. The manufacturer will maintain and United Kingdom and the 12-member Strate- and safety enhancements. Costa, with nearly 800 flying hours completed
sustain the aircraft through its C-17 Globemaster gic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Rockwell Collins is supplying a fully on the pair. A further two prototypes are under
Integrated Sustainment Program. Partnership for Peace nations. integrated cockpit, based on its Pro Line final assembly in Italy.
“Ending C-17 production was a very dif-
ficult but necessary decision,” said Dennis
Muilenburg, president and chief executive of-
Resistance to competition hots up Aerial family support
ficer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. Cathay Pacific has filed a formal objection Cathay, quoting previous statements by Etihad Airways has launched a dedicated
“We want to thank the highly skilled and with Hong Kong’s government against a plan Qantas and Jetstar, says Jetstar Hong Kong is in-flight child care assistance programme for
talented employees who have built this great by Jetstar to launch a low-fare service to be a franchise of Jetstar in Australia and manage- families, with a new flying nanny on board
airlifter for more than two decades — and based in the city. Hong Kong’s de facto flag ment control of the airline would rest there. long-haul flights. Each flying nanny aims
those who will help us as we continue to carrier is reported to be facing intensifying Dragonair has also filed a formal objection, to provide a “helping hand” to families and
build the remaining 22 aircraft and support competition on its home turf with Jetstar Hong claiming Jetstar would not make the best use unaccompanied minors, according to the Abu
and modernise the global fleet for decades Kong, a joint venture between the Jetstar of the few remaining landing slots at the city’s Dhabi airline.
to come. The C-17 remains the world’s most Group, China Eastern Airlines and Macau busy airport. During the past two months 300 Etihad
capable airlifter with unmatched readiness and tycoon Stanley Ho’s Shun Tak Holdings, seek- Jetstar Hong Kong’s application for air Airways cabin crew members have completed
cost effectiveness.” ing regulatory approval to start flights by the rights is currently being processed by the enhanced training for the role. A further 60
He added, “Our customers around the end of this year. Hong Kong government. In July last year it will be trained this month and 500 flying nan-
world face very tough budget environments. Cathay Pacific and its Dragonair subsidiary applied for an air operator’s certificate from nies will be working across the Etihad Airways
While the desire for the C-17’s capabilities have stated: “Allowing Jetstar to operate out the Civil Aviation Department, but the govern- network by the end of this year.
is high, budgets cannot support additional of Hong Kong would violate the city’s basic ment has not indicated when it might make a The flying nanny will liaise with parents
purchases in the timing required to keep the law that requires Hong Kong’s ‘designated decision on the application. and use their experience and knowledge to
production line open. airlines’ to have their principal place of busi- make the travel experience easier. This in-
“What’s more, here in the United States the ness in Hong Kong, with management and Remote check-in available cludes helping serve children’s meals early in
sequestration situation has created significant control exercised within the city.” Air New Zealand is trialling a downtown the flight and offering activities and challenges
planning difficulties for our customers and the Other media quote Cathay as saying, “The check-in service in Queenstown. Passengers to help entertain and occupy younger guests.
entire aerospace industry. Such uncertainty setting up of Jetstar Hong Kong is an attempt can now collect their boarding passes and drop Etihad says that towards the end of the
forces difficult decisions like this C-17 line by a foreign carrier to gain access to Hong bags off at a downtown office to be delivered flight the nanny will help parents by replen-
closure. We will continue to make tough but Kong’s pool of traffic rights without a fair to the airport. They then need to be at their gate ishing milk bottles and offering items such as
necessary decisions to drive affordability and exchange of value to Hong Kong. It is not in 30min (domestic) or 60min (international) water, fruit and other snacks, especially if the
preserve our ability to invest for the future.” the best interests of Hong Kong.” prior to departure. family is transiting to another flight.
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Aviation News www.aviationnews.co.nz October 2013
Avnews …
Peter Clark
A Virgin Australia A330 arrives at Melbourne.
Action on the Tasman sectors
Peter Owens reports tions that tipped the scales.
Air New Zealand has agreed to lend about $40m If Air New Zealand could not secure the
to prop up struggling alliance partner Virgin deal, the ACCC said, it was likely to be at
Australia which has suffered a massive annual some disadvantage to the Qantas-Jetstar/Emir-
loss of $A98m ($111.8m) on its operations for
the financial year ending 30 June 2013.
ates alliance, with a weaker sales presence
and limited access to the Australian domestic
Voyager 1 has left the building
To save Virgin Australia from collapse, its market. Virgin Australia’s trans-Tasman op- NASA reported in August last year that the is still transmitting data back to Earth. It was
three biggest shareholders have agreed to pay erations would also fail to achieve the same exploratory spacecraft Voyager 1, launched originally estimated that the craft would
up about $103m by way of unsecured loans. scope as its large rivals. in 1977, was at the outer edge of our Solar transmit for only 20 years or so, but with the
Air New Zealand has been quick to reassure The commission said it had reviewed the au- System, 11bn miles away, and was about to plutonium-powered equipment still doing its
the New Zealand Stock Exchange, on which thorisation earlier than the five years requested become the first man-made object to venture job, scientists are now optimistic that signals
its own shares are quoted, that the money by the two airlines because of the “dynamic so far from Earth and to enter what it terms may continue possibly up to 2020.
was to assist Virgin Australia in a financial nature” of the industry and the likelihood of “deep space”. This transition is acknowledged The spacecraft, as well as providing valu-
restructuring. Air New Zealand emphasised public harm. It is now seeking submissions when the craft, the size of a Mini Minor, able outer planetary information over the
to the exchange that this was no “sweetheart from the applicants and other interested parties ceases detecting particles from the solar wind decades, also carries greetings to other deni-
deal” but a true commercial transaction which before it makes a final decision. and the lesser noise of deep space becomes zens of the universe and contains examples of
calls for repayment in 12 months’ time. If authorisation is granted, the airlines predominant. human culture. It has been estimated that its
In sharp contrast to Virgin’s poor result, Air will be immune from any court action for NASA scientists are now able to confirm journey in interstellar space will be a long one,
New Zealand reported on 30 August its biggest behaviour that might otherwise run foul of that this transition has occurred, at the same and it is unlikely to reach any other planetary
profit in five years, also in contrast to its financial Australian competition law. time expressing their awe of Voyager 1 which orbits for about 40,000 years or so, if ever.
woes some years ago which almost led to the The commission was advised vigorously
airline’s collapse. The majority government- of strong opposition to the withdrawal of Blue Airlines, is Australia’s second-largest based regional airline Skywest Airlines, for
owned airline made a net profit of $182m for the capacity conditions imposed on the Air New airline as well as the largest by fleet size to Skywest to operate up to 18 turboprop aircraft
year to 30 June, up 156 percent on last year. Zealand–Virgin Australia alliance three years use the Virgin brand. Now based in Bowen leased by Virgin, in order to better compete
According to Air New Zealand CEO Christo- ago by the ACCC and New Zealand’s Ministry Hills, Brisbane, the airline was co-founded in east coast regional markets served by Qa-
pher Luxon, his company has spent about $275m of Transport. The airport companies at Christ- by British businessman Richard Branson and ntasLink and Regional Express Airlines. The
buying Virgin Australia shares to date and plans church, Wellington and Dunedin strongly op- former Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey. It was turboprops would supplement the existing
to eventually increase its stake by a further 6 posed any move for an unrestricted renewal established in 2000 with two aircraft operating Embraer E-190s and replace the E-170s, which
percent, subject to approval from regulators. of the alliance on the trans-Tasman route, due on a single route, and suddenly found itself would be phased out due to their being uneco-
Recently, Air New Zealand and Virgin for renewal on 1 January 2014. catapulted to the position of Australia’s second nomical on the routes operated by Virgin.
Australia were given approval by the Aus- The airport companies warned in their airline after the collapse of Ansett Australia in On 20 January 2011 Air New Zealand an-
tralian Competition and Consumer Commis- submissions that if the alliance was renewed September 2001. nounced it would take a shareholding stake
sion (ACCC) to continue their trans-Tasman without the capacity conditions and for the The airline has grown to directly serve of between 10 percent and 14.99 percent
alliance, but only if they promise not to cut five years sought by the two airlines, those op- 29 cities in Australia from hubs in Brisbane, in Virgin Blue. Rob Fyfe, CEO at the time,
specific routes. The ACCC issued a draft deci- erators would take advantage of their market Melbourne and Sydney, using a fleet of described the investment “as part of Air New
sion on 10 July that will allow the airlines to domination to reduce trans-Tasman capacity narrow-body Boeing and Embraer jets plus Zealand’s strategy to develop scale and reach
extend their partnership for three years. and increase fares. Airbus and Boeing wide-body airliners. in this region” but said the airline had no
Commissioner Jill Walker said combining the The airlines responded by saying that for After several years operating as a low-cost intention of making a full takeover.
networks allowed the two airlines to offer better more than 18 months they had reduced aver- carrier it improved its services to become a In October 2011 the ACCC approved a pro-
products and services, including more access to age fares and improved services on the trans- business model which offers the “guest” the posed code-share alliance between Singapore
loyalty programme benefits and lounges. Tasman routes. Christchurch International choice of purchasing a ticket with aspects of Airlines (SIA) and Virgin Australia. The alli-
But the approval by the authority raises Airport Limited says it does not accept that the no-frills approach of low-cost carriers or ance is subject to other regulatory approvals
fresh problems. The commission said it was average prices have decreased and prefers paying a little more to receive services more in both countries.
concerned that the alliance may affect com- to measure median prices for fares paid by in line with full-service airlines in order to One year later Virgin announced that SIA
petition on selected routes between Christ- travellers — which it says have increased. compete more effectively with Qantas in the had bought a 10 percent stake in Virgin Austra-
church, Melbourne, Brisbane, Wellington, When the alliance started almost three years business travel market. lia, saying SIA spent $A105m on the deal.
Queenstown, Auckland, the Gold Coast, ago, ACCC and the MoT granted approval on In 2011 it took this strategy further by in- SIA currently holds a 19.9 percent stake and
Dunedin and Sydney. It proposed conditions condition both airlines agreed to maintain a troducing new uniforms, new catering options recently Etihad, the third airline stakeholder,
that would require the airlines to maintain ca- base level of capacity on selected trans-Tas- on board, new wide-body aircraft to compete increased its share in Virgin Australia from
pacity on those routes, as well as provide key man routes, while also growing seasonal ca- with Qantas on Perth–Sydney services, and 10.5 percent to 12.3 percent. The Foreign
performance data to help it monitor general pacity on routes nominated by the two bodies. the concurrent introduction of business class Investment Review Board has flagged ap-
effects on competition. However, the two airlines in the alliance want in January 2012 together with a new livery and proval for Etihad to also increase its stake to
Jill Walker said the weighing up of likely all restrictions on them as an alliance removed renaming of the brand to Virgin Australia. 19.9 percent. Virgin has also agreed to pay
public benefit and detriment was “finely bal- but this has been rejected by the authority. Early in 2011 it was announced that Virgin $A35m for its holding in Tiger, the loss-mak-
anced”, and it was only the proposed condi- Virgin Australia Airlines, formerly Virgin Blue had signed a 10-year deal with Perth- ing subsidiary of Singapore’s Tiger Airways.
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Avnews … Airport still faces space problems
Peter Owens reports a couple of days after flying in on private jets. Although they
Queenstown Airport’s “nationally significant” expansion plans stop in the resort for only a short time, they spend hundreds of
have been blocked by the High Court after an earlier Environ- thousands of dollars on accommodation, meals and visiting the
ment Court battle. The Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) many local attractions, especially the adventure experiences
has been engaged in a legal battle over undeveloped land that unavailable elsewhere.
the airport says is critical to the long-term expansion of the QAC CEO Scott Paterson admits corporate jet landings are
fastest-growing airport in New Zealand. very strong but says the airport needs to put up a “no vacancy”
The land is owned by Porter family business Remarkables sign because there is not enough room to park so many private
Park Ltd (RPL) and was subject to a notice of requirement aircraft. Plans have been made to extend the jet parking area
and labelled a nationally significant proposal by Environment in Queenstown by moving them to the south side of the run-
Minister Amy Adams in 2011. way. However, this all depends on what have been long and
However, RPL opposes this bid for compulsory purchase complicated negotiations with RPL on the acquisition of land
of this “priceless” land and argues other land near the airport for this purpose.
is suitable for expansion, namely taxiways and hangars for The QAC has paid out about $13m for a massive upgrade of
light aircraft and helicopters. With additional land, the airport what is now the second international airport in New Zealand,
via Grant Rankin
proposes that GA moves north of the runway, but Queenstown including a 45m high infill to create a level runway end safety
Lakes District Council (QLDC), as well as RPL and Air New area and a $2m runway lights project, funded by Airways NZ.
New V12 engine underway Zealand have objected. The matter is further complicated by
the fact that QLDC is the majority shareholder in QAC.
The 118 runway lights, now operational, have helped reduce
the number of flights diverted because of bad weather and
These billets of aluminium seen last month in Western Australia A recent decision by Justice Christian Whata in the Inver- are to be used to maximise the airport’s daylight operations,
will shortly become fully machined components of a 3.2lt V12 cargill High Court directed the case back to the Environment allowing aircraft to land until 10pm.
engine being developed jointly in Auckland and Perth, Western Court to reconsider aspects of its interim judgment. The judge Until its disastrous earthquakes, many people flew into
Australia. As well as potential markets in the automotive and said the court erred regarding considerations of a separation Christchurch and then flew down to the resort on a domestic
marine industries, the new engine is aimed squarely at LSA distance between a main runway strip and taxiway, failed to airline. However, the introduction of direct jet services from
and sport aviation groups, particularly T51 Mustang and Mk correctly assess RPL claims or allow an opportunity to address overseas has proved to be a great success. The airport keeps
26/26B Spitfire builders. “scarcity of industrial land”. An interim decision last year breaking its own passenger records and this increase in pas-
Normally aspirated with fuel injection and Link ECu elec- directed amendments to the notice of requirement. senger numbers has also been assisted by the lack of suitable
tronics, power output is estimated at 290hp at 4500rpm, cruis- Judge Whata directed the court to reconsider whether the accommodation in Christchurch.
ing at 190hp at 3300rpm. The narrow-angle engine with single notice of requirement should be cancelled or modified in rela- However, there is a strong and growing demand from across
overhead camshaft per bank, weighing around 260lb including tion to runway separations and the assessment of alternatives. the Tasman for Australians to be able to fly into Queenstown
PSRU and propeller, is hoped to replicate the sound of the RPL director Alastair Porter says his company is very pleased on Friday nights and leave again on Sunday nights, thus per-
Rolls-Royce Merlin fitted to the full-size WWII fighters. with the High Court’s direction to the Environment Court. mitting visitors two full days’ skiing or snowboarding. This
While Queenstown airport continues to expand, airport man- is one of the obvious reasons why Queenstown airport must
Fly by night agement is embarrassed by the fact that the airport is running
out of space to accommodate commercial aircraft. Indeed, it
soon introduce night flights.
Of course there would be noise complaints from residents,
Air New Zealand’s Night Rider service, offering every seat on is now finding it difficult to provide parking space for private but local interests would have to ensure that the message got
the last flight of the day between Auckland and Wellington at jets from overseas. through that businesses and jobs in Queenstown are dependent
a low price, is being extended to include Christchurch. This is becoming a serious problem as more and wealthier on sustained growth in tourist numbers.
From 7 November every seat on the 9.30pm Thursday–Mon- overseas families and celebrities are flying into and out of People in the resort have very short memories indeed if they
day flights between Auckland and Christchurch in both direc- Queenstown and not bothering with other New Zealand tourist do not remember the grim times all Queenstown businesses
tions will be priced starting at $39 for no check-in luggage, destinations. suffered when the international recession hit the flow of visitors
operated by a combination of A320s and B737s. Individuals and groups are stopping in Queenstown for only into the resort town.
As with the existing Night Rider operations, these will skip
the airline’s usual in-flight refreshments and passengers will
not be eligible to use the Koru lounges. It is not available to
New system cuts times if not abbreviations
unaccompanied minors and can’t be booked as part of a through A world-first deployment of an integrated flow management regularly and with greater accuracy.
fare domestically or internationally. and arrival management system, expected to save airlines tens Airways says, “With CFM and AMAN we’re already
of millions of dollars in fuel by significantly reducing airborne making big inroads to reducing airborne and ground delays at
State promotion delays and optimising flight profiles, is now in operation for
flights into Auckland.
Auckland, delivering results through an innovative and col-
laborative approach.”
aimed westwards Airways NZ has partnered with global air traffic manage-
ment software expert Barco Orthogon GmbH to develop and
Air New Zealand says the addition and integration of
AMAN means that Airways NZ is now able to further optimise
Qantas and the Western Australian Government have signed a deliver a world-class collaborative flow manager (CFM) so- the arrival of airborne aircraft.
landmark $A7.65m ($8.7m) agreement to market and promote lution, which is now working to eliminate airborne air traffic “With a high level of airline collaboration and compliance,
the state internationally and within Australia. The coopera- bottlenecks and holding patterns at the airport. CFM delivered a dramatic reduction in airborne delays. The
tive marketing agreement will target potential visitors from The integration and deployment of Barco’s OSYRIS Arrival new CFM/AMAN system, combined with the use of continu-
the United Kingdom, United States, Singapore and Australia Manager (AMAN) into Airways’ CFM has resulted in what the ous descents and track shortening RNP AR arrivals, means
and will see Qantas matching the state government’s invest- SOE describes as a “sophisticated and world-leading combined Airways NZ is well on the journey to creating a truly optimum
ment dollar for dollar to promote WA’s destinations around flow and queue management solution which is now a global terminal arrival experience.”
the world. showcase for ATM efficiency”. In Auckland, airborne delay has reduced from an average of
“The partnership will play an important role in our bid to “With this solution,” says Airways NZ, “airlines interact 3.5min/flight in 2007 before CFM was introduced, to an aver-
attract more domestic and international visitors to the state directly with the system to prioritise their flights according to age of 23sec/flight in 2013, an 89 percent reduction. Airlines
and increase value of tourism in WA from $A7.5bn in 2012 to their own business needs — subject to available slots, runway arriving into Auckland Airport are experiencing an additional
$12bn [$13.67bn] by 2020, says the airline. capacity and trajectory predictions updated by the system in 2percent to 4 percent reduction in delays as a direct result of
This deal follows similar deals between Qantas and New real time.” the AMAN deployment into the CFM system, expected to
South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory and takes Airways and Barco signed an agreement in June 2011 to increase as the system is fine-tuned over the coming months.
the total joint investment in tourism to $A56m ($63.8m) over jointly develop and market the integrated CFM/AMAN solu- However, not everybody welcomes the new systems and
three years. tion. With the solution now operational for Auckland Interna- their revised approach paths. Residents of some of Auckland’s
The Qantas Group is the largest airline group operating out tional Airport, it is “ready for deployment to the global aviation more expensive suburbs are complaining vociferously that
of Western Australia, particularly on services between Perth industry, to achieve coordinated flow management and arrival airliners are now flying low over their homes, creating a noise
and Australia’s eastern states. Qantas also recently announced sequencing of flights into capacity constrained airports”. nuisance and the perceived danger of shedding parts.
a new twice-weekly A330 Perth–Auckland service between Airways says that by working closely with Barco and its
early December and the end of January. airlines it has developed and implemented a system that has
delivered “real savings, both financial and environmental,
Expansion plans
without impacting on safety and service delivery. This system is
saving airlines millions of dollars in fuel, reducing CO₂ emis- in neglected market
sions, and making delays insignificant, if compared alongside Emirates plans to more than double its network of US destina-
European measures.” tions in the next three to five years to a total of 15 US cities, say
The combined CFM/AMAN solution maximises use of airline sources, with reports that Emirates plans to add as many
available capacity at airports and reduces controllers’ work- as three new US city destinations in the next 12 months.
load by improving traffic flow and automatically sequencing The airline is set to operate between New York’s John F
arriving aircraft. Aircraft fly more efficiently due to planned Kennedy airport and Milan next month. That fifth-freedom
and predictable flight paths, and airborne delays are signifi- route is out of step with Emirates’ Dubai-centric, single-hub
cantly reduced. strategy but is not a sign that more such routes will be added
In simple terms, the CFM component manages airline in the future, according to the airline.
requirements prior to takeoff to suit their business needs. It Analysts say that Emirates sees huge potential with the
matches airlines’ scheduling needs with capacity at the desti- United States because the American airlines have “pitiful ser-
nation and coordinates departure and arrival slots to minimise vice” to the Gulf and Dubai, a fact of which Emirates is acutely
airborne delays. aware — and it can easily outflank its rivals by starting even
Prior to top of descent, the AMAN component calculates more flights to the USA. It’s entirely possible that the likes of
target landing times to ensure the most efficient speed and Boston, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Detroit and Denver will be
Contact for World War One calendar: energy profiles for aircraft arriving into Auckland, based on on Emirates’ radar.
their predicted trajectories and the available runway capacity On 2 December Emirates will add capacity on its Los An-
“The Great War” at that period. gles–Dubai route by moving to A380s. Its growing fleet, soon to
The Vintage Aviator Ltd Air traffic controllers are presented with a linear display of be augmented by Airbus A350-900s and possibly B777-8Xs and
58 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie the optimum aircraft sequence for all inbound aircraft, taking B777-9Xs, will allow the carrier to launch more non-stop flights
Wellington 6022, New Zealand into account adjustments for arrival procedures. Because the to the USA. This would render any possible competitive rivalry
04 909 3100 info@tval.co.nz monitoring process is continuous, the CFM/AMAN solution from US airlines ineffective since they simply do not have the
is able to update airlines’ and controllers’ information more muscle, fleet or financial strength to tackle Emirates head-on.
Aviation News www.aviationnews.co.nz October 2013
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