August 2012

With the approach of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Qantas added a special touch to the famous “flying kangaroo” emblem on one of its Boeing 747s—yellow boxing gloves were painted on the ‘roo’s paws. The symbol of a fighting kangaroo may be appropriate at more than one level as competition steps up on some of its most established routes. China Southern Airlines (CZ) is intensifying its focus on operations between Australasia and major European gateway cities as part of an overall strategy to grow its international network and attract more business travelers....More

Indian aviation has taken off, but its maintenance facilities are still sparse, compelling airlines to seek support abroad. Indian aviation has taken off, but its maintenance facilities are still sparse, compelling airlines to seek support abroad. Moreover, substantial hurdles must be overcome to enhance in-country support of airframes, components and engines....More

Athar Husain Khan was promoted to AEA Acting Secretary General in June. He joined AEA in 2007 as general manager, infrastructure, following seven years in management roles at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. At AEA he has overseen progress on key dossiers, including the association’s competitiveness agenda, aviation’s inclusion in the European Union emissions trading scheme and progress towards the Single European Sky. He spoke with ATW European correspondent Alan Dron during the Farnborough Airshow in the UK in July....More