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    Airbus Emergency Light Error in Macao


    Pictured: Air Asia Airbus A320
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer T.Laurent

    What: Air Asia Airbus A320 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Macao
    Where: Macao International Airport
    When: 2009 08 24
    Who: 148 passengers
    Why: While en route, a warning light signaled that the emergency door was open

    The plane made a safe landing. Apparently the warning message went off in error on a securely locked door.

    George’s Point of View

    The issue here is not simply a warning light. It is the fact that warning lights on aircraft are crucial, life-saving equipment and cannot afford to fail. A warning that goes off for no reason may cause the “boy who cried wolf” syndrome (i.e. let’s ignore it because that warning always goes off;) or it can indicate some mechanical underpining that is faulty (loose wire, blown gasket); or a miniscule software error that could range in significance from mundane to catastrophic.

    So let’s hope that maintenance looks at that door until they determine exactly what did happen to cause the warning to go off. Because the only way to prevent problems in the future is to pin down every issue now, before it escalates into another Airbus disaster.

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    Last Flight of California Aerobatic Champion

    What: Edge E40 in aerobatics competition
    Where: World Aerobatic Championships at Silverstone Circuit Silverstone, Dadford Road, Buckingham.
    When: 12.12pm
    Who: 40-year-old Californian and US Aerobatic Team Champion, President of the International Aerobatic Club Vicki Cruse
    Why: The crash occurred when the pilot was performing a vertical stall. Apparently she wasnt high enough when her engine stalled, or her engine ran out of fuel.

    Link to bio of Vicki Cruse. Please note this is a .pdf

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    Cessna Crashes in Callas France

    What: small tourist Cessna en route from Cannes-Mandelieu Airport
    Where: Callas — north east of Draguignan near the Riviera
    When: SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 2009 10:00 am (0800 GMT)
    Who: Five passengers killed: the pilot, a friend of the pilot and a lady and two children
    Why: The plane crashed in a wooded park near residences and burst into flames. Residents who witnessed the crash heard nothing as the plane seemed to be gliding, then there was a lound explosion as the plane hit the ground and burst into flame. The accident was close enough to the neighborhood that neighbors turned their garden hoses on the flames, but no one survived the crash.

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    Four Die in Italian Helicopter Crash

    What: dell’eliambulanza medical emergency service helicopter
    Where: Mount Cristallo/ Mount Faloria near Cortina d’Ampezzo Ski Resort
    When: Saturday, 22nd August 2009
    Who: 4 people on board: two engineers (co-pilot Marco Zago and Stefano da Forno), a doctor (Spaziani Fabrizio) and the pilot (Dario De Felipe)
    Why: The helicopter appeared to have hit a high voltage cable while flying in bad weather. The helicopter was in the process of responding to landslide near Rio Gere, towards Passo Tre Croci. Continued bad weather hampered recovery efforts.

    This would have been Zago’s last mission before transferring to another job.

    The remains have been recovered, however, and were taken to the hospitap mortuary in Cortina Codivilla. This hazardous area frequently requires mountain rescue services.

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    Homebuilt Crashes Football Game; Two Fatalities


    Pictured: A Skybolt
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Dubravko Sertovic

    What: Fixed Wing Single-Engine Steen Skybolt (Cooper Skybolt) bi-plane en route from West Harrison Airport (Cincinnati West)
    Where: McNicholas High School in Harrison Ohio
    When: Aug 21, 2009 8:08 p.m.
    Who: pilot and a female passenger
    Why: Witnesses watching a football scrimmage between Harrison and McNicholas High School say that while en route, the plane climbed, pitched left, seemed to struggle, then took a nosedive, crashing near the high school and killing 47 year old pilot Raymond Robben of Guilford, Indiana, and passenger 52 year old Belinda Roy of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The pilot and his girlfriend were on a pleasure ride when the plane failed, crashing a quarter of a mile from the end of the runway.

    Robben was a corporate pilot for the JTM Food Group.

    FAA registration lists the biplane as being manufactured in 1996, classified an amateur built experimental aircraft and Robben is listed as as a certified commercial pilot and flight instructor.

    George’s Point of View

    As with all tragic flights, we express condolences to the families.

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  • In Honor of TAM

    SERVICE:
    WHAT: Choral Allegro and Orchestra – Musical Concert “2º Cultural Moment for the Valuation to the Life;
    WHEN: 30 of August of 2009 (Sunday), from the 10 hours of the morning;
    WHERE: Memorial of Latin America – Simón Audience Bolivar – Street Auro Soares de Moura Andrade, nº 664 (Entered and Parking for Gate 15)
    INGRESSIONS: 1 kilo of not-perishable food

    The Musical Concert: “2º Cultural Moment for the Valuation to the Life”, will be in the Memorial of Latin America (Street Auro de Moura Andrade, 664, Quarter Deep Bar, São Paulo) at 11 am. The gates will be opene from 10 so for donations. Choral Allegro and Orchestra, the soprano Giovanna Maira, and the tenors Rinaldo Viana, Jorge Duran and Rubens Medina, under the direction and regency of the teacher Renato Misiuk will be participating.

    The event has the support of the Choral Allegro and Orchestra, Government of the State of São Paulo, Municipal City hall of São Paulo and Memorial Fundação.

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    Air India Airbus Lands with Flat


    Pictured: An Air India Airbus A320-231
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Rajesh Changela

    What: Air India Airbus A320-200 en route from Singapore Changi Airport to Chennai India
    Where: Meenambakkam airport
    When: Aug 22nd 2009
    Who: 132 passengers
    Why: After extending the gear, one main gear tire was observed to be flat–not a surprise because debris was found at the airport of origin.

    All precautions were engaged during landing and the flight landed safely with no injuries reported. The plane was towed off the runway to a maintenance bay.

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    American Airlines Wing Lamination Falls off


    Pictured: An American Airlines 757 landing at LAX
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Peter Spence

    What: American Airlines Boeing 757 en route from San Diego to Dallas
    Where: Los Angeles International Airport
    When: Friday August 21
    Who: 188 passengers and 6 crew
    Why: While en route to Dallas, passengers observed pieces of the right wing falling off. The crew declared an emergency and landed at LAX. Maintenance crews discovered that “delamination of a seal.”

    Passengers were able to board another plane bound to arrive at their destination on midnight Friday.

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  • |

    Teterboro: Pilot and Co-pilot survive Fiery NJ Crash

    What: Twin-engine Beechcraft Baron hired by Quest Diagnostics en route from Reading, Pa. to Teterboro (where the where the plane in the recent Hudson crash originated.)
    Where: adjacent to Teterboro Airport,
    When: Friday, Aug. 21, 2009
    Who: Pilot and copilot
    Why: The flight was delivering blood specimens for Quest Diagnostics. Halfway down the runway, the pilot aborted the first attempt at landing, and hit a tree and broke in half on the next go-around, then crashing and burning in a nearby warehouse parking lot.

    Rescuers rushed to the scene to search for the pilot and co-pilot, and reportedly heard someone saying ‘We’re here, We’re here,”

    Rescuers came back with ‘I know you are, but I’m looking for the guys on the plane.’ And they replied, ‘We are the guys from the plane.’

    Both men are in serious condition.

    The pilot George Maddox, 54, of Sinking Springs, Pa. and copilot Co-pilot Sanil Gopinath, 42, of Laurel, Md survived and were checked in to St. Barnabas Medical Center.

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    Alitalia Ferry Flight Decompresses over Minsk


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Dave Chapman

    What: Alitalia Airbus A321-100 en route from Moscow to Rome
    Where: Minsk
    When: Aug 20th 2009
    Who: 0 passengers, 6 crew
    Why: While en route to Rome, the flight lost cabin pressure. The flight descended to a safe level and landed safely at Minsk.

    George’s Point of View

    I suppose that ferry flights are an unavoidable reality of aviation; but in these days of conservation and high fuel prices, one wonders at the reasoning behind flying 1475 miles in an Airbus with 6 crew. If they’re flying in for repairs, isn’t there a danger for the crew? Is this the best possible management of vehicle, fuel, and manpower?

    No wonder Alitalia reported a $385 million loss so far this year.

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    Engine Fire over Launceston Australia Instigates Emergency Landing


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Torin Wilson

    What: Virgin Blue Boeing 737-800 en route from Launceston to Sydney
    Where: Launceston
    When: Aug 20th 2009
    Who: 151 passengers
    Why: Shortly after takeoff, passengers heard a “bang” and flames were seen from an engine. The plane circled Launceston for thirty minutes before being cleared to land, which it did, safely. The problem was described as an “engine surge.” Passengers debarked and were provided an alternative plane to take them to Launceston.

    George’s Point of View

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    Primera Air Emergency Landing in Dublin


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Trevor Mulkerrins

    What: Primera Air Boeing 737-700 en route from Greece to Dublin
    Where: Dublin
    When: Aug 14th 2009
    Who: 148 passengers and 6 crew
    Why: High fuel consumption observed during the flight appeared to point to a fuel leak, leading to an emergency landing in Dublin. The “minor” leak that was discovered in the left engine was repaired.

    George’s Point of View

    Maintenance saves the day, again…

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    JAC Commuter Hydraulics Malfunction


    PICTURED: A JAC De Havilland jet landing at Osaka
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Javier Guerrero

    What: Japan Air Commuter Bombardier DHC-8-402 en route from Osaka to Miyazaki
    (Also reported as a Havilland Dash 8-400)
    Where: Osaka International Airport
    When: Thursday Aug 20
    Who: 22 passengers and four flight crew members
    Why: Breitbart reports that while en route, the Bombardier’s hydraulic system indicator light reported a hydraulics malfunction. The plane landed safely with no reported injuries and was towed off the runway. It is not clear if the hydraulics or the indicator was at the source of the problem, but JAC is investigating.

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    What Gets Naked on the Way to Vegas Gets Jailed in Oakland


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Baires Aviation Photography

    What: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 en route from Oakland,CA to Vegas
    Where: Oakland International Airport
    When: Thursday August 20
    Who: male passenger
    Why: While en route to Vegas, a male passenger apparently accosted a female passenger. He exposed himself, and hit a female passenger, at which time flight attendants became involved. By the time the passenger was arrested, he was naked. The male passenger was taken by Oakland police; the female passenger was taken to an Oakland hospital.

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    ExpressJet Customer Service Update: Plot thickens…


    An Expressjet/Continental Flight landing at Rochester
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Jonathan Icasas

    What: ExpressJet/Continental Airlines Embraer RJ145 en route from Houston to Minneapolis/St. Paul
    Where: diverted to Rochester
    When: August 9
    Who: 47 passengers
    Why: The flight was diverted by storms to Rochester and landed safely which is certainly a good thing. But the terminal locked out the passengers until 6 a m…

    George’s Point of View

    It’s amazing what a little investigation turns up. The pilot of Continental Express Flight 2816 pleaded for passengers to be allowed to enter the Rochester terminal.

    But no one was at the terminal except for representatives of Mesaba Airlines who said that because Transportation Security Administration was gone, passengers couldn’t be allowed inside.

    It looks like Mesaba Airlines is responsible for that hellish night that Continental/Expressjet passengers spent inside the plane. Did Mesaba Airlines even have the authority to lock them out?

    I hope that Mesaba Airlines person who is on the record for saying no has unemployment insurance. They’re going to need it.


    Expressjet/Continental Out of the Storm Into the Frying Pan

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  • | |

    Strengthening the Foundations of Brazilian Aviation

    IATA Press Release
    20 August 2009

    Sao Paulo – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) set out an agenda for the Brazilian civil aviation sector, leveraging positive actions by the Government of Brazil to improve competitiveness and deliver broad economic benefits.

    “The new Civil Aviation National Policy is a great opportunity. Air transport supports 2.6% of Brazil’s economy. Thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of business depend on its success. Brazil must use the national policy to build a more competitive industry by overcoming major fiscal and infrastructure handicaps,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO. Bisignani made his comments in a speech to industry and government leaders at the British Chamber of Commerce in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

    Bisignani held positive meetings with ANAC, the Ministry of Defense and the Minister of Institutional Relations and noted many recent encouraging developments in Brazilian aviation. These include the elimination of the PIS/COFINS tax on jet fuel which collected US$100 million annually, the adoption of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) by the Brazilian government, and the staged liberalization of air fares. “As Brazil prepares to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup, we look forward to working even more closely with the government to further improve the competitiveness of Brazilian aviation and achieve cost-efficient infrastructure improvements,” said Bisignani.

    Bisignani offered to work with the Brazilian government in two key areas:

    Airport Concessions: Brazil is contemplating airport concessions to help speed infrastructure improvements. “Private investment with the right conditions can help improve infrastructure but concessionaires must be governed by robust economic regulation. Our common goal is to ensure that the airport is run efficiently, serves and consults with its customers and drives economic development. This is a natural role for ANAC. IATA is happy to bring its global expertise to ensure that ANAC has the independence to carry its mission effectively,” said Bisignani.
    Congestion at Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport: Bisignani offered support for early implementation of IATA’s Worldwide Scheduling Guidelines at Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos airport. “Congestion pricing is not a solution. IATA’s Worldwide Scheduling Guidelines are helping airports around the world manage congestion. As we evaluate longer term solutions, we look forward to working with INFRAERO to make the most of existing terminals and infrastructure and to a robust consultation process on future developments,” said Bisignani.
    Bisignani also noted the need to improve the competitiveness of the Brazilian aviation sector by working together to addressing two specific issues:

    Petrobras’ import parity pricing policy: “This adds 30 cents to every gallon of jet fuel sold in Brazil. This US$450 million annual competitive disadvantage makes no sense for a country that supplies 80% of its fuel needs domestically. The result is that 32% of the cost structure of Brazil’s airlines goes to fuel, compared to a global average of 23%. We must find a policy that brings prices in line with market realities,” said Bisignani.
    ATAERO Tax: Airport charges paid to INFRAERO, Brazil’s airport operator, do not equally recover costs for each individual airport. Airlines pay a 50% surcharge (US$370 million annually) known as ATAERO to cover the gaps. “INFRAERO must be funded on a cost recovery basis, with charges that are transparent, agreed with users and in line with international standards,” said Bisignani.
    Finally, Bisignani urged Brazil’s government to be a strong voice driving aviation forward on two key priorities: environment and liberalization.

    Environment: IATA is leading industry efforts on aviation and the environment with three sequential targets: a 1.5% average annual improvement in fuel efficiency to 2020, carbon neutral growth by 2020 and a 50% absolute cut in emissions by 2050 (compared to 2005). “Brazil is critical to these goals. As a leader in biofuels, I hope that the Brazilian government will provide the fiscal and legal framework to encourage investments in sustainable biofuels which can significantly reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. Brazil is a major player in the UNFCCC process and at ICAO which is tasked with handling aviation’s international emissions. It has a leadership responsibility to ensure that ICAO can bring to the UNFCCC a position that supports a global sectoral approach to aviation emissions and reflects the industry’s globally harmonized approach to controlling emissions,” said Bisignani.

    Liberalization: Brazil was one of 15 governments participating in IATA’s Agenda for Freedom. An IATA study showed that market and ownership liberalization in Brazil had the potential to generate up to 400,000 new jobs and up to 24 billion Reais. “CONAC’s proposal to increase foreign ownership possibilities to 49% and a recent liberal bilateral agreement with Chile are steps in the right direction. As the region’s largest economy, I hope that Brazil can take leadership to promote liberalization in Latin America and globally,” said Bisignani.

    View Giovanni Bisignani’s full speech

    Notes for Editors:

    IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 230 airlines comprising 93% of scheduled international air traffic.
    For more information, please contact:

    Anthony Concil
    Director Corporate Communications
    Tel: +41 22 770 2967

    PORTUGUESE

    Reforçando os Fundamentos da Aviação Brasileira

    20 de agosto de 2009 (São Paulo) A Associação Internacional de Transporte Aéreo (IATA)
    definiu uma agenda para o setor da aviação civil brasileira, destacando ações positivas do
    governo brasileiro para melhorar a competitividade e proporcionar amplos benefícios
    econômicos.

    “A nova Política Nacional de Aviação Civil é uma grande oportunidade. O transporte aéreo
    sustenta 2,6% da economia brasileira. Milhares de empregos e bilhões de dólares em negócios
    dependem de seu sucesso. O Brasil deve usar a política nacional para construir uma indústria
    mais competitiva, abordando importantes descompassos fiscais e de infraestrutura “, disse
    Giovanni Bisignani, Diretor Geral e CEO da IATA. Bisignani fez seus comentários em um
    discurso para líderes da indústria e do governo na Câmara Britânica de Comércio em São Paulo,
    Brasil.

    Bisignani teve positivas reuniões com a ANAC, o Ministério da Defesa e com o Ministro das
    Relações Institucionais e constatou recentes desenvolvimentos encorajadores para a aviação
    brasileira. Estes incluem a eliminação do PIS/COFINS sobre a querosene de aviação, que
    representam US$100 milhões anualmente, a adoção do IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)
    pelo governo brasileiro e a progressiva liberalização das tarifas aéreas. “Com a preparação do
    Brasil para sediar a Copa do Mundo 2014, estamos dispostos a trabalhar ainda mais
    estreitamente com o governo para aprimorar a competitividade da aviação brasileira e alcançar
    maiores eficiências de custo de infraestrutura”, disse Bisignani.

    Bisignani se ofereceu para trabalhar com o governo brasileiro em duas áreas fundamentais:
    • Concessões de Aeroportos: O Brasil está considerando a concessões de aeroportos
    para acelerar melhorias na infraestrutura. “O investimento privado, nas condições
    adequadas, pode ajudar a melhorar a infraestrutura, mas os concessionários devem ser
    objeto de uma regulação econômica robusta. O nosso objetivo comum é assegurar que
    o aeroporto funcione de forma eficiente, sirva e interaja com seus clientes e impulsione o
    desenvolvimento econômico. Esta é uma função da ANAC. A IATA tem prazer em dividir
    sua experiência global para possibilitar que a ANAC tenha a independência para
    desempenhar sua missão de maneira eficaz”, disse Bisignani.
    • Congestionamento no Aeroporto de Guarulhos/São Paulo: Bisignani ofereceu apoio
    para a pronta implementação dos Worldwide Scheduling Guidelines no aeroporto de
    Guarulhos, em São Paulo. “A tarifa de congestionamento não é uma solução. Os
    Worldwide Scheduling Guidelines estão ajudando aeroportos ao redor do mundo a
    gerenciar congestionamentos. Enquanto avaliamos soluções de longo prazo,
    trabalharemos com a INFRAERO para tirar máximo proveito da infraestrutura e dos
    terminais existentes, além de um processo consistente de planejamento conjunto sobre
    futuros projetos “, disse Bisignani.

    Bisignani observou também a necessidade de melhorar a competitividade do setor de aviação
    brasileiro, trabalhando em conjunto para abordar duas questões específicas:
    Política da paridade de preços de importação da Petrobras: “Isto adiciona 30
    centavos para cada galão de querosene de aviação vendido no Brasil. Essa
    desvantagem competitiva de US$450 milhões anuais não faz sentido para um país que
    produz internamente 80% de seu consumo de combustível. O resultado disto é que a
    participação dos combustíveis nos custos das empresas brasileiras representa 32% do
    total, contra 23% da média global. Precisamos encontrar uma política de preços alinhada
    com as realidades do mercado”, disse Bisignani.

    ATAERO: As tarifas de aeroporto pagas para a INFRAERO, a operadora brasileira de
    aeroportos, não cobrem por completo os custos para cada aeroporto individualmente. As
    empresas aéreas pagam uma sobretaxa de 50% (US$ 370 milhões ao ano) conhecida
    como ATAERO para cobrir necessidades. “A INFRAERO deve ser remunerada em base
    de recuperação de custos, com tarifas que sejam transparentes, acordadas com os
    usuários e alinhadas com padrões internacionais”, disse Bisignani.
    Por fim Bisignani instigou o governo brasileiro a ser um líder no setor de aviação com relação à
    dois temas prioritários: meio ambiente e liberalização.

    Meio ambiente: a IATA está liderando os esforços da aviação civil com relação ao meio
    ambiente, com três metas sequenciais: 1,5% de melhoria anual na eficiência de combustível até
    2020, crescimento neutro de carbono até 2020 e redução absoluta de 50% nas emissões até
    2050 (em comparação à 2005). “O Brasil é chave para estas metas. Com um líder em
    biocombustíveis, espero que o governo brasileiro desenvolva um modelo fiscal e legal para
    encorajar investimentos em biocombustíveis sustentáveis, que podem reduzir significativamente
    nossa pegada de carbono. O Brasil é um ator importante no UNFCCC e na ICAO, que foi
    incumbida de gerenciar as emissões da aviação internacional. O Brasil possui uma
    responsabilidade de liderança para garantir que a ICAO consiga levar para o UNFCCC uma
    posição que represente a abordagem da indústria da aviação e reflita o objetivo de
    harmonização global para o controle das emissões”, disse Bisignani.

    Liberalização: O Brasil foi um dos 15 governos que participou da reunião Agenda for Freedom,
    da IATA. Um estudo da IATA indicou que a liberalização do acesso ao mercado e à propriedade
    tem o potencial de gerar até 400.000 novos empregos e até R$ 24 bilhões de incremento no PIB
    do país. “A proposta do CONAC de aumentar as possibilidades de propriedade estrangeira para
    49% e um recente acordo bilateral liberal com o Chile são passos na direção correta. Como a
    maior economia da região, espero que o Brasil assuma a liderança para promover a liberalização
    na América Latina e globalmente”, disse Bisignani.

    O texto complete do discurso de Bisignani está disponível em www.iata.org

    Contato:
    Anthony Concil
    Diretor de Comunicação Corporativa
    + 41 22 770 2967
    Email: corpcomms@iata.org

    Nota para os editores:

    • IATA (International Air Transport Association) representa 230 empresas aéreas,
    compreendendo 93% do tráfego aéreo internacional regular.

    Spanish
    Se refuerzan los cimientos de la aviación brasileña

    20 de agosto de 2009 (Sao Paulo) – La International Air Transport Association (IATA) ha
    dibujado una agenda para el sector brasileño de aviación civil, aprovechando las acciones
    positivas del Gobierno brasileño para mejorar la competitividad y obtener beneficios económicos
    más amplios.

    “La nueva Política Nacional de Aviación Civil es una gran oportunidad. El transporte aéreo
    supone el 2,6% de la economía brasileña. Miles de puestos de trabajo y miles de millones de
    dólares de penden de su éxito. Brasil debe usar la política nacional para construir una industria
    más competitiva dando respuesta a los principales retos en materia fiscal y de infraestructura”,
    dijo Giovanni Bisignani, Director General y CEO de IATA. Bisignani hizo estos comentarios en un
    discurso ante líderes de la industria y el gobierno en la Cámara de Comercio Británica en Sao
    Paulo, Brasil.

    Bisignani sostuvo encuentros positivos con el ANAC, el Ministerio de Defensa y el Ministerio de
    Relaciones institucionales, y se hizo eco de varios desarrollos positivos recientes en la aviación
    brasileña. Estos incluyen la eliminación del impuesto PIS/COFINS sobre el combustible de
    aviación, que obtenía 100 millones de dólares anualmente, la adopción de la Auditoría de
    Seguridad Operacional de IATA (IOSA), por parte del Gobierno brasileño, y la liberalización
    escalonada de las tarifas aéreas. “A medida que Brasil se prepara para ser la anfitriona de la
    Copa del Mundo de la FIFA en 2014, esperamos trabajar cada vez más estrechamente con el
    Gobierno para mejorar aun más la competitividad de la aviación brasileña y lograr mejoras en la
    eficiencia de los costes de las infraestructuras”, dijo Bisignani.

    Bisignani ofreció trabajar con el Gobierno brasileño en dos áreas clave:

    • Concesiones aeroportuarias: Brasil está estudiando concesiones aeroportuarias para
    ayudar a agilizar las mejoras en infraestructura. “Las inversiones privadas con las
    condiciones adecuadas pueden ayudar a mejorar la infraestructura, pero los
    concesionarios deben ser gobernados por regulaciones económicas sólidas. Nuestro
    objetivo común es asegurar que los aeropuertos funcionan de forma eficiente, dan
    servicio y se comunican con sus clientes y ayudan al desarrollo económico. Esta es una
    tarea natural para ANAC. IATA está muy satisfecha en aportar su experiencia global
    para asegurar que ANAC tiene la independencia para llevar a cabo su misión de forma
    eficiente”, dijo Bisignani.

    • Congestión en el Aeropuerto Guarulhos de Sao Paulo: Bisignani ofreció el apoyo
    para la implementación de la Guía de Programación Mundial de IATA en el Aeropuerto
    Guarulhos de Sao Paulo. “Cobrar para evitar la congestión no es la solución. La Guía de
    Programación Mundial de IATA está ayudando a los aeropuertos de todo el mundo a
    gestionar la congestión. Mientras evaluamos soluciones a largo plazo, esperamos
    trabajar con INFRAERO para conseguir lo máximo de las terminales e infraestructuras
    existentes y llegar a un sólido proceso de consultas sobre los desarrollos futuros”, dijo
    Bisignani.

    Bisignani también hizo notar la necesidad de mejorar la competitividad del sector brasileño de
    aviación trabajando juntos para dar respuesta a dos problemas específicos:

    • La política de paridad de importación en los precios de Petrobras: “Esto añade 30
    centavos a cada galón de combustible de aviación vendido en Brasil. Esta desventaja
    competitiva de 450 millones de dólares anuales, no tiene sentido para un país que
    suministra domésticamente el 80% de sus necesidad de combustible. El resultado es
    que el 32% de la estructura de costes de las líneas aéreas brasileñas es el combustible,
    en comparación con la media mundial del 23 %. Debemos encontrar una política que
    coloque a los precios en línea con la realidad del mercado”, dijo Bisignani.

    • El impuesto ATAERO: Las tasas aeroportuarias que se pagan a INFRAERO, el
    operador brasileño de aeropuertos, no recuperan costes de forma similar en cada
    aeropuerto individual. Las líneas aéreas pagan una sobretasa del 50% (370 millones de
    dólares anuales), conocida como ATAERO para cubrir los agujeros. “ATAERO debe
    financiarse sobre una base de recuperación de costes, con tasas transparentes, de
    acuerdo con los utilizadores, y en línea con las normas internacionales”, dijo Bisignani.
    Finalmente, Bisignani urgió al Gobierno brasileño para que apoyase el futuro de la aviación
    basándose en dos prioridades clave: medio ambiente y liberalización.
    Medio Ambiente: IATA está liderando los esfuerzos de la industria sobre el medio ambiente con
    tres objetivos esenciales: Una media del 1,5% anual de mejora en la eficiencia del consumo de
    combustible hasta 2020, crecimiento neutral en carbono para 2020 y una reducción absoluta del
    50% en las emisiones en 2050 (en comparación con 2005). “Brasil es crítico para lograr estos
    objetivos. Como líder en biocombustibles, espero que el Gobierno brasileño ofrezca el marco
    fiscal y legal para ayudar a las inversiones en biocombustibles sostenibles que pueden reducir de
    forma significativa la huella de carbono de la aviación. Brasil es uno de los principales actores en
    el proceso de UNFCCC y en OACI, que tiene la responsabilidad de gestionar las emisiones
    internacionales de la aviación. Tiene la responsabilidad de líder para asegurar que OACI pueda
    dar a UNFCCC una propuesta que apoye una filosofía sectorial global y refleje la filosofía
    armonizada globalmente del sector para controlar sus emisiones”, dijo Bisignani.

    Liberalización: Brasil fue uno de los 15 países cuyo Gobierno participó en la “Agenda for
    Freedom” de IATA. Un estudio de IATA mostro que la liberalización de mercado y de la
    propiedad en Brasil tenía el potencial de generar hasta 400.000 nuevos empleos y 24.000
    millones de Reais. “La propuesta de CONAC de incrementar la propiedad extranjera hasta el
    49% y un reciente acuerdo bilateral liberal con Chile son pasos en la dirección correcta. Como la
    mayor economía de la región, espero que Brasil tenga el liderazgo para promover la
    liberalización en América Latina y globalmente”, dijo Bisignani.

    El texto complete del discurso de Bsisgnani está disponible en www.iata.org.

    – IATA –
    Contacto:
    Anthony Concil
    Director Corporate Communications
    + 41 22 770 2967
    Email: corpcomms@iata.org
    Nota para los editors:
    • IATA (International Air Transport Association) representa a unas 230 líneas aéreas, que
    suponen el 93% del tráfico aéreo internacional regular.

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    EasyJet Airbus Diverts to France over Undisclosed Smoke


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Matt Duna

    What: Easyjet Airbus A320-200 en route from London Gatwick to Faro, Portugal
    Where: La Rochelle France
    When: Aug 19th 2009, 09:30 BST
    Who: 165 passengers and 6 crew
    Why: Over the Bay of Biscay, the flight crew detected the smell of something burning and declared an emergency. They diverted to La Rochelle France, where they landed safely. No injuries were reported. Passengers were provided an alternative Airbus six hours later although firefighters with heat sensitive cameras did not find a source for the smell. The Easyjet spokesman called it a ” a small electrical problem .”

    George’s Point of View

    Considering that the flight was an Airbus flying over the ocean, passengers were lucky.

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    Washington State: De Havilland Dash 8-400 Runway Overrun


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Richard Austen

    What: Horizon Air de Havilland Dash 8-400 (Alaska Airlines) en route from Seattle Bellingham
    Where: Bellingham
    When: Aug 16th 2009 11:50PM PDT (arrival)
    Who: 76 passengers and 4 crew
    Why: There were no reported problems during the 32 minute flight; however, while landing at Bellingham, the plane overran the runway. No injuries were reported and the plane was towed to the terminal after a delay of 6-8 hours.

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  • | | |

    Antonov Engine Failure, Russia


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Teemu Tuuri

    What: Tomsk Avia Antonov AN-24 en route from Novosibirsk Tolmachevo to Strzhewoi
    Where: Strzhewoi, Russia
    When: Aug 17th 2009
    Who: 37 passengers and 3 crew
    Why: On final approach to Strzhewoi, the left engine failed. The plane landed safely with no reported injuries.

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    Frontier Airlines: 2 emergency landings in one day


    Pictured: A Frontier Airlines-Lynx Airlines De Havilland Dash flying out of Denver
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer John E. Jauchler

    What: Lynx Aviation de Havilland Dash 8-400 (Frontier Airlines) flight en route from Fargo to Denver
    Where: Fargo Hector International Airport
    When: Aug 16th 2009
    Who: 74 passengers 5 crew
    Why: After a bird strike on take-off, the Frontier Airlines plane was cleared to return to the Fargo airport and repaired; but on the subsequent flight, the plane’s landing gear doors did not close after the gears were retracted on the initial climb, sending it back to maintenance.

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    Kingfisher Bird strike at Guwahati

    What: Kingfisher Red en route from Imphal-Guwahati-Kolkata
    Where: Guwahati airport
    When: Saturday August 15, 2009
    Who: not available
    Why: On takeoff, the Kingfisher flight suffered a bird strike on a wing. ATC declared an emergency and the plane landed safely. A maintenance inspection found traces of the bird strike. The flight was grounded for repairs

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    American Airlines Emergency Landing in Panama


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Javier Cáceres

    What: American Airlines Boeing 757-200 en route from Panama to Miami
    Where: Tocumen
    When: Aug 16, 2009
    Who: 190 passengers
    Why: Forty minutes into the flight, the pilot detected smoke in the cabin. An emergency was declared, and the plane returned to Toccumen airport for a safe landing. The cause of the smoke has not yet been determined.

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    Vim Avia Engine Fire Causes Diversion in Italy


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Kiskockas

    What: VIM Avia Boeing 757 en route from Alicante Spain to Moscow Russia
    Where: Rimini Italy
    When: Aug 15th 2009
    Who: 250 passengers (also reported as 225)
    Why: While en route from Spain to Russia, the right engine indicated fire, causing the crew to declare an emergency while still over Italy. The engine was shut down and the flight diverted to Rimini where it landed safely. Passengers had to wait for the replacement flight, as immediate alternatives were not available.

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    Miniliner sans Radio Escorted to France


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Carl Hendriks

    What: Miniliner Fokker 27-500 (Dutch Air Cargo) en route from Madrid to Liege
    Where: near Troyes France
    When: Aug 13th 2009
    Who: 2 crew
    Why: While en route, the flight lost radio and transponder. The French Air Force provided two two Mirage F1 jets and a patrol reconnaissance to escort the plane to land safely in Chalons France.

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    Horizon Jet Emergency Landing in Medford Oregon


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Photographer Thomas Piskol

    What: Horizon Airlines CRJ700 Bombardier en route from Portland to Los Angeles
    Where: Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport
    When: August 14, 2009 9:30 AM (Departing at 11:05 AM)
    Who: 60 passengers, 4 crew
    Why: The official report said that the flight crew declared an emergency because of smoke in the cabin. Horizon Air says that cabin temperatures were too high and smoke never appeared in the cabin–that the plane landed for the comfort of the passengers, who debarked from the plane into the terminal as the plane was being worked on.

    No explanation has been offered regarding the discrepancy of the explanations: (smoke vs no smoke.) With no further information, one can speculate that the incident may be akin to a home fire alarm going off due to the alarm alerting to ions in the air when the dryer is running.

    The customer service, of course, contrasts with the recent Continental plane grounded overnight at a closed airport, where the passengers were held in the plane until the terminal opened at 6: 30 am.

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