Alaska Air Cargo Enhances Seafood Shipment Services

Prized wild seafood from the state of Alaska will arrive as fresh as possible at grocery stores and restaurants across the nation, thanks in part to a new quality control program at Alaska Air Cargo designed to keep seafood shipments cold. Alaska Air Cargo is one of the first air carriers to implement a special training program for employees who handle perishables such as fresh Alaska seafood.

These strict seafood quality standards require employees to pass an annual food quality course. Defined by the seafood industry as "cool chain," the program is used by processors and shippers to ensure a temperature-controlled environment for proper food handling. The goal is to keep the seafood moving expeditiously throughout its journey on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air and maintain temperatures between 32 and 40 degrees for fresh fish from the time it leaves the water to when it arrives at stores and restaurants.

"Preserving the quality of fresh seafood from the bountiful waters of the state of Alaska and delivering it to cities throughout our expansive route network is our top priority," said Joe Sprague, vice president of Alaska Air Cargo. "Our seafood partners can be confident their shipments will receive the attention they deserve when they choose Alaska Air Cargo."

Training and program materials were created by Alaska Air Cargo based on material used by seafood processors throughout the state of Alaska and was provided by the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and Ocean Beauty Seafoods, LLC.

"Alaskan salmon are shipped thousands of miles to markets and restaurants all over the world, and this program provides first-class treatment throughout the journey and helps to preserve the natural attributes of seafood," said Jan Koslosky, director of supply chain management for Ocean Beauty Seafoods, LLC.

Under the "cool chain" program, Alaska Air Cargo employees and ramp agents will receive computer-based training for proper seafood handling. By implementing the cool chain program, Alaska Air Cargo is following industry standards set forth by the seafood industry. Features of the program have been incorporated with a service called Priority Perishable Express to ensure that perishable shipments have priority handling and receive special attention.

Alaska Air Cargo operates the most extensive air cargo operation on the U.S. West Coast of any passenger airline. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Traditional Network Carriers (tie)" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 North America Airline Satisfaction StudySM. For reservations, visit alaskaair.com or alaskacargo.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.

Pakistan gets ICC World Twenty20 bid off to a flier

24th April 2010: Confidence was sky high in the Pakistan team as they stopped off in Dubai en route to the Caribbean where they are aiming to extend their reign as the kings of Twenty20 cricket. The UAE has been a second home to Pakistan in recent times and their resounding victory over Australia in Dubai in May last year was the launching pad for their amazing triumph at the ICC World Twenty20 the following month. And Shahid Afridi the explosive all-rounder who inspired their victory in London believes they have a great chance to become the first nation to win back-to-back titles. “Our preparations have been very good we are focused and very excited about defending our title, said the newly appointed captain. “The team is in high spirits after a great flight to Dubai with Emirates and we are all looking forward to landing in the West Indies for the 2010 ICC World Twenty20. “Playing against the best teams in the world in a perfect location like the Caribbean will make for a brilliant tournament. “We are looking forward to getting our challenge under way and, with our opening match against Bangladesh only a week away, excitement among the players is building. Afridi warmed up for his World Twenty glory bid by taking part in the Emirates Airline Twenty20 in Dubai last month. He starred as a guest of Fly Emirates XI a team of talented employees from the Emirates Group, who shocked English County side Surrey and South Africa’s Emerging Cape Cobras en route to a showdown with Sussex who they beat without the Pakistan talisman. Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline & Group, is a keen follower of cricket and wished Afridi well ahead of the ICC World Twenty20. He said: “It was tremendous to have Shahid playing for Fly Emirates last month. He was an inspiration to our players and I hope he enjoys further success in the West Indies. It is a real honour that Shahid and his team-mates are flying with Emirates to the tournament.

Alaska Air Group To Give Stockholders Say On Executive Pay

The Alaska Air Group board of directors announced plans to seek stockholder ratification of the compensation for the company's five highest-paid executives through an advisory resolution in its 2009 proxy statement.

Scheduled to be filed by April 1, the proxy statement will include a board proposal giving stockholders a nonbinding vote on compensation for the company's named executive officers. This so-called "say on pay" resolution will inform the board's future decisions on executive compensation.

"The move to become one of the first public companies in the nation to voluntarily solicit stockholder input on executive pay reflects Alaska's ongoing commitment to equitable pay practices at all levels of the organization," said Phyllis Campbell, chair of the compensation committee of Alaska Air Group's board of directors. "The board has long been concerned about trends in executive compensation that have led to excessive pay packages and ultimate harm to stockholders, customers and employees. We welcome stockholder input on a long-established pay structure that we believe effectively aligns executives' interests with those of our key stakeholders by offering modest base pay, with the opportunity to reach the market midpoint for performance that benefits stockholders, customers and employees."

The board's decision to include an advisory resolution on executive compensation in this year's proxy statement follows a proposal by stockholders to do so that received a majority of proxy votes in 2008.

Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) is the holding company for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, which Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Traditional Network Carriers (tie)" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 North America Airline Satisfaction StudySM. For reservations, visit alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.

Emirates and DHL form strategic partnership in aviation security

Joint objective to raise safety and security standards in the air cargo transport sector DUBAI, U.A.E., 19th May 2010: Emirates and DHL have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a strategic security partnership to enhance air cargo security in the region. Through this partnership, Emirates Group Security and DHL Express will strengthen their collaboration in air cargo security, share best practices and information on security threats, and promote joint training and educational activities. The alliance was acknowledged when the jointly signed MOU was presented to HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. The MOU will enable Emirates Group Security and DHL Express to work more closely together in areas of security training and education, threat mitigation and reduction of company risk, towards a more secure and stable environment for employees, customers and the logistics industry. He added, “Whether you work for an airline, airport, civil aviation authority or other AVSEC service provider, understanding the threats and risks to security and how to manage them is crucial. Sharing of best practices and exploring synergy in training and education among major players are important aspects of producing comprehensive and practical approaches to combating threats in the aviation industry.

2 Projects to Be Completed

Reliable sources from Wuhan Urban Construction Department on June 23 said that 2 major projects will be completed at the end of this month. In July, it will only take 15 minutes to travel from Dazhi Road in Hankou to Shuiguohu Shuanghu Bridge in Wuchang, along the Changjiang tunnel and Shahu Bridge. Meanwhile, the 1st exhibition will be held in the International Exhibition Center this September.

Located in Sixin area of Hanyang district, the center, the 4th largest exhibition center in China and the largest in Central China, covers a total area of 0.433 million square meters, just equal to 4 existing Wuhan International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Construction of Yangluo Port-Central China International Industrial Park Started

The construction of Yangluo Port-Central China International Industrial Park, the largest inland port industrial park in China, started on June 22. It will become the most important logistics, ‎distribution center, Central China modern manufacturing and service industry hub in Yangtze River economic belt in 5 years.

The zone in Yangluo Economic Development Zone, with a building area of 3 million square meters. The projects will be built in 3 phases, with a total investment of 4.6 billion Yuan.

British Airways fare Sale To London Now On

BRITISH AIRWAYS SALE TO LONDON NOW ON

Roundtrip air and two nights’ free hotel from $412

NEW YORK, Oct. 14 – - Customers looking to travel to London over the winter period may now take advantage of two great offerings from British Airways – a sale and two nights’ free hotel stay.

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Launched today, the sale offers discounts from all 19 U.S. gateways plus two nights’ free hotel accommodation at select three and four star hotels in central London when purchasing roundtrip airfares between the U.S. and the U.K.

Roundtrip airfares begin at $412 between New York (JFK or Newark) and London. Comparable airfares are available from all 19 British Airways’ U.S. cities. Prices are available for sale through Tuesday midnight (EDT), Oct. 26, 2010. Travel is valid from Oct. 21, 2010, through Apr. 3, 2011 (excluding Dec. 20-22, 2010).

London hotels participating in this offer include the Royal National, President, Best Western Burns, The Lancaster Gate Hotel, Fraser Place Queens Gate Apartments, Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, Hilton Docklands and Holiday Inn London Regents Park. The two free hotel nights are based on double occupancy; single occupants are offered one free hotel night.

World Traveller roundtrip fares must be booked and purchased seven days in advance and are nonrefundable. Fares may be higher for other travel dates and from other U.S. departure gateways. Weekend (Thursday-Sunday) surcharge applies at $30 each way. Fares are subject to government approval and do not include government fees and taxes from approximately $188 and a $2.50 September 11th Security Fee. Minimum stay of Saturday night is required and maximum stay is 11 months. Hotel accommodation must be booked with British Airways flights or British Airways codeshare services operated by American Airlines only during the promotional period. Other significant restrictions apply.

Further information on this promotion and other British Airways offers are available by visiting the airline’s website, www.ba.com/sale.

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• Sample roundtrip fares from all 19 U.S. gateways to London:

New York (JFK and Newark) $412

Boston $488

Philadelphia, Houston $518

Washington, D.C., Baltimore $504

Miami $618

Chicago, Orlando, Tampa $638

Atlanta $598

Dallas/Ft. Worth $720

Las Vegas $658

Denver $558

Seattle, Phoenix $638

Los Angeles $613

San Francisco $558

• American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia have launched their transatlantic joint business, giving customers access to a global network of over 400 destinations, more convenient connections and better scheduled travel times.
• British Airways introduced ‘dynamic packaging’ last year on ba.com. The new technology, which allows customers to buy flight+hotel packages in one easy booking, provides BA with a strong proposition in the increasingly sophisticated and price conscious leisure travel market. The recently introduced ‘lowest price holiday finder’ will display alternative holiday dates to the requested customer’s departure date enabling them to see at a glance the best time of the week to travel on. This will benefit anyone looking for value, anyone on a budget, flexible holiday-makers and those who do not have the time to shop around.
• London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 is the exclusive home to British Airways and has looked after more than 50 million customers. Customer feedback has been excellent.
• British Airways has launched a program permitting customers to choose to offset their carbon emissions. Visit www.ba.com/cr for more details.

MEDIA CONTACT: Americas Communications (347)-418-4100

The Emirates Group Celebrates World Environment Day

13th June 2010: To celebrate the occasion of World Environment Day on 5th June, the Emirates Group has prepared a week-long environmental exhibition to raise awareness of environmental issues among staff and visitors. The exhibition has been organised by the Group’s Emvironment Champions a network of dedicated Emirates and Dnata employees who are passionate about environmental issues. From the 6th to the10th of June, exhibitions have been set up in the Emirates Group’s headquarters and the Emirates Holidays buildings in Dubai, with environmental documentaries being screened throughout the week. The headquarters display includes the Seeds of Change Exhibition, presented by leading non-government organisation Soka Gakkai International (SGI), in collaboration with The Earth Charter. Other exhibits include a live biodiversity display with fish, insects and amphibians from the main ecosystems in the UAE, and large installations of recyclable materials collected across the Group. Emirates and Dnata employees currently recycle a wide variety of materials in the workplace, including: - paper, cardboard, printer cartridges, plastic bottles and aluminium cans from offices and cafeterias (40 tonnes per month); - newspapers and magazines from aircraft cabin cleaning (170 tonnes per month); - aluminium foils and cans, plastics, and waste cooking oil from flight catering operations (125 tonnes per month); - paper, cardboard, plastic sheeting and wooden pallets from air-freight warehouses (over 20 tonnes per month); - plastic bags, coat hangers and cardboard from dry-cleaning (5 tonnes per month); - aviation grade aluminium, scrap metal, seat covers, carpets and plastic fittings from aircraft engineering workshops (15 tonnes per month); and - old uniforms, shoes and used clothing (3 tonnes per month). World Environment Day is celebrated every year ever since the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment began on the same day in Stockholm in 1972. “It is an opportunity to learn more about our impact on the environment and to make a personal pledge to improve your environmental footprint at work and home, comments Paul Zissermann, Manager Environment Affairs for Emirates Group. “Biodiversity is a big theme for this year, as the UN has designated 2010 as The International Year of Biodiversity. Many people who live here don’t know that our wadis, deserts and coasts are extremely fragile ecosystems, with 63 endangered animal species in the UAE alone. Our internal environmental programme, ‘Emvironment is communicated by the slogan - we are all passengers on this planet, and this is reflected in our group-wide environmental initiatives. “Emirates is working hard to be one of the leading airlines in terms of environmental performance and eco-efficiency adds Zissermann.. “With a fleet age of just over five years, Emirates aircraft have a fuel efficiency that is 26% lower than the global fleet average. The company is the largest operator of the Airbus A380 super-jumbo, which is also one of the most environmentally-advanced aircraft in the air today with low noise engines and CO2 emissions as low as 75g per passenger kilometre this is better than most modern small cars.” By investing billions of dollars in fuel-efficient aircraft, Emirates hopes to minimise its environmental impact, while continuing to grow its business. In addition to investing in modern aircraft, the company leads the way in developing luxury-based conservation tourism, such as the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, located on the 225km2 Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and the newly-opened Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa in the Blue Mountains of Australia. The next of these projects is slated for Cap Ternay in the Seychelles, where Emirates plans to continue this legacy of responsible luxury tourism in ecologically-significant areas by conserving more than 95% of the site, removing invasive species, implementing ecological restoration works, and employing local people. For more information visit http://www.emirates.com/english/about/emvironment/emvironment.aspx

Emirates shows why Dakar launch is music to travellers ears

29th July 2010: Emirates airline is upping the tempo as it prepares to launch flights to Dakar, a West African city famous for its vibrant music scene. The airline has taken its message to the Senegalese capital that its direct service to Dubai is now just five weeks away. The new service, starting on 1st September, will be served by an Airbus A340-300 aircraft, offering a three-class configuration of 12 First Class, 42 Business and 213 Economy Class seats. Yesterday, senior representatives from Emirates met the media at Le Meridien President Hotel, Dakar. Among those present were: Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, Ram Menen, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, Nigel Page, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa & the Americas and Ernest Dikoum, Emirates Manager for Senegal. Speaking at the media event alongside Mr Clark was His Excellency Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Ambassador and Director General of International Cooperation of the Government of Senegal and Chairman of the Board-Group Air Senegal. Mr Clark said: “Like Dubai, Dakar has a long history as an important trading port and both cities have been fundamentally shaped through the business of trade. This route will establish a whole new artery of trade, connecting Senegal to the beating heart of Emirates - our network of more than 100 international destinations spanning six continents. He added: “Our new service will bring Dakar significantly closer to key global markets, including the Middle and the Far East. A whole new audience will be introduced to Senegal, stimulating tourism and commerce and creating jobs. “Indeed, the lack of direct air links between these regions and West Africa, particularly in Senegal’s case, have so far forced passengers to make long detours to Europe to visit Asia and the Middle East, M. Diong continued. “We believe that this new route will greatly contribute in strengthening our ambition to position Dakar as a regional commercial and air transport hub. Last night, more than 350 guests from across Dakar’s business community converged on Le Meridien President for a high-profile road show event to introduce the airline and Dubai. Heading up the entertainment were Senegal’s premier female artist, Viviane N’Dour and glamorous violin duo Electra Angels, while guests were welcomed by another Senegalese star act, Doudou Ndiaye Rose, a world-famous percussion group. Mr Clark added: The route will further support the economic activity that has blossomed between Dakar and Dubai in recent years. A direct air link between Senegal and the Middle East, facilitating the movement of business and leisure travellers, can only boost these volumes and support trade ties further. Trade between the UAE and Senegal has climbed from USD 14.2 million (AED 52.1 million) in 2003 to USD 184 million (AED 676 million) in 2009, according to figures from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Key exports to the UAE include fresh fish, fruit and seasonal vegetables. The roadshow event was followed by the official opening of Emirates new Dakar office today. Once fully established, the total number of Senegalese employees across the Emirates Group will rise to more than 25. Some of these employees include Emirates very first Senegalese cabin crew, who will support the airlines 142-strong fleet of passenger aircraft serving 103 destinations in 63 countries. Starting 1st September 2010, Emirates will fly non-stop to Dakar five times a week every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Emirates Flight 797 will depart Dubai at 09:55 and touch down at Dakars Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport at 16:00hrs the same day. The return flight departs Dakar at 17:40, arriving in Dubai at 07:15 the following morning. The service connects seamlessly to key centres in the Middle East, the Indian Sub-continent, Asia and the Far East. Dakar will be the fifth new route to be launched by Emirates this year. The others are Tokyo, which launched on 28th March, Amsterdam on 1st May, Prague on 1st July and Madrid, which kicks off on 1st August.

Emirates Announces Sponsorship of Dubai Hurricanes Rugby Football Club

DUBAI, UAE, 27th September 2010: Local rugby club the Dubai Hurricanes have been given a major boost to mark the start of their new season with Emirates, a key figure in international rugby sponsorships, signing on as Principal Sponsor for the club. The sponsorship will span three seasons commencing this month and will see the familiar ‘Fly Emirates logo adorned on the shirts of the men’s, women’s, veteran’s and youth squads. The new uniforms were proudly displayed for the first time over the weekend during a family focused season opener at 7he Sevens, attended by players from all divisions as well as their families. “Rugby is a core part of our global sponsorship portfolio and we are delighted to be the principal sponsor of the Dubai Hurricanes Rugby Football Club. This sponsorship compliments our existing commitment to the hugely popular Emirates airline Dubai Rugby Sevens as well as our purpose built rugby stadium, 7he Sevens. “Like Emirates the Dubai Hurricanes have shown a great commitment to succeed and we wish them the best of luck for the start of their season, said Richard Vaughan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide. The Dubai Hurricanes have over 400 players as members of the club including very successful junior and women’s divisions. Emirates connection to rugby spans multiple continents starting close to home with the sponsorship of the long running Emirates airline Dubai Rugby Sevens. Emirates has also invested heavily in building 7he Sevens stadium for use by local rugby teams in Dubai. Globally Emirates is a sponsor of USA Rugby, a Worldwide Partner of the 2011 Rugby World Cup and a long term sponsor of the International Rugby Board (IRB) of Referees. In 2009 Emirates was the Principal Partner of the Rugby World Cup Sevens, which took place in Dubai. Other rugby tournaments sponsored by Emirates include four IRB Sevens World Series events in Dubai, South Africa, London and Edinburgh. Emirates is also the shirt sponsor of the Emirates Western Force, England and Samoa sevens teams, as well as both the sevens and XVs US Rugby teams.