Technology innovation is one such area, where Thales UK and Intellect have begun a venture to recognize and tryout the latest technologies which is led by the office for Security and Counter Terrorism within the Home Office.

For this, Thales UK, a global technology leader for the defense, security, aerospace and transport markets will be functioning in close association with aviation and security experts from the Olive Group, Human Recognition Systems, the Global Security Challenge, the Smith Institute, the University of Cambridge and Manchester and Birmingham airports.

It is also expected that quite a few trade and industry organizations like SITC- the Security Innovation and Technology Consortium, RISC- the UK Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers’ Community, ADS- the Aerospace Defence Security Group & NS&RC- the National Security & Resilience Consortium will be supporting the project.

This actively designed project commenced by Thales UK is recognized as the instinct-TD2 i.e. technology Demonstrator 2, through which an attempt is assumed to find out and test the constantly evolving safety technologies.

It is believed that testing and examination will be carried out by means of a blend of live material surroundings like the UK airports and artificial environments; then only the successful assessments will be validated.

Though, it is understood that the change brought by this means may not be immediate and therefore the awareness & competence which is expected to be delivered through this project will take its due course of time to be adopted by the airports, airlines, security authorities and companies.

In order to aid this project the search for a whole-hearted involvement and contribution from people, groups, travel companies or any academic institution providing training for the aviation industry, in spite of its location & size  is definitely a welcoming gesture. No doubt, it will eventually bring together the technology, innovation & expertise related to the aviation sector from all other areas,  helping it to improve consequently.

Around 20 to 30 submissions are supposed to take part where the closing date for submissions is 21st August, 2010. These will then be displayed to the Government, aviation industry and security experts. This whole process will go on almost till December this year, where a final report, together with detailed analysis of the trial results and prospective execution of successful products, etc will be presented to the UK Government’s INSTINCT programme, just around the end of January next year.

With this, it could be confidently assumed that the solutions and ideas put forward by participants could boost the aviation security sector in phases like air travel process, planning and booking a journey or tour, boarding an aircraft, etc where the passenger’s experience will be enhanced, hopefully not affecting the airport revenues in the future.

Some officially announced benefits to booming supporters are stated below:

• A sharing cash prize from a prize fund of £50,000 provided by Thales

• The chance to test their technology, solution or idea in a real environment that they wouldn’t normally be able to access

• Achieving helpful information of the aviation security surroundings and the use of their technology within this market

• Access to aviation and industry experts to help them to test, reveal and market their expertise in the most probable manner

• Right to use to a broad range of prospective customers and end users

• Training and support in the improvement of their technology, solution or idea into a saleable product and business planning

• Monetary support to offset reasonable costs related with taking part in the trials, subject to status

• Shield of intellectual property

• Assistance and guidance throughout the project

Pakistani rescue workers look for survivors amid the wreckage of the plane (AP / Irfan Haider)

Heavy monsoon rain is creating havoc in Pakistan killing more than 400 people until now and destroying property, infrastructure worth millions. In the meantime, the worst is being experienced at the Pakistan plane crash site near Islamabad, where consistent rain and fog are hampering recovery efforts.

The Airbus A321, belonging to Airblue, a private Pakistani airline, crashed into the Margala hills on Wednesday killing all 146 passengers and six crew members aboard. Heavy fog and rains are predicted to be the most probable reasons for the crash, one of the most damaging incidents creating a dent in Pakistan’s aviation history.

The majority of the bodies have been recovered and rescue efforts were in full force at the crash site, struggling to salvage remains and any evidence that could provide a hint to the incident. However, operations have been abandoned due to continuous showers, preventing rescue workers from arriving at the crash site. Furthermore, helicopters are unable to fly within the area due to thick fog and low clouds.

Meanwhile, some 105 mutilated bodies’ identification process is in progress and so far 50 identified remains have been handed over to relatives. The mutilation has made it hard to recognize the victims and a special testing centre has been set up in Islamabad to test the DNA of the bodies.

A probe into the Margalla crash has started on Thursday by a seven-member team of the Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority, headed by Junaid Ameen.

Watch the Video of the Pakistan Plane Crash

Image source: bournemouthair.co.uk

How would you typically like to spend the school holidays with your friends and family? An outing or a trip to an entertaining place with your loved ones is usually an attractive option.  I guess, a stopover to the ‘Bournemouth Air Festival’ would surely guarantee an enjoyable experience for the young ones as well as the adults.

Bournemouth Air Festival, an event, usually held in the month of August is a festival where you get to see lots of action amid a variety of aircraft displays, jet fighters, helicopters, etc. It is surely an amusing occasion to be a part of with your near and dear ones. This year’s adrenaline fueled 4-days of aviation action is scheduled during 19th-22nd August 2010 which has got a variety of activities to cherish.

Across the Bournemouth seafront, one can view all the ranges of aircrafts i.e. right from the early day flights up to today’s amazing jet fighters. Not only this, the air displays that are spanned across the four day festival include lots of adrenaline fueled action as well as other incredible events.

To name a few activities, you can witness breathtaking schedules like Red Arrows, Folland Gnat jet, the return of the Sea Vixen, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Display Team, Team Guinot Wing Walkers, etc.

It is really very amusing to spend your evenings watching the  exciting activities happening in the air, accompanied by lots of entertainment on the ground as well.

Interactions and other attractions around the venue like the quays, mock-up cockpits, tanks and a static helicopter display, exhibitions, craft, stalls, boat trips, etc. keep you busy while you barely recognize how time flies by. The RAF, army and war veterans from a variety of local groups offer  real chunks of fascinating history which absolutely keep you hooked till the end of the event.

Akin to the daytime happenings, the evenings are equally exciting where you can see the big bang fireworks display, electro glide angels and interesting miniature Spitfire aircraft.  At the same time the town is lit up with a magical hot air balloon glow that instantly catches your attention in the company of a harmonized melody.

This year’s event is assumed to demonstrate potential innovative aircraft, international teams and a much enhanced and exclusive night air evening programme. To feel and believe it, one must actually be a part of it.

The confirmed line-up consists of a couple of new things. It includes a host of ‘new for this year’ aircraft and teams – Royal Netherlands Air Force, The Parachute Regiment Freefall Team, and war bird Hunter Jet.

Besides this, street entertainers, performances by Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Collingwood, Royal Marines Combat Display Team, hot air balloon glows, outdoor film screenings, al fresco food stalls in the town square and a fireworks display on Saturday night, etc. are believed to be scheduled.

Watch the official video of Bournemouth Air Festival

Solar impulse II (HB-SIB) concept image (GFDL/SolarImpulse)

A solar powered plane designed to fly round-the-clock without traditional fuels has completed its 26-hour flight after flying continuously through the night.

The plane named ‘Solar Impulse’ is one of the first steps on the ladder of success aimed at circling the globe using only the power of the Sun.

The night flight was crucial to check whether the plane sustained on its super-efficient solar cells and batteries to stay in the air, long after sundown.

At 0900 (0700 GMT) the plane touched down at Payerne airport after a total flight time of 26-hours. While on its mission, it reached towards a peak altitude of 8,500 meters (27,900 feet).

The success story has broken all records of the longest height and flight by any solar powered plane.

Andre Borschberg, a former jet pilot in Switzerland steered the plane and is the co-founder of the Solar Impulse project along with Bertrand Piccard.

The Solar Impulse teams led by Borschberg & Piccard believe strongly that it will not be long before a continuous flight on a solar charged plane is possible.

Built of 12,000 solar cells fitted into its 193 foot of wings, Solar Impulse is a prototype of an actual aircraft, which they hope, will circumnavigate the globe by 2012.

Weighing as much as a medium-sized car at 1,600 kg and a size of an Airbus A340, the Solar Impulse runs off four electric motors and super-efficient solar-powered batteries.

Two successful test flights have been carried out previously in Payerne when the plane reached an altitude of 1,200 metres and stayed 87 minutes in the air.

Eventually, the plane is expected to achieve an of altitude of 8,500 metres (27,900 feet) at an average flying speed of 70 km (44 miles) an hour.

The Solar Impulse Project budget is estimated at CHF100 million Swiss francs (USD$94 million) out of which CHF80 million have been secured from sponsors.

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These days, ‘Binge Flying’ is creating hype in Britain’s aviation industry. The recent action taken by Britain’s coalition government for the sake of the environment protection by refusing to build new runways around London to accommodate more planes is creating controversy everywhere.

Quite sometime ago, the UK elections ended, where now, the new coalition government seems to be in its full action with activities like the cancellation of longstanding plans to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport in May 2010.

Things like, Prime Minister David Cameron taking hold of the runaway expansion plans, in order to aid climate change and high levels of greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, etc. has led to a platform for difference in opinions.

The probability that he would also reject the consent for new runways at Gatwick and Stansted, London’s second-string airports is also creating waves in Britain’s aviation industry.

Well, the real cause could be an increase in the number of weekend flights that goes against the usual and easy recurrent flights, as England has become a focal point for low-cost airlines.
Also, other areas of concern like the 2008 Climate Change Act that keeps the government adhering to reductions in emissions by at least 34 percent by 2020, as compared to the levels that were reached in 1990 is also there.

As a matter of fact, the lure to make bigger airports is immense for urban cities as new businesses and tourism contribute to the economy of the country. In view of this backdrop, the airports in Europe that are now mostly run by private companies are favoring the airport expansion and the increase in number of runaways.

The enduring example is that of the Heathrow airport where communities nearby fought for almost a decade against the airport’s runway expansion. Though people have been complaining about noise and nitrous oxide pollution in its vicinity, Heathrow airport, is one of the world’s busiest airports and a major connection point for destinations in Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East, demonstrating that a third runway may surely become a turning point in Britain’s aviation industry, benefiting the country’s economy.

Heathrow airport, which is infamous for its flight delays and endless queues; is the only airport of its size with just two runways. So, the need of a third runaway may decrease runway queues and planes circling the skies thus, preventing air congestion and therefore reducing emissions above heathrow.

To be precise, the difference of opinions and highly politicized government decisions are causing a delay in the proper assessment of the situation and need.

In such a scenario, the option of a high-speed rail network projected to substitute short-haul flights would be a better alternative. Now, only time will tell as to how things actually turn out. .

Google Flight

Google has bought the Massachusetts-based ITA software firm for $700m (£460m) to make it convenient for users to search for specific flight information on its highly-dominant search engine. Google might have described its intention as “pro-competitive” and “pro-consumer”, but it has expectantly shook up online booking agencies.

Collaboration with ITA is sure to draw  regulatory scrutiny considering ITA is the most widely used service by the travel industry. Not much in the public eye, but i it is ITA that acts as a medium between travel companies and users. It provides  flight data, timings, availability and prices to the travel industry.

Google’s chief executive, Eric Schmidt, said: “Their technology opens exciting possibilities for us to create new ways for users to more easily find flight information online, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them to Google.”

While the company has made it clear that it has no intention of selling airline tickets to consumers, fears of Google yielding too much power and influence cloud the travel market.

Concerns have  become evident, by travel agents Kayak and Expedia who approached ITA to snatch the business from Google. However, negotiations with Google had already progressed to an advanced stage.

Google beat reported bidders Expedia, Kayak and Travelport.

Al Maktoum International Ruway (GFDL/Fatma3298)

Dubai officially opened its second Al Maktoum International Airport on Sunday for cargo operations. Previously known as Jebel Ali International Airport, it is the emirates second airport and supposed to become the world’s largest. In a statement issued by Dubai Airports, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum , president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports said “the opening is the first step in a long infrastructure development project that over time will see our new airport transformed into the world’s largest global gateway and a multi-modal logistics hub that plays an increasingly integral role in the ongoing economic and social development of Dubai. It is a proud day for Dubai and an auspicious occasion for the future of global aviation”.

Phase 1 of the Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International (DWC) features a runway that is capable of accommodating a super-jumbo Airbus A380 jet, 64 remote stands, a cargo terminal with a capacity for 250,000 tonnes a year and a passenger terminal designed to accommodate 5 million passengers a year.

The completion of the USD$10.9 billion project is estimated to take 10-15 years and will have five runways, up to four terminal buildings and the capacity for 12 million tonnes of freight and 160 million passengers a year.

Passenger flights are planned to start by March 2011, dependent on IATA regulations.

Sheikh Ahmed said in May “Dubai first airport, the Dubai International Airport is capable of handling 2.5 million tonnes of cargo and is expected to increase its capacity by 48 percent to 3 million tonnes by 2015″

It is estimated that 98 million passengers will pass through Dubai International Airport by 2020 and will rocket to 150 million by 2030.

Dubai Airports have stated, Dubai International Airport is the fourth largest airport globally for international passenger traffic.

Committed cargo carriers for the new airport include Aban Air, ACI, Aerospace Consortium, Aviation Service Management, Coyne Airways, EuroAsian Services, Gatewick, Ramjet, Reem Style, Rial Aviation, Rus Aviation, Sonic Jet, SunGlobal, Skyline and United Aviation Services with operations steadily increasing over the next few months.

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Journeys today are not so easy; but neither was it in the past. Gone are the days when people used to depend on modes of transportation like waterways and roadways. In the present day, travel has seen a remarkable change, where the medium of air travel has overtaken all other alternative modes of transport for the simple reason that it saves time.

Also, Globalization has brought the world closer by means of outsourcing and MNC’s which ultimately results in frequent cross-border journeys for business purposes. Though, the demand of flights for pleasure and luxury is more or less equal, especially during vacation period.

WN/ Photo

In view of this backdrop, various domestic and international airways have come into existence and are catering to the needs of individuals as per their requirements by offering wonderful and generous packages.

Last minute deals are truly helpful when you have a sudden demand to travel, be it for an official purpose or for any personal need. These kinds of deals help you select from top flight offers among multiple choices, gain big savings, as well as receive better options, reservations and packages for local and far-away destinations.

WN/ Photo

Nowadays, a variety of travel agencies work in unison to offer packages. To name a few, the agencies offer bookings for charter flights, multi-stop flights, flights plus hotel, and flights plus car hire, etc. From these, you can choose the option that suits you best. Accordingly, the fares may vary inclusive of the total number of people traveling, where top flight offers may differ as: Premium economy, Business & First, executive charters, and private trips,etc. while you look forward to a fast, well-organized, reliable and stress-free journey to avoid delays with guaranteed comfort.

Besides this, on-line booking has also become popular where e-ticketing assists you in a user friendly manner. Just be sure, prior making your final payment that the websites you are using for e-booking are authentic and operate professionally.

Lufthansa Airport Lounge at Frankfurt Airport (CC/Don Serapio)

Delays in flights, security checks, and arriving too early for check-in are all part and parcel of airline travel. Despite travelers understanding the existence of such and many more unwanted factors in airline travel, it is no wonder they play chaos in executives’ professional lives. Airport lounges offer a solution and make up for the lost time by providing all the necessary comforts in work and relaxation. An airport lounge, also known as airport club is a lounge or place of relaxation offered by the airline for travelers on long-haul flights, delayed flights or those who ought to recover from a tiring journey.

An airport lounge comes with a package of luxurious facilities specially designed for business and long distance travelers. Along with the peace and quiet, there are a number of luxury services provided such as meeting rooms, Wi-Fi access, spas, gyms, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, phone & fax, TV and babysitting facilities for families. Access to an airport lounge also means that you gain better assistance, as customer service representatives are more attentive

There are several methods for gaining access to an airport lounge.

• The airline you travel with may have its own lounge and purchasing an annual or lifetime membership is the regular approach.
• Discounts on lounge access are available for frequent flyers to be exchanged using ‘miles’.
• Owning a high-end credit card allows free entry to lounges, as long as the person is entitled to own the card.
• Travelers frequently traveling first class or business class are sometimes allowed free admission.
• Using an airline status card, one can attain access to airline and its partner airline lounges.

Major airlines operate lounges in a majority of big cities around the world while smaller airlines offer it only in their hometowns. They propose various services, ranging from a simple yet cozy seating area to a more luxurious swimming pool and massage therapies. Most of the airport lounges will welcome you by offering the following comforts:

• Alcoholic & Non Alcoholic beverages (free or on purchase)
• Snacks
• Business needs like newspapers, Wi-Fi zone, TV, phone, fax, conference (meeting) rooms
• Indulgences like top-notch restaurants, private cabanas with private showers, massage services designed around travel stress, artistic interiors by world-renowned designers, large plasma screens showing the latest news updates.
• Personalized services including medical attention
• Day care centre
• Billiards, video and computer games to keep you engaged.

Here is a list of notable airport lounges that possibly couldn’t go unnoticed:

1. Admirals Lounge – American Airlines, John F Kennedy International Airport, USA

2. Air France Lounge at Terminal #2 – Air France, Charles de Gaulle International Airport, France

3. Golden Lounge – Malaysian Airlines, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia

4. Lufthansa Lounge – Lufthansa, Frankfurt International Airport, Germany

5. Premium Terminal – Qatar Airways, Doha International Airport, Qatar

6. President’s Club – Continental Airlines, Ronald Reagan National Airport, Washington D.C., USA

7. Qantas First Class Lounge – Qantas, Sydney International Airport, Australia

8. SAS Lounge – Copenhagen International Airport, Denmark

9. Silver Kris – Singapore Airlines, Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore

10. Smokers Lounge – Swissair, Zurich International Airport, Switzerland

11. Star Alliance Lounge – Zurich International Airport, Switzerland

12. Terraces Lounge – British Airways, JFK International Airport, USA

13. The Royal Orchid – Thai Airways, Bangkok Airport, Thailand

14. The Wing – Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong

15. VIP Lounge – LanChile, Santiago International Airport, Chile

Fear of Flying or Aerophobia is a delicate medical condition which has raised concerns primarily due to increasing aviation accidents and security issues over the years. Bad experiences of flying need not be necessarily bracketed with aviation accidents, but could also be referred to incidents experienced at airports, or with people whilst traveling. Negative incidents give birth to post-traumatic stress, in which the person is unable to cope with incidences and loses control over his emotional self. The anxiousness of experiencing a similar unpleasant incident again, causes deep-rooted fear to develop even though the probability of similar incident to occur is small.

Aerophobia is a well-defined phobia in itself. However, its roots can be traced to complex psychological issues or a combination of existing phobias. Fear of water, closed or open spaces, crowds, heights and anxiety disorder may possibly result in Aerophobia.

Symptoms of Aerophobia:

• Panic attacks and Vomiting at the very mention of flying
• Post-traumatic stress symptoms such as depression, anxiety relating to flight and air travel.
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Anxiety disorder
• Fear of water, closed or open spaces, crowds or heights

Treatment Options for Aerophobia:

Therapy:
Cognitive behavior therapy, Hypnotherapy and Systematic desensitization are some of the methods involved in treating patients suffering from Aerophobia.

• Cognitive behavior therapy: When a patient confronts an underlying fear or a stressful situation, his nervous system goes through a series of changes causing the phobia to come into the forefront. Cognitive behavior therapy works on this very thinking process or approach of the patient towards a situation and helps him rationalize the situation.
• Systematic desensitization: In Systematic desensitization the patient is exposed to his fears whilst he is in a deep state of relaxation.
• Hypnotherapy: In hypnotherapy, the patient is put under a deep spell of relaxation where his sub-conscious mind is in control. Communication between sub-conscious and conscious mind restructures the patient’s belief, approach and perception towards situations and incidents.

Medication:
Medication is suggested for patients suffering from anxiety and distress. Drugs offer respite to a certain extent, although it depends on the patient’s honesty towards the treatment for the medication to work to its full potential. Anxiety driven drugs are not a permanent solution and are to be used with other treatment options.

There are other therapies as well that are proved to suppress aerophobia. Herbal remedies, Musical Therapy, Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), Relaxation therapy, EMDR Technique, Psychotherapy, Time Line Therapy and Aromatherapy are the popular ones among them.