Airline News - Asia / Pacific.

For more airline news, data and analysis, please go to: http://www.airguideonline.com/order_formsubs.htm Aug 14, 2006

Pakistan Holds Three In Foiled UK Bomb Plot. Pakistan has arrested at least three men in connection with the foiled attempt to blow up airliners flying from Britain to the United States, media reports said on Friday. Two men were arrested from the southern port city of Karachi and the third from the eastern city of Lahore, the private Geo Television reported. The report did not give other details. Pakistan said the plot to blow up trans-Atlantic airliners was thwarted after active coordination between Pakistani, British and US intelligence agencies, leading to the arrest of 24 people in Britain. Aug 11, 2006

Cathay Pacific Airways

Cathay Pacific Airways is about to celebrate 60 years and has come up with a special gift for employees. A 60th birthday is most auspicious in Chinese culture, and to mark this landmark year each of 15,000 eligible staff members worldwide will receive a sum of HK$3,388 ([pounds sterling]293). Called lai see - or "lucky money" it will be paid on September 1. OAG's Airline of the Year has invited the Hong Kong Philharmonic to deliver a special concert at the airline's headquarters, Cathay Pacific City. Chairman Christopher Pratt said: "I can think of no better way of celebrating our diamond anniversary with staff than by giving a traditional lai see that in itself represents a lucky number in Chinese culture. I would like to add how much the Board appreciates and supports the outstanding efforts of our staff, not only in our historic 60th year of operation as an airline, but over the years that went before." Other airlines take note. Out photo shows the original CPA DC3 "Betsy" now in the Hong Kong Science Museum. http://www.cathaypacific.com Aug 12, 2006

China Southern

China Southern, which many flyers consider the most capable carrier in the PRC, is on track for official membership in SkyTeam, the alliance that includes Delta, Continental, Northwest and others. Aug 9, 2006

Japan Airlines Group

Japan Airlines Group management has not changed its forecast for the full fiscal year. It is expecting a modest net profit of [yen]3 billion built on an increase in revenues to [yen]2.3 trillion. The group also is looking to its oneworld membership to improve revenue streams, while a major restructure of its fleet will help rein in costs. It is building its fleet around smaller types including the 737-800, 767-300ER, 777 and 787. This year it will complete the retirement of the A300 and YS-11. Thirty 747 Classics will be retired by FY09. At the same time it is converting eight 747-400s to 747-400BCFs. The 747s are being replaced by 777s. Aug 8, 2006

Japan Airlines Group

Japan Airlines Group narrows losses, forecasts modest full-year profit. JAL appears to have made significant progress in its restructuring with a fiscal first-quarter loss of [yen]26.7 billion ($233.2 million) set against sharply increased fuel costs, an improvement over the year-ago period's [yen]38.3 billion loss.Over the past 12 years JAL typically has posted a loss in the quarter ended June 30. All numbers in the recently completed quarter were positive. Operating revenues were up 3.7% to [yen]522.2 billion and international traffic revenue rose 5.2%, reflecting a focus on high-profit and high-growth-rate routes. Cost-structure reforms limited the negative impact of an 11.6% increase in fuel costs and an unfavorable US dollar-yen exchange rate. Operating expenses rose only 3.5% to [yen]554.1 billion. Aug 8, 2006

Japan Airlines Group

Japan Airlines Group's international restructuring resulted in better numbers. Higher demand for first and business class travel and fuel surcharges combined to raise yields 11.2%. That was offset by a 5.8% decline in passenger numbers to 3.2 million brought about by an 11.6% reduction in ASKs due to network and fleet restructuring. International load factor climbed 4.6 points to 69.9%. On the domestic front, traffic fell 1.6% to 10.37 billion ASKs while yield lifted on fare increases. Domestic revenue was up 0.4% to [yen]150.9 billion. Aug 8, 2006

Jet Airways 

Jet Airways launched thrice-weekly Amritsar-London Heathrow service aboard A330-200s. Aug 10, 2006

Origin Pacific

Origin Pacific, a New Zealand commuter airline, has stopped flying. Founded in 1996 the airline operated BAE Jetstream services between its headquarters at Nelson, at the top of the south island, and some 12 points on both the north and south islands. http://www.originpacific.co.nz Aug 12, 2006

Qantas

Qantas's Dixon, Gregg extend contracts as CEO, CFO. Qantas said yesterday that CEO Geoff Dixon will continue in his position on an "ongoing contract" that will last beyond July 1, 2007, when his previous contract was set to expire.Dixon has been instrumental in keeping Qantas in the forefront of the industry, pushing aggressive cost-cutting while at the same time launching low-fare units intended to address the changing competitive environment. Although it is the 12th largest airline by RPKs and revenue, Qantas posted the industry's sixth best profit in its 2005 fiscal year, earning $582 million on sales of $9.6 billion. Additionally, CFO Peter Gregg, whose contract was due to be up later this year, has agreed to continue in his role, the airline said. Dixon has been CEO since March 2001; Gregg has held his post since September 2000. Aug 9, 2006

Thai Airways

Thai Airways is increasing fuel surcharges on flights to Singapore and Bangkok by $5 to $20 and by $8 to $22 respectively effective Sept. 1. Aug 10, 2006